FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE TUE 20 OCT | ARRIVAL
Arriving in Sapporo, you will be greeted at the airport before being transferred to the infamous bullet train for the group transfer up to the small, oceanside port town of Tomamae. Your first real taste of Japanese culture will see us accommodated in the ever popular 'biker style' hotels designed specifically for travelling motorcyclists. And cyclists! Prepare to be amazed.
DAY TWO WED 21 OCT | TOMAMAE
Our first ride as we head south along the coast before turning inland, into the Japanese farm lands. Rolling lush terrain up to the Lake.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT
DAY TWO WED 21 OCT | ASAHIKAWA
Rolling terrain surrounded by lush forest on our way to Asahikawa, where you will be treated to a traditional Onsen (volcanically heated bath) high amongst the mountains.
DISTANCE | 65KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY THREE THU 22 OCT | FURANO SKI VILLAGE
A shorter day on the pedals, our route today includes a number of short climbs through the mountain valleys en route to the Furano Ski Village. The views are spectacular! As are the small local delicacies by the roadside along the way. You will have the afternoon to explore the Furano Ski Village, a winter wonderland in the cooler months.
DISTANCE | 55KM | 35M
ELEVATION | 370M | 1220FT
DAY FOUR FRI 23 OCT | SAPPORO
No trip to Japan would be complete without experiencing the contrast of country and city life.
A longer day in the saddle but much of it is downhill. From the tranquility of the farmland and countryside of Northern Hokkaido, we ride into the fascinating urban metropolis that is Sapporo. Famous for its various local draught beers and ice sculptures during the winter months, the ride into Sapporo from Furano will give riders their first glimpse of downtown city living, Japanese style. For those that wish to enjoy the local beers and shop until they drop, a rest day awaits.
DISTANCE | 110KM | 70M
ELEVATION | 1115M | 3650FT
DAY FIVE SAT 24 OCT | REST DAY
Whether you'd like a sleep in after the previous night or are fresh and ready to discover Sapporo, there is something for everyone. There will be an optional group activity in the morning, with free time in the afternoon for you explore to your heart's content. Sapporo is sure to impress.
DAY SIX SUN 25 OCT | LAKE TOYA
Legs well rested and ready to explore on two wheels again, today is one that won't be easily forgotten. Climbing through the thick Japanese forest along the river beds to Lake Toya and Nakajima Island, you will be spoilt with some of the most picturesque views imaginable. Nibbling hot apple pie along the banks of Lake Toya, it will be hard not to believe that you are riding along the less travelled shores of Lake Como.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59M
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
DAY SEVEN MON 26 OCT | LAKE SHIKOTSU
En route back to Sapporo, you will delight in the eastern shores of both Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, Lake Shikotsu offers brilliant views and you will be able to enjoy the afternoon on the lake after a shorter day on the bike.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 46M
ELEVATION | 915M | 3000FT
DAY EIGHT TUE 27 OCT | SAPPORO
Heading north, the final climb of the trip is up the shoulder of Mount Eniwa, also an extinct volcano, before descending for our last night in Sapporo. A fantastic celebration dinner to end our amazing week cycling in Japan.
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31M
ELEVATION | 620M | 2040FT
DAY NINE WED 28 OCT | GOODBYE
Early morning transfer to Sapporo airport.
Time to say farewell, until next time!