Things to do in Hokkaido Page 4

• Age 4～Age 70
• 2～3 hours
• 08:45 / 13:15

Enjoy the UNESCO certified World Geopark and National Park Special Zone with two programs: kayaking and nature experience. It is easily accessible from Toyako Onsen (about 5 minutes) and you can enjoy the wonderful nature from various angles. The nature experience includes "looking for creatures, playing in the water, and exploring the forest," and the kayaking offers a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Toya and the mountains that represent Hokkaido. There are many attractions, such as the cliffs at the bottom of the lake and the forest tunnel. During the tour, you can land in the forest and enjoy a leisurely tea time while looking at Lake Toya. The tour is characterized by incorporating natural play such as forest walks, looking for creatures, and playing in the water according to the season. For a full 2 hours and 30 minutes, not only children but also adults can return to their childhood and enjoy the nature-filled Lake Toya. This tour is operated with the aim of providing detailed service and a safer tour. Beginners and children can enjoy it with peace of mind. There are plenty of services such as gifts of photos taken by the guide and rental of clothing. Depending on the season and weather, rainwear tops and bottoms and wet socks will be provided free of charge, so you can participate empty-handed. This tour takes place on the eastern shore of Lake Toya, which is particularly rich in natural beauty. Enjoy the high transparency and quality of the water, and the beautiful scenery of Mt. Usu, Mt. Showa Shinzan, Mt. Yotei, and more. It is designed to be enjoyed by anyone, including families, groups, and couples. [Guide] Sakai Fumiaki [Qualifications] Hokkaido Governor-certified outdoor guide (canoeing and mountaineering) Lake Toya Usu Volcano Meister Completed 40-hour WAFA Wilderness Medical First Aid *English guide available

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 6～Age 67
• 2～3 hours
• 08:00 / 10:00 / 12:30 / 15:00

A spectacular view of the Yoichi Blue that you must see at least once in your life! It's just a little over an hour's drive from Sapporo. About 30 minutes from Otaru. The blue sparkling sea in a panorama of cliffs. The cruise to the cave is truly an adventure♪ You can enjoy the extraordinary and it is sure to become a lifelong memory! ★Safe for first-timers! ★Suitable for a wide range of people from elementary school students to those in their 60s! ★Free high-resolution photo data♪★Qualified "local guides" will guide you! A safe and secure tour! ★Overwhelming satisfaction! [Course] Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (from meeting to disbanding) ①Meeting at 10:00 (Experience 10:30-12:00 → Change of clothes afterwards, etc.) ②Meeting at 12:30 (Experience 13:00-14:30 → Change of clothes afterwards, etc.) ③Meeting at 15:00 (Experience 15:30-17:00 → Change of clothes afterwards, etc.) *The time may change slightly depending on the event situation and weather. [Meeting place] Next to Shiraiwa Inari Shrine in Shiraiwa-cho, Yoichi-cho (parking lot). Parking lot available. Look for the LOCAL SUP HOKKAIDO flag. [Place to change clothes] Simple tents are available. [Clothing] ◻︎Until the end of June: "Thin T-shirts and shorts" or "swimsuit, underwear that you don't mind getting wet" to wear under your wetsuit. ◻︎From July onwards: Clothes that you don't mind getting wet (T-shirts, shorts, rash guards, etc.) [Things to bring] ・The above clothes ・Change of clothes ・Towel ・Sandals if you have them

• With Pets
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• Summer Campaign Sale 2025

