Touring 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 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 [ – Sapporo] Hokkaido Resort Ride

Model course in Eastern Hokkaido [Memanbetsu – Memanbetsu] Hokkaido Scenic Ride

Model course in Kamikawa/ [ – ] 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 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 , and , Japan’s largest 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 coast, and a course also a favorite destination for cyclists. This area has a along the back roads to scenic views of the ; 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 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, 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. 011 531 0109) Hotel Edel Warme (Tel. 0167 22 1161) HOTEL PACO Jr. Susukino (Tel. 011 512 8512) Inn Furusatoso (Tel. 0167 22 2612) Excel Hotel Tokyu (Tel. 011 533 0109) Pension Lavender (Tel. 0167 23 1077) Sapporo Tobu Hotel (Tel. 011 242 0111) Alpen Inn Phenix (Tel. 0167 23 3564) Pension Setsurin (Tel. 011 822 7123) Inn Daramsara (Tel. 0167 28 2247) Hotel Sapporo Garden Palace (Tel. 011 261 5311) Kita-no-yado Mone (Tel. 0167 22 4247) Mercure Sapporo (Tel. 011 513 1100) Cosmos Fram (Tel. 0167 45 4995) Sapporo Aspen Hotel (Tel. 011 700 2111) Tokachidake Onsen Kamihoro inn (Tel. 0167 45 2970) Sheraton Sapporo Hotel (Tel. 011 895 8811) Furano Hops Hotel (Tel. 0167 45 6511) New Otani Inn Sapporo (Tel. 011 222 1111) Daichi-no-yado Jyoya (Tel. 0167 45 3267) Hotel Clubby Sapporo (Tel. 011 242 1111) Woody Life (Tel. 0167 45 6810) Renaissance Sapporo Hotel (Tel. 011 821 1111) Pension Baku (Tel. 0166 95 2333) Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo (Tel. 011 271 0111) Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Tel. 0166 94 3333) Tokyo Dome Hotel Sapporo (Tel. 011 261 0111) To-no-mieru-yado Okasenri (Tel. 0166 95 2161) Century Royal Hotel (Tel. 011 221 3009) Potato Village Biei Potato-no-oka (Tel. 0166 92 3255) Royton Sapporo (Tel. 011 271 2711) Hotel Lavenir (Tel. 0166 92 5555) Sapporo Grand Hotel (Tel. 011 261 3311) Pension Tomte rum (Tel. 0166 92 5567) The farm holiday cottage (Tel. 0166 92 5800) Tokachi area Inn Takikawa (Tel. 0166 92 3448) Himitsu Kichi (Tel. 0166 68 6551) Hotel Daiheigen (Tel. 0155 46 2121) Petit Hotel Pie (Tel. 0166 92 1200) Kangetsuen (Tel. 0155 46 2001) Pension TRADINGPOST (Tel. 0166 92 5005) Hotel Kounan (Tel. 0155 23 7353) Chiichana-oyado Konpeiso (Tel. 0166 92 5971) Sasai Hotel (Tel. 0155 46 2211) Biei Tabi-no-yado Hidamari (Tel. 0166 92 5521) Resort and Villa Feriendorf (Tel. 0155 68 3301) Natsumi-no-sato (Tel. 0166 92 2773) Tokachi Makiba-no-ie (Tel. 015- 72 6000) Oka-no-yado KOERU (Tel. 0166 92 5532) Tokachi Makubetsu onsen Grandvrio Hotel (Tel. 0155 56 2121) Kunsthaus (Tel. 0166 92 0770) *Japanese only. Hokkaido Hotel (Tel. 0155 21 0001) Hotel Park Hills (Tel. 0166 94 3041) JR Hokkaido Hotels Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro (Tel. 0155 24 1234) Tokachi Sahoro Resort (Tel. 0156 64 7111) Packed with courses in Asahikawa area Hokkaido Cycle Tourism Niseko area Hotel Crescent Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 27 1111) all eight areas of Hokkaido! HOTEL PACO Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 23 8585) Pension Berg (Tel. 0136 22 5115) Court Hotel Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 26 0510) official website This portal site for cyclists features a pamphlet library Niseko Gurigura (Tel. 0136 22 6934) Toyoko Inn Hokkaido Asahikawa Ekimae iyashita-dori (Tel. 0166 25 2045) from which pamphlets of different areas can be down- PENSION LOCOMOTION (Tel. 0136 22 6045) Fujita Kanko Washington Hotel Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 23 7111) loaded, a map of Hokkaido showing cycle rack locations Yutaka Townhouse (Tel. 0136 22 4611) Loisir Hotel Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 25 8811) Toshokan (Tel. 0136 22 4611) Hokkaido Cycle Tourism Search and hotels that can provide bicycle storage, and a list of Asahikawa Grand Hotel (Tel. 0166 24 2111) cycle shops in each area. Sulu (Tel. 0136 22 4611) NISEKO SHIROKUMA COTAGE (Tel. 0136 22 4611) Neyuki (Tel. 0136 22 4611) Sorachi area Ezoyume (Tel. 0136 22 4611) Hotel Suehiro (Tel. 0126 62 2501) HT Holidays (Tel. 0136 23 3503) Yu-rinkan (Tel. 0126 64 3800) Lodge Fuu (Tel. 0136 22 0620) Fureai Cottage (Tel. 0125 26 2000) Snow Gum Lodge (Tel. 0136 21 5088) Hotel Suehiro (Tel. 0125 22 1311) RAMAT NISEKO (Tel. 0136 21 5088) Hotel Miurakaen (Tel. 0125 22 2101) Bicycle transportation information OWASHI LODGE (Tel. 0136 55 5111) SPA & INN THE MAPLE LODGE (Tel. 0126 46 2222) Alberta Lodge (Tel. 0136 23 3688) HOTEL SUNPLAZA (Tel. 0126 23 7788) Rinko (carrying bicycles LCCs JR trains HOTEL NISEKO ALPEN (Tel. 0136 22 1105) on public transport) Lodge Koropokkuru (Tel. 0136 22 1736) Mashu area Lodge Grand Papa (Tel. 0136 23 2244) Kussharo-Genya Youth Guest House (Tel. 015 84 2609) Many airlines accept bicycles as Most low-cost carriers (LCCs) Up to two pieces of specialist the chalets at country resort (Tel. 0136 55 5122) Pure Field Kazeyoubi (Tel. 015 482 7111) checked baggage if the weight of that offer cheaper ticket prices baggage can be carried onto trains Bouken Kazoku (Tel. 0136 22 3759) Pension and Condminium Birao (Tel. 015 482 2979) the bicycle is no more than 20 kg charge additional fees for if the weight of each bag is no NISEKO MANAGEMENT SERVICE (Tel. 0136 21 7788) Pension POLARIS (Tel. 015 482 2622) and the combined length + width baggage. Bicycles must be more than 30 kg and the combined Pension ISLAND (Tel. 0136 23 4322) Hotel Parkway (Tel. 015 483 2616) + depth measures no more than carried in special cases or length + width + depth measures CHALET IVY A NISEKO HOTEL (Tel. 0136 22 1123) Mashumaro (Tel. 015 482 2027) Pension Amondans (Tel. 0136 59 2600) 203 cm. As the charges may vary, protective cases made of no more than 250 cm (the longest Megere Farm (Tel. 015 484 2282) Yugokoro-tei (Tel. 0136 58 2500) Hotel Masyu (Tel. 015 482 2141) it is recommended to contact the cardboard or other durable side being no more than 2 m). Pension Cotton Farm (Tel. 0136 58 2227) Pension New Marimo (Tel. 015 482 2414) airline in advance. materials. Be sure to book in Baggage satisfying these Natural Resort Niseko Weiss Hotel (Tel. 0136 23 3311) Oyado Kageyama (Tel. 015 482 6030) advance as baggage that has not conditions can be carried onto NISEKO IZUMIKYO (Tel. 0136 23 3301) Misono Hotel (Tel. 015 483 2511) been booked may not be accepted trains free of charge. NISEKO Auberge de FRYINGPAN (Tel. 0136 58 2932) Kawayu Kanko Hotel (Tel. 015 483 2121) when checking-in. RUSUTSU RESORT (Tel. 0136 46 3111) Kinkiyu Hotel (Tel. 015 483 2211) 01/The changing colors of Ezo Fuji (Mt. Yotei) herald the arrival of autumn 02/ Showashinzan lava dome and the statue of Masao Mimatsu 03/ Toyako Sculpture Park by the shores of Lake Toya 04/Mt. Yotei spring water, known as wakka (God’s water) 05/A natural environment that enables a pleasant ride is one of the attractions of Hokkaido. 06/Taking a break and eating soft-serve ice cream at the Yamanaka Farm.

