Touring Hokkaido by Bicycle
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Touring Hokkaido by bicycle Cycle Tourism Hokkaido Promotion Network The Cycle Tourism Hokkaido Promotion Network was established by 44 companies and organizations in the public and private sectors, including the Federation of Hokkaido Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This guidebook, based on the Japanese version, was translated/produced as part of the Hokkaido Development and Cycle Tourism Hokkaido Promotion Network Planning Survey (Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). Introducing a total of 20 courses in 8 areas of Hokkaido What to wear on the road according to the month and temperature Basic information and climate The Five Safety Codes for Riding Bicycles In emergency Things to remember when cycling in Hokkaido Bicycle transportation information Hotels that can provide bicycle storage Model course in Central Hokkaido [New Chitose Airport – Sapporo] Hokkaido Resort Ride Model course in Eastern Hokkaido [Memanbetsu – Memanbetsu] Hokkaido Scenic Ride Model course in Kamikawa/Tokachi [Asahikawa – Obihiro] Hokkaido Great Nature Ride Sapporo area Furano/Biei area Asahikawa area Tokachi area Hokkaido – a cyclist’s paradise Mashu area with world-class locations Sorachi area Hokkaido attracts cyclists from both home and abroad with its pleasant Hokumo area climate and comfortable cycling environment in which even minor farm roads are paved. Niseko area After cycling amid the beautiful scenery of this expansive land, enjoy List of bicycle races and events in Hokkaido the delicious cuisine, hot-spring baths and limitless fun to be found at amazing locations along the way. Introducing a total of 20 courses Asahikawa area Tokachi area in 8 areas of Hokkaido Two courses along the riverbanks all the way to Mt. Asahi Three courses: a course down a mountain pass to enjoy the A variety of courses on which to ride in this cyclist’s paradise and other Taisetsu mountains. Features along the courses panoramic views and lakes, a tour of unique gardens while include gardens, abundant spring water and Asahiyama Zoo. cycling through the vast plain that stretches to the horizon, and a course that enables beginners to visit some scenic spots along the Tokachi River. Asahikawa area Hokumo area Sorachi area Sapporo area Mashu area Sorachi area A course that starts from the Kawayu hot-spring resort and Two courses: one on which to enjoy the rural scenery and a takes in Lake Mashu, known for having the clearest water in variety of wineries, and a long-ride course for experienced Mashu area Japan, and Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake, as cyclists to take in scenic rural areas, flower gardens, Niseko area well as offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills. industrial heritages and works of art. Tokachi area Furano/Biei area Sapporo area Furano/Biei area Hokumo area Niseko area Three courses: a course popular among locals of Sapporo, a Four courses: two courses to enjoy lavenders in Furano and Four short courses, including one that takes in the beautiful Niseko, which has become a world-class winter resort, is large metropolis with a population of 1.9 million; a ride the Patchwork Hills of Biei, a course up the Sorachi River hills and rural areas along the Okhotsk coast, and a course also a favorite destination for cyclists. This area has a along the back roads to scenic views of the Sea of Japan; and toward Lake Kanayama, and a hill-climb course up Mt. from which to enjoy the natural flower meadows around course on which to enjoy an exhilarating ride while enjoying a long ride through surrounding rural areas. Tokachi, for experienced cyclists. Lake Tofutsu, a designated Ramsar Site. views of Mt. Yotei, which is also known as Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji). Monthly mean temperatures Mean temperature Sapporo Asahikawa Kushiro What to wear on the road according to the month in major cities June and temperature July To cycle comfortably in Hokkaido’s natural environment! August Source: Japan Meteorological Agency’s Climate Statistics in Hokkaido early spring or late autumn! Wear proper winter gear when cycling cold in the mornings and evenings! in spring and autumn, as it gets quite Protect yourself against the cold even in early summer! cold is recommended even in the best season A certain amount of protection against the even mid-summer is free from extreme heat! Cycling can be enjoyed in comfort as Hokkaido’s climate differs In the mornings and A short-sleeved jersey Hokkaido’s weather is dry from that of Tokyo, Osaka evenings, it may be may be sufficient, but and pleasant even in and other parts of Japan. necessary to wear a functional underwear mid-summer. A short-sleeved Protect yourself against the windbreaker or gilet in and arm warmers will jersey and moisture-absorb- cold by wearing a thick addition to