• Age 3～Age 85
• Within 1 hour
• 09:30 / 13:00 / 15:30

[Plan name] - Making Kuru Kuru Baumkuchen [Event period] - All year round [Starting time] ① From 9:30 (meeting time until 9:15) ② From 13:00 (until meeting time 12:45) ③ From 15:30 ( (Meeting time: 15:15) *If you are late for the start time, you may be refused participation in the tour. [Time required] Approximately 60 minutes [Participants] 3 years old and up [Number of people] 2 people and up [Meeting location] Nono Terrace 4-371 Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo 061-2303 (Nono (Terrace Inner Field Play Base Frill Fusrif) [Fee] ・2,500 yen per person [What to bring] ・Nothing in particular [Clothing] ・The event will be held outside on the terrace, so please come dressed according to the season. [Notes] - The ingredients of Baumkuchen include "wheat", "eggs", "milk", "honey", etc. Please note that we cannot accommodate allergies.・The tour may be canceled in case of stormy weather. [Payment method] - Cash *Credit card payment is not possible [Cancellation policy] - From 2 days before the experience date to 18:00 the day before: 50% of the experience fee - After 18:00 the day before the experience day, on the day: 50% of the experience fee 100%

• With Pets
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 0～Age 100
• 1～2 hours

Information on Kushiro Marsh National Park. This is a course that guides you from the west side of Kushiro Wetland, which was born as the 28th national park, a low-rise marsh with abundant nature that shows Japan's largest "horizontal expanse". At the Kushiro Marsh Observatory with the motif of "Yachibozu", you can see the marshes of the four seasons and live images, and you can see the history and present of the marshes. There is also a shop and a rest house on the 1st floor of the facility. There is also a 2.5km promenade starting from the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. It is a course where you can see the Kushiro Marsh without worrying about the weather.

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 6～Age 80
• 1～2 hours
• 09:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 20:00

[Private sauna facility in Tomamu, Hokkaido] (Plan details) ・Usage time: 120 minutes ・Period: From early May to late October. ・Price: 12,000 yen (tax included) per building ・Capacity: 1-4 people for exclusive use of one building *If you wish to use more than 4 people, please make separate reservations for each number of people. ・Sauna temperature: Around 80 degrees. ・Cold bath temperature: Around 11 degrees. (Facilities & details) ・Outdoor bath: Yes ・Cold bath: Yes ・Shower: Yes (paid / 800 yen per group) *There is only one shower, so please let us know in advance if you would like to use it. ・Loyly: Yes (self-loyly) ・Heat source: Firewood / Electricity *You cannot choose one or the other. You can use the sauna that is available at the time you wish to use it. (Items to bring) ・Change of clothes ・Clothes that you don't mind getting wet (T-shirt, shorts, swimsuit, etc.) *Bath towels and face towels are provided.

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days

• Age 0～Age 100
• 3～4 hours

This course takes you all around the Kushiro Marsh, the 28th national park established and the largest naturally rich low-lying marsh in Japan with the largest horizontal extent. View the Kushiro Marsh from the eastern (western) observation deck, then walk along an unpaved road to the western (eastern) observation deck. If you are confident in your time and stamina, there are also some places you can walk (or climb?) to see, such as the Kottaro Marsh Observation Deck, Sarubo Observation Deck, and Yumegaoka Observation Deck. Along the way, you might encounter red-crowned cranes, Ezo deer, or Ezo red foxes (which appear irregularly).

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• For Family

• Age 0～Age 100
• 2～3 hours

From Hosooka Observatory (east side), you can see the Kushiro Marsh and the meandering Kushiro River in the Kushiro Marsh, the 28th national park and the largest naturally rich low-lying marsh in Japan with a horizontal spread. The view from Hosooka Observatory, also known as the "Great View," is spectacular, and on a clear day you can see the Akan Mountains. Watching the sunset from Hosooka Observatory has also become popular recently. The untouched Hosooka Observatory is an observation deck that cannot be reached by large tourist buses. There is also a course that combines the Norokko train ride, where you can ride one way through the marsh from Kushiro city to Hosooka Observatory to Kushiro city, and then take a taxi back to see the Kushiro Marsh from a different angle.

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• For Family

• Age 7～Age 90
• 3～4 hours

This is a 3-hour taxi charter course that goes around the Shikabe Town Ofune Site, Jomon Cultural Exchange Center, Kakinoshima Site, Esancho Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen Experience, and Esan Volcano, which were registered as World Cultural Heritage in July.

