Best of Hokkaido By Bike Tour

Package Overview

Trip Highlights
Cycle quiet dedicated back country roads
Cycle from the east coast of Hokkaido to the northern most city Wakkanai
Cycle-friendly rural roads and cycling paths
Take in stunning views of caldera lakes & mountain ranges
Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage Area
Explore Rishiri Island
Stay at traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) with onsen hot springs on site
Experience Hokkaido’s fresh seafood oriental cuisines
Trip Summary
Red Sea Plant of Lake Notoro, Japan
Hokkaido at the northern edge of Japan offers fantastic opportunities for adventure seekers. Hokkaido may be best known for the excellent snow conditions, but there are secrets that are revealed only in summer. The heavy snowfall in winter is what makes Hokkaido roads so wide and smooth, providing perfect conditions for road cycling. The roads are maintained regularly (virtually every summer) and built with ample space to house the snow. The harsh winter also means less population, traffic and good food, everything you wish for in a cycle touring destination! The ocean surrounding Hokkaido is blessed with bountiful seafood, attracting many food lovers all over the country, and it gets more exotic and even higher quality as we journey further north. This 13 day itinerary explores the northern most national park of Japan containing the undiscovered cycling paradise Rishiri Island. There are over six thousand islands belonging to the Japanese Archipelago, and islands are the destinations you can’t miss when in Japan!

This tour is designed for stronger riders who like to ride longer distances. The route is set so cyclists can challenge themselves by cycling the whole route from lodging to lodging. In the event of bad weather or illness, you have the option to exchange your bike for the support vehicle, which will carry all equipment and luggage.

Trip Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The Best of Hokkaido by Bike is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Compulsory bike helmet
Optional activities (eg activities on free day in Abashiri)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visa (if required)
Tips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Meet in Abashiri

  We meet at 4:00pm (16:00) at our hotel in Abashiri. After a tour briefing and bike fitting we take a stroll through the city and enjoy a welcome dinner in town. Abashiri is the largest city on the east coast of Hokkaido and is famous for the winter attraction ryuhyo, the huge ice that has drifted down from the Amur River. If you are arriving at Abashiri early, we recommend you visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum or Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples. All these attractions are accessible by bus from the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom

• Day 2 : Abashiri to Lake Kussharo - Ko

  From Abashiri we head south to a beautiful caldera lake. The ride takes us via Bihoro Pass, which looks over the lake and surrounding mountains. At the top of the pass we have lunch at a rest house, it is then a pleasant ride downhill to the shore of Lake Kussharo-Ko. Lake Kussharo-Ko is the second largest lake in Hokkaido, and one of three lakes in the Akan National Park. The area is well known for its abundant hot springs, a result of the volcanic activity in the area. We have a brief stop at sunayu, a popular foot spa site on the shores of Lake Kussharo-Ko. Tonight’s accommodation is located on the lakeside of Kussharo-Ko. Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 88km Total ascent: 688m

• Day 3 : Lake Kussharo to Nakashibetsu

  Today we continue cycling along Lake Kussharo-Ko, passing the active volcano Iozan (or “Sulphur Mountain”), which erupted about 600 years ago but is still steaming and reeking of sulphur. After a gradual but long uphill ride we reach the lookout above Lake Mashu-Ko where the view is worth the effort. Lake Mashu-Ko, nestled in a deep caldera surrounded by high cliffs, is an amazing emerald blue colour due to its very high water clarity. It is believed the high cliffs prevent human activity on the lake which helps protect the water quality. Most of the time the lake is covered in a fine mist, but if we are lucky we may catch a glimpse of the emerald blue. The rest of today's cycling is flatter and through the Nakashibetsu farming area - one of Japan’s most productive dairy regions. Accommodation: Ryokan/Shared bathroom Cycling distance: 84km Total ascent: 852m

• Day 4 : Nakashibetsu to Rausu

  This morning we ride through farmlands, enjoying the changing scenery as we approach Shiretoko peninsula known as the unexplored region of Japan. We cycle along the east coast of the peninsula, heading to today's destination - the small fishing village called Rausu. Famous for it's sea kelp production, it's here that you can also enjoy fresh seafood and king crab. This afternoon you have the option to ride or drive a further 24km along the coast to a secluded onsen Aidomari. Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 65km-113km Total ascent: 298m-400m

• Day 5 : Rausu to Utoro

  From Rausu at sea level, we cycle up and over the Shireoko Crossroad to the other side of the Peninsula. It’s about 15km to the summit of the pass at 738m, with a spectacular view of Mt. Rausu - the highest peak in the Shiretoko Mountain Range. After a leisurely downhill and lunch at the Shiretoko Nature Centre, we have optional short walk to waterfall. Here there is the chance for an optional 9km side trip to Shiretoko Five Lakes. We then cycle to Utoro where we stay tonight (there is often incredible sunsets in Utoro). Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 46km Total ascent: 1200m