a long-sleeved make the trip more ing, quick-drying underwear long-sleeved jacket and tights. jersey and leg warmers. comfortable. should be sufficient. Fully protect Take compact You’ll be fully Take a gilet and arm extremities particularly full-finger gloves and prepared by taking leg warmers as a susceptible to the cold shoe covers to prepare warmers and a precaution for the cold by wearing winter for the cold. windbreaker. in the shade and gloves, shoe covers tunnels. and a face cover. Checklist of what to take Basic information and climate Basic equipment Basic Hokkaido data Helmet Eyewear Shoes Prefectural capital: Sapporo / Population: 5.49 million / Area: 83,457 km2 (39.7 times the area of Tokyo) Bottle Supplementary food Set of portable tools Climate of major cities Spare tubes Tire lever Pump Puncture repair kit Rainwear (windbreaker) Mobile phone Annual mean temperature Annual precipitation Annual hours of sunlight Lights (incl. reflectors) Bell Map Health insurance First-aid kit (adhesive plasters, antiseptic spray, etc.) hours hours hours hours Additional items that may come in handy Camera Cycle computer GPS Wire lock Sunscreen Insect repellent spray Sapporo Kushiro Tokyo Sapporo Kushiro Tokyo Sapporo Kushiro Tokyo Asahikawa Asahikawa Asahikawa Disposable body warmers Vinyl tape Batteries (alkaline, button) Plastic zipper bags Source: Japan Meteorological Agency’s Climate Statistics The Five Safety Codes for Riding Bicycles In emergency “Stay on the Roadway” Bicycles are required to stay EMERGENCY CALLS: "DIAL 110" on the roadway by law. However, they are allowed to "110" is the telephone number to use in emergencies to report incidents quickly to the police. travel on sidewalks under some circumstances. In emergency, please remain calm and report the following accurately. Please see below for details. When cycling on the sidewalk use the side close to the car street. Type of incident ( traffic accident, fight, robbery ) Time and place, including landmarks Nature of incident, including injured persons, features of incident The number of suspects, suspect's features, suspect's escape route Your name, address, phone number, your role in the incident “Keep Left” on the roadway Ride on the left, never on the right side of the street. When cycling on the sidewalk use the side close to the car street. Things to remember when cycling in Hokkaido Temperatures may drop in the mornings and evenings and on high mountain passes, even in summer. In cool Hokkaido, temperatures may drop sharply in early evenings or in rainy weather. Always leave enough leeway in the schedule as the sun sets early in some seasons. When riding on the sidewalks, “Pedestrians have Priority”, “Slow Down” and “Stay on the edge close to the roadway. However, if there is a signboard on the sidewalk saying ‘bicycles allowed' you can use it. Traffic on national highways may be heavy and there are many large vehicles on major trunk roads. Although riding on prefectural back roads and regional agricultural roads is one of the attractions of cycling in Hokkaido, it is not easy without a guide. Watch out for traffic especially when you are on highways. Follow the “Safety Rules”. Drinking and driving / Riding Double / Paralleled Riding are prohibited. Turn on your light at night. It is often necessary to travel tens of kilometers to get supplies once you leave an urban area. At crossroads, follow the traffic lights, or stop and confirm the safety In some rural areas, there are no convenience stores, vending machines or around you where there is no traffic light. even toilets for tens of kilometers. Careful planning is necessary, as many areas are also outside the range of mobile phones. Children must wear “Bicycle Helmets”. When someone above sixteen yeas old is carrying a child below six on Danger actually lurks even in encounters the child seat, the child must wear a helmet. with cute wild animals. Thirteen years old children and below should wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Hokkaido is home to a wide variety of wild animals, including deer and red fox. You should not touch or feed red foxes as they may carry a parasite called echinococcus. Hotels that can provide bicycle storage Furano/Biei area An important point to remember is to contact Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (Tel. 0167 58 1111) accommodation facilities in advance, to obtain consent, Shimukappu Yunosawaonsen Mori-no-shiki (Tel. 0167 56 2311) Pension Ing Tomamu (Tel. 0167 57 2341) as accommodation facilities may refuse to receive or Farm In Nora (Tel. 0167 56 2685) store expensive bicycles. Hotel Naturwald Furano (Tel. 0167 22 1211) Inn Akiba (Tel. 0167 22 3205) Sapporo area Pension Hoshi-ni-negaiwo (Tel. 0167 23 1275) Hoshi-no-Yado Sorairo-no-tane (Tel. 0167 22 4758) Toyoko Inn Hokkaido Sapporo Susukino Minami (Tel. 011 551 1045) Tsuru Apartments (Tel. 0167 23 1618) Sapporo Tokyu Inn (Tel.