• Pickup Service
• With Pets
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 0～Age 100
• 5～6 hours

We will show you the scenic Onuma Quasi-National Park and its surroundings ♪

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 0～Age 100
• Over 6 hours on the day

Hokkaido We will show you the only castle town and cherry blossom spots ♪

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 0～Age 100
• 3～4 hours

Please be thrilled, not satisfied! Sightseeing spots in Hakodate are a big gathering!

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 6～Age 90
• 2～3 hours
• 05:00 / 08:00 / 11:00 / 14:00

It is a canoe experience of about 9 kilometers on the Kushiro River, which flows through the Kushiro Marsh. The meeting place is JR Senmo Line, Hosooka Station. This course starts from Lake Toro and goes down to Hosooka Canoe Port. As the name of the plan suggests, it is a place with a lot of trees even in the wetlands, and it is a course with the most wild animals. It is surrounded by deep green in spring, green in summer, and colored leaves in autumn. Of course, the guide will ride with you, so please leave the operation of the canoe to us. We also have a Kushiro Wetland long course of about 17 km that combines the forest course and the wilderness course! ~Experience Flow~ (For the 8:00 course) 8:00 Gather in front of Hosooka Station on the JR Senmo Line Please be at Hosooka Station at the start time of the tour. (If you are late, please contact us.) When we gather, we will park your car at the nearby Hosooka Canoe Port and drive to Toro Station. (Reception will be done inside the train) 8:20 Arrive at JR Senmo Line Toro Station When you arrive at Toro Station, go to the toilet and move to the starting point, Lake Toro. 8:40 Canoe preparation, safety talk When you arrive at Lake Toro, prepare for canoeing and give a safety explanation for canoeing. 8:50 Departure! When you're ready, let's go! If you wish, we will also take a commemorative photo here during the experience. 10:20 Arrival at Hosooka Canoe Port! Canoe experience for about 1 hour and a half. Once you get off the canoe, you will be disbanded after taking photos.

• For Rainy Days

• Age 6～Age 90
• 2～3 hours
• 05:00 / 08:00 / 11:00 / 14:00

It is a canoeing experience of about 8 km on the Kushiro River, which flows through the Kushiro Marsh. The meeting place is JR Senmo Line, Toya Station. This is the most downstream course starting from Hosooka Canoe Port and going down to Iwahogi Floodgate. This area retains the original appearance of the marshland with few trees and many open landscapes. The meandering of the Kushiro River is also the most frequent course. Of course, the guide will ride with you, so please leave the operation of the canoe to us. We also have a Kushiro Wetland long course of about 17 km that combines the forest course and the wilderness course! 〜Experience Flow〜 (For the 8:00 course) Meet at 8:00 JR Senmo Line Toya Station Please be at Toya Station at the start time of the tour. (If you are late, please let me know.) When we meet, we will park your car at Toya Station and move to Hosooka Station in my car. (Reception will be done inside the train) 8:15 Arrive at JR Senmo Line Hosooka Station When you arrive at Hosooka Station, after using the toilet, move to the starting point, Hosooka Canoe Port. 8:35 Canoe preparation, safety talk When you arrive at the Hosooka canoe port, prepare for canoeing and give a safety explanation for canoeing. 8:45 Departure! When you're ready, let's go! If you wish, we will also take a commemorative photo here during the experience. 10:05 Arrive at Iwahogi Floodgate! About 1 hour and 20 minutes canoeing experience. While the canoe is being put away, I will ask you to look at the marsh from a little higher ground. 10:30 Move from Iwahogi Water Gate to Toya Station and disband.

