🙂 Cycling Beginner: An excited beginner wanting to experience nature by bicycle
🚴 Cycling Master: Expert guide who has ridden these routes many times
- RV × Cycling: Enjoy Hokkaido’s Winds!
- 1. Rishiri Island Loop Cycling – Enjoying Sea and Mountain Spectacular Views
- 2. Abashiri to Lake Saroma Cycling – Feeling the Okhotsk Winds
- 3. Biei-Furano Cycling – Panoramic Views of Hilly Terrain
- 4. Kushiro Wetland Cycling – Leisurely Riding Through Pristine Nature on Kushiro-Akan Cycling Road
- 5. Shiretoko Five Lakes Cycling – Enjoying World Heritage Pristine Nature
- Conclusion: Northern & Eastern Hokkaido Cycling is Perfect for RV Travel!
RV × Cycling: Enjoy Hokkaido’s Winds!
Loading bicycles in an RV and heading out integrates travel and accommodation, allowing you to enjoy highly flexible trips. The northern and eastern Hokkaido areas particularly have many attractive cycling courses that can be completed as day trips with loops or round trips. Here we introduce 5 recommended courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I safely load my bicycle?
A1. Using rear hatch racks or rear carriers with anti-slip mats, combined with bike bags for frame protection and securing is safe.
Q2. What are the tips for choosing recommended routes in Hokkaido?
A2. Combine prefectural roads and coastal routes with good access from RV parking points, creating 20-30km routes with sightseeing and hot spring stops works great.
Q3. What maintenance should I check before riding?
A3. Don’t forget to check tire pressure, brake pad condition, chain lubrication, and the operation of safety equipment like lights, helmets, and gloves.
| Benefits of Enjoying Cycling with an RV | ||
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Flexible Itinerary
RVs are mobile accommodation facilities. You can stay wherever you like, allowing immediate rest after cycling.
Example: After cycling mountain courses, you can stay on-site and move to different routes the next morning. Efficiently enjoy multiple courses without booking accommodations or travel hassles.
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Easy Bicycle Loading
RVs allow easy loading of multiple bicycles. You can also transport dirty bikes after cycling without worry.
Example: Load the whole family’s bikes for weekend trips. Even after riding in rain, you can store dirty bikes directly in the storage space without hassle.
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No Luggage Worries
Can carry plenty of food, spare clothes, and repair tools. Enjoy cycling with light equipment.
Example: Even on long-distance cycling, you can ride with minimal gear. Spare clothing, tools, and supplies can be left in the RV, allowing light and free riding.
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1. Rishiri Island Loop Cycling – Enjoying Sea and Mountain Spectacular Views
Rishiri Island is a beautiful remote island floating in the Sea of Japan and is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Centered around Rishiri-Fuji, the island’s symbol, coastal roads are well-maintained, allowing you to ride an exhilarating approximately 60km course while enjoying varied landscapes. Along the way, quiet fishing villages and lakes are scattered about, making it full of sightseeing attractions. This cycling course, riding with sea breezes, allows you to feel a sense of unity with pristine nature that you can’t experience in the city. Also recommended is parking your RV in Wakkanai and taking the ferry to Rishiri Island. Using the ferry terminal as a base while camping in your RV allows you to efficiently enjoy your cycling trip.
Optimal Season: June to September (summer is most comfortable)
Course Overview
- Distance and Duration: Full loop about 60km / about 4-5 hours
- Model Route: ① Oshidomari Port Parking → ② Kutsugata Cape Park → ③ Princess Pond Observatory → ④ Senposhi Misaki Park → ⑤ Otatomari Pond → ⑥ Oshidomari Port Parking (return)
Highlights
- Rishiri-Fuji: Beautiful mountain towering in the center of the island.
- Princess Pond: Spot where you can see inverted Rishiri-Fuji reflection.
Parking Spots
- Wakkanai Port & Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal: Refer to the two access methods for details on whether to bring your RV across or leave it behind.
Cycle Pit & Rest Points
- Nozuka Bicycle/Parking Park: Equipped with toilets and benches.
- Oiso Bicycle/Parking Park: Suitable place for rest breaks.
Precautions
- Some ups and downs require moderate fitness levels.
- Pay attention to weather changes and bring rain gear.
Two Access Methods
① Plan to Take RV to Rishiri Island by Ferry
- You can take ferries from Wakkanai Port or Haboro Port to bring your RV to Rishiri Island. The island has adequate RV parking spots and tourist attractions, making it easy to complete the loop.
② Plan to Leave RV in Wakkanai and Take Bicycle to Island (Recommended!)
- Around Wakkanai Port, parking lots and RV parks are available for RVs. Parking your RV here and taking the ferry to Rishiri Island with just your bicycle allows you to focus on island cycling. This is perfect for those wanting to enjoy Rishiri Island’s nature more freely.
