Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan
4 Day Cycling Tour
Multi-day Guided Cycling Tour in Western Hokkaidofrom
Hokkaido cycle touring at its best. An adventurous snapshot of Hokkaido’s wild landscapes, gastronomy and unique culture in 4 days traversing the Niseko mountains.
-
Tour Duration
4 Days -
Minimum Travellers
3 People -
Accommodation
3 Nights -
Tour Starts
Lake Toya, Hokkaido -
Included Meals
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners -
Tour Finishes
Otaru, Hokkaido
Tour Highlights
- Cycle touring around Lake Toya & Mount Yotei in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
- Relax & rejuvinate each evening in natural hot spring Onsens.
- Taste the pure spring water of the Niseko mountains.
- Visit the award-winning Nikka Whisky Distillery in Yoichi Town.
About Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan
This cycling and cultural discovery tour explores the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the closest National Park to Hokkaido’s capital city Sapporo. This easily accessible area offers plenty of opportunities for scenic cycling along with some challenging climbs. We visit Hokkaido’s must-see destinations of Lake Toya, Mount Usu and Niseko. Starting from the Pacific Ocean side of Hokkaido, we traverse the mountainous area of Niseko all the way to the Sea of Japan.
Who is this tour for?
- Active cyclists whose perfect day out is riding on mountainous terrain for up to 70km / 43miles a day.
- Avid cyclists who enjoy cycling on back roads off the beaten path.
- Adventurous travellers who enjoy rural hospitality, staying in Japanese style accommodations with natural hot springs on site.
Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan Cycling Tour
Itinerary at a Glance
*B: Breakfast D: Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Group meets in Lake Toya, Cycle around Lake Toya – 53km/33miles
Day 2 (B, D)
Cycle to Niseko Konbu Onsen via Mount Yotei – 87km/54miles
Day 3 (B, D)
Cycle to Yoichi, Train to Otaru – 55-78km/34-48miles
Day 4 (B)
Farewells
This tour is operated in conjunction with Cycling Japan.
Tour Inclusions
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.- 3 nights accommodation on twin share basis
- 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners
- Rental bike (hybrid with flat handlebar or road bike 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(s)
Not included
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.- Airfare
- Lunches
- Personal expenses
- Drinks with included meals
Please note that the route on the map doesn’t indicate the actual cycling routes.
Travel to the Meeting Point
On the first day of the tour, we will meet at 9:30am at Lake Toya JR Station or 10:00am at your hotel in the Lake Toya onsen village. There is a direct train departing from Sapporo JR Station at 7:30 am and arriving at Lake Toya JR Station at 9:22 am.
The closest airport to Sapporo City is New Chitose Airport (CTS), from which the Rapid Airport Express departs every 15-20 mins for Sapporo (takes just under 40 mins, costs JPY 1,150 per person). It is recommended that you arrive in Sapporo the day before the tour starts, in this case, we are more than happy to assist you with booking your pre-tour accommodation.
On booking, please let us know your travel plans to Lake Toya, and we will confirm in detail where and what time we will meet you on the first day.
You can check the train timetable in English on Japan Transit Planner website.
Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan Cycling Tour Accommodation
DAY 1 | Hotel in Lake Toya | Ensuite | Onsen spa |
---|---|---|---|
DAY 2 | Ryokan in Niseko Konbu Onsen | Ensuite | Onsen spa |
DAY 3 | Hotel in Otaru | Ensuite | Onsen spa |
What to Bring on your Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan Cycling Tour
Essentials
- Adequate high visibility cycling clothing
- Padded cycling shorts (your bum will thank you)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Fleece jacket or similar in case of cold weather
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication
- Enough face masks for the number of travel days (available to purchase locally)
- Eco-friendly shopping bag and any other item to reduce single-use plastic waste
- Travel insurance
- Passport
- 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 ATMs at post offices and 7-eleven convenience stores.
Recommended
- Cycling shoes
- Cycling gloves. We can provide these if needed.
- Your own helmet, seat and pedals; we supply these but nothing is more comfortable than your own gear!
- Water bottle or hydration system. We provide a cycling water bottle, but you may prefer your own set up.
- Cellphone power bank
- Travel SIM
- Familiar snacks to eat during cycling
- Camera
We supply
- Rental bike, a road bike or a hybrid bike of your choice
- A helmet if needed. It is compulsory to wear one on our tour.
- Front bag for hybrid bike (8L volume), or
- Seat post bag for road bike (6L volume)
- 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
- E-bike is available for an additional charge of ¥10,000
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 international visitors.
Rental bike & equipment on your Lake Toya to the Sea of Japan cycling tour
-
Cycling by Lake Toya in autumn
-
Lake Toya surrounded by lush green in early summer
-
Cycling by tranquil Lake Toya
-
Lakeside lunch on the way around Lake Toya
-
Riding through farmland around Niseko
-
Rural cycling around Lake Toya
-
Riding alongside recently planted rice fields
-
Resting the legs in an Onsen (hot-spring) overlooking Lake Toya
-
Riding past wheat fields at the foot of Mount Yotei
-
Cycling above Lake Toya on a sunny Hokkaido summer day
-
Mt. Yotei, Fuji of the north, is an ever present feature on the ride
-
The views from around Mount Niseko Annupuri make the climbing worth it
-
Road through Niseko Mountains
-
Enjoying the views of Mount Yotei during a fast downhill section
-
Arriving at a pitstop for ice cream, after a long climb from Niseko
-
Mount Yotei and the surrounding farmland are the backdrop for day 2 of the tour
-
Enjoying the lake views as we ride around Lake Toya
-
Nikka Whisky Distillery, Yoichi