Hokkaido Summer Cycling Tour: The Top Choice Destination in Japan for Taiwanese Cyclists

Why Choose Hokkaido?

For Taiwanese cyclists, Hokkaido offers several incomparable advantages:

1. Cool Summers: Average temperatures of 20-25°C in July-August, far more comfortable than Taiwanese summers
2. Spectacular Scenery: Lavender fields, wheat fields, volcanic lakes—a landscape completely different from Taiwan
3. Convenient Access: Direct flights from Taipei to New Chitose Airport take about 4 hours
4. Cycling-Friendly: Wide roads with complete cycling facilities
5. Rich Cuisine: Seafood, dairy products, ramen—your ride refueling will definitely be satisfying

Main Cycling Routes

Route 1: Biei·Furano (Most Popular)

Route: Bibaushi Station → Biei → Shikisai-no-Oka → Furano

Item	Data
Distance	Approx. 40-60K
Elevation Gain	Approx. 300-500m
Difficulty	★★★
Best Season	July (lavender in full bloom)

Highlights:

• Furano Lavender: The world’s most famous lavender fields
• Biei Hills: Rolling colored farmland like a painting
• Shikisai-no-Oka: Flower fields in different colors each season

Route 2: Eastern Hokkaido Loop (Advanced)

Route: Obihiro → Kushiro → Shiretoko → Abashiri → Obihiro

Item	Data
Distance	Approx. 400-600K
Duration	5-7 days
Difficulty	★★★★
Best Season	August

Highlights:

• Shiretoko Peninsula: A World Heritage site where brown bears roam
• Lake Mashu: Japan’s clearest lake
• Cape Nosappu: Japan’s easternmost point

Route 3: Lake Toya·Hakodate (Southern)

Route: Hakodate → Onuma Quasi-National Park → Lake Toya

Distance	Approx. 150K
Duration	2-3 days
Difficulty	★★★

Highlights:

• Hakodate Night View: One of Japan’s three great night views
• Lake Toya: A volcanic crater lake
• Jigokudani: Noboribetsu hot springs

Options for Bringing Your Bike

Flying with a Bicycle:

• Need to confirm airline regulations in advance
• Generally requires packing (bike bag)
• Additional fees approximately NT$1,500-5,000

Renting a Bike in Japan:

• Road bike rental shops available near New Chitose Airport
• Carbon road bike rental: approximately NT$2,000-4,000/day
• Suitable for short-term travelers

Pre-Trip Preparation

Preparation Item	Recommendation
Visa	Visa-free for Taiwanese passport holders
Language	Basic Japanese or translation app
Insurance	Purchase travel insurance (including cycling coverage)
Accommodation	Book early during peak travel season
Supplies	7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere

Challenges of Cycling in Hokkaido

• Traffic Rules: Ride on the left (opposite of Taiwan!)
• Bear Encounters: Brown bears may appear on mountain bike trails—carry a bear bell
• Weather Changes: It can suddenly turn cold even in summer
• Road Distances: Supply points are much farther apart than in Taiwan

Budget Estimate

Item	Cost (Approx.)
Round-trip Flights	NT$10,000-20,000
Accommodation x7 nights	NT$15,000-25,000
Bike Rental	NT$14,000-28,000
Food	NT$7,000-14,000
Transportation	NT$3,000-8,000
Total	NT$49,000-95,000

Hokkaido is a cycling trip worth planning—the vast land, crisp air, and unique scenery will leave you with unforgettable riding memories.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Cycling in Hokkaido, Japan: Riding Through Lavender Fields and Plains
• A Cycling Dream in Hokkaido: A Romantic Journey Pedaling Between Lavender and Snowy Mountains
• The Complete Guide to Cycling Tourism in Taiwan: East Coast Route and Sun Moon Lake Loop
• Summer Mountain Cycling in Taiwan: Cool Routes Through Lishan and Fushoushan