Tour Type
Explorer
Riding Level
Leisure
Location
Japan
Duration
7 days | 6 nights | 5 days riding
Length
Up to 450 km total
Climb
Up to 5,800 m total
Hokkaido is famous for its beautiful wilderness, volcanic terrain, gastronomic cuisine and fascinating indigenous culture. Just a short onward flight from Tokyo, Hokkaido’s climate, heritage and relaxed vibe are distinct from the rest of Japan. It is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers and dedicated foodies, making it a captivating escape to be discovered by bike.
The tour is offered during two distinct seasons:
Our Hokkaido Explorer tour is designed to showcase the best of the island in five days of magnificent riding, suitable for any road cycling enthusiast. Our local guides will take you on routes along Pacific coastlines, through deciduous forests to spectacular volcanoes and crystal-clear caldera lakes. And, of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in the authentic onsens that this region is so famous for. Not to mention indulgence in the local cuisine—this is the birthplace of ramen and Sapporo beer!
On most days, we offer the option for a shorter or longer route. For those seeking to ride further, a guide will accompany you along optional climbs or circuits. If you need a break, no problem—a support vehicle will always be nearby to collect you and whisk you off to the next hotel. Our expert local guides know the island intimately and are there to help you uncover the magic of this enchanting destination.
Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan’s northern main island. We will meet you at Sapporo New Chitose Airport after your connecting flight from Tokyo. Our first night will be spent at our luxurious 5-star hotel near the airport. After check-in, we’ll help you get set up with your bike. You then have the afternoon to settle into the local culture by enjoying the hotel’s stunning onsen.
At our pre-dinner welcome drinks, our guides will provide you with your Grand Tours Project kit and bags, and detail the plan for the week. The day concludes with a spectacular welcome dinner of refined Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant.
After breakfast, a short transfer takes us to the start point at the waterfalls in Sangaitaki Park. We then enjoy an easy roll down to Lake Toya for a flat circumnavigation of the lake. Admire the stunning caldera with its central island and active volcano surroundings within the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark. We finish with lunch on the shores of Lake Toya, our beautiful base for the next three nights. After checking into your 4-star hotel, you can explore the local area or soak in the incredible indoor and outdoor hot springs overlooking the water. Dinner is at a local family-run restaurant, followed by a spectacular evening cruise with fireworks on the lake!
Today we tackle a spectacular ascent, riding out from Lake Toya and over the appropriately named ‘Hell Valley’ mountain pass to Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring towns. We’ll stop for a delicious and well-earned lunch of soba noodles in Noboribetsu, where you can marvel at the town’s hot steam vents and other volcanic activity. You then have the option to visit a traditional ryokan for a hot spring soak.
The choice is yours: finish your ride here, or challenge yourself to ride back over the mountain pass down to Lake Toya. Refuel from the day’s exertion with a relaxed buffet dinner at the hotel, overlooking the lake and its nightly fireworks display.
Our ride starts from Lake Toya again, this time joining the coastal road at Date and tracing Uchiura Bay towards Cape Chikyu where we meet the North Pacific Ocean. Admire the coastal views, with options to stop at the Tokarisho Observatory lookout point and the Cape Chikyu lighthouse. On a clear day, you might see the curvature of the earth on the Pacific horizon! We’ll pause for lunch at the farthest point of the peninsula, overlooking the Hakucho Bridge. You can then continue riding along the Cape back towards Lake Toya, or hop in the van for a relaxed afternoon.
We’re on the move today! After breakfast, we check out of Lake Toya and transfer our bags to the van. We ride inland through Hokkaido’s beautiful hinterland, following the magnificent beacon of Mount Yotei as we skirt its southern flanks and head towards the popular resort town of Niseko. Riders seeking a shorter route can finish upon reaching Niseko, while others wanting to go further will continue the route around the north of Mount Yotei before turning back. After checking into our 4-star hotel for the night, explore this vibrant mountain town, using the hotel’s in-house baths or heading to the popular Yogokoretei onsen.
After breakfast, the GTP van will transfer us to our next stage near Kimobetsu. We start climbing towards Lake Shikotsu and trace its south-eastern perimeter towards our destination on the eastern shore. You can choose to finish here or continue to climb the slopes of the active volcano Mount Eniwa for those Strava stats! Lake Shikotsu, a spectacular deep, clearwater lake, is encircled by mountains, including Mount Tarumae. In the afternoon, enjoy some water-based activities or take on the Mount Tarumae trailhead hike towards its crater.
Our last supper will feature delicious Japanese cuisine as we recount the memories we’ve made cycling in these wonderful volcanic landscapes.
Sadly, your wonderful trip is over. If you brought your bike, the team will help you pack it into its box. Once checked out, you can enjoy a final wander around Lake Shikotsu before it’s time to head off. We’ll drive you the 35-minute transfer back to New Chitose Airport in good time for your flight. If you’ve travelled far to join us, why not consider spending the weekend in Tokyo on your route back home?
Intrigued by serenity and wilderness, Japanese gastronomy, the colours of seasons, cycling in Hokkaido? – Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What’s not included?