Have a pleasant ride in popular central Hokkaido This cycling course starts from New Chitose public transport and other services. To be on the Course guide Airport – the aerial gateway to Hokkaido. The safe side, rinko (carrying bicycles on public trans- Total distance: approx. 263 km / Time required: approx. 17 hr. 30 min. / Grade: intermediate course winds through downtown Chitose to the port) is recommended between and Sappo- cycling road that leads to Lake Shikotsu, and Start: New Chitose Airport (Chitose) Finish: JR (Sapporo) / Number of cycle-rack locations: 9 ro where traffic is heavy. It is also possible to * Rinko (carrying bicycles on public transport) between Otaru and Sapporo then around Lake Toya and on to Rusutsu, cycle from Sapporo to the and Sorach Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Niseko, Kiroro and other tourist spots. areas. Cycling Frontier Hokkaido (Tel. 0120 963 776 ) http://www.hokkaido-cycling.jp With many parts of the route used for races such There are many hot springs and resorts, and a Hero Hokkaido (Tel. 0136 55 7475) http://hero-hokkaido.com as the Tour de Hokkaido and Iron Man Japan, variety of local delicacies are available in the Rentacycle the course should be satisfactory even for experi- surrounding area. If you have a flexible sched- Cycle Ono Sapporo (Tel. 011 621 0501) http://www.onosapporo.jp enced cyclists. Beginners can also ride this ule, why not make a short side trip to the Shako- Cycle Shop Nakamura Sapporo (Tel. 011 532 9588) http://www.csnakasp.com course by effectively combining a guided tour, tan Peninsula or other destinations. Because of the heavy traffic between Otaru and Sapporo, rinko is recommended for less experienced cyclists concerned about safety.

Ishikari Bay Tobetsu

Otaru Ishikari Bay New Port Rest space Yoichi Observatory commands Otaru IC panoramic views of Otaru. Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta Steep descent. Take Care! Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose Tel. 0123 25 2211 Zenibako IC Yamanaka Farm Higashi IC Long climb A recommended feature of the hotel is the healthy buffet lunch that can be enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere by the lake, Akaigawa Caution! Narrow road Sapporo surrounded by the beautiful forest. Set plans with hot-spring Pleasant ride through bathing or beauty salon treatment are also available and recom- a primeval forest No convenience stores Caution! Long tunnel mended for female guests. Enjoy a luxurious time after cycling. (relatively light traffic) or toilets ahead Kitahiroshima Restaurant Maccarina Kutchan Caution! Aza-Midorioka 172-3, Makkari Tel. 0136 48 2100 Downtown Tezukuri Kitchen Narita Kutchan Downtown Chitose: With the concept of “the restaurant of the breeze,” Maccari- Caution! Narrow road Mt. Sapporodake watch out for cars na offers French-cuisine lunch courses made with local 3rd night Kyogoku ingredients, including Makkari specialties and Yotei’s at Niseko Meisui Fukidashi Park subterranean spring water. This establishment is a small Rest point After this point, ride on the Niseko Kimobetsu cycling road that runs country inn in a prime location with views of Mt. Yotei. Mt. Yotei alongside the road. Makkari Mt. Eniwadake Chitose IC New Yotei spring water Kinoko Okoku (mushroom kingdom) Main Otaki Branch Chitose Airport IC Chitose Chitose Airport Sangaitaki-cho 637-1, Otaki-ku, Date Tel. 0142 68 6270 Ostrich Farm Uphill pass with Lake Shikotsu 2nd night scenic views: Intersection with a at Rusutsu take rests while Sato no Eki Hot Kimobetsu Kimobetsu 306-3, Kimobetsu-cho Tel. 0136 55 5130 national highway: climbing beware of heavy traffic Rusutsu A short stretch of Mt. Tarumae national highway ahead: Cycle rack locations watch out for cars Toyako Caution! Caution! Tunnel ahead Heavy traffic on this section of national highway Sobetsu Caution! Many tunnels Nakajima 1st night at Kitayuzawa Seicomart Roadside station Shiraoi IC Kutchan Kita 3-jo branch Niseko View Plaza Area with orchards where Mt. Usu Caution! fruit picking can be enjoyed Shiraoi Kita 3-jo Higashi 5-chome, Kutchan Aza-Motomachi 77-10, Niseko Steep climb Date and heavy Lake Kuttara traffic Date IC Caution! Narrow road and Date many blind corners. Roadside station Superb view of Lake Toya Noboribetsu Makkari Flower Center Roadside station 230 Rusutsu IC Aza-Hikari 8-3, Makkari Aza-Rusutsu 127, Rusutsu

Kutchan Station Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Kutchan Kutchan Sun Sports Land Aza-Kabayama 41-5, Kutchan Muroran Niseko Goshiki Onsen Information Center Aza-Niseko 510, Niseko Rankoshi Konbugawa Onsen Yusenkaku Konbu-machi 114-5, Rankoshi New Chitose Airport Bibi, Chitose Kimobetsu Akaigawa Kyogoku Sobetsu Kutchan Rusutsu Makkari Chitose Toyako Niseko Otaru Date

Check here Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a more at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. detailed Contact: Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo road map. Tel. 011 231 1369 Fax. 011 222 5215 [email protected] 01/Scenery typical of Hokkaido can be found wherever you are, to the delight of overseas cyclists. 02/Lake Mashu is known to be one of the clearest in the world 03/The footbath in the Kawayu hot-spring resort is popular among tourists. 04/The exquisite view from Bihoro Pass is a great reward after a hard climb. 05/The Shiretoko Goko (five lakes) is one of the Best Eight Views of Shiretoko. 06/The white flowers of potatoes are in full bloom against the background of Mt. Sharidake.

To eastern Hokkaido – a paradise for cyclists

With its unique natural beauty, the eastern World Heritage site. The views of the lakes Course guide Hokkaido area is a cycling paradise to which from the Bihoro Pass and Mashu observatories Total distance: approx. 318 km / Time required: approx. 21 hr. 10 min. / Grade: advanced many cyclists visiting Hokkaido want to return. are breathtakingly beautiful. In the flowering This superb cycling course, where traffic is gener- season, a beautiful carpet of flowers spreads Start: (Ozora) / Finish: Memanbetsu Airport (Ozora) ally light and a succession of magnificent views throughout the Koshimizu Primeval Flower Number of cycle rack locations: 17 can be enjoyed, is popular among inbound Garden. There is Kawayu and many other tourists from overseas. famous hot-spring resorts, and seafood from the The course starts from Memanbetsu Airport, the Sea of Okhotsk is excellent. If you have enough Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle air gateway to the Okhotsk area, and takes in time and energy, why not ride a little further to Shiretoko Cycling Support (Tel. 0152 24 2380) http://www.shiretokocycling.com famous tourists spots, including Lake Mashu, the Shiretoko Pass, , Lake Akan or EZOX (Tel. 0152 23 2255) http://www.ezox.co.jp/ Lake Kussharo and Shiretoko, a designated other locations? Straight back-road with wide shoulders, Try to visit if you have time, Rest space Mountainous back road: great for cycling as sika deer can often be seen here. Take care not to make a Shiretoko Club wrong turning (light traffic). Shiretoko Club. Replenish supplies and go to the toilet in 2nd night Bunko-cho 41-4, Shari Tel. 0152 23 1844 Seaside station with an downtown Shari, as there are no at Utoro observatory: Take care as convenience stores until Utoro Meals made with local ingredients can be enjoyed amid the the toilets are small. and no toilets until Oshinkoshin. warm woody atmosphere of this restaurant. Homemade Many facilities, including a dishes cooked by the friendly staff are gentle on the taste restaurant, roadside station and Beautiful coastline: toilets. The Koshimizu Primeval Be careful not to be too distracted buds. Shogayaki (ginger pork) and Salisbury steak are Flower Garden is 5 km ahead and is by the scenery. recommended. a “must-stop” destination in the flowering seasons. Toilets available. Caution! Narrow road Shiretoko Poppotei Coastal back road (crowded only in the fishing season between Asahi 1-7-18, Teshikaga Tel. 015 482 2412 September and November) Mt. Onnebetsu Local cyclists highly recommend this restaurant in front of Take care when turning right onto the Mashu Station. Its Mashu butadon (rice topped with pork) and national highway. Teshikaga ramen are exquisite. It is also convenient for rinko, Ozora as it’s located right in front of the station. It is a “must-visit” Lake Tofutsu Shari “Road to Heaven” with a superb view Memanbetsu place when cycling near Lake Mashu or Kawayu Onsen. Airport Mt. Unabetsu Roadside station Gurutto Panorama Bihoro-toge Aza-Furuume, Bihoro Tel. 0152 75 0700 Koshimizu Caution! Narrow road Roadside station Hanayaka Koshimizu Aza-Hamakoshimizu 474-7, Koshimizu Tel. 0152 63 4111 Bihoro Kiyosato

