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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Tour company:
email: guide@advsouth.co.nz
phone: 866-479-9827 (US)
0064-3-942-1222 (Canada)
address: PO Box 33153,
Christchurch, New Zealand, 8244
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Best of Hokkaido - Japan |
| Dates: |
September 4 - 13, 2013
4/8/13 update: 8 spaces sold - tour is confirmed |
| Group size: |
8 minimum, 20 maximum |
| Cost: |
from US $3,100 per person (price depending on number of riders). – Price may go up or down, depending on exchange rates. See pricing info |
| Trip highlights: |
A breathtaking cycling odyssey through dramatic landscapes of Japan's Northern Island of Hokkaido.
- This tour is fully supported and a ride in the support vehicle is always an option.
- The tour is suitable for all levels of riders, from recreational to strong cyclists.
- Starts from Abashiri Memanbetsu on the east coast of Hokkaido
- Finishes in Wakkanai, Japan's northern-most city
- Cycle-friendly rural roads and cycling paths
- Stunning views of caldera lakes
- Cycling in Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage area
- Explore Rishiri Island, undiscovered cycling paradise
- Staying at traditional Japanese inns with hot springs on site
- Experience Hokkaido's fresh seafood oriental cuisines
- Optional extension cycle tour in the ancient city of Kyoto
View detailed itinerary.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE BEST OF HOKKAIDO - JAPAN
To register, please download the Registration Form and return it either by
1- email to guide@advsouth.co.nz
2 - fax to 0064-3-942-4030
3 - mail to PO Box 33153,
Christchurch, New Zealand, 8244
You can also register online for this tour, but please contact Adventure South first for instructions.
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 Hokkaido at the northern edge of Japan offers fantastic opportunities for adventure seekers. Hokkaido may be best known for the excellent snow conditions, but there are secrets that are revealed only in summer. The heavy snowfall in winter is what makes Hokkaido roads so wide and smooth, providing perfect conditions for road cycling. The roads are maintained regularly (virtually every summer) and built with ample space to house the snow. The harsh winter also means less population, traffic and good food, everything you wish for in a cycle touring destination! The ocean surrounding Hokkaido is blessed with bountiful seafood, attracting many food lovers all over the country, and it gets more exotic and even higher quality as we journey further north. This 10 day itinerary explores the northernmost national parks of Japan as well as the undiscovered undiscovered cycling paradise, Rishiri Island. There are over six thousand islands belonging to the Japanese Archipelago, and islands are the destinations you can't miss when in Japan! This tour is suitable for stronger riders who like to ride longer distances and want to challenge themselves by cycling the whole route from lodging to lodging. However, as a fully supported tour recreational cyclists can also enjoy this tour by using the support vehicle, all distances are optional. In the event of tiredness, bad weather or illness, you have the option to exchange your bike for the support vehicle, which will carry all equipment and luggage. We highly recommend our 2 nights extension option in Kyoto, including a day cycling through a bamboo forest, rock garden, Zen temple and the Golden Pavilion (ask for more details).
This well-supported cycling program has been designed especially for Cascade Bicycle Club members. You must be a Cascade Bicycle Club member to participate in any Cascade Bicycle Club Affiliated Tour - join today!
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BEST OF HOKKAIDO-JAPAN
Detailed Itinerary
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DAY ONE
Meeting in Abashiri, Notoro Misaki loop ride
CYCLING:
45 km / 30 miles
Altitude gain: 250 m / 820 ft.
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We meet about 1 p.m. at our hotel in Abashiri near the train station. After a tour briefing and bike fitting, we head out to Notoro Misaki to get familiar with the bike and the road. Leaving the town we soon hit the Okhotsk Sea and ride along the coastline, passing by a few temples and fishing villages. A short gradual hill towards the cape is a good preparation for the next few days ride. At the Notoro Misaki lookout we view an ocean panorama, before enjoying a pleasant downhill towards Lake Notoro. Tonight we go out to our favourite restaurant and try out okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) prepared & cooked right in front of your eyes! Abashiri is the largest city in the east coast of Hokkaido and is famous for the winter attraction ryuhyo, the huge ice that has drifted down from Amur River. If you are arriving at Abashiri early, we recommend you visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, Museum of Northern Peoples or Abashiri Prison Museum.
Meals: D
Lodging:
Hotel/Ensuite
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DAY TWO
Abashiri to Teshikaga
CYCLING:
115 km / 70 miles
Altitude gain: 1,270 m / 4,170 ft.
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 Today we have two major passes to conquer – the Bihoro Pass and Lake Mashu lookout. From Abashiri we head south to the largest caldera lake in the region, Lake Kussharo-Ko via Bihoro Pass. The lake provides a popular stop for a foot spa on the hot sand, naturally heated by the volcanic activities underneath. On the way to the next lake Mashu-Ko, we will encounter an active volcano Iozan “Sulphur Mountain”, which erupted about 600 years ago, and is still steaming and reeking of sulphur! The ascent to the lookout is challenging, but the view from the top is worth the effort. Lake Mashu-Ko, nested in the deep caldera surrounded by the high cliffs, has an amazing blue colour due to the high level of water clarity. The rest of journey to Teshikaga is just delightful, a nicely graded downhill into the farming country of Teshikaga.
