Date/Time
Date(s) - Mon Apr 13 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Notes:
Have you ever wondered what Japan looks like beyond the big cities and tourist hotspots? In this presentation, you’ll come along with me on many adventures, like hiking the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and completing a multi-day, Shimanami Kaido, biking trip through rural Japan.
You’ll hear stories from quiet cedar forests, small mountain villages, busy city centres, and too much raw fish. I’ll share the landscapes, people, food, and unexpected moments that made these trips unforgettable—plus practical tips for anyone who wants to explore Japan.
By the end of this talk, you might be inspired to have your own crowded attractions or misty mountain passes, local guesthouses, and the joy of discovering Japan.
Presented by Sean Konkolics
Sean Konkolics works as a Human–Wildlife Coexistence specialist here in Canmore, a career that has taken him across North America—from the swamps of Mississippi to the wild landscapes of the Yukon and Alaska. Sean and his partner have been living in Canmore for five years, with the previous ten in Edmonton. Although he didn’t grow up traveling, he’s made exploration a big part of his life in recent years, often mixing adventure with his love for the outdoors. Sean’s off-hours are usually spent mountain biking, climbing, skiing, or planning the next trip, and he brings a fun, outgoing, and slightly chaotic sense of humour
wherever he goes.