Continuous rural scenery Don’t miss this rest stop, Cycle rack locations which also has a hot-spring bath Mt. Sharidake Caution! Heavy traffic, many trucks

Roadside station Mashu Station Mashu Onsen (tourist information office) 1st night at Yunoshima 3-3-40, Teshikaga Asahi 1-7-26, Teshikaga Mt. Shibetsu Lake Kussharo Kawayu Onsen

If you have enough time, why not leave your baggage at the The superb view of hotel and then go to Lake Mashu? Kawayu Onsen Station Lake Kussharo is a Sunayu Rest House “must-see” on fine Kawayu Onsen 1-1-18, days. Take sufficient Lake Mashu Teshikaga Sunayu, Teshikaga care when descending. Mashu No.3 Observatory. Poppoya JR Bihoro Station, Shinmachi 3-chome, Bihoro Take sufficient care when Take a rest at Sunayu descending the steep hill ahead. Roadside station Merchen no Oka Memanbetsu Memanbetsu Showa 96-1, Ozora Roadside station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri Minami 3-jo Higashi 4-chome, Abashiri Roadside station Hanayaka Koshimizu Aza-Hamakoshimizu 474-7, Koshimizu Mt. O-akandake Teshikaga Mint Memorial Museum Minaminaka-machi 1-7-28, Kitami Kunneppu Town Office Higashi-machi 398, Kunneppu Roadside station Onneyu Onsen Matsuyama 1-4, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami A superb view awaits those who climb the 10-km hill to the Mashu No.1 Tsubetsu Town Office Saiwai-machi 41, Tsubetsu Observatory! There is also the Poppotei Kiyosato Town Office Hagoromo-machi 13, Kiyosato restaurant in front of the Mashu Station. Roadside station Shari Hon-machi 37, Shari Teshikaga Koshimizu

Oketo Family Sports Center Aza-Oketo 398-14, Oketo Kiyosato Bihoro Ozora Ozora Memanbetsu Airport Building Memanbetsu Chuo 201-3, Ozora Shari 900 Sogen Aza-Tobetsu, Teshikaga

Check here Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a more at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. detailed Contact: Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo road map. Tel. 011 231 1369 Fax. 011 222 5215 [email protected] 01/A long straight stretch of road typical of Hokkaido 02/The mysterious atmospheric of a blue pond in Shirogane, Biei 03/A steep slope leading to Mt. Tokachidake 04/Furano and Biei are dotted with beautiful flower gardens. 05/Fields of flowers can be found everywhere in early summer. 06/Cycling through the beautiful hills of Biei is the height of luxury.

Cycling through varied landscapes

This pleasant course passes through varied as there are a number of shops and restaurants Course guide landscapes, ranging from Hokkaido’s leading offering local specialties and sweets. The Total distance: approx. 282 km / Time required: approx. 18 hr. 50 min. / Grade: intermediate - advanced tourist spots such as Furano and Biei, where accommodation facilities and hot springs are also Start: (Higashikagura) / Finish: Tokachi Obihiro Airport (Obihiro) popular cycling events are held, to Lake too good to miss. Why not spend some quality Kanayama, Karikachi Pass, Sahoro Resort and time relieving your fatigue in a famous spa and Number of cycle rack locations: 21 the Tokachi Plain. Experienced cyclists and enjoying lip-smacking culinary delights? hill-climb enthusiasts should also try the climb up While the road conditions on the course are Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Mt. Tokachidake, which is one of the hardest in generally good, making it easy to ride, care must Cycling Frontier Hokkaido (Tel. 0120 963 776 ) http://www.hokkaido-cycling.jp Hokkaido. be taken as convenience stores and other facilities The course can also be fun for gourmet cyclists, are hard to find in some areas. Sounkyo Mt. Muriidake

Rest space Nishikagura Asahikawa Airport Taisetsuzan Mountains Furano Délice Higashikagura Aza-Shimogoryo 2156-1, Furano Tel. 0167 22 8005 Photogenic spot with a beautiful row of birch trees Land Café The delicious sweets of Furano Délice reflect the commitment Biei of the owner/pâtissièr, who is also a cyclist, to make the finest Many points with superb views: do not sweets using fresh ingredients available in Hokkaido. The to enter farm fields Caution! Intersection with a national highway Mt. Ishikaridake most highly recommended is the Furano Milk Pudding. when taking photos. Enjoy the finest-quality sweets in the stylish café. Don’t forget to visit the blue pond.

Beware of traffic lights Kamifurano 1st night at Shirogane Shirogane Onsen and railway crossings in downtown Furano. Yuiga Doxon Highest paved road in Hokkaido: Mt. Tokachidake Recommended for hill climbers Hinode-machi 11-8, Furano Tel. 0167 23 4784 Nakafurano and experienced cyclists. Mt. Furanodake The popular Furano restaurant is famous for its curry. The curry served in this unique mountain lodge-style restaurant Furano Délice Steep slope: Watch your speed. is exquisite. Say the password “ru-ru-ru-ru” if you want Furano more curry. 2nd night at Downtown Furano: Ride carefully. Superb view of Karikachi Pass: Furano Curry at Yuiga Doxon is exquisite. Beware of the snow sheds German-style farm café Land Café Aza-Mita Dai 2, Biei Tel. 0166 92 5800 (tunnels) when descending. Ebikin Shin-machi 1-chome 20, Shikaoi Tel. 0156 66 2254 3rd night at Sahoro Resort Mt. Ashibetsudake

Cycle rack locations Lake Kanayama Minamifurano Be careful not to miss the left turn. Ebikin Superb lakeside view Asahikawa Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport Shikaoi Higashi 2-sen 16-go 98, Nishi 9-sen Naka 8-41, Izumi-cho, Tomamu Shintoku Higashikagura Obihiro Tomamu IC Tokachi Shimizu Tokachi Shimizu IC Obihiro JCT Shimukappu IC Memuro IC Otofuke Obihiro IC Roadside station Minamifurano Nakafurano Flower Park Memuro Aza-Ikutora 687, Minamifurano Miya-machi 2-1, Nakafurano Caution! Downtown Memuro Obihiro IC Obihiro Shiki-no-Koryukan Midorigaoka, Shinsei, Biei Mt. Memurodake Memuro Roadside station Biei Oka-no-kura Hon-cho 1-9-21, Biei Frontier Furanui Spa Shin-machi 4-chome, Kamifurano Tokachidake Onsen Kamihoro-so Tokachidake Onsen, Kamifurano Hinode-machi 1-30, Furano Mt. Nukabiradake Furano Marche Saiwai-cho 13-1, Furano Scenery typical of Lake Kanayama Log Hotel Larch Aza-Higashishikagoe, Minamifurano Mt. Obihirodake Tokachi: Take sufficient care at intersections. Roadside station Shizen-taikan Shimukappu Aza-Chuo, Shimukappu Tokachi Obihiro Shimukappu Product Center Aza-Shimukappu, Shimukappu Airport Parking lot in front of Tomita Melon House Nishi 1-sen Kita 15-go, Nakafurano Higashitaisetsu Nature Center Aza-Nukabira Gensenkyo 48-2, Kamishihoro Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center Shikaribetsu-kohan, Shikaoi Tokachi Shimizu Minamifurano Nakafurano Higashikagura Kamifurano Roadside station Nakasatsunai Odori Minami 7-chome 14, Nakasatsunai Asahikawa Shintoku Memuro Shikaoi Obihiro Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center Minami 12-chome 1-23, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke Furano Ikeda Wine Castle Kiyomi 83, Ikeda Biei Kumagera House Hon-cho 160, Makubetsu Shintoku Soba-no-Yakata Kisen 102, Shintoku Check here Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a more at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. detailed Contact: Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo road map. Tel. 011 231 1369 Fax. 011 222 5215 [email protected] 01/Superb view of the Sea of Japan from Morai, Atsuta-ku, Ishikari 02/Moerenuma Park, venue for cycle events 03/Have the vast expanse of the Sea of Japan all to yourself! 04/Canoeing on the Barato River, which flows through the Ishikari Plain 05/Fields of sunflowers are heartwarm- ing. 06/The red-roofed townscape of Sweden Hills in Tobetsu

