Hokkaido Cycling Dream Journal: A Romantic Journey Pedaling Between Lavender and Snowy Mountains

Why Choose Hokkaido for Cycling?

For those who love bicycle touring, Hokkaido is a nearly perfect destination. It boasts Japan’s widest roads, lowest population density, most spectacular natural scenery, and the friendliest riding environment. Unlike the congestion and hustle of Honshu, Hokkaido’s highways seem tailor-made for cyclists—straight roads stretching to the horizon, flanked by endless fields, pastures, and forests.

Summer (June to September) is the golden season for cycling in Hokkaido. Temperatures typically stay between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, making it a paradise compared to Honshu’s scorching heat. What’s more, Hokkaido’s lower humidity means you won’t feel stiflingly hot even when riding in midsummer.

Classic Route: Furano–Biei Flower Field Road

Route Overview

• Total Distance: Approximately 80 km (loop route)
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 meters
• Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

This route is the quintessential entry-level classic for cycling in Hokkaido. Starting from Furano Station, head north along National Route 237, passing through the lavender fields of Nakafurano, then turning into Biei’s rolling hills. Mid-July to late July is the lavender blooming season, when the entire purple sea of flowers sways in the sunlight and a faint floral fragrance fills the air—a riding experience no indoor trainer can replicate.

Biei’s Patchwork Road

Biei’s “Patchwork Road” is a pilgrimage site for photographers and cyclists. Because different crops are planted across this hilly terrain, viewed from above it resembles a giant patchwork quilt—golden wheat fields, emerald potato fields, and purple lavender fields interwoven, with the majestic silhouette of the Daisetsuzan mountain range as the backdrop.

Riding through these hills, you’ll discover that every turn brings a new surprise. “Ken & Mary Tree,” “Seven Stars Tree,” “Parent-Child Tree”—these scenic trees made famous by advertisements stand alone and elegant amid the vast fields, serving as the most natural landmarks.

Challenge Route: The Three Lakes of Eastern Hokkaido

Route Overview

• Total Distance: Approximately 200 km
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 meters
• Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Eastern Hokkaido (Doto) is the most pristine and wild region of Hokkaido. This route connects three volcanic lakes—Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo—passing through primeval forests and volcanic terrain along the way. Lake Mashu, known as the “Lake of Fog,” once boasted the world’s highest water clarity. Standing on the lakeshore observation deck, the deep sapphire-blue water takes your breath away.

Traffic on Eastern Hokkaido’s roads is extremely light; on some stretches, you might not see a single car for an hour. But this also means supply points are sparse, so it’s advisable to carry enough water and food. Additionally, Eastern Hokkaido is brown bear habitat, so it’s best to attach a bear bell to your bike while riding.

Food Refueling Stops

Another irresistible charm of cycling in Hokkaido is the food along the way. At every small town, you’ll find astonishing local cuisine:

• Furano: Lavender ice cream, farm-direct cantaloupe
• Biei: Hand-made soba noodles, corn soup
• Obihiro: Butadon (grilled pork rice bowl), Rokkatei confections
• Kushiro: Robatayaki (hearth-grilled seafood), Katte-don (build-your-own seafood rice bowl)
• Asahikawa: Asahikawa ramen, Genghis Khan grilled lamb

Cycling in Hokkaido, you never need to worry about calorie expenditure—because every meal will replenish you more than enough.

Accommodation Options

Hokkaido offers a wide variety of accommodation choices. Riders with a larger budget can opt for hot spring ryokan, where soaking in an open-air onsen after a day of riding is an absolute life pleasure. For those on a tighter budget, “Rider Houses” are scattered throughout Hokkaido—simple lodgings designed for motorcyclists and cyclists, costing only 500 to 1,500 yen per night. Though facilities are basic, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you’ll often meet travelers from all over.

Additionally, Hokkaido has a well-developed network of campgrounds, many of which are free or charge only a nominal fee for cyclists. Pitching a tent under the stars, falling asleep to the sound of insects, and waking up to birdsong the next morning—this is the purest bicycle touring experience.

Practical Tips

Transportation

From Taiwan, you can fly directly to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), or fly to Asahikawa Airport for closer access to the Furano area. Most airlines accept bicycle transport, but it’s advisable to confirm size and fee regulations in advance. Within Hokkaido, JR Hokkaido trains also allow packed bicycles (in rinko bags), making it convenient to move between different starting points.

Gear

• Windbreaker (even in summer, mountain areas have large temperature swings between morning and evening)
• Bear spray or bear bell (essential for the Eastern Hokkaido region)
• Spare tubes and basic repair tools (bike shops are scarce in remote areas)
• Power bank (GPS navigation is important)

Language

English proficiency in Hokkaido is not high, but the friendliness and helpfulness of Japanese people make up for the language barrier. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases will make your journey smoother, such as “michi” (road), “konbini” (convenience store), and “jitensha” (bicycle).

Conclusion

Cycling in Hokkaido is an experience that cannot be fully captured in words. When you ride through Furano’s flower fields in the morning mist, when you see the full panorama of the Daisetsuzan mountains from Biei’s hills, when you unexpectedly encounter red-crowned cranes in the wilderness of Eastern Hokkaido—these moments will be etched deeply into your memory, becoming the most precious riding memories of your life.

If you’re searching for your next cycling destination, Hokkaido absolutely deserves to be at the very top of your list. It’s not just a trip; it’s the most intimate conversation with nature.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Cycling in Hokkaido, Japan: Lavender Fields and Wilderness Rides
• Summer Cycling in Hokkaido: A Top Choice Destination for Taiwanese Riders in Japan
• A Deep Dive into Japanese Cycling Culture: Urban Bike Aesthetics and Riding Routes in Shimane and Hiroshima
• Riding Across Japan: A 30-Day Bicycle Journey from Hokkaido to Kagoshima