Around Daisetsuzan 7 Day Cycling Tour

Multi-day Guided Cycling Tour from Shirogane Onsen

from

¥280,000

Discover the majestic mountains, lush forests, stunning lakes and thermal springs of Daisetsuzan National Park on two wheels on this multi day Hokkaido guided cycling tour.

Tour Duration
7 Days
Minimum Travellers
4 People
Accommodation
6 Nights
Tour Starts
Shirogane Onsen
Included Meals
6 Breakfasts & 6 Dinners
Tour Finishes
Asahikawa

Tour Highlights

Cycle through the best of Hokkaido’s high country roads
Travel on the backroads through the rolling hills of Biei and Furano
Relax in Hokkaido’s prominent hot spring resorts including Shirogane Onsen & Sounkyo Gorge
Cycle over the scenic Mikuni Pass, Japan’s highest National Road

About Daisetsuzan National Park

This guided cycling tour takes place in and around Daisetsuzan, Japan’s largest national park. Popular with hikers and cyclists from all over the country, Daisetsuzan makes for the perfect destination to explore Hokkaido’s wild and rugged beauty. Starting from Shirogane Onsen at the base of the active volcano Mt. Tokachi, this guided cycling tour covers approximately 354km over 7 days on roads that are less travelled. Experience real Hokkaido powered by your two feet.

Who is this tour for?

Fit cyclists who love riding on mountainous terrain
Experienced riders who enjoy cycle touring average distances of 70km/40+ miles per day
Curious travellers who love staying in local accommodation with natural hot springs on site

Around Daisetsuzan Cycling Tour Itinerary at a Glance

*B: Breakfast D: Dinner
Day 1 Meet in Shirogane Onsen, Biei (D)
Day 2 Cycle to Furano – 77km/48miles (B,D)
Day 3 Cycle to Sahoro – 75km/47miles (B,D)
Day 4 Cycle to Lake Nukabira – 72km/45miles (B,D)
Day 5 Cycle to Sounkyo – 53km/33miles (B,D)
Day 6 Cycle to Asahikawa – 67km/42miles (B,D)
Day 7 Finish after breakfast in Asahikawa (B)

This tour is operated in conjunction with Cycling Japan.

Tour Inclusions
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

6 nights accommodation on twin share basis
6 breakfasts & 6 dinners
Rental bike (hybrid with flat handlebar or road with drop bar handle)
Other bike accessories (See the equipment section on “Trip Details” page)
All transport as described in the itinerary
Snacks and refreshments
English speaking local guide(s)
Spare parts and mechanic services
Support vehicle

Not included
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Airfare
Lunches
Personal expenses
Drinks with included meals

Meet your guide

Dai

Richard

Ayu

Day 1 Meet your group in Shirogane Onsen

We meet at 6:00pm at a hotel in Shirogane Onsen, and have a briefing on tour and bike fitting before dinner to prepare ourselves for the following 6-day adventure! The first night’s accommodation will be in Shirogane Onsen, located on the foothill of an active volcano Mt. Tokachi. If you plan on arriving at Shirogane Onsen earlier in the afternoon, we recommend exploring Shirahige Waterfall and Biei River (also known as Blue River), which are both conveniently located in the village. We also recommend walking down the 2km forested trail to Fudo Waterfall (Fudonotaki).

No Cycling
Day 2 Cycle from Shirogane Onsen to Furano

Today’s ride starts with a pleasant downhill ride along a beautiful road lined with Hokkaido silver birch trees and head towards Biei town. Biei is well-known for its picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and vast crop fields, often regarded as the granary of Hokkaido. We will visit a few of these iconic destinations along the way, such as Shikisai no Oka Flower Park, as well as the famous Christmas Tree, standing alone on the top of hill. After lunch we will also visit one of the lavender farms before we continue riding to our accommodation in Furano City.

Cycling Distance – 77 km / 48 miles
Elevation – 600m / 1970ft
Day 3 Cycle from Furano to Sahoro

Setting out from Furano, we will journey through a flat farming area and then gradually start climbing into the mountains on the river side of Sorachi River. The road eventually joins with Lake Kanayama, where we can enjoy cycling along the lakeshore. One of our favourite resting areas is located by this lake where you can hear the sound of songbirds. At the eastern end of the lake, we will stop at “Roadside Station” for lunch. The station is a rest area with parking, restaurants, and shops. We encourage you to get plenty of food and recharge yourself for the afternoon climb. We will climb to our first mountain pass of the trip “Karikachi Pass”, which is known for its magnificent views of the vast Tokachi Plains.