Back-road ride to the scenic Ishikari coast

Course guide From the TV Tower in central Sapporo, head turning point in Mourai, Atsuma, panoramic views of Total distance: approx. 86 km / Time required: approx. 5 hr. 45 min. / Grade: intermediate Atsuta-ku Ishikari Bay northwest toward the scenic Ishikari coast, through the Sea of Japan await. Start: Sapporo TV Tower (Sapporo) / Finish: Moerenuma Park (Sapporo) ever changing landscapes. Cycle alongside the The course finishes at Moerenuma Park, which was Ishikari Tobetsu Ishikari River and cross the bridge at the Ishikari designed by the world-famous sculptor Isamu Ishikari Bay New Port Tobetsu Rest space Ishikari Futomi Estuary and then on to long straight roads that lead to Noguchi on the concept of the entire park being one Ripple the horizon, and rural areas with beautiful undulating huge sculpture. Ishikari Morai, Atsuta-ku, Ishikari Tel. 0133 77 2288 hills. It is so peaceful that you will forget how close The course includes many back roads, and although Shinoro Honke Nakamura you are to such a large city. In summer, fields are the lack of traffic signals and junctions makes it a Futomi-cho 1499-7, Tobetsu Tel. 01332 6 2039 awash with yellow sunflowers and white or purple great place to ride, cyclists are advised to carry a GPS potato flowers. At the top of a hill on the road to the devise or map to avoid getting lost. Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Sapporo Cycling Frontier Hokkaido (Tel. 0120 963 776) http://www.hokkaido-cycling.jp Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cycle Ono Sapporo (Tel. 011 621 0501) http://www.onosapporo.jp at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Cycle Shop Nakamura Sapporo (Tel. 011 532 9588) http://www.csnakasp.com Contact: Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Bicycle and Wheelchair Shop Matsuda (Tel. 011 555 2107) http://jitensya-matsuda.com Tel. 011 231 1369 Fax. 011 222 5215 [email protected] This course in Sapporo is popular among local cyclists, who can be seen whizzing along on sports bikes at the weekends and holidays. The 01/There is a roadside station and a hot figure-of-eight course starts and spring near Shinshinotsu Park. 02/Outlet finishes in Makomanai Park, which store of the Tonden Farm in Ebetsu 03/Take is approximately 8 km south of a quick side trip to the old silo site in front downtown Sapporo and was the of the prefectural library. 04/Old brick main venue of the Sapporo Winter buildings still remain around JR Kurisawa Olympics in 1972. It runs around Station. 05/Roads around and the foot of Mt. Moiwa to the north Kitamura are flat and easy to ride. and leads towards Takino Hillside Park to the south. This long-ride course starts from Nopporo Forest Park to first turning point at the roadside station in Shinshinotsu, Enjoy cycling amid Sapporo’s the northeast of Sapporo and runs through the scenic the course runs along the pleasant country roads of a 01/Makomanai Park is a popular place for locals to relax 02/Country abundant nature that belies the fact rural areas of Ishikari and southern Sorachi. It leads farming area and on to central Kuriyama toward the rest Garden in Takino Suzuran Hillside Park colored with seasonal flowers it’s such a large metropolis, on a from a busy national highway to a prefectural road and point in Mieko Park, Nanporo. The finish point is a short 03/Natural Takino landscapes don’t seem like those of a big city suitably undulating course that then to the Tappu Ohashi Bridge. Don’t miss the view of ride along the cycling road from the second turning point 04/Cycling road that extends from Makomanai Park makes it so worthwhile. the Ishikari River from the bridge. After reaching the at JR Kitahiroshima Station.

Enjoy nature to the full on this popular Sapporo course. Long ride toward the horizon

Course guide Course guide Shinshinotsu Tobetsu Iwamizawa Total distance: approx. 44 km / Time required: approx. 3 hr. / Grade: beginner Total distance: approx. 101 km / Time required: approx. 6 hr. 45 min. / Grade: intermediate - advanced Iwamizawa Minami Ward Start/Finish: Makomanai Park (Sapporo) Toyohira Start/Finish: Centennial Memorial Tower in Nopporo Forest Park (Sapporo) Ward Rest space Rest space Ebetsu Ebetsu Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Roadside station Shinshinotsu Mieko Park Dai 45-sen Kita 2, Shinshinotsu Tel. 0126 58 3166 Minami 13-sen Nishi 3, Nanporo Tel. 011 378 1270 Hokkaido Expressway Takino 247, Minami-ku, Sapporo Tel. 011 592 3333 Nopporo Nanporo Benizakura Park Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Sumikawa 389, Minami-ku, Sapporo Tel. 011 581 4858 Naganuma Cycling Frontier Hokkaido (Tel. 0120 963 776) http://www.hokkaido-cycling.jp Fujino Takino Cycle Ono Sapporo (Tel. 011 621 0501) http://www.onosapporo.jp Kitahiroshima Kitahiroshima Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Cycle Shop Nakamura Sapporo (Tel. 011 532 9588) http://www.csnakasp.com Cycling Frontier Hokkaido (Tel. 0120 963 776) http://www.hokkaido-cycling.jp Bicycle and Wheelchair Shop Matsuda (Tel. 011 555 2107) http://tesikaga.exblog.jp/ Cycle Ono Sapporo (Tel. 011 621 0501) http://www.onosapporo.jp Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cycle Shop Nakamura Sapporo (Tel. 011 532 9588) http://www.csnakasp.com at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters.

Bicycle and Wheelchair Shop Matsuda (Tel. 011 555 2107) http://tesikaga.exblog.jp/ Contact: 01/Ride through the open hills The Biei Century Ride, held every beneath the vast blue sky. 02/The September, is a long-ride event that magnificent mountain range comes covers a total of 160 km in two days. into view while passing over Hachi- The Beauty of the autumn leaves on man Hill from Rokugo. 03/A leisure- Mt. Tokachidake and the Taisetsu ly ride through the scenic hills of Biei Mountains as well as that of the 04/Become one with the rural scenery endless rolling countryside attracts 05/Refreshing lavender field countless cyclists. The distance is 60 km on the first day and 100 km The Great Earth Furano Ride is held every June. This the course takes in Kamifurano and Nakafurano, as well on the second. After a steep climb, 105 km course extends through the Furano and Biei as Rokugo, the location of a famous TV drama. After the landscape that unfolds is out of countryside awash with flowers and greenery. Cyclists the steeply sloped, toughest part of the course, enjoy the this world. Be sure to experience the start from JR Furano Station and pass fragrant lavender descent and the view of the Furano Basin as you head 01/Feel the breeze while enjoying views of the magnificent Tokachidake “town of hills” in its autumn colors fields and on towards the hills of Biei while enjoying toward the finish. mountains. 02/Pass by fields of potato flowers… 03/Ride through the amid the breeze and fresh air of views of Mt. Tokachidake. On the way back from Biei, colorful land. 04/Over the colorful Patchwork hills Biei!

approx. 60 km Higashikagura Chiyogaoka

Kitabiei

Course to enjoy the cyclists’ paradise – Furano and Biei Course around the Patchwork hills in Biei Biei

Biei Course guide Bibaushi Biei Course guide (upper course) Total distance: approx. 105 km / Time required: approx. 7 hr. / Grade: advanced Total distance: approx. 60 km / Time required: approx. 3 hr. 50 min. / Grade: intermediate Start/Finish: JR Furano Station (Furano) / Number of cycle rack locations: 6 Start/Finish: Biei Sports Center (Biei) / Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Bibaushi Kamifurano Kamifurano Course guide (lower course) Rest space Takisato Dam Lavender fields Total distance: approx. 100 km / Time required: approx. 6 hr. 40 min. / Grade: advanced approx. 100 km Higashikagura Tomita Melon House Miya-machi 3-32, Nakafurano Tel. 0167 39 3333 Nakafurano Start/Finish: Biei Sports Center (Biei) / Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Chiyogaoka Furano Burger Rest space Kitabiei Higashitorinuma 1, Furano Tel. 0167 23 1418 German-style farm café Land Café Farm Restaurant Chiyoda Aza-Mita Dai 2, Biei Tel. 0166 92 5800 Kasugadai 4221, Biei Tel. 0166 92 1718 Biei Furano Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Biei Sportopia (Tel. 0167 22 1935) http://www.sportpia.co.jp/furano/ Terashima Shokai (Tel. 0166 92 2191)