- Wakkanai Port Ferry Terminal: Has spacious parking compatible with RVs, and overnight parking is possible.
Important Notes
- Around Rishiri Island Oshidomari Port: Parking lots and bicycle rentals for day tourists are also available.
- Ferry Schedule Confirmation: Ferries between Wakkanai Port and Rishiri Island have limited runs, so don’t forget advance reservations and schedule confirmation. The ferry takes about 1 hour 40 minutes one way.
2. Abashiri to Lake Saroma Cycling – Feeling the Okhotsk Winds
The course from Abashiri to Lake Saroma, riding while viewing the Okhotsk Sea coastline, is a representative cycling spot in eastern Hokkaido. Starting from Abashiri, you can view the Sangosou coral grass colonies of Lake Notoro and the vast waters of Lake Saroma along the way, with endless horizons stirring wanderlust. Lake Saroma’s sunsets are particularly breathtakingly beautiful, and rest points along the route are abundant. Riding while feeling the Okhotsk winds will surely become an unforgettable cycling experience.
Optimal Season: May to October (summer is most comfortable)
Course Overview
- Distance and Duration: Round trip about 80km / about 5-6 hours
- Model Route: ① Roadside Station “Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri” → ② Lake Notoro Sangosou Colony → ③ Tokoro Town Lake Saroma Observatory → ④ Kimanepp Cape → ⑤ Lake Saroma Parking Park → ⑥ Roadside Station “Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri” (return)
Highlights
- Lake Notoro: Seasonally you can see coral grass.
- Lake Saroma: Japan’s largest brackish lake with beautiful sunset spots.
Parking Spots
- Roadside Station “Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri”: RV parking available with comprehensive tourist information.
Cycle Pit & Rest Points
- Omagari Bicycle Station: Has toilets and rest facilities.
- Lake Saroma Parking Park: You can relax leisurely by the lakeside.
Precautions
- Can be windy on some days, so bring windproof gear.
- Few restaurants in some sections, so bringing water and light meals is reassuring.
3. Biei-Furano Cycling – Panoramic Views of Hilly Terrain
The Biei-Furano area is famous as “hill town,” and cycling through its beautiful hilly terrain gives you the sensation of riding through a painting. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes year-round, with summer’s lavender fields and colorful flower fields being trip highlights. The gently undulating roads provide a good workout, and tourist spots and cafes are scattered throughout, making leisurely rides with stops recommended. This area is essential for cyclists seeking spectacular views.
Optimal Season: May to September (summer flower fields especially recommended)
Course Overview
- Distance and Duration: About 50km / about 3-4 hours
- Model Route: ① Biei Station Parking → ② Patchwork Road (Ken and Mary Tree) → ③ Shikisai-no-Oka → ④ Blue Pond → ⑤ Farm Tomita (Furano) → ⑥ Biei Station Parking (return)
Highlights
- Shikisai-no-Oka: Spot with colorful flower fields spreading out.
- Farm Tomita: Tourist destination famous for lavender fields.
Parking Spots
- Around Biei Station: Well-maintained parking lots where RVs can also park.
Cycle Pit & Rest Points
- Roadside Station “Biei Oka-no-Kura”: Convenient for breaks and tourist information.
- Farm Tomita: Has cafes and shops, perfect for rest breaks.
Precautions
- Many tourists in summer, so early morning departure is recommended.
- Strong sunlight on some days, so don’t forget sun protection.
4. Kushiro Wetland Cycling – Leisurely Riding Through Pristine Nature on Kushiro-Akan Cycling Road
The “Kushiro-Akan Cycling Road” connecting Kushiro Wetland and Lake Akan area is a dedicated 25km cycling path where you can ride through vast Hokkaido landscapes and quiet nature. The road is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it safe for beginners. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular wetland viewpoints, bird watching, and views of the Kushiro River flowing through the wetland, spending leisurely time. The changing seasonal nature is also attractive, with beautiful greenery in spring and summer, and golden wetlands spreading in autumn. This route has excellent compatibility with RV travel.
Optimal Season: June to September (summer is most comfortable)
Course Overview Distance and Duration: One way about 25km (50km round trip) / about 3-4 hours
Model Route: ① Kushiro City Wetland Observatory Parking → ② Kushiro-Akan Cycling Road Starting Point → ③ Takkobuko Lake Campground → ④ Kushiro River Viewpoint → ⑤ Toro Lake Area (Goal Point) → ⑥ Kushiro City Wetland Observatory Parking (return)
Starting from Kushiro City Wetland Observatory, you’ll quickly arrive at the starting point of the “Kushiro-Akan Cycling Road.” From here, dedicated cycling paths continue, allowing you to safely enjoy cycling without worrying about vehicle traffic.
