View Daisetsuzan Photo Gallery

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Scheduled Tour: July 23 - 29 2012 (Local festival in Furano will be held during the tour.)

(Minimum number of guests required for guaranteed departure: 4 )

Private Tour : Run privately on request from May to October (Minimum 4 people)

Level 1 version of this tour is available for private tours.

Price: Please inquire with dates and group size.

*Accommodation surcharge may apply to high seasons and holidays in Japan.

Level: Level 1.5

Rental Bike Details

Recommended Accommodation

Self Guided Option (Minimum 2 people)

‘The Playground of the Gods’ Daisetsuzan

Daisetsuzan, also referred to as “The Playground of the Gods,” is a vast territory of smoking volcanic ranges, hot springs, clear lakes and untouched forests. This tour offers a unique opportunity to ride and hike in Japan’s largest and oldest national park. Climb to the roof of Hokkaido and be mesmerized by volcanic plumes of smoke rising to the sky or marvel at the mountain flowers that can only be found in this region. You will cycle through Hokkaido’s Central region, famous for its lavender, quilted flower fields and vineyards. Join us on an incredible journey to one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the largest national park in Japan
• Climb a live volcano
• Rejuvenate in outdoor hot springs
• Ride quiet forest, rural and mountain roads
• Enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine

JOINING IN Asahikawa Airport, Hokkaido

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Arrival Day)
Transfer to a Ryokan hotel in nearby Asahikawa. Visit a sake factory before dinner.

Day 2 (48 km/ 30 miles)
Ride to the Asahidake hot springs village, deep in the Daisetsuzan National Park. Hokkaido's indigenous people called these mountains 'Kamui Mintara,' or the 'Playground of the Gods.' Relax in the hotel's thermal spring waters after the big ascent, or take a walk around the base of the steaming volcano. Some of the alpine flowers only grow in this mountain range.

Day 3 (66 km/41 miles)
Today’s ride is along secluded roads past rice paddies and rolling hills to another hot spring village at the southern end of the park. Along the way we visit the photo gallery of the renowned photographer Shinzo Maeda. You will ride past a turqoius blue river and waterfalls coloured by volcanic sulfur. The hot spring hotel is located at a magnificent view point to the surrounding mountains.

TESTIMONIALS

"Bike Tours Japan exceeded our expectations. An ideal combination of awesome cycling, scenery, and food!  The routes were wonderful and we had terrific support from the company; We highly recommend cycling in Hokkaido”.
Brian and Lisa (San Francisco),  ‘The Playground of the Gods’ Self-guided tour guests