Soya Scenic Byway
Teshio River Scenic Byway
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About eco-mobility
With a public transport network and a range of options for traveling on your own steam, from bikes and canoes to walking tracks, getting around Northern Hokkaido can be just as fun as the sights themselves.
Northern Hokkaido is the perfect place for eco-mobility, with a wealth of natural treasures: the Teshio River, a Hokkaido Heritage Site; Lake Shumarinai, Japan's largest man-made lake; the beautiful Mt. Rishiri; the magnificent periglacial beauty of the Soya Hills; and Cape Soya, the "peak of Japan".
Take a break from today's frenetic information-based society and enjoy a slower pace in sleepy country towns with breathtaking nature everywhere you go.
You'll also find plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture, with all kinds of unique activities.
Cycling Road biking, hybrid biking and mountain biking With a range of biking styles to suit the terrain, people of all ages can enjoy cycling in Northern Hokkaido. With wide roads and comparatively few traffic lights, Northern Hokkaido has the perfect conditions for a leisurely cycle. There are even spiked tires available for mountain biking in winter. Bike racks made with local wood are set up throughout the area. |
★Unique bike racks made from local wood can be found throughout the area! |
Trekking & Climbing Areas such as Mt. Teshio (Shibetsu City), Mt. Santo (Horokanai Town), Matsuyama Wetland (Bifuka Town) and Mt. Rishiri (Rishiri-Fuji) combine mountaineering hotspots with popular spots that are easy to access. At the foot of Mt. Rishiri you'll find Kanro Spring, a spring renowned for its sweet, delicious water. |
★Matsuyama Wetland: A tranquil forest with sunlight glinting through the leaves |
Walking tracks There are walking tracks around Shibetsu and in the Soya Hills (Wakkanai). Courses range from 30-minute strolls to half-day treks. |
Camping ＆ hot springs There are plenty of campsites and hot spring facilities for you to enjoy. Relaxing in a hot spring, watching the stars and then spending the night in a tent is the cherry on the top of your outdoor experience. |
Canoe The Teshio River is a Hokkaido Heritage Site. The 256km-long river has a comparatively gentle current, making it popular among those who are new to canoeing. There are canoe docks all along the river, with easy access to any facilities you may need. Rent your own canoe or go on a guided tour. Sea kayaking On Rishiri and Rebun Island, you can take a guided kayak tour around the whole island. |
Skiing, snowboarding and snowsurfing Enjoy winter sports on some of the best powder snow. The ski grounds throughout the area offer rentals. |
Winter fishing You can fish for smelt in Lake Shumarinai, Japan's largest man-made lake. |
Snowshoeing You won't be able to get enough of the comforting crunch under your feet as you walk through the soft snow. |
Dogsledding Wakkanai's famous dogsled race is a must-see. |
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Take the ferry to Rishiri Island. |
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Bike around the island |
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| 2 days/1 night (Overnight Island Trip) |
You can see the whole of Rishiri Island on your bike, including Rishiri-Fuji, one of Hokkaido's most beautiful mountains. The scenery is stunning and there are safe and easy tracks provided just for cyclists. From the spring, you will be able to bring bikes on local buses.
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Bring a friend, rent some bikes and enjoy a guided canoe tour! |
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Long Tour |
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| 3 days/2 nights | This route is a leisurely tour where you can enjoy everything that's great about Hokkaido. Admire beautiful unspoiled nature, explore the area's history and culture, enjoy delicious local cuisine and try unique activities.
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This stress-free route is around 325km! Reach the peak of Japan! |
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A good long cycle |
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| 4 days/3 nights | Take a challenging three-day cycle from Asahikawa Airport near the center of Hokkaido to Cape Soya at the peak of Japan. One of the best things about Hokkaido is its great roads. They go on for miles without a traffic light in sight, straight ahead as far as the eye can see. With incredible scenery, the scents of nature and constantly changing views, there's nothing as refreshing as cycling along these roads.
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Guide to transport types
 Road biking （R） |
 Hybrid biking （H） |
 Mountain biking （M） |
 JR （J） |
 Canoeing （Ca） |
 Trekking （T） |
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Inquiries about eco-mobility in Northern Hokkaido Teshio River Scenic Byway Route Office Nayoro Sight-seeing and Town Planning Association (ask for Mr. Hatanaka) mail： Scenic Byway Support Center (ask for Mr. Shibazaki or Ms. Tomita) mail： |
