Journey to ‘The End of Mother Earth’ Shiretoko Peninsula
This journey in Hokkaido’s east will take you through a breathtaking contrast of landscape that is interwoven with spectacular coastlines, live volcanoes, virgin forests and pristine caldera lakes. You will ride through three of Hokkaido’s national parks including the Unesco World Heritage listed area of Shiretoko which is regarded as the last unexplored region of Japan. Along the way there are opportunities to see and participate in the Ainu culture, the indigenous people of Hokkaido and see Ainu archeological sites and artifacts that date back 10,000 years. Each day soak in the hot thermal springs of your hotel after the ride before settling down to an exquisite Japanese dinner.
JOINING IN Nakashibetsu Airport, Hokkaido
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride through a World Heritage listed area
- Hike, sail or sea kayak in Shiretoko
- Walk to the base of a live volcano
- Experience the Ainu cultural heritage
- Rejuvenate in outdoor hot springs
- Enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Arrival Day)
Airport pick-up and transfer to our hotel in the mountains. Welcome dinner.
Day 2 (80km)
We begin the ride on the road that links the green dairy pastures and is used to collect milk from the farms. Our route will take us to an observatory that has magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding pastures. In September you will see salmon fighting their way up the rivers to spawn in the rivers. Sample some of the freshest salmon and roe you are ever likely to eat. Tonight will be spent in local fishing town which is the gateway to the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Day 3 (53-99 km)
Shiretoko means the ‘End of Mother Earth,’ in Ainu. The rugged Peninsula juts out in to the Sea of Okhotsk and is made up of steep mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, lakes and towering capes. Our route will take us up to the Shiretoko Pass which gives you the feeling you are riding a giant bridge over the ocean. You will also go to the Five Lakes area where you will marvel at the reflection of the Shiretoko Mountain Range on the lakes’ surface.
