Adventure in Search of Japanese Monkeys Designated as a National Natural Treasure! With Urchins and Salmon Onigiri Lunch

【OUTLINE】

Why not go on an adventure to the mountain in search of the rare wild monkeys, a national natural treasure? First, you will receive a lecture on the life of Japanese monkeys. Then let's go to the mountain by car and search for monkeys for 1 to 1.5 hours. Have a tea break to taste the rare Apios (aka potato bean) from Sai-mura. After the Investigation, it's time for lunch. You will enjoy onigiri (rice ball) with fillings of sea urchins, a specialty from Sai-mura, salmon flakes, and nori seaweed, and warm miso soup.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Watch the wild Japanese monkeys up close
• See the life of the villagers trying to coexist with the monkeys through trial and error
• Eat Apios, nutritious potatoes from Sai-mura
• Onigiri lunch with the local sea urchins, salmon flakes and nori seaweed
• Enjoy snow trekking and play in the snow on a snowy day　　　　　

【SCHEDULE】

Meet up at Arusasu→Lecture on Japanese monkeys→Investigation (incl. tea break)→Get a certification at Shinrin Taiken-kan, Lunch→The end of the tour       

【DETAILS】

Shimokita Peninsula is home to Japanese monkeys designated as a national natural treasure. It is the northernmost natural habitat for monkeys in the world. Why not go on an adventure to the mountain in search of the rare wild monkeys?

 First, get a lecture on the ecology of the Japanese monkeys, the map of their possible habitat, and the way of the locals' life to live with the monkeys. Then let's depart for the mountain by car. Take 1 to 1.5 hours to search for monkeys. You may find creatures other than monkeys too.
 Have a tea break to taste the rare Apios (aka potato bean) from Sai-mura. Apios is very nutritious so they call it a supplement from the field.

On a snowy day, you can enjoy playing in the snow and snow trekking. There are many snowy days from December to February.
 After the exploration, it's time for lunch. Enjoy onigiri (rice balls) with Sai-mura's sea urchin, salmon flake, and nori seaweed with warm miso soup. You will get a certificate showing the attendance of the investigation of the northernmost monkeys.

 There are three courses to choose, such as "Watch the monkeys coexist with people," "Find the wild monkeys living in the forest," and the like. Guidance in simple English is available if necessary.

 -- Model Routes --

【Y2A Route Encounter rate　★★★★】
Trace the group of monkeys called Y2A appearing close to the village. Walk mostly along the roads but occasionally enter a mountain area close to the village. The group is easy to find but they easily run away.

【M2C1A Route Encounter rate　★★★】
Trace the group named M2C1A living in the mountain not far from the village. It is more difficult to find the group compared to Y2A but you can take photos of the monkeys up close.


【Z1B Route Encounter rate　★】
Trace the group called Z1B which is difficult even for a professional to find. The possibility of an encounter is low. If you found them, you would be so lucky! Suitable for those who like to feel relaxed in nature. 

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：240 minutes
• Meeting point："Arusasu" (Tsugaru Strait Culture Hall)
  2nd Floor, 112, Osai, Sai, Sai-mura, Shimokita-gun, Aomori-ken
  
• Access：
  ・Take a High-speed ship Sea Line from Hakodate Port to Oma Port
  　It takes about 20 to 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Oma Port
  ・Take a High-speed ship Sea Line from Aomori Port to Sai Port
  - 1 round-trip/day during winter (From October 1 - April 30)
  - 2 round-trips/day during summer (From May 1 - September 30)
  　A 1-minute walk from Sai Port
  ・From JR Shimokita Station
  　It takes about 90 minutes by rental car
  　It takes about 3 hours by bus to Sai bus stop　　
• Language support：Japanese, simple English
  
• Included ： Lunch, pocket stove, long boots (rental)
  
• Excluded：Taxi fare
  
• Items to bring：Towels, rain gear (when it rains)
  
• Special support：The starting time can be adjusted according to the customer's schedule.  
  
• Free Wi-Fi：〇
  
• Other things to note：  
  ・There are cases when you cannot find any monkeys as they are wild. 
  ・Please wear comfortable clothes (pants, sneakers, windbreaker, jumper and etc.)
  ・It often snows in winter (December to February). Please be sure to bring a warm jacket such as down coat, gloves, and a knit cap.
  　
    We provide a pocket stove and boots free of charge.
  ・You may get dirty as you walk in the mountains and bushes.
  ・The tour will be held even in light rain. Please bring rain gear (raincoat)
   ＊A reservation in advance is necessary for pick-up service. Please select the option.  Payment is made only in cash on the spot.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date    40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date    60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour    100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.