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Open roads on the Secrets of Hokkaido by Bike - Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike, Japan
Open roads on the Secrets of Hokkaido by Bike
New friends made cycling in Hokkaido - Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike, Japan
New friends made cycling in Hokkaido
Riding the quiet roads, Hokkaido - Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike, Japan
Riding the quiet roads, Hokkaido
Traditional Japanese soba noodles as enjoyed for lunch - Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike, Japan
Traditional Japanese soba noodles as enjoyed for lunch
An ezo red fox trots across in front of riders, Hokkaido, Japan - Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike, Japan
An ezo red fox trots across in front of riders, Hokkaido, Japan

Secrets of Hokkaido By Bike

A guided cycle journey into the quiet heart of northern Japan - untouched, uncrowded, and unforgettable.

Japan
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 12 reviews

8 Days from

$4290 USD

Trip Code: JBB
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Ride an E-bike - every cycle day (limited availability)
$310 USD
Prefer not to share? Your own hotel room - every night (very limited availability)
$340 USD
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 6 day cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
  • 2 nights traditional inn (ryokan)
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

64kg of CO2-e PP per day

(445kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Cycle through eastern Hokkaido’s wild landscapes, from volcanic valleys and crater lakes to remote coastlines
  • Cross the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, riding from coast to coast through one of Japan’s last true wilderness areas
  • Relax in scenic outdoor hot springs, including a hidden seaside onsen and lakeside ryokan stays
  • Travel with an experienced bilingual guide who manages logistics, navigation and cultural connection throughout the journey
  • Enjoy fresh regional cuisine each night, showcasing Hokkaido’s seafood, dairy and seasonal produce

Overview

Ride deep into Japan’s wild north on this guided cycling journey through eastern Hokkaido, a region of volcanoes, crater lakes, quiet coastlines and remote fishing villages. From Abashiri, cycle through farmlands and forested mountain passes to Lake Kussharo-Ko and misty Lake Mashu, before crossing the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula from coast to coast.

Quiet roads, sweeping sea views and ever-changing landscapes define the ride, while a support vehicle and expert local staff ensure a smooth, well-supported experience. Evenings are spent soaking in natural hot springs and enjoying Hokkaido’s celebrated cuisine, from fresh seafood to regional specialities. This is cycling at its most immersive—remote, scenic and unforgettable.

Itinerary

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We will meet in the hotel lobby at 5pm (17:00) on day one of the trip. There will be an introductory meeting and bike fitting followed by a leisurely walk through Abashiri and a welcome dinner. After a tour briefing and introduction we stroll the city of Abashiri and have a welcome dinner in town. Abashiri is the largest city on the east coast of Hokkaido and is famous for the winter attraction Ryuhyo, the drift ice that flows down the Amur River. The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, and Abashiri Prison Museum are other popular attractions that are worth visiting if you arrive in Abashiri earlier. Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom

Meals: D

Begin with bike fitting and safety briefing before riding along the Okhotsk Sea coastline past shrines and fishing villages. A gradual climb leads to Notoro Misaki lookout with sweeping ocean views, followed by a scenic lakeside return via Lake Notoro. Dinner tonight features freshly prepared okonomiyaki at a local favourite. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 250m / 820ft

Meals: B

Ride south over Bihoro Pass with panoramic views across Lake Kussharo-ko and surrounding volcanic peaks. Descend to the lake shore for a soak at Sunayu foot spa before reaching your lakeside ryokan. The evening is spent relaxing beside the water. Accommodation: Ryokan (shared bathroom) Total ascent: 688m / 2,255ft

Meals: B,D

Follow the lakeshore before climbing toward the steaming slopes of Iozan, the active “Sulphur Mountain.” Pause at the lookout above mist-shrouded Lake Mashu-ko, then enjoy an easy downhill ride into pastoral farmland. Tonight’s stay is in the town of Nakashibetsu. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 850m / 2,789ft

Meals: B

Cycle through open farmland toward the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, riding along the east coast to the fishing town of Rausu. Fresh seafood and local kelp feature prominently at dinner. An optional coastal ride leads to a secluded seaside onsen. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 300–400m / 984–1,312ft

Meals: B,D

Climb steadily over the Shiretoko Crossroad with views of Mt Rausu before descending through old-growth forest. Visit the Shiretoko Nature Centre and explore the Five Lakes boardwalk if conditions allow. The day ends in Utoro with sunset views over the Sea of Okhotsk. Accommodation: Ryokan (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 1,200m / 3,937ft

Meals: B,D

Ride north along the coast before returning to farmland and wide open roads. Stop at Koshimizu Wild Flower Reserve to see seasonal blooms. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner overlooking Lake Abashiri. Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite bathroom) Total ascent: 350m / 1,148ft

