Hi guys, I’m planning to do a solo bike packing trip in Hokkaido for 2-3 weeks in mid October this year.
I’ve identified 2 routes
* Sapporo to Cape Soya (with alternate route)
* via [the west coast](https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle-touring/japan-far-north-rishiri-rebun)
* or via [Asahikawa](http://www.japancycling.org/v2/cguide/part3/)
* [Sapporo to Abashiri](https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle-touring/abashiri-to-sapporo-trans-hokkaido) then [Shiretoko loop](https://hokkaidowilds.org/cycle-touring/shiretoko-cycle-touring-hokkaido-japan)
I’m a city dweller and a seasoned cyclist with average fitness levels, but have never camped outdoors before. I’m keen to give camping a go with the occasional hostel/hotel, but think I’d avoid any form of cooking and stick to the Japanese convenience stores.
Could anyone recommend which of the (2.5/3) routes I’ve stated above, or a better alternate route? I won’t get this chance again in my lifetime so I’d like it to be a nice moment to experience.
Could anyone also help me to get my head around a few questions for bike packing?
* How do you get laundry done, and when?
* How do you get your bike back to the rental after cycling the distance?
* Any things to take note of bike packing solo?
Thanks in advance and I’d really appreciate any help and advice you guys could offer <3.
1 comment
Let’s start with the fact that camping outside designated spots is illegal in Japan, so you are limited to designated camping spots and minshukus. Note that since the black bear population on Hokkaido is measured in thousands – it’s highly undesirable to do so from safety perspective.
Sapporo to Wakkanai via Asahikawa and Sapporo to Abashiri are much safer routes with regard to somewhat higher traffic and closer to rail lines in case of emergency.
Laundry can be done in biggest cities/towns, either in hotels with coin laundry facilities or in outside coin laundries.