Hokkaido Japan-Guided Cycling Trips
This is the last frontier of Japan, an island
of smoking volcanoes, pristine caldera lakes
and jagged coastlines. It is the cycling mecca
for the Japanese.
The cycling is sublime, combining quiet roads set in majestic
scenery. Numerous volcanoes provide soothing geothermal
hot springs that are reputed to have healing powers. It's the
best way to soothe tired bodies after a big day of riding.
About Hokkaido
Short facts
Hokkaido has six national parks, five quasi national parks and 12 prefectural parks.
Hokkaido is covered in snow between November to March and the northern and eastern coastlines are covered in pack ice.
The island makes up twenty percent of Japan's land area, and only 5 percent of the population.
Hokkaido was settled by mainland Japanese in the late 19th Century and was populated by the indigenous Ainu people before that.
Famous For
Seafood. In particular, sea urchin, salmon and king crab. Salmon roe is a speciality.
Whiskey. Hokkaido is the home to Nikka, one of Japan's first whiskey distilleries.
Wildlife. In particular the 'Higuma,' or brown bear.
Temperature
During the hottest month of August, there is an average high of 26 degrees and low of 18 degrees.
terrain
Undulating and sometimes hilly. The hills tend to be short and not so steep.
Hokkaido is as much a foodie destination as much as
a cycling one.The abundance of fresh, high quality
ingredients translates to an abundance of delicious
local cuisine.
Perhaps no other place in Japan satisfies cyclists
like a trip to Hokkaido.
Intermediate
Riding days of approximately 50–70 km on rolling terrain. Elevation gains of up to 700 meters daily.
advanced
Riding days of approximately 70-100 km daily in rolling and or mountainous terrain with bigger climbs. Elevation gains of 1,000 meters and above daily.
avid
Long riding days over 100
km daily and long climbs with steep sections. Elevation gains of 1,000 meters and above daily