Cycling Distance – 75 km / 47 miles
Elevation – 700m / 2,300ft
Day 4 Cycle from Sahoro to Lake Nukabira

This morning we will cycle through the hills on the edge of Tokachi Plain, and have a short morning tea break at Roadside Station. Our journey will continue through the Tokachi farmlands which will lead us on to Shirakaba Pass. After conquering the pass, there awaits Lake Shikaribetsu at 810m / 2,657ft altitude, and soon after Lake Nukabira at 525m / 1,722ft. The both lakes form part of Daisetsuzan National Park. This evening we will be staying at a historical hotel that has been renovated into a modern Japanese-style inn and is run by a friendly, local family. Make sure to hit the outdoor onsen and enjoy a relaxing soak under the star-filled skies!

Cycling Distance – 72 km / 45 miles
Elevation – 1,200m / 3,940ft
Day 5 Cycle to Sounkyo Gorge

Today is a big day! Today we will challenge Mikuni Toge Pass, the highest National Road in Hokkaido with an elevation of 1,139m / 3,736ft. We will ride from Lake Nukabira to the Pass, one of the most scenic parts of the tour. We will then stop for a morning tea break at the lookout to admire the fantastic view of the Kumaneshiri mountain range and the dense woodland at its foothill.

Following this, we will then cycle down to Lake Taisetsu and start another climb to Sekihoku Pass. We will have a picnic lunch at the summit, then a rewarding 10km ride downhill all the way to the finishing point of the day in Sounkyo.

For the last 10km, we will travel in our van as there are a series of dark and narrow tunnels on the route. Our accommodation will be in Sounkyo Onsen, a hot spring resort village known for its scenic surroundings. We highly recommend wandering over to Sounkyo Gorge and marvel at the cliffs formed by columnar joint rocks and waterfalls. Enjoy a night in the village and re-energise yourself with a soak in the healing waters of the hot springs.

Cycling Distance – 53km / 33miles
Elevation – 800m / 2.625ft
Day 6 Cycle to Asahikawa

This morning we will say goodbye to Daisetsuzan National Park and cycle towards Asahikawa City. Alongside the Ishikari River, Hokkaido’s longest river with 268km in length, there is Cycling Road, which is a purpose-built path for walkers and cyclists. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the flat Cycling Road and we will finish at one of the local sake (rice wine) breweries. The region is well-known for its rice production and high-quality spring water, making the area the perfect location to produce award winning sake. We will learn the process of the brewing process of sake, and have a sake tasting.

Cycling Distance – 67 km / 42 miles
Elevation – 300m / 984ft
Day 7 Finish in Asahikawa

The tour will wrap up after breakfast. Our hotel is conveniently located near Asahikawa JR Station, where you can take a train to Sapporo, as well as the airport shuttle to Asahikawa Airport.

No Cycling

Please note that the stroke on the map doesn’t indicate the actual cycling routes.

Tour Meeting Point

Our guide will meet you at 6:00pm at the hotel in Shirogane Onsen. Closest airport is Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). You can take a free shuttle bus from Asahikawa Airport to Shirogane Onsen. This bus departs at 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pm and takes about 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Asahikawa JR Station to Shirogane Onsen, which takes 77 min. The bus departs 4 times a day, from 8:35am to 4:35pm. The cost is JPY 1,220 per person.

You can search train timetable in English on Japan Transit Planner website.

Around Daisetsuzan Cycling Tour Accommodation


DAY 1	Hotel	Ensuite	Onsen spa
DAY 2	Hotel	Ensuite	Onsen spa
DAY 3	Hotel	Ensuite	Onsen spa
DAY 4	Ryokan	In-room toilet Shower in onsen	Onsen spa
DAY 5	Ryokan	Ensuite	Onsen spa
DAY 6	Hotel	Ensuite	Onsen spa

What to Bring on your Daisetsuzan Cycling Tour

Essentials

Adequate cycling clothing with high visibility
Waterproof jacket
Fleece jacket or similar in case of cold weather
Cycling gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Water bottle or hydration system
Personal medications
Travel insurance
Cash in Japanese yen. Small restaurants and shops in rural parts of Japan do not accept credit cards. Lunch in general costs 1,000-1,500 yen and dinner 2,000-3,000 yen. You can withdraw cash from an ATM at a post office and seven eleven convenience stores.

We supply

Rental bike, a road bike or a hybrid bike of your choice
Front bag for hybrid bike (8L volume), or
Seat post bag for road bike (6L volume)
Helmet and gloves on request
Spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool, pump, and flat patches are placed in the bag
All the bikes are equipped with front and rear lights, and cycle computers
Support vehicle
Water and snacks
First aid kit

Please note that you will be asked to show your passport when checking in accomodation in Japan. It is a requirement for accommodation providers to take a photocopy of the passport of non-Japanese guests.

What to bring for your Hokkaido Cycling Tour