September 1st, 2011 | categorizilation: all categories,Cycle Paths,Hokkaido (Japan),Post-2008
| Length: | 25km (100% smooth asphalt) |
| Start: | Shikotsu-ko (Lake Shikotsu) Morappu Camping Ground (map) |
| End: | Chitose City, Kasuga-machi, 2-chome (map) |
| Other names: | Hokkaido Shikotsu-ko Park Cycle Road (Hokkaido Route 872) – 北海道道872号支笏湖公園自転車道線 |
| Winter usage: | This cycle route is not cleared in winter. |
| Japanese info: | Wikipedia, personal webpage, |
This hidden gem of a cycle road, the Shikotsu-ko to Chitose cycling road (or bike path, cycle path, whatever you call it in your country), is one of the most consistently forest-enveloped of any cycling road in Hokkaido. If you’ve ever cycled on the beautiful separated cycle paths in The Netherlands, you’ll think that you’ve done a spacial warp; this cycle path is entirely separate from the main road, and passes through very pleasant forest.
Most cyclists will probably start from the Chitose end, but it is possible to link this cycle road up with the Sapporo-Shikotsu-ko ‘cycle road’ (which is actually just a sidewalk next to the main road) to create a nice long day trip. An equally appealing option might be to make it a day trip from Chitose to the lake and back again, with a nice swim in the middle; Lake Shikotsu is undoubtedly one of the cleanest lakes in Japan. What you see floating on the surface of the lake is natural pumice; Lake Shikotsu is a volcanic lake.
The cycle path is a classic ex-railway line, so gradients are gentle. There are also a couple of rest areas along the way with toilets.
Shikotsu-ko to Chitose Cycle Road Route Map
(the cycle path runs more or less parallel to the road-route below)
Hey I've never been to Hokaido. Wow. I never thought it was so beautiful there.
