Meet Japan's Travelling Hedgehog

So it’s pretty much official, the world’s most adorable explorer has been discovered. Meet Azuki the hedgehog from Japan whose perfectly staged photos and ridiculously cute face has amassed him almost 270k followers on instagram. Azuki (あずき in Japanese) gets his name from the red bean that’s found across Asia, but is particularly popular in Japanese sweet dishes like mochi (rice cakes) and yōkan. He is a sweet little guy!

During his career, the adventurous hedgehog has tried his hand at being a hat model, a food blogger and even a tiny helicopter! But it’s his latest endeavour that’s his most impressive. Now adding ‘traveller’ to his list of credentials, Azuki is trying life as a rough and ready outdoor adventurer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaP-QjjhRe8/

His recent activities have included kayaking, setting up camp and of course barbecuing what we can only assume to be freshly caught freshwater fish under the stars. Move over Bear Grylls, there’s a new name on the outdoor adventurer scene.

After a big day of exploring and foraging for food, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the campsite, and enjoying the serenity of the great outdoors. In a few of his instagram shots, Azuki shows his relaxed side, kicking back and preparing to dig into an impressive spread of pie, cheese and deli meat all while enjoying his pint sized equipment and furniture provided by outdoor camping company Coleman.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ4rsiSBGw1/

The Coleman camping company, obviously pretty impressed with Azuki’s adventurous nature decked him out with everything you need for living in the wild, including a teeny tiny tent, a wagon for all his little luggage, a very supportive camping chair, a grill, and a kayak for tearing up the rapids. Even if you’re not the camping type, a scroll through his instagram account will make you rethink your stance on living in the great outdoors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaD8rt4hdX_/

From the Japanese Shiba Kabosu who inspired the ‘doge’ meme to the cat kimonos craze and mini designer Japanese cat furniture, it’s fair to argue that in previous years Japan’s viral pet scene has been ruled by cats and dogs. Now though Japan’s more ‘exotic’ pet industry is booming and tiny, more apartment friendly animals like hamsters (and hedgehogs) are the go to furry companions for those in high rise city dwellings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ-J3XQBbD0/

In fact hamsters were so popular a few years ago that their rear ends sparked a nation-wide viral meme called ‘hamuketsu’ (ハムケツ). The term ‘hamuketsu’ is a combination of the word ‘hamster’ and ‘ketsu’, which means butt in Japanese. Instragram and social media platforms were swamped with owners posting weirdly adorable pictures of their hamster’s butt. When it comes to viral cuteness from Japan, what’s next is anyone’s guess (here’s hoping it’s the capybaras) however for now follow Azuki on instagram for your daily dose of the warm and fuzzies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbIkJeJnF5M/

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.