• Day 6 : Utoro to Abashiri

  We continue riding along the coast and into rich farmland. The long straight roads take us through potato farms which will be in full bloom in early July. We have a brief stop at Koshimizu Gensei-Kaen (Koshimizu Wild Flower Reserve), where 40 species of flower bloom in spring and summer. We finish our ride back in Abashiri and our accommodation by the lake. Here awaits an outdoor onsen with a spectacular view of Lake Abashiri. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 85km Total ascent: 357m

• Day 7 : Free Day in Abashiri

  Today is a rest day in Abashiri. Take the time to relax at our quiet accommodation with onsite onsen, or explore Abashiri at your leisure. There is a a visitor's centre, shops and museums all within easy cycling distance of our accommodation. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite Bathroon Cycling distance: 0km

• Day 8 : Abashiri to Saromako Lake

  From Abashiri, we cycle out to Notoro Cape with a panoramic view of Okhotsuk Sea. Following the road around the peninsula, we rejoin the cycle path, which takes us to Lake Notoro and then onto Lake Saroma. Saroma is Hokkaido's biggest lake, separated from the sea by a 25km long thin sandbar. At the end of the lakeside road we finish our ride at the hotel by the lake. In this region you cane expect to find divine scallops and oysters fresh from the Lake. Accommodation: Hotel/Shared bathroom Cycling distance: 84km Total ascent: 200m

• Day 9 : Saromako Lake to Hinodemisaki

  Today we begin our ride through local fishing villages, on of which is Monbestu, famous for it's massive drift ice in winter. Once we reach Oumu, we get back on our bikes, continuing on our journey north all along the coastline to Hinodemisaki. Tonight we are staying at a Hotel on cape called Hinodemisaki which is famous for it's beautiful sunrise views. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 90km Total ascent: 400m

• Day 10 : Hinodemisaki to Hamatonbetsu

  Today we stay close to the shore all day, taking in the gentle sea breeze from the Okhotsk Sea. We will cycle through small fishing towns, Oumu and Esashi, famous for the large production of hairy crabs, considered as a delicacy by many Japanese. As we travel further north, the road becomes very quiet with little traffic. There are a couple of nice swimming spots on the sandy beach before settling into our lodging at Hamatonbetsu tonight. Accommodation: Ryokan/Shared Bathroom Cycling distance: 95km Total ascent: 280m

• Day 11 : Hamatonbetsu to Wakkanai

  On leaving Hamatonbetsu, we cycle by Lake Kutcharo, home to thousands of swans making their winter migration from northern Siberia. Lake Kutcharo is a registered Ramsar Wetland, being the staging ground for migratory waterfowl. We continue travelling north along the coast to Wakkanai today, aiming for Japan’s northern most point, Cape Soya. On a clear day you can see the outline of Sakhalin Island of Russia only 43kms away. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 91km Total ascent: 210m

• Day 12 : Ferry to Rishiri Island

  This morning we take a 1.5 hour ferry to the Rishiri Island. The island is Japan’s cycling paradise with a circumference of 55km. The quiet coastal road is all fantastic riding, with the majestic Mt. Rishiri in sight all day along. What makes the island special for cycling is the purpose built cycling paths, which last for about 25km, and include a couple of spectacular viaducts. If you wish to keep riding you are welcome to go around twice! Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite bathroom Cycling distance: 63km Total ascent: 350m

• Day 13 : Ferry to Wakkanai, Trip Concludes

  After a hearty breakfast we farewell the island and board the ferry that takes us back to Wakkanai, where our trip concludes.The ferry arrives in Wakkanai at 10:10am and there are regular shuttles and trains departing for Sapporo, and daily flights to Sapporo and Tokyo.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 12 breakfasts, 10 dinners
• 12 nights hotel or traditional inn accommodation on a twin share basis, some nights have shared bathroom facilities
• Professional bilingual group leader & bike mechanic
• Private vehicle transport
• Road bike rental, hybrid bikes available on request
• All ferry transport as described in the itinerary
• Water bottle, water and snacks whilst cycling
• Sightseeing and entry fees listed in itinerary

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Exclusions

• International or domestic flights and taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All beverages, other than breakfast
• Compulsory bike helmet
• Optional activities (eg activities on free day in Abashiri)
• Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
• Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Visa (if required)
• Tips

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

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• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

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