THE ROLLING HILLS – SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

Hokkaido Self-Guided Cycling Tour — Explore Furano & Biei at Your Own Pace

The Rolling Hills is a Hokkaido self-guided cycling tour that takes you through the rolling landscapes of Furano and Biei — Hokkaido’s “Tuscany.” Ride at your own pace on quiet country roads, enjoy colourful flower fields and captivating views of volcanoes like Asahidake, and experience traditional accommodations with hot-spring baths at the end of each day. With flexible daily ride distances and detailed GPS routes, this tour is perfect for cyclists who want freedom, comfort, and scenic beauty on one unforgettable week in Japan.

Colorful flower fields on rolling hills with a mountain range in the background and a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by lush green mountains with a narrow road running along the edge of the forest on the right side.
Colorful autumn mountainside with yellow, orange, red, and green foliage, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky.
Person riding a bike on a winding mountain road surrounded by green trees and overcast sky.
Bicyclist resting by a mountain road surrounded by green trees with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Indoor bike storage room with wooden walls, multiple parked bicycles, a framed art piece on the wall, small windows, and a bench.
Nighttime view of a modern two-story house with illuminated windows, wooden and concrete exterior, surrounded by grass and trees.
Red and black road bicycle with drop handlebars parked in a green forest near a lake with mountains in the background.

Route Highlights

  • Cycle among the stunning lavender and flower fields of the rolling hills of central Hokkaido.

  • Ride between 38–58 km (28–35 miles) per day with optional longer distances (80km/49 miles).

  • Ride in the shadow of smoking volcanoes and visit the highest peak in Hokkaido, Asahidake.

  • Experience local accommodations, some with superb hot-spring baths.

  • Quiet roads with minimal traffic ideal for independent riders.

  • Visit some of Hokkaido’s famous photo and art galleries.

Difficulty: Level 2

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 Saturday, Starting 2nd Saturday in May 2026 Until the 1st Saturday 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, Playground of the Gods Guided, 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, Rolling Hills Self-guided, 2024