PLAYGROUND OF THE GODS – SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

Hokkaido Self-Guided Cycling Tour — Ride the Wild Mountains Your Way

The Playground of the Gods is an 8-day Hokkaido self-guided cycling tour that lets you explore central Hokkaido’s stunning mountains, lakes, and rural roads at your own pace. With luggage service, detailed GPS tour notes, and flexible riding distances from 45–115 km (28–72 miles), you’ll enjoy freedom and comfort on roads renowned for low traffic and safe cycling.

Traditional inns, hot spring baths, and Hokkaido’s delicious local cuisine make this an unforgettable adventure on two wheels. (Check out our accommodation plans here)

Colorful flower fields with mountains and blue sky in the background, scenic rural landscape.
A scenic view of a large body of water surrounded by lush green hills and mountains with a winding road along the right side.
A mountain landscape with colorful autumn trees and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.
A person riding a bicycle along a winding mountain road with lush green trees on the side and cloudy sky overhead.
A curving mountain road with a cyclist resting on the side, surrounded by lush green trees and distant snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.
Nighttime photo of a modern two-story house with warm interior lighting, a concrete entryway, and decorative windows, surrounded by grass and trees under a dark blue sky.
Red and black road bicycle on a trail near a lake with trees and mountains in the background.

Route Highlights

  • Circle the wild mountains and forests of central Hokkaido, including Daisetsuzan National Park, known locally as “The Playground of the Gods.”

  • Ride 45–115 km per day on scenic roads with low traffic and excellent cycling conditions.

  • Stay in traditional inns with onsen (hot spring baths) and enjoy Hokkaido’s celebrated local cuisine.

  • Luggage transfer service and detailed GPS routes are included so you can focus on the ride.

Difficulty: Level 2.5

Price: Starting from $2,095 USD/person. (Based on season and twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room then a supplement will apply.)

Scheduled Dates: Tours depart every Sunday, Starting 2nd Sunday in May 2026 Until the 1st Sunday in October 2026.

What’s included

✅ Daily luggage transfers to your next hotel

✅ GPS tour notes and route guidance

✅ Choice of road, hybrid, or e-bike available for rent

✅ Comfortable accommodations with breakfast

✅ Detailed pre-departure planning guides

Get Tour Details

Testimonials

  • My family and I absolutely loved our Playground of the Gods cycling tour! We were able to see areas of Hokkaido that we would never have gone to ourselves. Of course, those off-the-beaten-track places ended up being our favorites! The Cycle Japan team also chose wonderful food and hotels for us. We really felt like we got to see a side of Hokkaido that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The cycling itself was also high quality - all of the roads were in excellent condition, and we never had any big issues with traffic. We can’t wait to come back in the future!

    Claire J, 2024

  • “Touring with Cycle Japan was the best way to see traditional Japan; seaside villages, stunning coastal scenery, mountain streams, rivers and lush forests. The accommodation was amazing, the food a real treat and the route varied and exciting. As a guide Gareth was invaluable; his knowledge of Japan, the people, customs and language added to the depth of our experience. The Japanese people were so friendly and welcoming and through Gareth we met and chatted with many locals. He took us to unique and special places as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. An amazing trip.”

    Diane and Eric M, September 2023

  • “It was a fantastic trip that exceeded my expectations not only for biking, but also for hotel and baths, hikes, food, cultural experiences and daily challenges. Kathy and I have done a lot of bike trips and this one was right at the top.”

    Jerry C, June 2023

  • “A holiday of a lifetime… Cycling with Cycle Japan gave me deep insight into the unique and special culture of this extraordinary country. I had previously travelled as a tourist on the fast train but this slower, yet energising cycling journey through the extraordinary country was one of my top experiences in a lifetime of interesting travel. Well organised, fascinating route, dramatic scenery, spiritual sites, huge forests, excellent bikes - including e-bikes.”

    Jean W, September 2023

  • “Ease of travel for the moderately fit with fun guides and technical support. Every evening the welcoming relaxation of a hot bath, yukata gown, tatami mats, comfortable futons. Excellent food - no illness in our party of 8 yet we were given every style of Japanese cuisine such that later when we went to the food markets in Kyoto we realised we had already enjoyed most of what we saw. A truly magnificent holiday - top class quality. To be recommended at every level.”

    Ann and Graeme W, September 2023

  • Great experience - wish it was longer: Blissful riding through hills and farmlands - gentle climbs rewarded with exhilarating descents. Gareth and Rika were delightful hosts and offered great advice. Air Furano is small and comfy and has a great breakfast, so don’t bother with an accommodation upgrade in Furano unless you really want big hotel amenities. The bicycles were of good quality, well maintained, and comfortable to ride (unlike most other clunky rental tour bikes we’ve ridden). The rides were well curated - along country roads with sparse traffic and with interesting stops here and there - the ramen lunch, art museum, photo museum and the glass factory are all well worth the time. Accommodations were comfy, had onsens, and most had generous kaiseki dinners, one had a buffet.

    Heidi V, 2024