• For Rainy Days

• Age 0～Age 80
• 3～4 hours

A nature guide will take you deep into the pristine nature of Shiretoko. By walking with a nature guide, you can see the mechanisms of nature that you have never noticed before and get closer to the heart of the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko. Why not spend a luxurious time in the great outdoors on a Shiretoko guided tour? We offer free binoculars rentals for everyone on our guided tours. This is a nature experience guided tour where you can use binoculars to carefully observe the wild animals, wild birds, plants and flowers that live in Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site. Why not take a peek at the lives of wild animals that you normally cannot see, such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, Ezo squirrels and wild birds? Enjoy Shiretoko with a guided tour that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and any group. [Guided time] The guided tour starts at around 9:00. The tour ends at around 12:00. (The tour lasts 3 hours.) *Due to the limited time slots and number of guides for the Shiretoko Five Lakes walking lecture, if we cannot meet your request, we will guide you to a nearby time. We will inform you of the details in our reply, so be sure to check the details in your email. *Please note that the number of participants is limited, so depending on the timing of your application, we may not be able to accept your application due to full capacity. [Walk flow 9:00 start] 8:45 Please gather at the Shiretoko Goko Field House. ↓ 9:00 Attend a lecture at the Shiretoko Goko Field House and start the guided tour. ↓ Walk around the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (about 3 km) ↓ 12:00 Return to the Shiretoko Goko Lakes parking lot The guided tour ends and the tour ends. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*If the total number of participants in the activity experience at the time of application for a tour other than the brown bear activity season (May 10th to July 31st) is 1 person, an additional 2,300 yen will be charged. In that case, if the total number of customers participating in the activity experience on the day of the activity experience reaches 2 or more people, we will refund 2,300 yen.

• World Heritage
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• For Family

• Age 9～Age 80
• 3～4 hours
• 09:30 / 13:30

This plan allows you to enjoy canoeing and SUP in a secret location known only to those in the know as the quietest area of Lake Shikotsu, a lake that has repeatedly boasted the highest water quality in Japan! This plan is also recommended for those who want to enjoy SUP but are not confident in standing because you will need to wear a wetsuit or life jacket...or are afraid! There is no need to worry if you fall off ♪ There is a backrest so anyone can walk on the water. Once you gain confidence in a canoe with a backrest, you can transform into a SUP! You can enjoy both canoeing and SUP. ~Schedule for the day~ ① Meet at the location (approx. 10 minutes) ② Explanation of precautions and other information (approx. 15 minutes) ③ Lecture on the experience and experience (approx. 2 hours) ④ Disband at the location (approx. 5 minutes)

• For Rainy Days

• Age 13～Age 65
• 2～3 hours
• 09:30 / 13:30

This tour takes you to the fantastic Blue Cave! SUP touring in the cobalt blue ocean! The SUP experience in the crystal clear waters of Hokkaido will leave you with unforgettable memories! We will take you to places you cannot go to without a guide. This plan is for experienced people. For junior high school students and above.

• For Rainy Days

• Age 7～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 14:00

In 1990 I moved to Kutchan from the foot of Mt. Yotei from Kyoto. While my father, older brother, older sister convey the tradition of Keiyaki called pottery, I feel the new winds of Hokkaido every day while dressing. Because I use my former schoolhouse as an atelier and gallery experience field, it is unrelated to new and useful things, In the garden sheep are eating grass, I think that you can have a calm time in a nostalgic place somewhere nostalgic. Since we also exhibit and sell reliefs and everyday instruments, including objects, please do not miss seeing pottery and relaxing holidays.

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 3～Age 100
• 1～2 hours
• 10:00 / 14:00

In 1990 I moved to Kutchan from the foot of Mt. Yotei from Kyoto. While my father, older brother, older sister convey the tradition of Keiyaki called pottery, I feel the new winds of Hokkaido every day while dressing. I will also introduce the wool felt processing experience at such a pottery studio. Because I use my former schoolhouse as an atelier and gallery experience field, it is unrelated to new and useful things, In the garden sheep are eating grass, I think that you can have a calm time in a nostalgic place somewhere nostalgic. We will also exhibit and sell reliefs and everyday instruments, including objects, so please be sure to visit wool felt and leisurely holidays.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 4～Age 80
• 3～4 hours
• 09:00 / 13:30

This is a popular rafting tour down the Shiribetsu River in Niseko! You can enjoy the beautiful Shiribetsu River while looking at Mt. Yotei, and we offer a variety of water activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults. Recommended for those who want a memorable experience!

