Can anyone tell me if there are wolfs in Japan. I know there aren't any in Hokkaido but what about other parts of Japan ? wolfs not foxes .

BP

Nah, the Honshu wolves have been extinct since the early 1900's.

thats what I thought but when I first came to Hokkaido locals told me there weren't any snakes up here. Were they totally wrong, so it pays to check. A friend of mine said he ran into some wolfs over golden week so I am having a hard time believing him .

I'm pretty sure people still claim to see bunyips and Tasmanian tigers occasionally...

Or maybe your mate will become famous for finding the last remaining Japanese wolves.

I think he is full of it on this one. Wouldn't be the first time

Cheers Peta

BP

This message has been edited. Last edited by: The Hokkaido Bush-Pig,

Just curious but what type of snakes are there in Hokkaido?

Bluray

Ones you don't want to get bitten by

Snakes are not what you have to watch out for. Mr brown bear is the one .

I would like to go up and explore Hokkaido in August. I would love to hire a morobike, camp and do some hiking. I have heard the east coast is amazing. Any advice as to how I go about this??

Alex

Bluray :

Snakes(Hebi) in Hokkaido
( I don't know the name in English so please don't ask )

Aodaishou (アオダイショウ)
Shima-hebi（シマヘビ)
Jimuguri（ジムグリ)
hiromadara（シロマダラ)
Mamushi（マムシ)(The only one that is poisonous. This snake is brown and is the only one with a triangle shape pointy head, the others have a more roundy shape to them ).

http://www.21photo.jp/hebi/page2-1.htm

Alex :

If you don't already know or have it, you may want to get a copy of the lonely planet ' Hiking in Japan ' book . It has the main hikes on the east coast of Hokkaido.
Another good place on that side of the island is lake 'Mashu' which has a couple of great campsite with some hot spring pools ( onsen ). Sorry, don't know where you can rent motorbikes up here .

BP

This message has been edited. Last edited by: The Hokkaido Bush-Pig,

Hey Bush Pig

Finally managed to find some time to look at the forums. Thanks for that very detailed info even though i was just asking out of curiosity because someone once spotted a huge python some 6 to 7 metres away from me and i didn't notice it on the road which i was on. I was perhaps potential lunch for it

Thanks
Bluray

Saw the picture. Mamushi is a type of Pit Viper.

Bluray

motoerbike rental

Here are a couple of links that may help you

motoerbike shop
motoerbike rental info

BP

That's great thank you so much.

Do you know if there are any multiday hikes planned for August in Hokkaido?

Cheers,

Alex

In August I will be runing .....

10 day trek into Daisetsu-zan.

12 day trip around the north and east of Hokkaido taking in a 4 day trek in Shiretoko, plus one other multiday trek and a couple of day hike that only a local can show you .

You can do the whole 22 days or do the 10 day trip and 14 day trip separatly.

more info will be posted at the end of the month on the japan Adventures site.

Photos, last years 10 day trek

Note :
I supply all gear on my treks, tents, sleeping bags, large backpacks, cooking / eating gear, etc .

BP

That sounds great. When do you set off? I am back from England on August 8 and have two weeks spare.

I will keep my eye on the japan adventures website as well.

Thanks for this information.

Alex

Alex :

Can you tell me, How long will you be in Hokkaido and what dates would work for you ?

BP

I was planning 5-7 days. I return from England on August 8th so somewhere around August 12th for 5 days or so.

Alex