A summer adventure at a ski resort provides the chance to see magical views and enjoy thrilling forest activities, sparking an entirely different kind of excitement from the usual winter pastimes.
Summer ski resort!
We've come to a ski resort but in summer!
There are magical sights that you won't see during winter...
and maximum thrills to be had tackling a treetop maze.
Discover a different side to a winter ski resort in this summer expedition!
Wild Hokkaido!
The Niseko region is located in Hokkaido's southwest.
During winter, it's full of skiers and snowboarders,
all here seeking the highest-quality powder snow it's so famous for.
Although Niseko is primarily thought of as a winter playground,
it boasts a wide range of outdoor activities during summer, too.
Let's explore some of the adventurous ways to enjoy the ski slopes,
minus all of the snow.
Today we head to the top of the ski slopes by gondola.
Next, we'll trek through the forest to find beautiful landscapes.
Then it's back to the bottom of the mountain,
where we can enjoy some forest-based activities.
This is Isis and her 6-year-old daughter, Elena,
who live in Hokkaido.
Do you remember, Elena? You came on this mountain in the winter.
- What did you do here?
- Skiing.
Yeah, you went skiing with Papa, right?
But it's our first time coming here in the summer.
How do you feel?
- Excited.
- Yeah?
The gondola lifts are essential for enjoying winter sports,
with skiers using them to head to the top of the slopes.
But taking them to the summit in summer offers a different kind of fun.
Mama, look! Mt. Yotei!
Oh, my goodness. Look at how beautiful that is.
It looks like a painting!
Mt. Yotei is a famous peak in Hokkaido.
Due to its similar shape to Mt. Fuji,
it's often called the "Fuji of the North."
It's easy to spot at this time of year
when the skies are clear and sunny.
They reach the 658-meter summit in a mere six minutes.
This is the view from the top in winter.
Although the surrounding landscape is completely blanketed in snow,
in summer...
No way.
This view!
No way!
This is so nice.
Don't you just feel like stretching here?
Like, yay!
At last, they're ready to explore the forest.
That's where you were skiing.
Trekking towards Kagami-numa Marsh at the mid-point of the mountain,
they'll take about an hour.
Hi. Hello!
This is Furuichi Ryuta, who has been a guide in Niseko for 22 years.
They prepare for the trek with bear bells,
and some anti-bear spray for protection.
Summer trekking. Let's go!
Let's go!
What kind of treasures will they find along the way?
Wow, it's much cooler in here, isn't it, Elena?
The trees are tall, and the grass is tall.
It's all of a sudden, a different world.
Beautiful.
It's time for the "Sensei's tip."
Let's find out how to enjoy trekking the Niseko way.
This ancient forest contains huge Japanese oak and mountain birch trees.
Take a look at the vitality of the trees.
This mountain birch is over 200 years old.
Even though its branches break under the weight of snow,
its strength enables it to keep growing.
And then, there are these 300-year-old Japanese oaks.
The two trees' branches have grown naturally into each other to form an arch.
See if you can spot such natural works of art next time you're out in nature.
After walking for about 10 minutes, the forest begins to clear.
I think we go right.
Wow, look at that.
I see a big pond.
That's right.
Wow, look at this!
This is the Kagami-numa Marsh,
located about 570 meters above sea level
and hidden within the forest.
A mystical sight unfolds
when the surrounding scenery reflects on the water's surface.
You can really see the line of the mountain now.
Beautiful.
See here - this reddish-colored moss? Take a look.
Oh, it's wet.
This sphagnum moss plays a very important role in the marsh.
Around the marsh, the ground is carpeted in sphagnum moss.
It has a high rate of water retention and is resistant to strong sunlight.
Even at high altitudes, it retains moisture and helps to protect the marsh.
There are also many alpine plants and animals active around Kagami-numa Marsh.
It really is a treasure trove of nature.
Time for a break.
- Here, Mama.
- Thank you.
Elena, ready?
Sandwiches.
The two got up early to make lunch for today.
It's a bit too big, isn't it?
It's really yummy.
Thank you for the food, Elena.
That tastes so good after a hike.
Thank you.
Enjoying a picnic amongst such beautiful nature is a priceless experience.
Once they've crossed the marsh, it's time to head back.
They will trek for around 15 more minutes.
?
?
?
?
?
?
Do you hear that? What is that sound?
- Like a river.
- That's right!
?
That was perfect timing.
We're going to go across, I guess.
They've come across yet another oasis in the forest, the Jako River.
You want to put your hand in the water?
It's cold.
It's great, right?
It's cold!
Oh, my goodness!
Okay, maybe just like this...
Because the river is filled with snowmelt, it remains cold even in summer.
It's so much fun.
Isn't this exciting?
Ryuta shows them how to make a bamboo leaf boat.
Like this.
Perfect.
You push it all the way in.
Okay, okay.
Look at that. That looks better than mine. Look at mine.
Beautiful boat.
Is it going to float?
Lets' see if they float well.
It's okay, it's okay.
Go ahead.
Ready?
Watch it, watch it, watch it!
Oh, nice!
Beautiful. Go boat, go! Go boat, go!
Look at it go. Look at it go! Yay!
Did I do it?
Yeah, great job! Nice!
Now, they'll try some more outdoor activities
that can't be done in winter in the forest area next to the ski slopes.
- Hello.
- Hi!
Welcome to tree trekking.
- Hi. Hello.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- My name's Oscar.
- Oscar.
- Yes.
Mama, look!
That's where we're going.
That looks like a huge jungle,
- don't you think?
- Monkey.
Yeah, you can be like a monkey.
Here, they're going to enjoy "tree trekking."
It involves making your way high up through the treetops using ropes and bridges,
and is a popular activity in Japan.
Their guide Oscar shows them how to operate the safety harness.
It acts as a lifeline, so it will stop them from falling even if they misstep.
Their tree trekking adventure begins.
First up, is the suspension bridge.
It's really easy.
It's so easy!
Good job, Elena.
- Oh, can I go now?
- Yes, you can.
It's kitty paws!
Good. Oh, now it's birdies!
Yeah. We've got to go around the tree. Look at this.
So you see the seesaw there?
You're going to walk across here, and then slowly walk on the seesaw.
But from here, the level of difficulty dramatically increases.
To be able to clear the seesaw while suspended in mid-air,
careful footwork and weight transfer will be required.
Perfect.
Like a little birdie. Chi chi!
Chi chi chi chi!
It's really smooth.
And you're about to go!
Great job, Elena.
That was really fun.
I loved it.
It's the best.
But you can feel the wonderful breeze, and you can see... Oh!
- I hear another one!
- Yeah.
That's a nice bird sound.
Tree trekking isn't just thrilling,
it also provides the unique experience of walking as if floating in the air.
It's almost like becoming one with the surrounding nature,
as the sunlight streams through the trees and birds call all around you.
Then, to top it all off...
- Is that okay?
- 3... 2... 1. Go.
Isis flies through the air on a zipline.
It's Elena's turn next.
She looks a little nervous.
3... 2... 1!
- Sit down!
- Go.
It's okay!
- How was it?
- Good!
You liked it? Yes?
Do you want to do it again? Yeah, I thought so.
But with a little bit of courage, she succeeds.
They've found a hidden gem in Niseko.
Their summer ski resort adventure was a hit.
So, in the winter, thousands of people come here
for the skiing and snowboarding - winter sports.
But even in the summer it's open,
so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature.
I love Hokkaido so much.
"Wild Hokkaido!" takes you on great activities
in the great outdoors of northern Japan.
Join us next time for another adventure.