Highlights
- Kushiro Wetland Observatory: Spot overlooking the vast wetland.
- Hosooka Observatory: Spectacular viewpoint where sunsets paint the wetland orange.
- Along Kushiro River: The exhilaration of riding along the quietly flowing riverside road is attractive.
Parking Spots
- Kushiro City Wetland Observatory Parking: Has spacious parking space compatible with RVs, making preparation easy.
Cycle Pit & Rest Points
- Kushiro City Wetland Observatory Parking: RV parking available, perfect for cycling preparation.
- Takkobuko Lake Campground: Has toilets, shops, and cafes. Perfect lakeside rest spot.
- Around Toro Lake (turning point): Equipped with parking and toilets, relaxing lakeside area.
Precautions
- Bug Protection: Wetland areas can have many mosquitoes and horseflies in some seasons, so bring insect repellent.
- Bring Drinks: Few water supply points along the route, so prepare drinking water in advance.
- Weather Preparedness: Weather can change quickly, so rain gear and windproof clothing are recommended.
5. Shiretoko Five Lakes Cycling – Enjoying World Heritage Pristine Nature
The Shiretoko Peninsula is one of Hokkaido’s premier pristine nature areas registered as a World Natural Heritage site, and cycling around Shiretoko Five Lakes is a particularly popular route. You can ride while enjoying untouched forests, lakes, and magnificent Okhotsk Sea landscapes, truly packed with cycling thrills. At Shiretoko Five Lakes, you can also enjoy walking around the lakes, and you might encounter brown bears and wildlife. Riding through Shiretoko’s pristine nature with respect for nature and an adventurous spirit will give visitors unforgettable memories.
Optimal Season: June to October (autumn has beautiful fall colors)
Course Overview
- Distance and Duration: Round trip about 20km / about 2-3 hours
- Model Route: ① Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoku” → ② Shiretoko Nature Center → ③ Shiretoko Five Lakes Parking → ④ Shiretoko Five Lakes Ground Walking Trail → ⑤ Shiretoko Nature Center (return) → ⑥ Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoku”
Highlights
- Shiretoko Five Lakes: Beautiful lake cluster surrounded by virgin forest for walking.
- Okhotsk Sea: The sense of freedom riding while viewing the magnificent sea is attractive.
Parking Spots
- Roadside Station “Utoro-Shirietoku”: RV parking space with tourist information center and shops available.
Cycle Pit & Rest Points
- Shiretoko Five Lakes Parking: Equipped with toilets and rest benches, perfect for post-walk breaks.
- Roadside Station Rest Area: You can also purchase local specialties and light meals.
Precautions
- Risk of brown bear encounters, so don’t forget to check information at the management office.
- Some steep ups and downs on roads, so plan reasonably according to your fitness level.
| 4 Key Points for Enjoying Cycling | |
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Adjust Plans According to Distance
Set turning points for long-distance courses and adjust to distances matching your fitness level.
Aim for 20-30km for beginners, 40-60km for intermediate riders. Don’t push yourself if you feel tired – it’s important to finish shorter than planned. Recording distances with smartphone cycling apps helps plan future rides.
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Check Routes in Advance
Some courses have narrow sections or mixed areas with pedestrians, requiring caution.
Check route maps before departure and understand dangerous spots and restricted sections. For first-time courses especially, use GPS navigation or cycling map apps to confirm your location while riding. Note confusing intersections in advance for peace of mind.
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Know Supply Points
Check locations of rest areas and vending machines in advance for peace of mind.
We recommend identifying convenience stores, roadside stations, and parks with toilet and rest facilities at 10-15km intervals. Hydration is especially important in summer, so carry spare water and take frequent breaks. Some areas have few vending machines, so always confirm multiple supply points for long distances.
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Confirm Bicycle Parking at Tourist Sites
Research safe bicycle parking locations at tourist sites in advance.
Popular tourist spots may have full bicycle parking. Check multiple parking options when possible. If no public parking exists, use designated areas at tourist facilities or nearby cafes with bike racks. For expensive bicycles, bring sturdy locks and park in well-trafficked areas.
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Conclusion: Northern & Eastern Hokkaido Cycling is Perfect for RV Travel!
Northern and eastern Hokkaido areas have cycling roads scattered throughout with beautiful nature and magnificent scenery. Traveling by RV makes preparation easy and allows comfortable cycling enjoyment.
Each course has spectacular local views and abundant rest points, so choose routes strategically and enjoy according to your fitness level and weather conditions. The season from spring through autumn is especially recommended. Expand your imagination for travel preparation combining bicycles and RVs, and fully enjoy Hokkaido’s pristine nature!