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, transfers are available to the airport or station for onward travel.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 6 Jul 2027 and 11 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 6 Jul 2027 – ends 13 Jul 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 29 Jul 2027 – ends 5 Aug 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 17 Aug 2027 – ends 24 Aug 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 11 Sep 2027 – ends 18 Sep 2027 (8 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
  • 7 nights hotel/traditional inn accommodation on a twin share basis, some nights have shared bathroom facilities
  • Combined group leader/ driver/ mechanic (group sizes 2-4)
  • Cycle leader & separate driver/ mechanic (group sizes 5 plus)
  • Private vehicle transport
  • Rental bikes (either road bike or hybrid bike)
  • Water and snacks whilst cycling
  • Sightseeing and entry fees listed in itinerary

Not included

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Visa (if required)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (allow 1000-1500 Yen for lunch per day)
  • Tips
  • All beverages
  • Compulsory bike helmet
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
  • Optional activities, site-seeing and entry fees listed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
  • Any items not listed as included
Cycling to Japan's most northern point in Hokkaido
Cycling to Japan's most northern point in Hokkaido
Japan: National Geographic Adventure | World Expeditions

Reviews (12)

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Richard and Ayo were very good guides. We enjoyed the bike riding in Hakone.

Margaret|New Zealand
1 Jul 2026
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The best food, accommodation, bikes, fellow travellers, support vehicle and guides. Beautiful journey through pristine national parks.

Alasdair|VIC Australia
19 Jul 2025
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Very well planned cycling tour of Northern Hokkaido. Quality bikes. Knowledgeable friendly and supportive staff. I used an ebike which made the climbs more achievable. Highly recommend

Regina|VIC Australia
15 Jul 2025
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All details were taken care of and communication excellent.

Samuel Ussher Johnson|Whangarei, New Zealand
16 Aug 2023
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First time for me. Great leaders very accommodating and reasonably knowledgeable

Melanie Richards|Thames, VIC New Zealand
8 Aug 2023
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Well organised with excellent guides

Juliet Ann Maclean|Darfield, New Zealand
8 Aug 2023
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The trip was perfect!

P. Gillenwater|Arizona, USA
3 Oct 2017
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We enjoyed everything from food, bike riding, travel companions, to onsens!

I. Hino|Arizona, USA
3 Oct 2017
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Very pleased with the bike trip overall and leadership by both guides.

E. Brandenburg|California, USA
3 Oct 2017

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us
Mercure Hotel Naha twin share room Okinawa

Hotel

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable. The properties are equipped with private facilities, except for the few occasions where options are limited due to location and in this case bathrooms are shared.

Ryokan triple room set-up

Traditional Inn (Ryokan)

Away from the main towns and cities, we stay in traditional style inns, known as ryokan. These are small, family owned and operated accommodations. Hosts are warm and welcoming, providing comfortable accommodations and fantastic, traditional meals. Sleeping arrangements are on futon mattresses laid out on tatami floors and bathrooms are shared.

Cycling Japan Hybrid

Comfortable Hybrid Bikes

Lightweight, aluminium framed, carbon forked hybrid bikes which would be Trek 7.4FX or similar. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by V-brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Cycling Japan Road Bike

Road Bikes

Lightweight, aluminium framed, carbon forked road bikes which would be Trek 1.2 C H2 or similar. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by powerful dual-pivot brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Cycling Japan E-Bike

E-Bikes Available

Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains without difficulty, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. Electronic Bikes make it possible and are available to hire on this trip for an additional fee (see prices below). The E-bikes available are comfortable, Panasonic Jetter touring e-bikes and are perfect for those who like to cycle however are concerned about fitness; E-bikes allow people of different fitness levels to cycle together.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Moderate to challenging, with daily rides of 45–90 km (28–56 mi) and some longer ascent days.

Yes, the trip is fully guided with support staff and a backup vehicle throughout.

Not essential, but you should be a confident cyclist comfortable with consecutive full-day rides.

Well-maintained touring bikes are included, with helmets and basic spares; e-bikes may be available on request (subject to confirmation).

Yes, a support vehicle is available daily for assistance, rest breaks or if you choose to skip a section.

Cyclists seeking a remote, scenic and culturally immersive ride through one of Japan’s wildest regions.

  • Carefully crafted cycling itineraries that showcase Hokkaido’s quiet roads, volcanic scenery and remote villages
  • Sustainability matters, with low-impact travel designed to tread lightly and connect meaningfully
  • Travel with an experienced bilingual guide who manages logistics, navigation and cultural connection throughout the journey
  • Well-maintained bikes included, with a support vehicle and knowledgeable staff providing daily backup and guidance
  • Accommodation with character, staying in traditional inns and coastal hotels with a strong sense of place

Guaranteeing A Great Japan Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

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