Alpine Visitor Center (Tel. 0167 22 1311) http://www.alpn.co.jp/ Biei Bicycle Tour (Tel. 090 6218 1111) http://www.biei-bicycle.com/ Bibaushi Leisure Guide Asobiya (Tel. 0167 22 0534) http://www.asobiya.jp/ Guide-no-Yamagoya (Tel. 0166 95 2277) http://www.yamagoya.jp/ The hill-climb course on Mt. Tokachidake has a difference in elevation of 1,050 m and is recommended for those who like steep climbs. The course starts from Kamifurano and runs along the 01/Towering Mt. Ashibetsudake, Tokachidake Lavender Road, which the highest peak of the Yubari is one of the “top 100 roads” in Mountains. 02/Cycle swiftly Hokkaido. As the name suggests, through Todai Jumokuen garden. beautiful lavenders grow by the 03/The hardest part leading to Lake road. After cycling about 8 km, the Kanayama 04/Gentle breezes blow hill climb begins in earnest. The by Lake Kanayama. effort required to climb up the Tokachidake Skyline Route is The course starts from JR Furano Station and runs to the are about to reach the steeply sloping tunnel by Lake rewarded with an enjoyable scenic south with the majestic Mt. Ashibetsudake on the right. Kanayama, which is the hardest part of the course. You descent. Ride down the Tenku-no- After joining the national highway, it heads along the can also get off your bike at Lake Kanayama, to relax in the michi and Shirakaba Kaido roads Sorachi River steadily gaining altitude. If you have time, lakeside breeze while enjoying the vast landscape. On the 01/To the Ryounkaku hot spring after reaching the top of the steep hill. 02/View from and return to the finish point while stop at the University of Tokyo Forest famous for its row of way back, the course takes the Rokugo Kaido road along the Tokachidake Skyline Route 03/The view down from Tokachidake Onsen enjoying the fields of flowers on the cherry-blossom trees. When the dam comes into sight, you the Furebetsu River to finish point in downtown Furano. Ryounkaku 04/Tokachidake Lavender Road – one of the “top 100 roads” in Hokkaido hills

A leisurely and relaxing course by Lake Kanayama One of Japan’s hardest hill-climb courses

Course guide Course guide Furano Total distance: approx. 87 km / Time required: approx. 5 hr. 50 min. / Grade: intermediate Total distance: approx. 53 km / Time required: approx. 3 hr. 30 min. / Grade: advanced Sorachi Start/Finish: JR Furano Station (Furano) / Number of cycle rack locations: 4 River Start/Finish: JR Kamifurano Station (Kamifurano) / Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Nunobe Nisshin Dam Shirogane Rest space Furano Rest space Hinode Dam Dam Restaurant Le Montagne Yamabe Tokachidake Onsen Yumoto Ryounkaku Furano Higashishikagoe, Minamifurano (within Lake Kanayama Log Hotel Larch) Tel. 0167 52 3100 Tokachidake Onsen, Kamifurano Tel. 0167 39 4111 Gohan-ya Larch Lake Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Ikutora 687-1, Minamifurano (within Roadside station Furano) Tel. 0167 52 2100 Kanayama Onoda Shokudo Rokugo Shigaichi, Furano Tel. 0167 29 2662 Naganuma Cycle Shop (Tel. 0167 45 2417) Tokachidake Onsen Kanayama Minamifurano Country Terrace Koropokkur (Tel. 0167 44 2583) http://www.koropo.com Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Furano Biei Tourism Promotion Association Lake Kanayama Campsite (Tel. 0167 52 3132) at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Hoshino Resort Tomamu (Tel. 0167 58 1111) http://www.snowtomamu.jp/ Contact for inquiries Furano Biei Tourism Promotion Association Yayoi-cho 1-1, Furano MTB Hokkaido (Tel. 0167 22 5655) about the Furano/Biei area: Tel. 0167 39 2312 Fax 0167 23 2123 [email protected] 01/View of the Taisetsu Mountains from near Aibetsu 02/Golden carpet of rice fields in Asahikawa 03/Cycle under many bridges toward the upper reaches of the Ishikari River. 04/Turning point at Aibet- su Riverfront Park 05/Kamikawa Basin surrounded by mountain ranges 06/Ueno Farm with a variety of flowers blooming 07/Straight road from Toma to Asahikawa 08/Asahiyama Zoo, where the natural abilities of animals can be seen up close

Ride alongside the Ishikari River toward the Sounkyo Ravine

Course guide Kyowa Onsen The course runs north along the cycling road from JR area in which rare black-skinned Densuke , through the strawberry-producing watermelons are produced. After stopping off at Total distance: approx. 82 km / Time required: approx. 5 hr. 30 min. / Grade: beginner - intermediate Pippu JCT town of Pippu and then on to Aibetsu, which is known Toma Sports Land, continue on to Ueno Farm, which Start/Finish: JR Asahikawa Station (Asahikawa) / Number of cycle rack locations: 4 Pippu as the “home of mushrooms.” After crossing the has a popular Hokkaido Garden that is landscaped in Ishikari River and entering the mountainous area, you the form of an English garden. The course then leads Rest space Pippu Kita IC will reach the turning point at the end of the cycling to Asahiyama Zoo and to the finishing point at Roadside station Asahikawa Asahikawa Toma Takasu IC road in Nakaaibetsu. If you have enough time – and Asahikawa Station. Kagura 4-jo 6-chome 1-12, Asahikawa Tel. 0166 61 2283 strength in your legs – why not ride up Route 39 to Aibetsu Riverfront Park Asahikawa Kamikawa and Sounkyo Onsen to see the columnar Aza-Chuo, Aibetsu Tel. 01658 6 5610 joint cliffs and relax in a hot-spring bath? From the Toma Sports Land turning point it’s a nonstop ride down to Toma, an 6-jo 4-chome, Toma Tel. 0166 84 2587

Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Asahikawa Tourism Promotion Council at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Asahikawa Country Travel (Tel. 0166 22 0001) http://www.asahikawa-travel.com/ Contact: Asahikawa Tourism Promotion Council Asahikawa Food Terrace 2F, 5-jo dori 7-chome, Asahikawa Tel. 0166 25 7168 Fax 0166 26 8585 [email protected] 01/Cycle through Higashikagura toward the Taisetsu Mountains 02/Asahi Bridge – a symbol of Asahikawa and a Hokkaido Heritage site 03/Beautiful Twin Harp Bridge in Asahikawa 04/Chubetsu Dam retains the beautiful water of the Taisetsu Mountains 05/Cycling up the steep hill toward Mt. Asahidake 06/Riding to a stylish café in Higashikawa 07/Cycling road in Higashikagura surrounded by flowers 08/Cool breezes blow from the Taisetsu Mountains even in summer. 09/Shujitsu Hills – a scenic spot close to Asahikawa Airport

A river-view ride to the backdrop of the Taisetsu Mountains, a garden where the gods play

Course guide The course starts from JR Asahikawa Station, runs along where domestic water is supplied entirely by Toma Asahikawa the Chubetsu River and then toward Higashikagura, groundwater. If you have some extra time, it is also a Total distance: approx. 85 km / Time required: approx. 5 hr. / Grade: beginner - intermediate Takasu IC known as the “town of flowers.” Colorful flowerbeds good idea to visit a stylish café or bakery there. After Start/Finish: JR Asahikawa Station (Asahikawa) / Number of cycle rack locations: 3 maintained by townspeople can be found everywhere in cycling through the town, along a long, straight road for Rest space the town. After cycling through the downtown area and more than 10 km and around the foot of Mt. Asahi, you toward Mt. Asahidake, which is the highest peak in Mori-no-yu Hotel Hanakagura will reach Japan’s northernmost zoo, Asahiyama Zoo, Higashikagura 25-go Tel. 0166 83 3800 Nishikagura Hokkaido, you will reach the turning point at the where you can see the expressions, dynamic movements Chubetsu Dam. If you have enough energy, go a little and even the undersides of the paws of animals, which Kitoushi Forest Park Family Trip Village Asahikawa Chubetsu Airport Dam further to the Taisetsu Asahidake spring and quench your Nishi 5-go Kita 44, Higashikawa Tel. 0166 82 2632 you cannot normally see. The finish point is close once thirst with natural mineral-rich water. Higashikawa, at you can see Asahi Bridge, a symbol of Asahikawa, The Sun Kuroudo Kuranama Factory Shop the foot of the mountain, is the only town in Hokkaido burning crimson in the setting sun. Kogyo Danchi 1-jo 2-chome, Asahikawa Tel. 0166 76 1501 Biei Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Asahikawa Tourism Promotion Council Asahikawa Country Travel (Tel. 0166 22 0001) http://www.asahikawa-travel.com/ at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters.

Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center/East concourse, JR Asahikawa Station Contact: Asahikawa Tourism Promotion Council Asahikawa Food Terrace 2F, 5-jo dori 7-chome, Asahikawa (Tel. 0166 26 6665) http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/files/kankou/information2.htm#renta Tel. 0166 25 7168 Fax 0166 26 8585 [email protected] 01/To Nukabira Gensenkyo through the 01/Heading to the wine town of Ikeda extensive green forest 02/Mikuni Pass past fields of grapes 02/Sheepdog tinted with autumn leaves. The thick green demonstrations are popular at Tokachi sea of trees in summer is also impressive. Makiba-no-ie 03/Ikeda Wine Castle, 03/Taushubetsu-gawa Kyoryo known as the where Tokachi Wine is gently matured phantom bridge 04/Mysterious Lake Shikari- 04/Japanese elm tree, the symbol of betsu 05/Horse riding can also be enjoyed at Toyokoro 05/A botanical moor hot the finish point, Roadside station Urimaku. spring relieves the fatigue of cycling.

