A trekking tour in the southern part of Hokkaido offering an immersive cultural experience that delves into the rich history of the Kitamae-bune

After meeting and greeting at Hakodate Airport or Hakodate Station, move to Esashi Town by chartered bus. An English-speaking guide will explain the tour itinerary, concept and historical background on the way.

History of Esashi
After the samurai era, Esashi Town prospered as an important port of departure and arrival for Kitamae-bune. It was bustling with herring fishing, and the performing arts culture of the common people flourished. As a memory of the prosperity of that era, there is a fishery ship control center called “Kaisen Tonya” in the city designated as an important cultural heritage of Japan.

With the local ‘OKASAN/mothers’, experience making a unique meal for the fishermen of this region and eating it together for lunch.


After the lunch we explore the town with local guides, who will introduce the history of regional forestry and fisheries, Kitamae-bune, and traditional performing arts culture.

Next we visit the ‘Esashi Dojo’ and watch a performance by an Esashi Oiwake master, who will showcase one of the most famous folk songs in Japan. You can also learn some of the essence of this beautiful art form.

In the evening we have a BBQ diner in Kamome island. This beautiful island was designated part of the Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park, and was once the source of the prosperity of Esashi, which was the stage for herring fishing and the Kitamaebune trade. In the 1980s, the shape changed to the tombolo, which is a geographical formation that connects an island to the mainland with a narrow strip of land. After the dinner, we check in to Hotel New Esashi.

After breakfast at the hotel, move to Setana town by chartered coach. From this town, trek to Ota Shrine, which is associated with Lord Nobuhiro Takeda, the founder of the Matsumae clan. To get here, it is necessary to walk up a fairly steep mountain road.

We will visit Ota Shrine under the guidance of the chief priest. The elevation of Mt. Ota is 483m, and the elevation of the main shrine is 333m. The one-way trek to the main shrine takes about 90 minutes. Special devotions will be held at the main shrine.

This shrine is said to have been given the title of Ota Daigongen when Nobuhiro Takeda, the founder of the Matsumae clan, landed in this small village. Since then, it has been worshiped as a place where one can obtain safe navigation and protection of the spiritually powerful deities.

After trekking for a unique visit to a shrine, we will have a takeaway lunch at Risshozan Park in Setana town. Local burgers will be delivered from downtown restaurants. Please note that we are unfortunately unable to accommodate requests for specific allergies.
Optional settings are available. If trekking to Ota Shrine is not for you, you can select alternative activities such as gold panning.

After lunch time, we will return to Hakodate JR station or Hakodate airport depending on the case.