Experience the Hokkaido Backcountry “Hunt-to-Table” Lifestyle from Deer Tracking to Venison Dinner

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Asahikawa, Hokkaido

• 5 hours

• 4 people max.

• Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English

  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

The life of each deer should be honored in gratitude

A mere one-hour drive from central Asahikawa, the mountainous forests are brimming with indigenous Ezo deer. (“Ezo” is the original name of Japan’s northern islands including Hokkaido.) Hunting guide Toshihiko exudes his love of the Hokkaido forests and animals through his stories along the drive. His 40 years as a hunter have given him the skills to pick up the most subtle clues along the mountain surface and fallen snow in tracking deer. Suddenly, he will stop the car and all conversation then, gun in hand, walk a few meters along the road before finding his line of sight on some Ezo deer.

Toshihiko is involved in the complete hunt-to-table process as the owner of an abattoir and restaurant specializing in venison. Other local hunters also bring their deer to Toshihiko for processing. Toshihiko believes the life of each deer should be honored in gratitude with no waste in processing. After the hunt, you will visit the abattoir facilities before concluding your tour with a delicious, fresh grilled venison steak.

What you’ll do

You will meet Toshihiko in front of his restaurant and abattoir in the morning, and drive to the northern part of Hokkaido to look for the deer. You can observe his hunting (Quiet is required). Then, get back to the pier you can see the process of preparation.

Things to Note

+Tour participants are observers ONLY during the actual hunt. Firearm handling/discharge without a valid Japanese hunting license is strictly prohibited.

+This tour excludes any lunch or dinner, if you want to book his restaurant please feel free to let us know.

Who can attend

Children must be 12+

Availability

Every day
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:00 - 14:30)
Session 3 (15:00 - 16:30)

Access

25 min taxi ride from Asahikawa station. (to the meeting point)

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 5 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.