This mountainous course features panoramic views from (eyeglass) Bridge – by Lake Nukabira. After the gentle The cycling course along the Tokachi River, which nourishes Castle that is the home of the Tokachi Wine winery. The the top of Mikuni Pass in Kamishihoro and passes around climb over Horoshika Pass you will reach Lake the Tokachi land, starts from the Tokachigawa hot-spring course runs to the south from here, to the turning point in two beautiful lakes. While descending, enjoy the sea of Shikaribetsu. Finally, enjoy the pleasant ride down toward resort famous for its botanical moor hot spring. After cycling Toyokoro, known for the solitary Japanese elm tree that green trees in summer and superb views of colored leaves the finish point at the Roadside station Urimaku, from the over the hills to the east amid views of winery grape fields, stands by the Tokachi River. The course then crosses the river in autumn. Cycle to Nukabira Gensenkyo amid views of Ogigahara Observatory overlooking the Tokachi Plain. you will eventually arrive in Ikeda, which boasts the Tokachi on the Toyokoro Ohashi bridge and heads toward downtown Taushubetsu-gawa Kyoryo – known as the Megane Makiba-no-ie with its grazing sheep, and the Tokachi Wine Obihiro via Makubetsu, the birthplace of park golf.

A tour of panoramic views from the pass, and mysterious lakes Visit scenic spots along the Tokachi River

Course guide Mikuni Pass Course guide Ikeda IC

Total distance: approx. 70 km / Time required: approx. 4 hr. 40 min. / Grade: advanced Total distance: approx. 65 km / Time required: approx. 4 hr. 30 min. / Grade: beginner Tokachigawa Onsen Tokachi Start: Mikuni Pass resting place (Kamishihoro) / Finish: Roadside station Urimaku (Shikaoi) Start/finish: Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center (Otofuke) / Number of cycle rack locations: 3 Makiba-no-ie

Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Taushubetsu-gawa Toshibetsu Kyoryo Ikeda Ikeda Rest space Wine Castle Lake Nukabira Makubetsu Tokachi River Rest space Higashitaisetsu Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center Kumagera House Higashitaisetsu Nature Center Nature Center Minami 12-chome 1-23, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke Tel. 0155 32 6116 Aza-Nukabira Gensenkyo 48-2, Kamishihoro Tel. 01564 4 2323 Lake Shikaribetsu Ikeda Wine Castle Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui Ogigahara Observatory Kiyomi 83, Ikeda Tel. 015 572 2469

Shikaribetsu Kohan, Shikaoi Tel. 0156 67 2211 Kumagera House Japanese Elm tree Toyokoro Roadside station Urimaku Roadside station Urimaku Hon-cho 160, Makubetsu Tel. 0155 54 2289 Moiwayama Natural Park 1 Banchigai, Urimaku Nishi 3-chome, Shikaoi Tel. 0156 67 2345 Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Hokkaido Tokachigawa Onsen Tourism Association (Tel. 0155 32 6633) http://www.tokachigawa.net/ Roadside station Shikaoi (Tel. 0156 66 1125) http://michinoeki-shikaoi.com/ Tokachi Nature Center (Tel. 0155 32 6116) http://www.nature-tokachi.co.jp/ 01/Cycling along a straight road toward the horizon 02/Local delicacies can be enjoyed at the roadside station Nakasatsu- nai. 03/Rokka-no-mori, a garden owned by Rokkatei 04/Manabe Garden – Japan’s first conifer garden 05/Yachiyo Farm, where cows graze leisurely on the mountain slope 06/Shichiku Garden colored with seasonal flowers 07/Row of birch trees with a beautiful contrast of white and green 08/Patchwork fields spreading over the vast Tokachi Plain 09/Riding past green curtains of yam toward Yachiyo Farm

A tour of beautiful gardens and the vast plain that stretches to the horizon

Memuro Obihiro IC Obihiro Course guide Satsunai This route runs through the vast Tokachi Plain and around they created here in Japan. In the latter half of the course, Nishiobihiro three unique gardens along the Hokkaido Garden Road. a ride up the gentle slope at the foot of the Hidaka Total distance: approx. 90 km / Time required: approx. 6 hr. / Grade: intermediate Memuro Makubetsu The flat course, which begins at JR Obihiro Station and Mountains brings you to Yachiyo Farm, where time passes Start/finish: JR Obihiro Station (Obihiro) / Number of cycle rack locations: 1 Onsen Manabe runs to the south along Route 236, is recommended even slowly amid scenes of cows grazing leisurely. Shichiku Garden Aikoku for beginners. The Manabe Garden, known as Japan’s first Garden, where some 2,500 varieties of flowers bloom Rest space Station conifer garden, is on the way to the roadside station, while throughout the seasons, is the last garden before returning Roadside station Nakasatsunai the Rokka-no-mori garden with a colony of wild Hokkaido to JR Obihiro Station. Odori Minami 7-chome 14, Nakasatsunai Tel. 0155 67 2811 Shichiku Garden plants and a small art gallery, is also close by. The former Shichiku Garden Aikoku and Kofuku stations, known for their auspicious Kofuku Station Nishi 4-sen 107, Biei-cho, Obihiro Tel. 0155 60 2377 Rokka-no-Mori names meaning “land of love“ and “happiness,” are still Obihiro Chikusan Kenshu Center (Cowbell House) Obihiro Chikusan Tokachi Obihiro Airport visited by many people even now, 40 years after the boom Kenshu Center Roadside station Nishi 4-sen 194, Yachiyo-cho, Obihiro Tel. 0155 60 2919 (Yachiyo Farm) Nakasatsunai Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Tokachi Area Tourism and Airport Promotion Council Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Tokachi Area Tourism and Airport Promotion Council Obihiro Tourism and Convention Bureau (Tel. 0155 22 8600) http://www.obikan.jp/ssi-bin/rental-cycle/ Contact: Nishi 5-jo Minami 7-chome 1, Obihiro (in the Tourism Section, Commerce and Tourism Department, City of Obihiro) Ozumi Shokai (Tel. 0155 24 3088) Kamada Ringyo (Tel. 0155 23 7101) Tel. 0155 65 4169 Fax 0155 23 0172 [email protected] 01/Riding down Bihoro Pass overlooking the Kussharo caldera 02/Take a foot bath and rest at the roadside station Mashu Onsen. 03/JR Kawayu Onsen Station is a recommended rest spot. 04/The rural landscape spreads around the long descent from Lake Mashu. 05/Depart from Kawayu Onsen toward the smoking Mt. Io 06/Roadside potato flowers are in full bloom in August. 07/Mysterious Lake Mashu makes you forget the fatigue of riding up the hill. 08/The dynamic view of Lake Kussharo looking down from Bihoro Pass

A course from which to enjoy the unspoiled nature and famous hot springs of eastern Hokkaido

Course guide This course for experienced cyclists takes in scenic resting. Between Mt. Io and Lake Mashu is a spots such as Lake Mashu, which is among the mountainous route toward the peak, approximately Total distance: approx. 106 km / Time required: approx. 6 hr. 40 min. / Grade: advanced Kawayu Onsen world’s clearest lakes, Mt. Io and Lake Kussharo. Mt. 670 m above sea level. The observatory at the peak Start/finish: Kawayu Eco Museum Center (Teshikaga) Io, close to the starting point at Kawayu Onsen, is an commands views of the beautiful blue water of Lake Number of cycle rack locations: 5 Lake Kawayu Onsen Kussharo active volcano that continues to emit volcanic smoke. Mashu and the Shiretoko mountains in the distance. Lake Mashu In June, the colony of labrador tea at the base of the After cycling to the south to enjoy the 360-degree Rest space mountain, is in full bloom. There are several “forest view from 900 Sogen and to the north to Bihoro Pass Roadside station Mashu Onsen (tourist information office) tunnels” around Mt. Io and Lake Kussharo that to see Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake, Yunoshima 3-3-5, Teshikaga Tel. 015 482 2500 become colorful with leaves in autumn. Foot baths at follow the course as it winds around the Kussharo Mashu Teshikaga JR Kawayu Onsen and Mashu stations and the lakeside dotted with hot springs and beautiful autumn Poppo-tei Asahi 1-7-18, Asahi, Teshikaga Tel. 015 482 2412 roadside station Mashu Onsen are ideal places for leaves, before returning to Kawayu Onsen. Orchard Grass (in JR Kawayu Onsen Station) Kawayu Ekimae 1-1-18, Teshikaga Tel. 015 483 3787 Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Lake Mashu Tourism Association at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters.

