"NEW ZEALAND. Cycling and Hiking Adventures"

 

Daily Tour Notes

We meet about 6pm at our hotel in Abashiri near the station. After a tour briefing & introduction we stroll the city of Abashiri and have a welcome dinner in town.  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.  Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, and Abashiri Prison Museum are the popular sights in Abashiri, all accessible by bus.

 

 

From Abashiri we head south to a beautiful caldera, Lake Kussharo-Ko via Bihoro Pass, which looks over the lake and surrounding mountains. At the top of the pass we have lunch at the rest house and then enjoy riding the downhills to the shore of Lake Kussharo-Ko. It is the second largest lake in Hokkaido, one of the three lakes in the Akan National Park. The area is known for its abundant hot springs due to the volcanic activities. We have a brief stop at sunayu, a popular foot spa site on the shores of Lake Kussharo-Ko. Tonight’s accommodation is located on the lakeside of Kussharo-Ko.

 

Day 4 Lake Kussharo-ko to Nakashibetsu
Today we continue cycling along Lake Kussharo-Ko, which takes us to an active volcano Iozan “Sulphur Mountain”. It erupted about 600 years ago, but is still steaming and reeking of sulphur! After a gradual but long uphill, we reach the lookout of Lake Mashu-Ko, known to have the highest level of clarity in the world. The high cliffs surrounding Mashu-Ko prevents people from going down to the lakeshore, which is believed to help protect the water quality up to present. Most of the time the lake is covered with mist, but if we are lucky we will be able to view the emerald-coloured lake surface. The rest of cycling section is easy, downhill and flat into the farming area of Nakashibetsu.
Accommodation: Minshuku/Share Bathroom/Onsen (B, D)
Cycling distance – 75km/46mile, Altitude gain - 700m/2300ft

Day 5 Nakashibetsu to Rausu
This morning we ride through farmlands, enjoying the changing scenery as we approach Shiretoko Peninsula, known as the last unexplored region of Japan. We cycle along the east coast of the Peninsula, heading to our today’s destination, a small fishery village called Rausu. Famous for its sea kelp production, it’s here that you can also enjoy fresh seafood and king crab. This afternoon, you have an option to ride or drive further 20km on coast to a secluded onsen Aidomari, offering a perfect seaside setting.
Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite (B, D)
Cycling distance – 65-105km / 40-65mile, Altitude gain - 200m/660ft

Day 6 Rausu to Utoro
From Rausu, we cycle the Shiretoko Crossroad to the other side of the Peninsula. It is approx. 16km to the top, gradual & long but a scenic ride with a spectacular view of Mt Rausu, the highest peak in the Shiretoko Mountains Range. After a leisurely downhill and lunch at the Shiretoko Nature Centre we make a side trip to Iwaobetsu Onsen, natural rock pools surrounded by trees. By the mid afternoon we head off to our accommodation in Utoro, the gateway to explore the Shiretoko National Park.
Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite/Onsen (B, D)
Cycling distance – 65km/40mile Altitude gain - 1000m/3280ft

Day 7 Utoro to Abashiri
We continue riding along the coast and enter into farmlands again. The long straight roads travel through potato farms, which will be in full bloom in early July. We have a brief stop at Koshimizu Gensei-Kaen (Koshimizu Wild Flower Reserve), where about 40 kinds of flowers bloom in spring and summer. We finish our ride back in Abashiri, at a different accommodation near the Lake Abashiri this time, where awaits you with celebratory final dinner and outdoor onsen with a spectacular view of Lake Abashiri.
Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite/Onsen (B, D)
Cycling distance – 90km/56mile Altitude gain - 200m/660ft

Day 8 Finish in Abashiri
The Secrets of Hokkaido Cycle tour finishes after breakfast today, with a transport to airport/station in the morning. If you are continuing to cycle with us on the Northern Islands of Hokkaido tour, today is your rest day in Abashiri. (B)
Cycling distance - 0km 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Included in trip cost • All breakfasts and 6 evening meals • All water and snack food whilst cycling • Japanese guide & mechanic • Support vehicles • Accommodation as detailed on a twin share basis • Rental bikes • Helmets by request only • Bike tools and spare parts

Not included • 1 evening meal, 8 lunches • Kyoto extension tour • Personal expenses • Drinks with included meals • Gratitude