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 10～Age 60
• 3～4 hours
• 09:00 / 13:00

・Experience the beauty of Hokkaido's ocean with your whole body! ・This is a trial diving plan that even beginners can enjoy. ・A beautiful, clear blue ocean! We will guide you to an area known as "Shakotan Blue"! ・The waves are calm in this area, so even beginners can dive with confidence! ・Please enjoy to your heart's content the magnificent Shakotan Blue that never ceases to fascinate those who see it! ・Our Shakotan facility is right in front of the ocean! Entry is easy. ・We also have comfortable dedicated facilities for resting!

• For Rainy Days

• Age 13～Age 60
• 1～2 hours
• 09:30 / 13:30

This is a approximately 10km tour that runs from the forest road around Tokachigaoka through the hot spring town. You can enjoy the variety of Tokachi, from forest roads to roads that run alongside fields, to roads along rivers. Take photos and have tea time while your guide guides you around. Best of all, it's a bicycle tour that you're used to riding on a regular basis, so it's also recommended for those who don't like exercise or those who have been working at a desk lately and want to get some exercise. Of course, those who want to cycle through Tokachi are also welcome! !

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 12～Age 70
• 1～2 hours
• 18:00

・Turn on the lights to observe the fish, shrimp, and wild animals in the water! ・The civil engineering heritage "Yamasen Iron Bridge" at the border between the source of the Chitose River and Lake Shikotsu is lit up and shines with the moonlight. Around August, you can also see the fantastic sight of fireflies flying around♪ *Maximum of 8 people *English support available

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 12～Age 60
• 3～4 hours
• 09:00 / 13:30

A canyoning tour in Furano is full of adventure. This canyoning tour offers a thrilling experience for both adults and children, with activities such as jumping into waterfalls and sliding down waterfalls while descending a river in the middle of nature. The great attraction of this tour is that participants become one with nature, while a professional guide supports safety, set in the beautiful valleys and clear streams of Furano. Enjoy a memorable experience while interacting with nature on this canyoning tour unique to Furano.

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 0～Age 100
• Over 6 hours on the day /1 Day or more
• 08:00 / 09:00

Depart from Sapporo city. Please let us know your accommodation name and address in advance. Departure around 8:00 Asahiyama Zoo Blue Pond Shirahige Waterfall Farm Tomita

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Family

• Age 5～Age 100
• 2～3 hours
• 09:00 / 12:30

Groups including children aged 5 and over can participate. This is a safe course with a small drop in the river so that children can enjoy it with peace of mind. Duration: Approximately 3 hours from meeting to disbanding

• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 15～Age 99
• 2～3 hours
• 09:00 / 12:30

SUP involves standing on a long board like a surfboard and paddling while maintaining your balance. Whether you ride the waves in the ocean or go down rapids in a river, SUP is now a popular sport around the world. Since maintaining your balance is quite difficult, HOA's tours are set up so that even beginners can enjoy it, with a course on the Saru River with a gentle current, so it's okay if you fall off many times! You can enjoy the beautiful valley while feeling nature with your whole body, and maintaining your balance also strengthens your core, making it a good exercise.

• For Rainy Days

• Age 0～Age 100
• 2～3 hours

When you think of Kushiro, many people will immediately think of red-crowned cranes. The sight of red-crowned cranes in winter is truly spectacular. There is no doubt that the beauty of the cranes against the snowy fields will impress anyone. There are places near Kushiro where you can see red-crowned cranes even in summer. Near Kushiro Airport are the Red-crowned Crane Nature Park and Kushiro City Zoo. You can learn a lot about red-crowned cranes and see them all year round. If you are lucky, you may find a zookeeper there who will call you close to them. Kushiro City Zoo is also home to the Red-crowned Crane Conservation and Breeding Center. - Example - Kushiro Airport ⇒ Red-crowned Crane Nature Park ⇒ Kushiro Marsh Observation Deck ⇒ Kushiro City

