Jim, that sounds cool! When will you be there? I want to do the long pilgrim route next time too.
If you have some time, try and see Hokkaido, its really beautiful, really Alaska-like with a Japanese feel. Still have Brown Bears and salmon runs there.
Good luck!
Rob
Just got back a week ago. Going to put up a trip report soon.
I spent almost a whole month in Hokkaido back in 2009. It was a great trip.
