Self Guided Tours - with daily luggage transfers!
Our self-guided tours are based on the vast northern island of Hokkaido.
Start your adventure by flying into either Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) or New Chitose Airport (CTS) and make your way to Furano.
Meet up takes place at our base in airfurano After bike fitting and orientation together with a welcome chat with time for Q&As, head out for dinner. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, set off on your mini adventure!All tours allow you to cycle luggage free! You concentrate on cycling on a choice of a traditional road bike, a hybrid or an e-bike rental bikes Meanwhile we dutifully transport your luggage to your daily hotel.
Routes have been carefully selected to showcase the best corners of the island - the landscapes, the people, the wildlife.
Authentic Hokkaido culture and comfort feature in our chosen accommodations
Hokkaido, Island of Contrasts
The extraordinary contrasts of modern Japan are to be found throughout this archipelago but most particularly in Hokkaido. My introduction to Japan 30 years ago was this very island and those early years exploring Hokkaido have left an indelible impression of this wild northern island.
Hokkaido is a place where the power of an ancient and pervasive culture lays like a patch work quilt over an almost sub arctic wild land.
The result is a superb mix of culture and wilderness. Here you will find architecture and structure that reflects the history and refinement of ancient Japan. Where inner spaces comply with the Japanese aesthetic of art and beauty. And of course, delicious and healthy food that can be found anywhere in Japan is abundant in the mountains and valleys of Hokkaido.
Liberally spaced throughout this wild island you will also find some of Japan’s most famous artisans and photographers, who have escaped north to build a life on the edge of the wilderness.
On this self guided tours, using our comprehensive guiding notes, you can visit many of these artisans, including “Takushinkan” the gallery of Japan’s most famous landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda. As well as Maeda San’s gallery you can visit other lesser known photo galleries, painters, wood workers, potters and glass blowers. There is also the chance to visit the Ainu textile museum in Asahikawa.
And the backdrop throughout is the superb alpine scenery of central Hokkaido, where mountains and volcanoes tower over the valleys.
Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your own independent week of cycling in Hokkaido Japan.
Self guided cycle Hokkaido tour includes photo galleries.
“Gareth and Rika worked seamlessly as a team to put together a brilliant Hokkaido biking holiday for us in August 2023. We had heard about the island as a pedaling destination but we didn’t know where to start our planning. We exchanged ideas with Gareth by email and by video conference and he offered us an itinerary that was just right for us: 7 days of cycling along rolling hills and up to the spas in the foothills of Daisetsuzan National Park, with almost each day culminating in a hot soak in thermal onsens and a delicious Japanese meal in charming ryokans and inns. One of these was their own family-owned and newly constructed Air Furano which served as our starting point. We still dream about Rika’s imaginatively conceived and tasty breakfasts!”
“Mark and I had a fantastic holiday which was made all the better by the excellent arrangements that you made with the hotels, the maps and the service provided by your driver. It really was something special. ”
The Rolling Hills
7 days - 6 nights
Rated ☕️ + ½ in difficulty Click here for explanation
Contact us for more info including a detailed brochure.
Tours depart every Sunday
Starting 2nd Sunday in May 2025
Until the 1st Sunday in October 2025.
Shoulder Season: 11 May - 14 June
★ Standard Accommodation $1,920 USD
★ Upgraded Accommodation $2,445 USD
High Season: 15 June - 12 Oct
★ Standard Accommodation $2,195 USD
★ Upgraded Accommodation $2,790 USD
Contact us for more info.
The Playground of the Gods
8 days - 7 nights.
Rated ☕️ ☕️ + ½ in difficulty Click here for explanation
Contact us for more info including a detailed brochure.
Tours depart every Sunday
Starting 2nd Sunday in May 2025
Until the 1st Sunday in October 2025.
Shoulder Season: 11 May - 14 June
★ Standard Accommodation $2,095 USD
★ Upgraded Accommodation $2,620 USD
High Season: 15 June - 12 Oct
★ Standard Accommodation $2,475 USD
★ Upgraded Accommodation $3,145 USD
Contact us for more info.
Details
Contact us below and we will send you a PDF brochure with full tour outlines and a booking form which includes accommodation and bike hire options. See our accommodation page for more details.
Rider Numbers: Tours are guaranteed once 4 riders join - don’t worry this usually happens!
Solo riders are free to join any departure date that’s open.
Guided Option: These tours can be taken as a private guided tour. Please contact us for details.
How to book: Fill in the Booking Form and we will send you a confirmation, and details of how to pay the deposit.