Contact: Lake Mashu Tourism Association Chuo 1-chome 5-1, Teshikaga Tel. 015 482 2200 Fax 015 482 1877 [email protected] 01/Tsurunuma Winery in Urausu is 01/Heading toward Maruka Kogen in the the largest of its kind in Japan. Ebeotsu area of Takikawa 02/Rapeseed 02/Rose garden in Iwamizawa Park blossoming beautifully in the area around the 03/Downtown Iwamizawa 04/Miu- Maruka Kogen Denshu-kan 03/Swiss-style ra Ohashi bridge over the Ishikari landscaping is promoted in River connects Bibai and Urausu. 04/Farm road leading to the Kurose Laven- 05/Takikawa Fureai-no-sato has der Garden in Sunagawa 05/Exquisite view cottages and hot-spring baths. from the Furusato-no-mieru-oka observatory

One of the appeals of the Sorachi area is its rural Yamazaki Winery in Mikasa and Tsurunuma Winery The first half of the course provides a pleasant ride through autumn at Maruka Kogen in Takikawa, the remnants of the scenery with vast fields of grape vines. Cycle to the in Urausu. At the Kurose Lavender Garden in the rural scenery of the northern Sorachi area. Why not coalmining industry that once thrived in , the view north on a route consisting mainly of back roads, and Sunagawa close to the finishing point, lavenders are enjoy seasonal local fruit and corn at the roadside station of Sorachi Plain from the Furusato-no-mieru-oka enjoy the extensive Ishikari Plain seen from the in full bloom between June and August. After Denen-no-sato Uryu? After crossing the Ishikari River, the Observatory in Bibai, and sculptures by Kan Yasuda at the hilltops, and beautiful views of the grape fields while finishing the course, relieve your fatigue in the hot gentle ascent provides panoramic views of the surrounding Arte Piazza Bibai art museum. After finishing, refresh riding around the Hosui Winery in Iwamizawa, spring at Takikawa Fureai-no-sato. area. Enjoy rapeseed flowers in spring and cosmos in yourself in the hot spring of Pipa-no-yu Yurin-kan.

Course from which to enjoy wineries and superb views of lavender fields in Sorachi Ride through the rural scenery toward the three scenic spots!

Course guide Course guide Total distance: approx. 107 km / Time required: approx. 6 hr. / Grade: intermediate Takikawa Akabira Total distance: approx. 105 km / Time required: approx. 7 hr. / Grade: advanced Hokuryu Start: Iwamizawa City Hall (Iwamizawa) / Finish: Takikawa Fureai-no-sato (Takikawa) Start: Takikawa Fureai-no-sato (Takikawa) / Finish: Pipaa-no-yu Yurin-kan (Bibai) Fukagawa Sunagawa Number of cycle rack locations: 6 Number of cycle rack locations: 6 Uryu Hokkaido Expressway Rest space Rest space Akabira Bibai Takikawa Iwamizawa Park Antenna Shop PiPa Roadside station Denen-no-sato Uryu Arte Piazza Bibai Sunagawa Shibun-cho 794, Iwamizawa Tel. 0126 25 6111 Shintoku-cho 1-ku, Bibai Tel. 0126 62 4343 Aza-Manju 28-3, Uryu Tel. 0125 79 2100 Sakae-machi, Ochiai-cho, Bibai Tel. 0126 63 3137 Hosui Winery Tsurunuma Winery Maruka Kogen Denshu-kan Pipa-no-yu Yurin-kan Iwamizawa Hokkaido Hosui-cho 364-3, Iwamizawa Tel. 0126 20 1810 Aza-Osatsunai 428-17, Urausu Tel. 0125 68 2646 Ebeotsu-cho 3949-14, Takikawa Tel. 0125 75 5451 Tomei-cho 3-ku, Bibai Tel. 0126 64 3800 Expressway Mt. Tappu Observatory Kurose Lavender Garden Roadside station Utashinai Tirol Spa Bibai Tappu, Mikasa Tel. 01267 2 3591 Ichinosawa 62, Sunagawa Tel. 0125 53 2685 Aza-Nakamura 72-2, Utashinai Tel. 0125 42 5566 Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Hero Hokkaido (Tel. 0136 55 7475) http://hero-hokkaido.com Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Takikawa Tourist Association Hero Hokkaido (Tel. 0136 55 7475) http://hero-hokkaido.com at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters.

Contact: Takikawa Tourist Association Smile Bldg. 1F, Sakae-machi 3-chome 9-2, Takikawa Tel. 0125 23 0030 Fax 0125 23 0918 [email protected] 01/An attractive course on which you can experience the mountains and the sea 02/Koshimizu Gensei-kaen (wild flower preserve), where 40 kinds of flowers welcome visitors 03/Abashi- ri’s famous lonesome pine with Mt. Sharidake in the distance

This is a relatively easy course that starts from Mokoto, Abashiri, and takes in Koshimizu Gensei-kaen (wild flower preserve) and Lake Tofutsu, which is a registered Ramsar site. After JR Kitahama Station, known as the station closest 01/Roads on which many cyclists to the Sea of Okhotsk, fields of wild can ride safely together 02/ March- flowers spread over the long and en Hills famous for the seven trees narrow sand hills between the Sea 03/Even ordinary landscapes for of Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu. The the locals make perfect locations sand hills are colored pink, orange for cyclists. and yellow with Siberian lily, rugosa rose and other flowers The course starts from the roadside station roadside station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri near the estuary between June and August. After Marchen-no-oka Memanbetsu and continues on toward of the . After cycling along the coast, the turning at the roadside station the Marchen Hills, which is a photogenic spot with seven course leads to a rural area with gentle hills. You’re Hanayaka Koshimizu, famous for impressive larch trees on the hilltop, and then on to a road almost at the finishing point once you reach the starch dumplings, the course runs that commands panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk. Asahigaoka Observatory, with its 360-degree panoramic through rural scenery and over After entering downtown Abashiri, take a break at the view and beautiful sunflower field. gentle hills.

Ride swiftly over the undulating hills View the seasonal flowers and Shiretoko mountains

Course guide Abashiri Course guide Total distance: approx. 42.8 km / Time required: approx. 2 hr. 50 min. / Grade: beginner Abashiri Total distance: approx. 36 km / Time required: approx. 2 hr. 30 min. / Grade: beginner Hamakoshimizu Koshimizu Start/finish: Roadside station Marchen no Oka Memanbetsu (Memanbetsu) Start/finish: JR Mokoto Station (Abashiri) Number of cycle rack locations: 1 Kitahama Gensei-kaen Lake (wild flower preserve) Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Mokoto Lake Abashiri Rest space Lake Tofutsu Rest space Lake Mokoto Abashiri Quasi-National Park Koshimizu Gensei-kaen Roadside station Marchen no Oka Memanbetsu Aza-Hamakoshimizu, Koshimizu Tel. 0152 63 4187 Showa 96-1, Memanbetsu, Ozora Tel. 0152 75 6160 Memanbetsu Roadside station Hanayaka Koshimizu Roadside station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri Aza-Hamakoshimizu 474-7, Koshimizu Tel. 0152 63 4111 Minami 3-jo Higashi 4-chome, Abashiri Tel. 0152 67 5007 Ozora Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Shiretoko Cycling Support (Tel. 0152 24 2380) http://www.shiretokocycling.com/ Shiretoko Cycling Support (Tel. 0152 24 2380) http://www.shiretokocycling.com/ 01/Gently undulating hills are a feature of this course. 02/The mechanical cuckoo-clock tower Kamurin is a symbol of the roadside station Onneyu Onsen. 03/There are places to rest around the Oketo Sports Center.

This is a short course of about 40 km, around Rubeshibe, Kitami, and Oketo. The course starts at the roadside station Onneyu Onsen and 01/A leisurely ride while feeling climbs steadily up along Route 39 the breeze. 02/Endless fields of and through a farming area towards wheat swaying under the blue sky a mountain pass if you ride in a 03/Kitami Mint Memorial Museum clockwise direction; or over the pass presents the history of mint in and down through the farm land if Kitami. A variety of Japanese and you ride in an anticlockwise Western herbs bloom in the herb direction. On the way, Oketo is a garden. thriving forestry area known for its simply designed and beautifully grained Oke-craft woodware. After Relatively flat roads continue on this course around Memorial Museum to learn about the history of mint finishing, visit the popular Yama- the rural outskirts of Kitami. Starting from Tanno in Kitami, which used to be one of the world’s leading no-Aquarium that adjoins the Onsen Nonta-no-yu, the course runs along back roads mint producing areas. The final part of the course roadside station, or enjoy bathing in and through the northern part of downtown Kitami. If takes you through the rural landscapes of a hilly area the famous hot springs of the you want to venture from the course and stop by in the stretching from Ainonai. After finishing the course, Onneyu Onsen resort downtown area, why not visit the Kitami Mint relieve your fatigue in the Nonta-no-yu hot spring.

