Discover the fascinating secrets of a small Hokkaido fishing village through a cycling tour
1-DAY
DIFFICULTY
GREEN SEASON
from JPY 35,000
1 day tour, available from May to October
Min. 2, Max. 10
Cycling
- HIGHTLIGHTS
-
- Learn about the unique fisheries of the region and environmental issues through interaction with local fishermen
- Cycle comfortably and stress free by utilizing the custom cycling buses
- Experience the curling culture that has produced many Olympic athletes
- LOCATION
-
The Okhotsk area: Hokkaido is an island located in the northern part of Japan. For a long time, the island has been home to the Ainu indigenous people and has a long history of interaction with the Japanese and other northern peoples. This second largest island in Japan has relatively well-preserved nature, a perfect place for outdoor activities.
Especially, the Okhotsk area, which is the stage of this cycling tour, is covered with astonishing nature. In fact, the "Sea of Okhotsk" is a unique sea. Drift ice covers the coast during winter, creating a unique environment. The flavor of the seafood that comes out of it is exceptional. Drift ice has also created many brackish lakes over its long history. Enjoy the nature and food that can only be meet here.
OVERVIEW
Tokoro Town, a small fishing town facing the Sea of Okhotsk in the eastern part of Hokkaido, is famous for two of its wonderful and irreplaceable heritages.
This town’s powerful community of fishermen and farmers creates two distinct characteristics. The first is that it is the best production area for scallops in Japan, which is rated all over the world for its sweetness and fresh taste. The second characteristic is this town’s treasured heritage of the sport of Curling, which continues to produce Winter Olympic Games medalists.
Let us explore this area for its hidden secrets with our bikes as we traverse this unique landscape. Pedal while enjoying the breezes from the Sea of Okhotsk and the incomparable scenery of this north-facing town and the brackish water lakes surrounded by northern seashores.
During this one-day tour, after cycling by the seaside, we will also have plenty of time to interact with local fishermen, and by experiencing a game of Curling, participants will be able to enjoy learning about the secrets of this area that may be based on the unique and powerful human energies that have become rooted in this northeastern area of the vast and beautiful northern island.
ITINERARY
Departure
Meet and greet at Memanbetsu Airport. Kitami or Abashiri JR train station depending on the situation. After the bike inspection, use the customized bus for transporting both participants and bicycles to move to the starting point of the cycling course . An orientation will be held on the bus.
The planned main tour guide will be Toru Tanaka (Tobu Top Tours), and the bus will be operated by Hokkaido Kitami Bus.
Cycling
Arrive at the shore of Lake Saroma, the largest lake in Hokkaido. Starting from the “Wakka Nature Center” located at the eastern end of this lake, cycle along the sandbar while enjoying the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Saroma on either side of you. The destination is Wakka Primeval Flower Garden. It is a round trip of 9 km, with an elevation that is relatively gentle.
After returning to the Nature Center, take a break there and then resume cycling. The next destination is a fishing port close to Tokoro town, which is a journey of 11km. The cycling guide will be Rikio Nakamura, the director of North Bicycle Hokkaido
Meet with local fishermen and lunch
Talk frankly with the fishermen of this town about the history of this area, the characteristic climate, and the secrets of fishing while enjoying a BBQ that includes plenty of local seafood such as scallops. It is a precious opportunity to know the real local life of Hokkaido. Experience the true strength of Hokkaido while eating the most delicious local ingredients with the fishermen.
Try out the sport of Curling
In this town, even fishermen and farmers are good Curling players. Experience this activity that is not just a current Olympic sport but is rooted in the daily life of the Okhotsk area.
Return to Memanbetsu Airport, Kitami or Abashiri JR Station, depending on the customer’s situation.
Tour Operator / Contact
TOBU TOP TOURS Co.,LTD Sapporo Branch
- Address
7F Park East Sapporo, 1-3, South 1 East 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0051 Japan
- TEL
+81 (0)11-221-0821
- Official web site
Awareness of environmentally friendly action and the protection of our precious nature has always been at the core of our corporate philosophy. We feel that we need to do more than our obligations to ensure that our business and participants have a positive impact on the community.
Our important goal is also to encourage guests to spend more time in Hokkaido’s natural environment, protecting the natural environment and taking action to respect the indigenous culture.
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