Meals: B, D
Lodging:
Guesthouse/Shared/Onsen
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DAY THREE
Teshikaga to Rausu
CYCLING:
105-155 km / 65-96 miles
Altitude gain: 740 m / 2,430 ft.
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 This morning sees us cycle flatter countryside with an option to explore the Kaiyodai lookout before reuniting the Okhotsk Sea. This area is one of Japan’s most productive dairy and seafood regions, and you will observe this throughout the day. Rausu, famous for the sea kelp production, is where you can enjoy very fresh seafood, including king crab and sea urchin. This afternoon, you have an option to ride a further 25km each way to a secluded onsen Aidomari. We will cycle on the quiet coastal road into the Shiretoko National Park, passing by many fishermen’s sheds, waterfalls and wild Shika deer on the way.
Meals: B, D
Lodging:
Hotel/Ensuite
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DAY FOUR
Rausu to Abashiri
CYCLING:
130 km / 80 miles
Altitude gain: 1,380 m / 4,530 ft.
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| From Rausu at the sea level we cycle up and over the Shireoko Crossroad to the other side of the Peninsula. It’s about 16km to the summit of the pass at 738m, with a spectacular view of Mt. Rausu. If you wish to explore more onsen in the national park, we recommend you take a side trip to Iwaobetsu Onsen. The rock pools set in the beautiful native forest are a popular sight for local hikers. Utoro provides a great stop for lunch and visiting the information centre, a great place to learn about the wildlife and the area’s ecological significance. Tonight we are back in Abashiri, staying at a lakeside inn this time, where awaits you with an outdoor onsen with superb lake views.
Meals: B,D
Lodging:
Traditional Inn/Ensuite/Onsen
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DAY FIVE
Free day in Abashiri
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 Today is a rest day in Abashiri. Relax at our quiet lakeside accommodation with a nice onsen on site, or explore Abashiri at your leisure. There are a visitor centre, shopping and museums within easy cycling distance of our accommodation.
Meals: B
Lodging:
Traditional Inn/Ensuite/Onsen
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DAY SIX
Abashiri to Hinode Misaki
CYCLING
150 km / 93 miles
Altitude gain: 670 m / 2,120 ft.
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 This morning we start cycling on the designated cycling path, which takes us to Lake Notoro and then onto Lake Saroma, Hokkaido's largest lake. The area is well known for the scallop farming so you have many chance to taste the local specialty today. After Saroma we bypass the town of Monbetsu and continue our journey north on the Okhotsk Line to Hinode Misaki. Our accommodation is located near the sea in Hinode Misaki, which translates "Sunrise Cape". Here you can observe the beautiful sunrise from the sea horizon in the following morning.
Meals: B,D
Lodging:
Hotel/Ensuite/Onsen
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DAY SEVEN
Hinode Misaki to Hamatonbetsu
CYCLING
95 km / 60 miles
Altitude gain: 280 m / 920 ft.
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 Today we stay close to the shore all day taking in the gentle sea breeze from the Okhotsk Sea. We will cycle through small fishing towns, Oumu and Esashi, famous for the large production of hairy crabs, considered as a delicacy by many Japanese. As we travel further north, the road becomes very quiet with little traffic. There are a couple of nice swimming spots on the sandy beach before settling into our lodging at Hamatonbetsu tonight.
Meals: B,D
Lodging:
Traditional Inn/Shared/Onsen
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DAY EIGHT
Hamatonbetsu to Wakkanai
CYCLING
95 km / 60 miles
Altitude gain: 210 m / 690 ft.
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 On leaving Hamatonbetsu, we cycle by Lake Kutcharo, home to thousands of swans making their winter migration from northern Siberia. Lake Kutcharo is a registered Ramsar Wetland, being the staging ground for migratory waterfowl. We continue travelling north along the coast to Wakkanai today, aiming for Japan’s northern most point, Cape Soya. On a clear day you can see the outline of Sakhalin Island of Russia only 43kms away.
Meals: B
Lodging:
Hotel/Ensuite/Onsen
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DAY NINE
Wakkanai – ferry – Rishiri Island
CYCLING
55 km / 35 miles
Altitude gain: 350 m / 1,150 ft.
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| This morning we take a 1.5 hour ferry to the Rishiri Island. The island is Japan’s cycling paradise with a circumference of 60km. The quiet coastal road is all fantastic riding, with the majestic Mt. Rishiri in sight all day along. What makes the island special for cycling is the purpose built cycling paths, which last for about 25km, and include a couple of spectacular viaducts. If you wish to keep riding you are welcome to go around twice!
Meals: B, D
Lodging:
Hotel/Ensuite/Onsen
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DAY TEN
Rishiri Island – ferry – Wakkanai finish
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| After a hearty breakfast we farewell the island and board the ferry that takes us back to Wakkanai. There are regular shuttles and trains departing from Wakkanai to Sapporo, and daily flights to Sapporo and Tokyo.
Meals: B
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing
- As of March 1, 2013 - Touris guaranteed to run!
