Dear all,
I'm planning a small bike tour in Japan, starting in September and lasting 21-23 days. I know nothing about Japan, I'm in the early planning stages and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the endless options! Nevertheless, I've used the Japan Cycling Navigator website and various online posts to draft a rough idea of a plan (emphasis on "rough") and I would be grateful for any advice!Here are the key points of my idea:
- Two parts: Tohoku & Hokkaido
- Arrival: Tokyo; Departure: Asahikawa
- Tentative Part 1: Nikko to Aomori or another port
- Tentative Part 2: Hakodate or Tomakomai to Asahikawa via Yubari & Furano
Some additional notes:
- I'm okay with taking train/ferry shortcuts (and in fact I would like to experience them, especially ferries).
- The journey could be done in reverse. I just thought it would be nice to leave the beautiful nature for the end, rather than Tokyo, I guess.
- I don't mind (heck, I even sometimes enjoy) industrial areas and abandoned infrastructure. So, not everything has to be a postcard, I consider those part of the experience.
- I considered a Hokkaido-only tour, but I feel I would like to get a sense of different areas, too. I'm still open to it though if my plan is too much.
- Below are some example maps. I'd like to emphasize that I don't have to follow those routes exactly, but plan to do some parts of them:
Does this seem realistic for a 21-23 day tour? Am I trying to squeeze in too much? What kind of ferry/train shortcuts would you recommend? Thank you in advance!
Disclaimer: I have also posted this in the Japan Cycling Navigator facebook group, hope that's ok.
by aWhaleNamedFreddie
2 Comments
A few things about me: I’m from Greece and have done small tours in Greece and France, ranging from weekend to 10-day trips. I’m very comfortable with off-road routes and can handle heavy traffic, though I dislike it. I’m a fairly strong biker and can manage lengthy climbs. I have no problem free camping in random places. I normally much prefer nature and backcountry routes but enjoy riding in new cities if traffic isn’t heavy. In Japan, I would consider cities and towns as part of the experience. I’ve traveled in non-English speaking countries before and enjoyed feeling a bit lost. All in all, I believe I would really enjoy Japan.
Have you been to Japan before? If not, I’d strongly recommend doing the southern half of the country instead. There’s simply a lot more to see and do.