In Collaboration with Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd., Deeper Japan Launches New Experiential Cultural Products in Eastern Hokkaido

The pioneering release of 6 new products is the start of an expanded lineup focusing on Hokkaido regional development. The latest enriching products include unique winter experiences such as a cross-country ski tour through the Kushiro Wetlands and a private guided red-crowned crane observational tour.

Deeper Japan, a service operated by Deeper Travel Co., Ltd. that facilitates the online booking of traditional cultural experiences for foreign visitors by collaborating with artisans, artists, and nature guides throughout various regions in Japan, has partnered with Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. to develop high-quality value-added experiential content for inbound visitors. The latest launch of collaborative products includes winter-specific natural experiences that utilize Eastern Hokkaido’s natural assets.

The eastern region of Hokkaido, known as Doto, boasts rich natural resources and local culture, resulting in a focused interest in developing high-quality tourist activities and increased guided support. The area is home to two national parks, the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and the Akan Mashu National Park, which support various species of flora and fauna, as well as provide stunning natural scenery throughout every season of the year. In particular, Kushiro Shitsugen, as Japan’s largest wetland, provides an expansive habitat for wildlife populations, stretching 25 km east to west and 36 km north to south. Kushiro City itself has long served as a base for travelers to the region, and also has a well-established history intertwined with the early modern development of Hokkaido. The city provides a number of opportunities to experience local culture and practices, including a thriving fishing industry that supports the culinary scene.

However, despite Eastern Hokkaido’s expansive range of attractive tourism resources, the region experiences a lack of structure to actively facilitate extended tourist activity in the area. The application of Deeper Japan’s extensive expertise in developing high-quality, value-added experiential content is expected to increase the incentive for travelers passing through the area to extend their stay, leading to an increase in travel spending and fostering the local industries.

The Latest Cultural Experiences Launched

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Meet the “Gods of the Wetlands” on a Private Guided Red-Crowned Crane Observational Tour

Once driven to the point of near extinction, Japanese red-crowned crane populations have slowly stabilized due to dedicated conservation efforts. Their elegant courtship dances have provided inspiration for the arts throughout Japanese history, and the birds remain a symbol of fidelity and longevity. While traditionally a migratory species, the populations in Eastern Hokkaido remain in the region year-round, supported by the resources in the wetlands and efforts by conservation organizations. Observe these magnificent, rare birds in their natural habitat, led by a local wildlife expert, while learning more about the history and significance of the cranes.

Ski Tour Through Historic Hokkaido Scenery and Winter Wetland Landscape

Glide across the glistening, frozen wetlands of Eastern Hokkaido led by a local outdoor expert. Outfitted in traditional hunting cross-country skis, guests traverse the tranquil, snowy landscape, following along an abandoned railway from the Showa era while gazing out across vast expanses of natural views unchanged for countless years. Encounter wild birds and other species of native wildlife, then take a rest immersed amid nature, enjoying a hot coffee or tea provided by the guide.

Experience the Harmonious Aroma of Todomatsu Fir Essential Oil

The todomatsu, a towering fir exclusive to certain cold climates like Hokkaido, yields oil prized for its aromatherapeutic benefits, aiding sleep and calming senses. After snipping the branches and starting the meticulous oil extraction process, guests will be led through the neighboring forest, filled with todomatsu trees and native wildlife. Experiencing the refreshing aroma of the trees in their natural ecosystem not only rejuvenates the senses, but also highlights the relationship between sustainably utilizing and supporting nature. The outcome is a fragrant product that harmoniously balances production and preservation, and captures the scent of Hokkaido to be easily taken home.

Facing the Future:

Following the disruption caused to the inbound tourism industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan’s travel industry has steadily recovered. Deeper Japan has expanded its team, updated internal systems, and strengthened recruitment efforts in response to increased travel demand. Further planned expansions include the development of domestic areas, such as Eastern Hokkaido, as well as the advancement of operations into overseas markets, with a primary focus on European and East Asian countries for the first round of growth.

Deeper Japan’s current business model implemented in Japan’s domestic market, which focuses on transcending differences in language and cultural values to provide enriching travel experiences, will be utilized as a standard to foster travel infrastructure in other locations. This development aims to provide enhanced experiential products to a wider range of intellectually curious travelers worldwide.

About Deeper Japan

Deeper Japan is a brand operated by Deeper Travel Co., Ltd that allows visitors to Japan to seamlessly book traditional cultural experiences that are otherwise difficult to access. By carefully selecting high-quality cultural and immersive natural experiences, and directly collaborating with skilled craftsmen and artists at the forefront, Deeper Japan promotes mutual understanding between different cultures through travel and actively preserves tradition and diversity.

Focus is primarily given to small groups of guests, providing an opportunity for deeper interaction between craftsmen and guests rather than large-scale, superficial experiences. Additionally, certified interpreter guides are employed to ensure interpretation in the guests' native languages whenever possible. Approximately 80 percent of Deeper Japan's clientele comprises independent travelers from Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, collaborations with NGOs, and alliances with local governments and tourist associations, Deeper Japan assists in supporting regional economic development and the conservation of cultural heritage.

In Collaboration with Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd., Deeper Japan Launches New Experiential Cultural Products in Eastern Hokkaido

The Latest Cultural Experiences Launched

Facing the Future:

About Deeper Japan

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