Advanced Course A Scenic Ride
To Cape Soya, the cyclist's dream...Wakkanai is famous for being the northern tip of Japan.
It's quite busy with tourists headed for Cape Soya or Rishiri and Rebun, two outlying islands.
Speed down the beautiful, 380km coastal road known as the Ororon Line to the top of Japan: Cape Soya. This route takes you from one essential Hokkaido sightseeing spot to the next, from Cape Ogon and its magnificent sunsets, to the beautiful "Rishiri Fuji" Mt. Rishiri, designated important cultural asset Old Hanada Watch House, and more. And with local sweets and fresh seafood as well, this could well be Cycling Tourism's ultimate Golden Route!
Course
guide
- ■Depart Asahikawa Airport - Arrive Wakkanai
- ■3-days, 2-nights
- ■Accommodations: Lake Shumarinai / Nakagawa-cho
- Riding Distance
- Approx. 367km
- Required Time
- Approx. 10 hours 22 minutes
- Level
- Advanced
- Start
- Asahikawa Airport (Higashi Kagura-cho)
- Goal
- Wakkanai
- Route
-
- Day 1.Asahikawa Airport
- Asahiyama Zoo
- Wassamu
- Michi-no-Eki Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi
- Lake Shumarinai
- Day 2.Lake Shumarinai
- Bifuka Sturgeon Center
- Otoineppu
- Michi-no-Eki Nakagawa
- Nakagawa-cho
- Day 3.Nakagawa-cho
- Michi-no-Eki Teshio
- Sarobetsu Genya
- Otonruy Wind Turbines
- Kohone-no-Ie
- Cape Noshappu
- Soya Fureai Park
- Cape Soya
- Wakkanai Port North Breakwater Dome
- Wakkanai
Sightseeing SpotsTourist Favorites!Must-See Spots
The Northernmost Point in Japan Marker
This cape is at the very top of the map of Japan, the furthest north tip. There is a marker reading "The Northernmost Point in Japan" at the end, and statues of Rinzo Mamiya and other monuments are scattered around. Illuminated at night, it's a mystical sight.
-
- 1The Northernmost Point in Japan Marker
- This monument stands at the end of Cape Soya, at 45°31′22″ north latitude. It was designed with a motif of one point of Polaris, integrating an N for north with a circular base representing peace and cooperation.
Directly ahead you can see the shape of the Sakhalin islands 43km away.
-
- 2Soya Hills
- This is a gently rolling hill country just before Cape Soya. The periglacial landscape was formed during the last ice age, and is designated part of Hokkaido's natural heritage. The area is also dotted with 57 wind turbines.
The Northernmost White Road, covered with scallop shells.
-
Enjoy marshland and unique onsens in Toyotomi.
Located about 1 hour by car from central Wakkanai city, Toyotomi-cho is home to approx. 6700ha of wetland.
-
- 1Sarobetsu Genya Wetland
- The area is famous for being home to about 70 varieties of marsh plant. There's a 1km wooden walkway around it, perfect for observing nature.
-
- 2Toyotomi Onsen
- Toyotomi Onsen erupted along with natural gas during petroleum extraction. Ever since, people come from afar to treat dermatitis and other conditions in its waters. There are 5 inns in the onsen town area.
-
-
Horokanai, home to Japan's largest artificial lake.
Horokanai, home to Japan's largest artificial lake.
-
- 1Lake Shumarinai
- This artificial lake is embraced by green nature, giving the lakeshore an almost Nordic feeling, and blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The lake has a different face for each season: in spring the water is almost overflowing, in the summer dry season it runs low, and in winter it freezes over completely.
-
- 2Horokanai-cho Soba Fields
- The fields in town are covered in tiny white soba flowers from the end of July through mid-August. When you cruise down highway 237, it's as if a white carpet is spread over the earth all the way to the distant foothills, creating an enchanting view.
-
Let's Eat!Must Eat Treats!Famous Foods
Crab perfect for beachside boiling!
In the Sea of Okhotsk, you can catch Hair Crab, Red King Crab, Snow Crab and more. They all taste the best when you boil them fresh and kicking just off the boat. You can give them a try at restaurants in Wakkanai City.
-
Beginner's Course
Mt. Yotei Springwater and Onsen Tour rideThis course centers on a circuit around Mt. Yotei. The area is popular with travelers from in and out of Japan, with lots of facilities, like springs, nearby. The distance is just right family or group day trips, and takes in some gorgeous scenery as well.
-
Intermediate Course
A long ride on the hills of Furano and BieiThis course is filled with colorful flower gardens and rich variation, and offers a delightful 3-day, 2-night cycling tour. There are a lot of hot springs and dining spots in the area, and you can enjoy the sightseeing ride at your own pace.
-
Advanced Course
A long ride at the top of Japan.Cycling along the coast with its beautiful sunsets, headed for the top of Japan. This trip never gets boring, as the sightseeing spots and delicious dining never end. On this 3-day, 2-night course, you can take your time and really savor the trip.