Become one with the breeze while experiencing the rural landscape Enjoy the refreshing forests on this mountain course

Course guide Course guide Rubeshibe Total distance: approx. 53.5 km / Time required: approx. 3 hr. 30 min. / Grade: intermediate Total distance: approx. 41 km / Time required: approx. 2 hr. 45 min. / Grade: beginner Start/finish: Tanno Onsen Nonta-no-yu (Kitami) Start/finish: Roadside station Onneyu Onsen (Kitami) Number of cycle rack locations: 1 Number of cycle rack locations: 2 Rest space Rest space Tanno Roadside station Onneyu Onsen Kitami Mint Memorial Museum Higashiainonai-cho Matsuyama 1-4, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami Tel. 0157 45 3373 Minaminaka-machi 1-7-28, Kitami Tel. 0157 23 6200 Kitami Oketo Family Sports Center Kitami Aza-Oketo 398-14, Oketo Tel. 0157 52 3075 Oketo Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Shiretoko Cycling Support (Tel. 0152 24 2380) http://www.shiretokocycling.com/ Shiretoko Cycling Support (Tel. 0152 24 2380) http://www.shiretokocycling.com/

Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Hokumo Area Cycling Tourism Promotion Council at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Hokumo Area Cycling Tourism Promotion Council Secretariat, Commerce and Industry Group, Industry Division, Ozora Town Office Contact: Nishi 3-jo 4-chome 1-1, Ozora, Abashiri-gun Tel. 0152 74 2111 Fax 0152 74 3643 [email protected] 01/Ride around Mt. Yotei, the landmark of Niseko 02/Cycle along farm roads while viewing Mt. Yotei and Annupuri 03/Flowering potato fields in summer 04/Rhythm Cycles offers rental, sale and maintenance services 05/Café Sprout in front of JR 06/Roadside Niseko View Plaza is an ideal place to rest 07/Commemorative photos at the ostrich farm in Niseko 08/The overhead arrow indicating the road shoulder is a feature unique to snowy areas.

Ride around Mt. Yotei famous for spring water and hot springs

Course guide Kutchan The Niseko area has extensive farming land adjacent at Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku and the roadside station Kutchan Total distance: approx. 55 km / Time required: approx. 3 hr. 30 min. / Grade: beginner to mountains and highlands, creating views typical of View Plaza in Niseko on the way, and try the spring Hokkaido. The area, with its resort-style atmosphere, water and other local specialties. Post-ride bathing is Start/finish: JR Kutchan Station (Kutchan) / Number of cycle rack locations: 5 Kyogoku is often chosen as the venue of Tour de Hokkaido, one also popular, as there are numerous hot springs in the of Japan’s largest cycle races, as well as of many other surrounding area. Rest space Hirafu local races and events. The most popular course in SPROUT Niseko is the 55-km loop around the foot of Mt. Kita 1-jo Nishi 3-chome, Kutchan Tel. 0136 55 5161 Mt. Yotei Niseko Yotei, which is also known as Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido’s Roadside station Meisui-no-sato Kyogoku Mt. Fuji). Even beginners can complete the course in Aza-Kawanishi 45-1, Kyogoku Tel. 0136 42 2292 half a day. The first half of the course is a gentle Roadside station Niseko View Plaza Niseko climb with potato and corn fields on both sides. Rest Aza-Motomachi 77-10, Niseko Tel. 0136 43 2051 Makkari

Cycling tourguide & Rentacycle Visit the official Hokkaido Cycle Tourism website or contact the Niseko Tourism Bureau Project Council at the address below for inquiries regarding cycle rack locations and other matters. Bicycle Corner (Tel. 0136 55 5882) http://the-bicycle-corner.com Niseko Tourism Bureau Project Council (c/o Kutchan Town Office) Kita 1-jo Higashi 3-chome, Kutchan Contact: Rhythm Cycles (Tel. 0136 23 0164) http://nisekocycles.com/ja/ Tel. 0136 56 8009 Fax 0136 23 2044 kankou@town_kutchan.lg.jp List of bicycle races and events in Hokkaido September Throughout Hokkaido Dates in 2013:September 14 (Sat.) – 16 (Mon., public holiday) Cycling events that attract all kinds of riders are held in various parts of Hokkaido. Tour de Hokkaido The major events are introduced below. The Tour de Hokkaido is one of Japan’s largest-scale cycle races and has been held since 1987. Intensely contested races * Event schedules and details are of 2013. Please contact the organizers for details of events in and after 2014. take place every year on different courses throughout Hokkaido. Citizen Races held on the same days allow June Furano Date in 2013: June 23 (Sun.) participants to experience the joy of racing on routes that are shorter versions of those used by the top athletes.

Great Earth Furano Ride Courses (Citizen Races in 2013) A long-ride event in which participants can experience the ●Citizen Race Stage 1 (road race) nature of Furano in its best season, adorned with flowers and Course A: 85 km (Kutchan – Kyowa – Kutchan) greenery. In addition to the attractive course, aid stations with Course B: 50 km (Kyowa – Rankoshi – Kutchan) Furano melons and other local specialties, and optional tours ●Citizen Race Stage 2 (road race) are also popular. Courses A/B: 67 km (Kamoenai – Kutchan) ●Citizen Race Stage 3 (criterium) Courses around Moerenuma Park in Sapporo: 2.2 – 33 km

Other bicycle races and events (* in 2013) ●A. Furano-Plain Course (55 km) Courses ●B. Lavender Course (85 km) Event name Date Course ●C. Kita-no-Kuni-kara Course (115 km) Road May Sapporo Tour of Kamui Sapporo May 19 (Sun.) (long: 130 km, short: 60 km)

August Niseko Dates in 2013: August 3 (Sat.) – 4 (Sun.) Mashu Gran Fondo Mashu June 1 (Sat.) – 2 (Sun.) Hillclimb, road (50 – 158 km)

Niseko Hanazono Hillclimb Road Century Run Sapporo June 9 (Sun.) Sapporo (full: 145 km, half: 85 km) The event, which takes place amid the vast land and superb views of the mountains and hills of Kutchan, the base town of the world-class ski resort of Niseko, is known as the most June Fukagawa Century Run Fukagawa June 16 (Sun.) Road (80 km, 55 km) popular hill-climb race in Hokkaido. Road Okhotsk Century Ride Abashiri June 23 (Sun.) Abashiri (full: 160 km, half: 89.4 km) Road Rusutsu Tour of Kamui Rusutsu June 30 (Sun.) (long: 170 km, medium: 100 km, short: 60 km) Road Niseko Nature Ride Niseko July 7 (Sun.) Downtown Kutchan – Niseko Annupuri Goshiki Onsen (20 – 200 km) Course (796 m above sea level) Road International Okhotsk Cycling July 12 (Fri.) – 14 (Sun.) (total length: 15.5 km, average gradient: approx. 4.6%) Okhotsk (full: 212 km, day-trip: 41 km) July Nakasatsunai Tokachi Nakasatsunai Gourmet Fondo July 14 (Sun.) Road (30 km, 100 km) September Biei Dates in 2013: September 21 (Sat.) – 22 (Sun.) Biei Century Ride Sarobetsu 100-mile Road July 21 (Sat.) – 22 (Sun.) Time trial, road (20 – 160 km) The cycling event is held in the town of Biei, amid the vast, Tokachi Century Run Tokachi Aug. 25 (Sun.) Road (160 km, 80 km) sprawling fields at the foot of the Tokachidake Mountains and the natural landscape of rolling hills. Beautiful and impressive views appear each time you pass over one of the gentle August Wide area Century Run Yotei Sanroku Aug. 25 (Sun.) Road (160 km) undulations.

Rishiri Rishiri Island "Fureai" Cycling Aug. 25 (Sun.) Road (60.2 km)

Sept. 16 September Great Earth Onuma Ride Road (65 km, 100 km) Hakodate Onuma (Mon. public holiday) ●Biei Century Ride, Stage 1 (60 km) / Stage 2 (100 km) Road Courses Monbetsu Century Run Monbetsu Oct. 13 (Sun.) ●Biei Hills Courses (half: 85 km, quarter: 43 km) Panorama Course (25 km) / Patchwork Course (30 km) October Road Tour of Kamui Sorachi Takikawa Oct. 20 (Sun.) Takikawa (medium: 100 km, short: 60 km)