• Pickup Service
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• For Family

• Age 0～Age 80
• 3～4 hours
• 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00

Why not spend a luxurious time in the great outdoors on a guided tour of Shiretoko? We offer free binoculars rentals for all of our guided tours. This is a guided tour where you can use binoculars to carefully observe the wild animals, wild birds, plants and flowers that inhabit Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site. Why not take a peek at the lives of wild animals that you normally can't see, such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, Ezo squirrels and wild birds? Enjoy Shiretoko with a guided tour that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and any group. [Guidance time] The tour ends 3 hours after the start time. Note: If the tour starts at 14:00, it will end at 17:00. *There are limited time slots for the Shiretoko Five Lakes Walking Lecture, so if we cannot accommodate your request, we will guide you to the closest tour start time. For details, we will inform you by replying to your email, so please be sure to check your email. *Please note that there is a limit to the number of participants, so depending on the timing of your application, we may not be able to accept your application due to full capacity. [Walk flow] *For a guided tour starting at 14:00, please gather at the Shiretoko Five Lakes Field House at 13:45. ↓14:00 Start the tour with a lecture at the Shiretoko Five Lakes Field House. ↓ Stroll around the Shiretoko Five Lakes (approximately 3 km) ↓17:00 Return to the Shiretoko Five Lakes parking lot The tour ends and the tour is dismissed. ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊※If a brown bear is spotted, the trail may be closed. If the trail is closed before the walk, the tour may be canceled or the walking location may be changed. If the trail is closed during the walk, the tour may turn back halfway. After that, we will consult with you about the cancellation or change. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------※If the total number of participants in the activity experience at the time of application for a tour other than the brown bear activity season (May 10th to July 31st) is 1 person, an additional 3,300 yen will be charged. In that case, if the total number of customers participating in the activity experience on the day of the activity experience reaches 2 or more people, the 3,300 yen will be refunded.

• World Heritage
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups
• For Family

• Age 7～Age 70
• 2～3 hours
• 08:30 / 09:50 / 10:50

This trekking tour covers all of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a special protected area of Shiretoko National Park, including the elevated boardwalk. This is the first groundbreaking forest adventure experience in Japan, where licensed guides guide you through areas where brown bears live. You can observe not only the lakes, but also the seasonal changes in nature, such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, wild birds, alpine plants, and autumn leaves. Since the animals are not fed, all the creatures you encounter are real wild animals. We may be able to accommodate times that are not listed in the selection column, so please contact us. The walking trail may be closed due to the appearance of brown bears, snowfall, storms, etc. If we know of a closure in advance, we will contact you on your mobile device and offer you the option to cancel (free of charge) or an alternative course (same price), or a different date and time, if you wish. If the trail is closed after you meet at the site, we will offer you an alternative course (same price) that is available for the remaining time.

• World Heritage
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups

• Age 7～Age 70
• 2～3 hours
• 13:20 / 14:30 / 15:10

This trekking tour covers all of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a special protected area of Shiretoko National Park, including the elevated boardwalk. This is the first groundbreaking forest adventure experience in Japan, where licensed guides guide you through areas where brown bears live. You can observe not only the lakes, but also the seasonal changes in nature, such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, wild birds, alpine plants, and autumn leaves. Since the animals are not fed, all the creatures you encounter are real wild animals. Roads and trails may be closed due to brown bears, snowfall, storms, etc. If we know of a closure in advance, we will contact you by mobile device and offer you cancellation (free of charge) or alternative courses (same price), or alternative dates and times, if you wish. If the course is closed after meeting at the site, we will offer you alternative courses (same price) that are available for the remaining time. We may be able to accommodate times that are not listed in the selection column, so please contact us.

• World Heritage
• For Rainy Days
• For Groups