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WEX_Secrets-of-Hokkaido-By-Bike_JBB_1_No-Price_en_GB
WEX_Secrets-of-Hokkaido-By-Bike_JBB_1_No-Price_en_GB
WEX_Secrets-of-Hokkaido-By-Bike_JBB_1_No-Price_en_GB
Asia
Hokkaido By Bike
trip highlights
Tour rural Hokkaido and behold its remarkable charm
Experience a variety of stunning scenery ‑ farm lands,
mountains, caldera lakes, volcanoes and coast
Soak in spectacular onsens (natural hot springs)
Stay in traditional family run inns (ryokan)
Savour diverse and unique Japanese cuisine
Journey to Shiretoko National Park, one of Japan’s
most beautiful and unspoiled National Parks
Japan
at a glance
DAY 1 JOIN ABASHIRI
DAY 2 ABASHIRI TO NOTORO MISAKI LOOP RIDE
DAY 3 ABASHIRI TO LAKE KUSSHARO-KO
DAY 4 LAKE KUSSHARO-KO TO NAKASHIBETSU
DAY 5 NAKASHIBETSU TO RAUSU
DAY 6 RAUSU TO UTORO
DAY 7 UTORO TO ABASHIRI
DAY 8 FINISH IN ABASHIRI
what’s included
7 breakfasts, 7 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
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure
travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies
or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to
travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to
ask for such payments.
thoughtful travel Lake Mashu-Ko. Most of the time the lake is covered with mist, but if we are lucky we
will be able to view the emerald-coloured lake surface. The rest of today’s cycling is
The natural environments that you’ll easy, downhill and flat into the farming area of Nakashibetsu.
travel through are fragile; the cultures Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite
and traditions precious and often the Cycling distance: 84km Total ascent: 850m
communities we pass through are reliant meals: B,D
on tourism. It is our responsibility as visitors
to minimise the impact of our presence, DAY 5 Nakashibetsu to Rausu
protect what is precious and where we can This morning we ride through farmlands, enjoying the changing scenery as we
leave a positive impact. Learn how you can approach Shiretoko Peninsula, known as the last unexplored region of Japan. We
do this by downloading the Thoughtful cycle along the east coast of the peninsula, heading to the small fishing village
Traveller booklet from our website. of Rausu. Famous for its sea kelp production, it’s here that you can also enjoy a
sumptuous meal of fresh seafood and king crabs. This afternoon, you have an option
trip grading to ride (or drive) a further 24km along the coast to a secluded onsen Aidomari,
offering a perfect seaside setting.
Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom
To determine the grade of a particular Cycling distance: 65-113km Total ascent: 300-400m
adventure we consider a number of factors. meals: B,D
These include the condition of the terrain,
the altitude, the number of pass crossings DAY 6 Rausu to Utoro
and the length of the trip. The Secrets of Shiretoko Peninsula is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today you will
Hokkaido by Bike is graded moderate. You be able to appreciate its beauty and wilderness. From Rausu, we cycle the ‘Shiretoko
will need to be a competent cyclist with a Crossroad’ a mountainous road to the other side of the peninsula. It is approximately
good level of fitness, you should be able 15km to the top, a scenic ride with a spectacular view of Mt Rausu, the highest peak
to cycle comfortably for up to 4‑6 hours or in the Shiretoko Mountain Range. We then head downhill and lunch at the Shiretoko
around 65‑85km/40‑53miles per day, day Nature Centre with an optional short walk to a waterfall. We then follow the scenic
after day, with some uphill climbs. There are road north to the Shiretoko 5 Lakes, where there is a board walk to the lake. There
some hilly days and some steep climbs. You is an opportunity for those with energy to ride an additonal 7km alongside the
should be confident riding on main roads Iwaobetsu River. We cycle to Utoro for our accommodation for the night, where there
alongside traffic which can be travelling at
may be the chance to see a beautiful sunset from the hotel.
speed. This tour is not for beginners. The Accommodation: Ryokan/Ensuite bathroom
tour is fully supported and if at any stage Cycling distance: 46km Total ascent: 1200m
you feel like having a rest from cycling you meals: B,D
will be able to ride in the support vehicle.
