· Harley Roars: Counterclockwise Island Ride in September ·
Awaken the morning mist of Hokkaido with the roar of a Harley,
tracing the wild spirit of the 43rd parallel north.
This counterclockwise route weaves through the cliffs of Shakotan,
the volcanic steam of Lake Tōya, and the sulfurous valleys of Noboribetsu,
before crossing the rolling hills of Niseko and the northern winds of Wakkanai.
Ride 300 km a day, where the power of the machine meets Hokkaido’s untouched nature
a true journey of freedom.
Five Core Highlights: Beyond the Ride, a Feast for the Senses
Ride Shakotan’s Blue Route 229—Japan Sea cliffs and emerald waves on one side, steaming Lake Toya volcano on the other. Feel the earth’s power at Noboribetsu Hell Valley with your Harley.
Coast and volcano thrill
Stay daily at unique hot spring inns: private ocean-view baths at Shakotan’s ‘Kaze no Yado,’ open-air baths with Mt. Yotei views at Toya’s ‘Mizu no Sumi,’ and diverse volcanic springs at Noboribetsu’s ‘Daiichi Takimotokan.’ Where riding meets relaxation.
Secret hot spring healing
Early September at Daisetsuzan National Park—maples begin to blush along scenic Route 241 like a painting. Sunlight filters through birch forests, reflecting on your tank. Biei’s patchwork roads and misty Blue Pond add tranquil hues to your Harley journey.
Autumn ride masterpiece
Cross the white road of Soya Hills to Japan’s northernmost point, Cape Soya. Hear the winds of the Okhotsk Sea, gaze at Mt. Rishiri, and let your engine’s warmth freeze at the edge of the world.
Ultimate romance at northern tip
Start and end in Sapporo—8 days of unique island routes, each stretch broadening your view, tracing Hokkaido’s full shape with every tire track.
Endless scenic loop
Day 1: Sapporo → Shakotan Peninsula
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 260 km
■ Highlights：Otaru Canal,Cape Kamui,Shakotan Onsen
■ Itinerary：Ride from Sapporo to Otaru Canal’s red-brick charm, then follow Route 229’s Blue Line to Shakotan. Stop at Unperi Beach for volcanic cliffs and take in the ‘Shakotan Blue’ at Cape Kamui. Stay at a seaside inn with bike cleaning service.
Day 2: Shakotan Peninsula → Lake Toya
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 280 km
■ Highlights：Yoichi Distillery,Lake Toya Observatory, Admire Mt. Yotei
■ Itinerary：From Shakotan, visit Yoichi Distillery for a rider-exclusive tasting (reservation required). Ride Route 343 to Lake Toya and take in sweeping views of the volcano and lake from Sairo Observatory. Follow the lakeshore to see Nakajima and Benten islands. Stay at a lakeside inn, relaxing in a private hot spring with Mt. Yotei in sight.
Day 3: Lake Toya → Noboribetsu → Niseko
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 300 km
■ Highlights：Showa Shinzan Bear Park, Noboribetsu Hell Valley
■ Itinerary：“From Lake Toya, visit Showa Shinzan Bear Park for a close encounter with brown bears, then ride to Noboribetsu Hell Valley to feel the power of sulfurous steam and volcanic terrain. Follow Route 232 to Niseko, passing the scenic coastal cliffs of Cape Chikyu in Muroran. Stay overnight at Zaborin, a hidden hot spring retreat nestled in a birch forest.
Day 4: Niseko → Asahikawa
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 300 km
■ Highlights：Furano Winery, Asahikawa Ramen Village
■ Itinerary：From Niseko, ride to Furano Winery for exclusive tastings and scenic countryside views. Follow Route 237 through the ‘roller coaster road’ with stunning Tokachi mountain vistas. Arrive in Asahikawa to savor local favorites at Ramen Village. Stay overnight at a downtown hot spring hotel.
Day 5: Asahikawa → Abashiri
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 300 km
■ Highlights：Explore the Motorcycle Museum, experience the Drift Ice Center
■ Itinerary：From Asahikawa, ride Route 239 to Nayoro and visit Viking Land Museum to see classic vintage motorcycles. Continue through Sekihoku Pass’s highland forests and wetlands to Abashiri. Explore the Drift Ice Museum to learn about winter ice ecology. Stay overnight at a seaside hot spring inn with healing views of the Okhotsk Sea.
Day 6: Abashiri → Wakkanai
■ Riding Distance：Approximately340 km
■ Highlights：Cape Soya, Soya Hills White Road, Wakkanai Onsen Kazahana
■ Itinerary：From Abashiri, ride north on Route 238 along the stunning Japan Sea Ororon Line, passing wind farms and the vast Sarobetsu Plain. Reach Cape Soya to snap a photo at Japan’s northernmost marker, then explore the breathtaking shell-sand White Road in Soya Hills. Stay overnight in downtown Wakkanai at Kazahana Onsen, enjoying king crab cuisine and relaxation.
Day 7: Wakkanai → Kushiro
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 328 km
■ Highlights：Birds,Akan Lake Onsen
■ Itinerary：From Wakkanai, pass Nayoro and ride Route 39 through Sekihoku Pass, enjoying summer wildflowers on the highlands. Arrive in Kushiro to visit the wetlands red-crowned crane viewing spot and experience rare wildlife. Stay overnight near Lake Akan at Tsuruga Bessou Mizu-no-Uta, a serene lakeside hot spring inn.
Day 8: Kushiro → Sapporo
■ Riding Distance：Approximately 300 km
■ Highlights：Kawayu Onsen, Akan Crossroad, Daisetsuzan
■ Itinerary：From Kushiro, ride through Kawayu Onsen town and experience healing natural bedrock baths. Follow Route 241 across Akan Crossroad, cruising highlands between Lake Akan and Lake Mashu. Enjoy autumn colors in Daisetsuzan National Park in September. Arrive in Sapporo by evening and stay at ANA Hotel downtown, relaxing in the rooftop open-air bath to end your journey.
Ride Route Summary
When city traffic lights turn into Hokkaido’s endless stars,
and asphalt stretches to the edge of volcanic craters—This is no ordinary sightseeing trip.
It’s a dialogue between engine and nature.
September in Hokkaido offers perfect temps and fewer crowds—
the golden season for Harley riders to own the wild.
Grab your IDP, mount your bike,feel every gear shift pulse like a heartbeat conquering the North,
and let each night’s hot spring soak reward your freedom.
Twist the throttle, and you’re running away with yourself—carving arcs along Shakotan Blue shores,
reflecting in Noboribetsu’s steam,
and leaving your mark at Japan’s northernmost tip in Wakkanai.
Hokkaido’s roads will always welcome those who ride with roaring souls.