Listen to this episode ad-free and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanDive Into the Wild Heart of Hokkaido with Greg Bruyere, a Canadian expat with a passion for the great outdoors! He joins Ben and Burke to talk about his journey of coming to Japan on  a working holiday visa, and then gaining permanent residency through his passion for classical Japanese martial arts and weapons. But that's not all – his expertise in river rafting and canoeing has led him to some unexpected television fame! Greg also reveals some of his top picks for the best spots in Hokkaido for river canoeing, wildlife encounters, and soaking in scenic hot springs that promise to elevate your travel bucket list. Find out how Greg has built a life filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty that many only dream of!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It’s an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vijBearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo and within walking distance from the subway station. They have a variety of Japanese made and international craft beers bottled and on tap. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails are also available. Burgers and pub style snacks and friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbarThe Red HouseLocated in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it’s behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.https://theredhouse.jp/Rusutsu LodgesOpen all year round. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more information and availability.http://rusutsulodges.comHokkaido GuideEstablished over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture.https://hokkaidoguide.comUse our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today!Website: https://www.voicesinjapan.com/Follow us and check out our other content:https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcasthttps://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinj Support the show