- Sapporo - (9:00) Pickup at your staying hotel or Sapporo station
In the morning, assemble with your small group and guide at the starting point, approximately one hour after you’re picked up by air-conditioned minivan from Sapporo.
- Hoheikyo Onsen - (10:00 ) Arrived Hoheikyo onsen
Once you’re fitted with a mountain bike, helmet and gloves, you’ll hear safety precautions and get basic instructions for riding.
Then follow your guide on an easy, 1.5-hour ride along a mostly paved road, starting from the upper Toyohira River, whose waters swell from mountain snowmelt into the Jozankei valley. Enjoy views above the river canyon and cross a suspension bridge, departing for Jozankei. It’s a steep, downhill ride to this traditional onsen town, which dates back to 1866 when an ascetic monk opened the spa upon discovering its healing waters.
Amid forested banks along the bountiful Toyohira River, watch steam rise up from every angle. Stop to enjoy snacks like onsen manju, a bun stuffed with azuki-bean paste, before departing via a steep uphill route.
- Hoheikyo Onsen - (11:40) Return to Hoheikyo onsen, curry lunch and onsen
Your 6-mile (10-km) route ends at this natural hot spring, which was ranked as one of the best hot spring day trips by TripAdvisor. Settle into mineral baths indoors or choose from three large outdoor pools, where you’ll have panoramic views of the mountains as you relax against the stones during a 1-hour soak. Hoheikyo is one of Japan’s only onsen facilities to use 100-percent pure waters; the pools are fed by continuously flowing hot springs poured directly into the baths from the ground.
Afterward, sate your appetite with a lunch of authentic naan bread and Indian curry — Jozankei’s most popular food — at the onsite restaurant.
- Sapporo - (14:40) arrived in Sapporo
Complete your half-day tour with the return 1-hour drive to Sapporo.
- Hot spring fee
- Mountain bike, helmet and gloves for rental
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Lunch
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Bath towel rental (JPY520, but you will get JPY300 back after returning used towel)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Embark on an enjoyable half-day mountain bike trip, designed especially for beginners, concluding with a rejuvenating dip at Hoheikyo Onsen. A leisurely 1.5-hour bike ride on a smooth paved path takes you through the hot spring town of Jozankei, stopping for a snack. This is followed by indulging in the crystal-clear waters of Hoheikyo’s outdoor baths, and a traditionally loved curry lunch. Transportation to and from Sapporo is arranged for. With a limit of 10 participants, this small group tour ensures a truly personalized journey under the guidance of a professional tour guide.
Please be informed: This tour operates annually, from April to October. The dates are subject to change.
- Minimum age is 10 years
- Recommended height is 1.45m (4.75 foot) or taller
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- Please wear comfortable long sleeve shirts, long pants and shoes suitable for exercising. Jeans are not recommended
- Recommended to bring sunglasses or some kind of eye protection, change of clothes and bath towel. Bath towel can be rented for JPY510
- Hot spring facility will have body soap, shampoo and conditioner for you to use for free of charge
- Please bring your own water (rental bikes have water holder)
- Windbreaker jacket is recommended to bring during spring and fall season
- The mountain bike course may be changed due to road conditions
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
