Off-Beat Eastern Hokkaido Bike Tour

We meet at the Memanbetsu Airport (Abashiri), to start our cycling tour in Hokkaido. Abashiri is situated on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Sea of Okhotsk, Lake Abashiri, and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

We start our day with a visit to The Museum of Northern Peoples. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the cultures, traditions, and history of the indigenous peoples of the northern regions, with a particular focus on the Ainu people, giving us a perfect introduction to Eastern Hokkaido.

Post-museum visit, we do a bike fit, followed by a short, leisurely ride along the picturesque shores of Lake Abashiri and Lake Notoro. These serene lakes offer stunning vistas and a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquil surroundings of Eastern Hokkaido.

While in Abashiri, we stay at a lakeside hotel that has natural hot springs, called onsen in Japanese, on its grounds. Once we’ve relaxed after soaking in the rejuvenating waters of the onsen, we have dinner together to say Kanpai! to the start of a wonderful adventure. In case you didn’t know, Kanpai is Japanese for Cheers.

We bike along the Okhotsk coastline, getting some excellent views of the sea from vantage points and through rolling hills and on a road popularly know as Road to Heaven. Sugar beet, potato, wheat, corn, and barley fields dot the landscape in the area.

We have a stopover for lunch before moving onwards to Shiretoko. Here we have the opportunity to explore the remarkable Shiretoko Peninsula, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its untouched wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and extraordinary biodiversity.

In the early morning, we go on a scenic Shiretoko Five Lakes hike. Be on the look out for Brown Bear as we may have the chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Later, our cycling day begins with an invigorating challenge: a demanding ascent to a Shiretoko pass with a substantial 700-meter elevation gain. The climb may be strenuous, but the effort is well worth it. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

As we conquer the pass, the real thrill begins. A thrilling downhill descent awaits, leading us to Rausu, our stop for the night facing Kunashiri Island.

The waters near Rausu are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for whale-watching and dolphin-watching tours. Rausu is famous for its kelp forests, which are ecologically vital and serve as a habitat for various marine species. The local kelp, known as "Rausu kombu," is highly regarded for its culinary uses and is often used in Japanese cuisine.

We head south from Rausu along the Sea of Okhotsk which separates Japan from Russia. Okhotsk is recognized as having some of the richest biological resources in the world and is renowned for its abundant biological resources, making it a hotspot for salmon fishing enthusiasts.

We bike along the coast, passing by quaint fishermen’s villages. After 25km ride, the route turns inland area and runs through farmlands area until we reach Yoroushi Onsen.

Nestled in the scenic landscape, Yoroushi Onsen awaits, offering a serene retreat with its rejuvenating hot springs, providing a perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the tranquility after a day of exhilarating cycling.

Today spend the day at leisure. Yoroushi onsen has picture-perfect setting and is situated right at the edge of river and forest. Here take time to observe wild birds and animals.

This is a good place for spotting the famous Blakiston’s Fish Owl, the largest owl species in the world, so keep your eyes and ears open to any calls of To Whit and To Who!

We move into the very heart of Hokkaido on this day as we start a gentle ascent toward the spectacular Lake Mashu. Mashu is often called the clearest lake in the world, and after a hard climb of 550m over 15 km, we get to find out why.

Sitting deep inside steep crater walls that rise over 200 m on all sides, Mashu is an endorheic lake, which means no water flows into it and none flows out. The transparency of its water was measured at an impressive 41.6 meters in 1931, whereas its nearest competitor, Lake Baikal in Central Asia was transparent only to a depth of 40.5 meters, giving Mashu the popular label of the clearest lake in the world. On most days, however, the lake is covered in mist and fog.

From the lake, we continue to ride onward through quiet roads surrounded by tall forests of fir and pine. Along the way, we make a detour to explore a sulfur mine along the route. This adds a unique and educational element to the adventure, allowing us to delve into the historical and geological significance of the area.

We stay for the night at a Ryokan in Kawayu Onsen, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs.

Journeying through the challenging terrain of Akan Mashu National Park, the route presents formidable ascents, winding roads, and breathtaking vistas. Commencing at the rejuvenating Kawayu Onsen (130m), the trail follows the scenic shoreline of Lake Kussharo. En route, we stop for lunch at a local soba restaurant. Post-lunch, brace for a uphill ride with a 700-meter elevation gain.

The day’s highlight is Lake Kussharo. A caldero lake formed in a volcanic crater, it is nestled among low, rolling hills and green meadows. Because volcanic gasses are constantly being released into the lake, its water is acidic and supports little vegetation except for a rare species of cicada. Along its banks are located numerous hot springs situated among naturally-heated sands. The Kussharo, which completely freezes over in the winter, is often called the Loch Ness of Japan because of frequent reports of sightings of a lake monster.

The day concludes with a stay at Akanko Onsen, a well-known hot spring resort.

On the final day, we visit an exclusive location within the forests surrounding Lake Akan, accessible only to authorized Ainu guides. The Ainu, Japan's indigenous people, have cultivated a distinctive culture deeply intertwined with nature. Here, we gain insights into their unique worldview, a perspective that may evoke a profound appreciation for the natural world. Immerse yourself in an authentic Ainu experience, including the opportunity to play the traditional Ainu instrument called 'mukkuri.' This secluded spot also ranks among the finest locations to witness the vibrant hues of autumn. Subsequently, we transport you to Memanbetsu Airport, approximately a one-hour journey.