Mountain Bike Tour From Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch

Embark on an exhilarating mountain bike adventure that combines the beauty of Sapporo’s natural landscapes with the rejuvenating powers of Hoheikyo Onsen. This small-group tour offers a chance to cycle along the serene Toyohira River, explore stunning canyons, and savor a traditional Japanese curry lunch. Conclude your day with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters of the onsen, leaving you refreshed and invigorated. Discover the perfect blend of outdoor activity and culture on this unforgettable excursion.

Key Points

• A 5-hour small-group mountain bike tour from central Sapporo with approximately 12 km of cycling, mostly on paved paths.
• Highlights include scenic canyon views, a foot-dipping opportunity in the Toyohira River, and a 1-hour soak at Hoheikyo Onsen.
• The tour concludes with a traditional Japanese curry lunch, featuring a local specialty dish with vegetarian options available.
• The cycling route follows the Toyohira River, offering scenic views of the canyon and a suspension bridge along the way.
• A snack break in Jozankei featuring onsen manju, a local specialty, and the opportunity to dip feet in the Toyohira River are included.

Tour Overview

The "Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch" is a 5-hour small-group tour that runs yearly between April and October.

It’s limited to just 10 participants and starts with a pickup from central Sapporo.

The cycling portion covers around 12 km, mostly on a paved path tracing the Toyohira River.

Highlights include scenic canyon views and a stop for snacks and foot-dipping in the river.

The tour culminates with a relaxing 1-hour soak at the Hoheikyo Onsen before a traditional Japanese curry lunch at the on-site restaurant.

Cycling Route

After pickup from central Sapporo, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour ride along a paved path tracing the Toyohira River.

Cyclists will enjoy scenic views of the canyon and suspension bridge during this portion of the route. The total distance covers approximately 12 km, with around 8 km on the road.

Participants will have the opportunity to take a quick snack break in Jozankei and dip their feet in the Toyohira River before continuing the cycling journey.

Rest Stops

During the cycling portion, you will enjoy a quick snack of onsen manju in Jozankei, a popular resort town. This traditional Japanese treat is a type of steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste.

After refueling, riders will have the opportunity to dip their feet in the refreshing Toyohira River, taking in the scenic views.

These rest stops provide a chance to recharge and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the cycling route before continuing the adventurous journey.

Hoheikyo Onsen Experience

Hoheikyo Onsen, the tour’s final destination, offers participants a 1-hour soak in its mineral-rich hot spring baths.

The onsen facilities include indoor and three outdoor pools, all filled with 100% pure hot spring water. Guests can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters while taking in the scenic surroundings.

Bath towel rental is available for a small fee, though a refund is provided upon return.

The onsen experience provides a relaxing conclusion to the day’s activities, allowing participants to unwind and rejuvenate before returning to Sapporo.

Culinary Highlights

Considered Jozankei’s most popular food, the tour’s lunch features a traditional Japanese curry dish served with naan bread.

The curry is a highlight of the culinary experience, offering travelers a chance to sample a local specialty. The meal includes:

1. Rich, flavorful curry
2. Soft, fluffy naan bread
3. Accompaniments such as rice or pickles
4. Vegetarian options available

The curry is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs well with the light, pillowy naan.

Travelers can savor the local flavors of Jozankei while refueling for the remainder of the tour’s activities.

Included in the Tour

The tour package includes several convenient and essential components to ensure a hassle-free experience for participants.

A professional English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing knowledgeable commentary.

Rental of high-quality mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves is included, allowing riders to focus on the picturesque cycling route.

Lunch at the on-site restaurant and entrance fees to the Hoheikyo Onsen are provided, as well as roundtrip transportation from central Sapporo.

The tour caters to a small group, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Recommendations

When preparing for the mountain bike tour, riders are recommended to wear comfortable long sleeves, long pants, and exercise-appropriate shoes.

Bringing a few additional items is also advised:

• Sunglasses to protect eyes from glare
• A change of clothes for the onsen experience
• A windbreaker for the cooler spring and fall temperatures
• Water to stay hydrated during the cycling portion

These recommendations will help ensure riders are comfortable and prepared to fully enjoy the scenic route, relaxing hot spring, and delicious lunch that make up this Sapporo adventure.

Accessibility and Booking Information

Is the mountain bike tour from Sapporo wheelchair accessible? No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It has a minimum age requirement of 10 years and a recommended height of 1.45m (4.75 feet) or taller. The tour can be booked for a price starting from €70.46 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can choose their preferred pickup location in central Sapporo or a designated meeting point. The tour is available yearly between April and October, subject to availability.

Feature	Details
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Age Requirement	Minimum 10 years
Height Requirement	Recommended 1.45m (4.75 feet) or taller
Booking	Prices start from €70.46 per person
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on This Tour?

This tour has a minimum age requirement of 10 years. Children younger than 10 are not permitted to participate. The recommended height for participants is at least 1.45m (4.75 feet) or taller.

Do Participants Need to Bring Their Own Bikes or Can They Rent Them?

Participants can rent mountain bikes for the tour. The tour includes the rental of the bikes, helmets, and gloves needed for the cycling portion of the experience.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a More Challenging Cycling Route?

Participants can rent bikes for the tour, but there doesn’t appear to be an option to upgrade to a more challenging cycling route. The tour focuses on a leisurely ride along paved paths rather than an intense mountain biking experience.

Can Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Dietary Needs Be Accommodated?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs with advance notice. Travelers should notify the tour operator at the time of booking to ensure their dietary requirements are met during the included lunch.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Schedule if Participants Want to Spend More Time at the Onsen?

The tour schedule allows some flexibility for participants to spend more time at the Hoheikyo Onsen if desired. However, the overall tour duration remains fixed at 5 hours, so extra time at the onsen may reduce time available for other activities.

The Sum Up

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Sapporo on this small-group mountain bike tour. Cycle along the Toyohira River, through scenic canyons, and enjoy a traditional Japanese curry lunch. Finish with a rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich waters of Hoheikyo Onsen. This adventure offers the perfect blend of activity and relaxation, making it a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts.