Tailor made TOURS AND GROUP Bookings"
Call 1300 568 880
Cherry Blossom Tour
Celebrate with the Japanese in Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) as you witness Japan's unofficial national flower change the scenery to a shade of pink.
Find out more »»
Japan Gourmet Connoisseur Tour
This journey is for people who love to eat, drink and travel. Venture beyond the familiar sushi and saki perception of Japanese food culture.
Find out more »»
Yokohama Quilt Show
Travel with fellow quilters to view one of the largest patchwork and quilting events on the Japanese calendar.
Find out more »»
The Path to Traditional Japan
This all-embracing journey explores the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which all have distinct proud histories and are unique in their own right.
Find out more »»
Japan's Timeless Sea Coast
The Japan Sea Coast is relatively unexplored by the foreign tourist, yet this stunning region of Japan opens the door to an exceptional appreciation and awareness of Japanese life.
Find out more »»
Spiritual Japan
This region of Japan easily warrants a week to truly discover the ancient cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, not to mention the remoteness of Mt Koya-san.
Find out more »»
Contemporary Japan
Japan has some of the most acclaimed museums and art galleries in the world. Take the time to appreciate art culture along side Japanese tradition.
Find out more »»
Extensive Japan
Explore the land of the rising sun with the Japan Tour Specialist. Gain an extensive appreciation of this unique corner of the world.
Find out more »»
Hokkaido – Cycle Japan Tour
Ex: Memanbetsu (East Hokkaido) – LAND ONLY TOUR
Departure: 18 June 2012
11 Days/10 Nights
MEMANBETSU - SHIRETOKO PENINSULA - TOKACHI - HIDAKA MOUNTAIN RANGE - SAPPORO
Throughout is the ever present Japanese foot print, existing side by side with nature. Small seaside fishing villages and rural farms with large land holdings still have their temples tucked away in quiet Larch filled groves. Ever present are the many artisans who have escaped the crush of city life in the south to the frontier land of Hokkaido. All of this makes for a destination that mixes wild nature at its most beautiful with the elements of this unique culture.
For 2009 and beyond we have changed our longest running itinerary to take into account the ever changing impact of road and tunnel building. The route has moved away from the Sapporo area to encompass the wild east of Hokkaido with its unique world heritage area, the Shiretoko Peninsula.
We also visit the superb caldera lakes and mountains of central Hokkaido, as well as keeping the mighty Daisetsusan National Park and the Furano area in the itinerary.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Hokkaido – Cycle Tour: Fully Escorted Tour
Day 01 Arrive Memanbetsu airport and meet group and leader approx. 12:00 midday.
Day 02 70 km Our first day's full ride takes us through coastal hinterland farming country and through small coastal villages as we head towards the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Day 03 70 km We start the day with a long climb! The support vehicle can be used but we encourage you to ride this hill to fully enjoy the beauty of this world heritage area. We cycle through coastal fishing communities with plenty of time to stop and explore the small harbours and beaches en route.
Day 04 85 km Continuing on down the coast we pass though yet more small villages where we can stop and relax by the sea or just enjoy the local cuisines.
Day 05 50 km The superb hot mix roads continue as we head inland through rich alluvial farm lands. Today is caldera lake day as we travel past several of these extinct volcanoes with their crystal clear mountain water during the course of the ride. Superb cycling.
Day 06 100 km. We continue over the fertile northern reaches of the Tokachi Plain with its huge farms and backdrop of steep mountains. After lunch we enter the native forests around yet another superb mountain lake. Tonight's accommodation has both indoor and outdoor baths, the latter set amidst the forests and clear mountain streams.
Day 07 102 km. We depart the mountains early and after a good climb of 8 km, we head through magnificent alpine forests and mountain lakes before a long descent back onto the edge of the Hidaka Mountain Range. Our accommodation tonight is by yet another mountain lake. Again the delights of thermal waters await you to soothe you after your day in the saddle.
Day 08 55 km Today we head into the rural serenity of the central Hokkaido area under the imposing slopes of nearby mountains. En route there are some must see artisans, including the gallery of Japan's most famous landscape photographer, as well as several other artist's and photographer's galleries.
Day 09 70 km Leaving early the next morning we continue over farming valleys to the base of the final climb of the tour, a 12 km gradual climb to the base of the highest mountain in Hokkaido. Here we stay amidst the towering Hokkaido Red Pine and the ghost like Silver Birch forests. Yet again the soothing waters of natural hot springs await us in this area.
Day 10 45 km After a morning hike to the base of the mountain to see the wildflowers we have a relaxing two and a half hour cycle for our last mornings ride. This last ride is all downhill or flat and is a relaxing way to finish our “Tour de Hokkaido”. After checking into your Inn you can visit potters, glass blowers and the Ainu textile museum. That evening we will have a celebratory dinner and you can then go out and explore the night life of this northern Japanese town.
Day 11 Depart by charter bus for Chitose Airport where we say goodbye to our Hokkaido adventure.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TOUR PRICE (per person) TWIN SHARE AUD$5340.00 ex Memanbetsu
Price on application for airfares
Package includes:
- Ten (10) nights accommodation based on Japanese Inn
- Daily breakfast and ten (10) evening meals
- Meet and greet at Memanbetsu Airport on arrival
- All transfers in Hakkaido including airport transfers
- Support vehicle to travel with the group
- Fully Escorted by a Bilingual Guide
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The day normally starts with breakfast around 8am. On longer days this will be an earlier start. After breakfast our staff pack the support vehicle prior to the briefing.
Each morning the group will be given a briefing including basic route descriptions, points of interest along the way and additional notes. The information provided at the briefing allows you to ride at your own pace throughout the day. The tours are NOT designed as a ‘follow me’ ride, which only happens if everyone goes at the same pace, which never happens.
Riders will team up and head off to enjoy the day exploring the sites.
The support vehicle’s timetable varies daily depending on how long the days ride is. Each day its main aim is to reach that days accommodation prior to the first rider. The driver will then unload the luggage and arrange the rooms. The allocation of rooms will be left at the front desk of each inn so as the riders arrive they can settle in for the night. It is important to keep in mind that English will not be highly spoken.
Within the constraints of fulfilling this requirement the vehicle will sweep to the back, checking on riders etc. Keep in mind that if there are breakdowns or other issues on a long day you may not see the vehicle for some time. For this reason you will advised daily to carry your personal requirements (spare tubes, tools etc) so as to be self sufficient and be able to enjy the riding to the maximum.
For lunch you have the opportunity to explore the local eateries which is a wonderful experience in itself or you can pack supplies with you and eat lunch along the way.
Depending on your riding time you should expect to arrive at your accommodation mid afternoon on most days giving you time to explore the local area. Dinner is normally served between 5.30-6.00pm.
If you have any questions please email us. Our Travel Experts will respond to your enquiry within 24hours.