- USD $3,100 per person based on 5-14 riders
- USD $2,945 based on 15 - 20 riders
- single supplement - USD $275
- A USD $400 deposit is required to reserve your space on this tour
Tour dates
Tour start: Sept. 4, 2013. 1:00 p.m. meet-up at Tokyo Inn Abashiri Ekimae, Address 1-3-3, Shinmachi, Abashiri.
To get to the hotel in Abashiri, please take a city bus from the Abashiri Memanbetsu Airport and get off at Abashiri Eki (Station). It takes about 20 mins and costs 880 yen per person. Taxis are also available at the airport.
Tour finish: Sept. 13, 2013, after breakfast. Dormy Inn Hotel, Address 2-7-13, Chuo, Wakkanai.
Travel to Hokkaido
The best international airport to fly into is Kensai – Osaka, from here you can connect with domestic flights to Abashiri, and from Wakkanai. You can also fly into Tokyo Narita airport but may have to transfer (40 mins by regular shuttle) to Tokyo Hameda, for your domestic flight. As both Abashiri and Wakkanai are small regional airports there are fewer flights than to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Flying in or out of Sapporo is another good option, there are fast & cheap train connections from Sapporo to both Abashiri & Wakkanai. Adventure South staff are very happy to advise you & help with your Japanese domestic travel arrangements.
Accommodation on the trip
A wide range of accommodation has been chosen for this trip to give you an opportunity to experience different types of accommodation that are available in Japan. Our accommodations are equipped with private facilities, except for the rare occasion where their location and charm outweigh the privacy factor. Full details of the lodges are provided with the trip notes.Accommodations in Japan generally supply towels and yukata in your room. yukata is like a casual kimono that Japanese people put on after spa and are also acceptable to wear at dinner. This night wear lessens the need to bring multiple outfits as we dine at our accommodation on most nights. We also try to reserve Japanese style rooms as much as possible, and this means that you will be sleeping in futon on tatami floors on some nights. Please note: although every endeavour is made to stay at the accommodation detailed in the itinerary, due to seasonal shortages occasionally, we need to use other accommodation of a similar standard.
Pre and post tour accommodation
For the first two nights in Abashiri, we use Toyoko Inn Abashiri Ekimae, which is located on the opposite side of the Abashiri Station. The last night in Wakkanai is dormy Inn Hotel within walking distance of the Wakkanai Station. If you would like us to book the above hotels, please contact Adventure South so we can arrange for you to be sleeping in the same room for your entire stay. If you wish to reserve hotels at different locations in Japan, we recommend the following travel websites.
http://www.jalan.net/en/japan_hotels_ryokan/
http://travel.rakuten.com
To get to the hotel in Abashiri, please take a city bus from the Abashiri Memanbetsu Airport and get off at Abashiri Eki (Station). It takes about 20 mins and costs 880 yen per person.
Trip Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts and 6 evening meals
- 9 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
- All water and snack food whilst cycling
- English speaking guide & mechanic
- All ferry transport as described in the itinerary
- Helmets are mandatory, we supply helmets by request only (please advise on booking)
- Bike tools and spare parts
- Bike hire is included in the cost of your tour and full details of our bike fleet can be found on the Adventure South website. All equipment and luggage will be carried by the support vehicle. your bike will come with a front pannier bag for your camera, wallet, jumper etc.
Trip Exclusions
- Airfare
- 10 lunches and 2 evening meal
- Drinks with included meals
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities (eg activities on free day in Abashiri)
- Gratuities, tipping is not expected but gratefully received. It is at your discretion
- whether or not to reward for excellent service
Weather notes
Japan has a remarkably diverse climate because of its wide range of latitudes and altitudes. Hokkaido has short dry summer and lengthy winter with heavy snowfall, whereas the southern islands, such as Okinawa, enjoy a subtropical climate. Most areas of Japan except Hokkaido experience a 3-4 weeks rainy season in June, and it becomes hot and humid from July onwards. The average temperature in summer months in Hokkaido is about 15-25°C, depending on where in Hokkaido you are. It gets as hot as 30°C during the day, it can also go just below 15°C on a cool night. The average annual rainfall in Hokkaido is approximately 1,100mm, which keeps the mountains filled with lush, green vegetation throughout the summer. If you are extending your trip to Kyoto please bear in mind that the summer weather is hot and humid, much more so than Hokkaido, and hydration becomes more essential when cycling. Occasionally weather conditions on the land may prevent us from completing a scheduled activity. The decision to alter the itinerary is made in the best interest of the group and it’s safety, and alternative plans are made.
Adventure South Contact Information
Email: guide@advsouth.co.nz
Phone: 866-479-9827 (US)
0064-3-942-1222 (Canada)
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REGISTER FOR BEST OF HOKKAIDO - JAPAN:
To register, please download the Registration Form and return it either by
1- email to guide@advsouth.co.nz
2 - fax to 0064-3-942-4030
3 - mail to PO Box 33153,
Christchurch, New Zealand, 8244
You can also register online for this tour, but please contact Adventure South first for instructions.
Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle this tour? Join Cascade Ride Leaders in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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