DAY 7 Utoro to Abashiri
adventure travel We continue riding along the coast and enter into farmlands again. The long straight
roads travel through potato farms, which will be in full bloom in early July. We have
By its very nature adventure travel involves a brief stop at Koshimizu Gensei-Kaen (Koshimizu Wild Flower Reserve), where about
an element of the unexpected. In remote 40 kinds of flowers bloom in spring and summer. We finish our ride back in Abashiri,
and developing countries do not expect this time our overnight accommodation is near the lake. Tonight we celebrate the
standards you are used to at home. Remote end of our trip with a final dinner and outdoor onsen, and a spectacular view of Lake
areas are sometimes unpredictable and Abashiri.
itineraries may be altered. To get the most Accommodation: Hotel/Ensuite bathroom
out of your adventure it is important that Cycling distance: 85km Total ascent: 350m
you are flexible, positive and eager to take meals: B,D
on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for DAY 8 Finish in Abashiri
this trip we recommend that you speak Our tour concludes after breakfast with transport to the airport or station in the
with your consultant or travel agent. morning, if required.
meals: B
important note This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
climate
Japan has a generally temperate climate, but since the country stretches for 3000 km, from
sub‑Arctic in the extreme north to sub‑tropical in the far south, there is plenty of variation
throughout the year. Summer is hot and sticky, winter chills the bones, and the highest
precipitation falls during the rainy season, roughly from mid‑June to mid‑July. This tour
takes place in the mild seasons outside these phases; but since we are travelling into rather
lush regions, rain is a real possibility. Touring in this season, keep occasional warm and cold
fluctuations in mind, it makes sense to dress in thin layers that can be easily added or removed
according to weather and altitude.
Japan by Bike departs in both spring and autumn, and each season has its characteristics.
As the snows of winter retreat in the first quarter peach and plum blossoms appear. But to
the Japanese it is the blossoming of the flowering cherry, or Sakura, from April into May that
truly signals the spring. Wherever these delicate, pale‑pink blossoms burst, families and party
groups gather beneath the boughs to celebrate the arrival of warmth, and a general loosening
up of life. After a brief flowering the petals fall, to be replaced by more waves of flowers and
new leaves, and the temperature and humidity rise steadily. Days are generally short‑sleeve
warm, sometimes hot, but with sudden short drops. By the time summer arrives the sun rises
very early, before 4am. In autumn cooler temperatures of 15‑20 degrees C prevail. Humidity
evaporates into clear blue skies. With many of the trees deciduous ‑ particularly the Japanese
maple and gingko ‑ the change in foliage is spectacular. For a tour in this season light‑weight
long pants and long‑sleeved shirts are sufficient for day wear, but keeping occasional warm/
cold fluctuations in mind it makes sense to dress in thin layers that can be easily added or
removed, with a light sweater or jacket for mountain days. In both seasons Mount Fuji is prone
to quick changing winds and big temperature fluctuations, making its visibility a gamble.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian
diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). For
meal inclusions, please refer to the detailed trip notes. There is a huge variety of restaurants
available and prices vary dramatically. On average you should allow 1000‑1500 Yen for any
lunches not included in your trip cost. This is however a guideline, it is possible to spend much
less or more depending on your tastes. Snacks, chocolate and sweets are widely available, and
vending machines are almost a subculture! In the towns your tour leader will be happy to make
food recommendations. Variation is delightfully wide, but some famous Japanese dishes which
you will be sure to encounter include: sashimi (raw fish served with pickled ginger), tempura
(lightly battered, deep fried vegetables and fish), okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake
cooked on a tabletop hot plate) and sukiyaki (meat, vegetables and tofu cooked at the table in a
tangy‑sweet sauce). There are many kinds of noodle dishes, too, based around soba (buckwheat
noodles, served hot or cold), udon (thick wheat noodles) and ramen (wheat noodles in broth).
