Akan–Mashu to Shiretoko 8 Day Cycling Tour

We meet at our hotel in Abashiri at 5:00 pm, arriving by either train from Sapporo or flight from Tokyo to Memanbetsu Airport.

After a tour briefing and introduction, we take a gentle stroll around town and enjoy a welcome dinner together.

Early arrivals may wish to visit two fascinating local attractions: the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples and the Abashiri Prison Museum. Both are accessible by local bus.

Following bike fitting and safety briefing, we cycle towards Cape Notoro along the Okhotsk Sea coastline, passing temples and a fishing village. A gentle climb leads us to the cape's lookout point for panoramic sea views.

We then enjoy a downhill ride to Lake Notoro, home to Japan's largest glasswort community - a succulent that turns bright red in autumn. Our route takes us along the lakeside before returning to Abashiri via a cycling path.

We head south from Abashiri through the sweeping Kussharo Caldera, climbing up to Bihoro Pass. At the top, we're rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Kussharo and the surrounding volcanic mountains.

After lunch at the rest house, we enjoy a downhill ride to Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake. We visit Sunayu, where we can dig our own natural foot spa in the sandy shore. Our day ends at our accommodation in the hot spring town of Kawayu Onsen.

We cycle to Mt. Io (Sulphur Mountain), an active volcano that last erupted 600 years ago. Today, it still emits impressive clouds of sulphuric steam, with steam vents stained in vivid yellow.

After a long but gradual climb, we reach Lake Mashu's lookout point. This pristine caldera lake, one of Akan-Mashu National Park's three major lakes, is known for its "Mashu-blue" waters, though often shrouded in mist. Its untouched shores are protected by steep cliffs.

Our day ends with an easy downhill ride to the farming community of Nakashibetsu.

Today we cycle through changing landscapes as we enter the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of Japan's most untouched regions.

Following the eastern coastline, we make our way to the fishing village of Rausu, renowned for its kombu (sea kelp) production and fresh seafood, especially king crab.

After arriving in Rausu, we have the option to cycle or drive 24 km to Aidomari, a peaceful seaside onsen where we can relax to the sound of waves.

Today we cycle through the heart of the stunning Shiretoko Peninsula. From Rausu, we tackle a gradual 15 km climb up Shiretoko Pass, rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Rausu - the highest peak in the Shiretoko Mountain Range - set against the azure sea.

After a beautiful descent to the Shiretoko Nature Center for lunch, we have the option to visit Furepe Waterfall, which cascades directly into the sea, or take a 9 km side trip to explore the unique Shiretoko Five Lakes. We end our day in Utoro, where we might catch a spectacular sunset from our accommodation.

We bid farewell to Shiretoko Peninsula and cycle back to Abashiri along the Sea of Okhotsk coast. Our route takes us past potato fields that bloom spectacularly in early July. We stop at Koshimizu Wildflower Reserve to admire the diverse spring and summer wildflowers, including Japanese Rose and Siberian Lily.

Our final night's accommodation is beside Lake Abashiri, where we can unwind in the outdoor onsen whilst enjoying lake views.

After breakfast, we say farewell. Regular buses connect the hotel to both Abashiri Station and Memanbetsu Airport for onward travel.