Sapporo to Hoheikyo Onsen: Half-Day Mountain Bike Tour with Curry Lunch
Roll from Sapporo into the Jozankei valley on an easy 6-mile mountain-bike route that ends in a soak at Hoheikyo Onsen and a local curry lunch. This half-day, small-group tour is seasonal (April–October) and pairs gentle riding with a classic Hokkaido hot-spring experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring your own water
Rental bikes have a water holder but no supplied water—carry at least 1–1.5 L per person for the ride and onsen time.
Pack a towel or cash
Bath towels can be purchased at Hoheikyo for about JPY500, but bringing your own is cheaper and faster.
Wear long sleeves and pants while riding
Guides recommend long sleeves and exercise-appropriate pants to protect from sun, wind and light underbrush along the route.
Keep small change on hand
Onsite extras like drinks or souvenirs may be cash-only; credit cards aren’t accepted at some parts of the facility.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Upstream viewpoint above the Toyohira River for quiet river-carving views
- •The small riverside shrine near Jozankei—an easy walk from the baths and low on tourist traffic
Wildlife
- •Ezo red fox (occasionally along quieter roads)
- •Sika deer in forested slopes at dawn or dusk
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to follow onsen etiquette, avoid bringing soaps into outdoor pools and carry out any trash; staying on paved paths minimizes erosion in the river corridor.
Hoheikyo Onsen traces its use to 1866 when an ascetic monk discovered the healing springs; the facility today emphasizes pure, continuously flowing natural waters.
What to Bring
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated on the ride and during the soak is essential; bikes have holders for bottles.
Change of clothes and quick-dry towelEssential
You’ll want dry clothes after the onsen; towels can be bought but bringing your own saves time.
Sunglasses or eye protection
Shields eyes from wind and river-side glare during the ride.
Windbreaker jacket
Spring and fall mornings can be cool; a light jacket keeps you comfortable between ride sections.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes—routes are mostly paved and the guide provides basic instruction; riders should be comfortable on a bike and able to handle a short uphill return.
What is included in the price?
Round-trip transport from Sapporo, a mountain bike, helmet, gloves, hot spring admission fee, lunch and the services of an English-speaking local guide are included.
When does this tour operate?
This seasonal tour runs annually from April through October; exact dates are subject to change and depend on weather and road conditions.
Are there age or height restrictions?
Minimum age is 10 years and a recommended height of at least 1.45 m (4.75 ft); check booking details for group size limits and specific requirements.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic fitness who can ride on paved roads for up to 10 km with short hills; no extreme endurance required.
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