Food markets will impress even the most seasoned traveller with their array of exotic delights ‑
barrels of pickles, seasonal vegetables such as lotus root and bamboo shoots, and an amazing
array of seafood. You are definitely encouraged to sample some of the local cuisine in each place!
Meals in traditional‑style accommodation are usually Japanese cuisine. Japanese breakfast is
a combination of rice, grilled fish, pickles and miso soup: different from the familiar western
breakfast, but very substantial and nutritious. If this does not appeal, simple toast will usually be
available as an alternative, by prior arrangement. Coffee, if available, will usually be instant.
equipment provided
You can choose from a hybrid bike or a road bike for this tour. The hybrid bicycles supplied are 21
speed, aluminium frame, carbon forks with v‑brakes. They come fitted with a water bottle holder
and a front handlebar bag for any items you might need in the day. The road bikes are aluminium
with a carbon fork, Shimano Sora groupset and compact crank. They will be fitted with an under
saddle seat bag. Please let us know in advance which type of bike you would like. E‑Bikes are
available to hire on this trip for an additional fee. These need to be pre‑booked however and so
please ask your Adventure Travel Consultant.
A bike‑fit will be carried out at the start of the tour to make minor adjustments to the seat height
and position of your handlebars. You are welcome to bring your own saddle and pedals which
your guide can fit for you. A gel seat cover is also highly recommended and well worth the
additional cost (available in cycling shops).
Basic tools will be carried aboard your support vehicle and your trip leader will assist in the event
of any mechanical difficulties.
We regret that there are only a few smaller women’s bicycles and these can be reserved for
shorter group members, so long as we are advised of your height well in advance of your tour
departure.
In the countryside we stay in atmospheric, family run inns and rustic cabins to experience the ‘real’
Japan. The Japanese ‘ryokan’ is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed
heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull‑in‑a‑china‑ shop feeling is inevitable ‑
especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and
the innkeepers get used to each others ways! Traditional‑style accommodation means sleeping
on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors. Accommodations in Japan generally supply towels
and yukata in your room. Yukata is like a casual kimono that Japanese people put on after spa and
are also acceptable to wear at dinner. This night wear lessens the need to bring multiple outfits
as we dine at our accommodation on most nights. In the mountains it is usual for groups to sleep
together in the same room, modified by sliding partitions. Our inns understand that westerners
may be more comfortable with privacy, and assign two person rooms when there are few other
guests. But privacy throughout is difficult to guarantee without paying a premium. Please check
with our office staff if you require more information on this. Please note that hot showers and tub
bathing is at the end of the day when a communal bath is heated (women and men are separated),
but usually only wash basins are available in the morning. Japanese love bathing together,
communing as they soak. This is a surprisingly good opportunity to meet the locals. However, if
privacy is an issue this may be arranged by careful scheduling within the group.
equipment required
It is mandatory that you wear a helmet on all bike tours. We deliberately do not supply rental
helmets because only a well‑fitting helmet can offer a certain amount of protection. Cycling
helmets are offered by numerous suppliers in various price and quality categories. When buying
a bicycle helmet we recommend getting advice at a specialist store since finding the optimum
helmet depends on quite a number of things. Avoid at all cost buying a helmet because of its
looks; the main criteria should be a perfect fit. In some areas there are a limited number of
helmets are available for hire but as suitability cannot be guaranteed we ask that you bring your
own for the best fit and comfort
visas
The following passport holders can travel to Japan for up to 3 months without a visa:
Australia
New Zealand
USA
UK (6 months)
Canadian
If you are travelling on any other type of passport we would request that you contact us, or your
travel agent, to check the visa requirements.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule
or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two.
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many
of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise
custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues.
Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to
group flights. Contact our team today.
social networking
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trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist
you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at
your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to your nearest World
Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that
you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip
accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World
Expeditions trip.