The Japan Long Haul: Bicycle Touring From Tokyo to Hokkaido

Рет қаралды 207,983

7 жыл бұрын

MY JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE: www.cyclingabout.com/guide-bi...
Japan is a bit of cyclist's paradise! It's geographically gifted, the people and culture are intriguing and the food is incredible. We cycled around 2500km over a month to experience Japan by bike and see whether Hokkaido is all it's cracked up to be.
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MUSIC: Bluestaeb DJ Set - • Bluestaeb • DJ Set • L...
GEAR LIST: 12kg total (www.cyclingabout.com/gear-lis...)
ROUTE: Tokyo to Hokkaido (ridewithgps.com/routes/24714888), Hokkaido Loop (ridewithgps.com/routes/24715014)
CAMERA: Panasonic V700
THANKS: Curve Cycling (www.curvecycling.com.au), Aevon Trailers (www.aevon.fr)

Пікірлер: 378

@vizak20 6 жыл бұрын

I used to film for Lonely Planet TV, NatGeo docs etc. Your FREE content is as good if not better. Great stuff!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

That's a great compliment. Thanks!

@JoshFriedlander 4 жыл бұрын

This is one of the first videos I saw when I considered biking in Japan and it really inspired me. I biked for a month earlier this year and plan to return. The real challenge was staying on the road because there are so many treasures in the small towns and cities that it's hard to get back on the bike!

@gregoirepajot6807 5 жыл бұрын

What a cool video and such an epic adventure. You must have had a lot of fun. You inspired me to do a little bike trip during my one year stay in Japan but I still have to think of where. Cheeers guys !

@Itchyfeet4077 5 жыл бұрын

Great video guys, Japan was already pencilled in for a bike trip but has just been added to the must do list.

@RogerMain 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning MapOut. It's absolutely awesome. Love what you're doing most inspiring Great videos!

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

MapOut is probably my most used app... I'd be *lost* without it. 😂

@denverspin 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice footage. You make beautiful quality bike touring vids. I really enjoyed watching. Inspiring!

@Its_just_me_again 5 жыл бұрын

What an exceptionally well put together video. Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoyed watching!

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

@hawkchun 5 жыл бұрын

you should have way more subscribers. This is amazing content!

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

One day! 😂

@raymondherrick1942 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid- found your channel thru cycling about. Look forward to more!!

@jitenshaadventure 7 ай бұрын

That's a really interesting video with lots of amazing shots from around Japan! Thanks for your tips. I could feel you when you were cycling in the rain and bumped into the road closure...!

@robertcocovinis5269 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you found a bear problem solution. Nice to see you travelling with a friend. I love imagining cycling with you. Your videos are awesome!

@Pacokepler 6 жыл бұрын

Great video!!nice trip!!thanks for sharing!!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paco!

@robmartin1792 7 жыл бұрын

Wow, so cool. Looks like you guys had a great adventure. Thanks for sharing. Curious to know about your bikes. All the best, Rob

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Here's my bike for Japan: www.cyclingabout.com/japan-long-haul-bike-and-trailer-setup/ Flynn used a Curve Grovel V2 with SRAM Force 1x11 gearing and Fulcrum 650B wheels.

@chuauzikpuia4658 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome. There's something really unique about Japan. I'd love to go there sometime. Great Video!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You should definitely visit! :)

@JasperStaal86 4 жыл бұрын

Man this video makes me so excited to do this myself

@Cyclingabout 4 жыл бұрын

I'm stoked to hear I can help with both the inspo and how-to. 🤘🏼

@sarreta01 4 жыл бұрын

I´m freaking out with your trip, absolutely amazing, actually you are awesome!

@Cyclingabout 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@johndineen9260 7 жыл бұрын

loved the video. Well done guys!!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you, John!

@soyakojima2812 5 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Japan, and didn't even know that Hokkaido has such a beautiful places!!!

@abrarsutube 6 жыл бұрын

an epic adventure. thank you for sharing.

@javieron8982 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@user-sy7cb8rj6n 6 жыл бұрын

This is a very impressive tour video! Excellent!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@woolfel 7 жыл бұрын

Nice, that's a pretty awesome bike touring trip you're on.

@flynneady-jennings7965 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It was great

@emcee2555 4 жыл бұрын

Had no idea that there were bears in Japan! Great video, and looked like an incredible adventure!

@EveryTongue Жыл бұрын

Underrated channel ❤

@SilatShooter 6 жыл бұрын

Epic Trip and Riding! Great Video!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! 😎

@SpotGoesHawaii 7 жыл бұрын

Your video is really inspiring. I love when the older couple invited you in for tea. Aloha worldwide.

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

They were super friendly and just talked to us like we knew what they were saying. :)

@medallomag5621 2 жыл бұрын

For sure approve your music choices for these vids 🤙🏽

@ouagadougou62 7 жыл бұрын

Looks like a great trip, Rikuzentakata, Hachimantai, Matsuo love iwate.

@acerlmt 4 жыл бұрын

Прикольный прицеп, хотеть!!😮 Awesome trailer, take my money!!😮

@s.irvingbeer1207 9 ай бұрын

I live in Japan and cycle all over. Dude you captured it.

@rohansully584 Жыл бұрын

One of my favourite videos

@KN-un7mm 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing Video Guys!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@chasemyadventure9604 6 жыл бұрын

great video mate

@VagabondGFG 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing video, just found your channel.

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@py_buddha2911 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome guys! Keep going!:)

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

💪🏼

@TwoWanderYonder 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! Japan is on our list of places to go now. Currently in Cambodia, so could be soon.

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

That's awesome. I really enjoyed exploring the temple ruins all over Cambodia, it felt like I was on a movie set! Find a way to go cycling in Japan, you'll love it.

@Orzelius 3 жыл бұрын

I think this is my favorite video of all time

@richmikodude7201 Жыл бұрын

Mega tour, mate

@rohansully584 2 жыл бұрын

Can watch this again and again

@Korschtal 5 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, thanks for sharing. I'm working on routes for a tour when we next visit Japan: what was the name of the App you were using? Excellent Bear deterrent as well. As you apparently didn't have any more bear trouble, it clearly worked.

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

It's call MapOut. I've got an article about its features here: www.cyclingabout.com/mapout-best-smartphone-mapping-app/

@hailzico 7 жыл бұрын

So cool. Thanks guys :)

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@OllyKilo 4 жыл бұрын

Nice bar tape. Inspired me to order some black and white camo tape for my grey bike.

@Bonta22 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

😀

@DSP_Visuals 7 жыл бұрын

So many great routes here in Japan. Wish I had more time to enjoy them, and yeah it's easy to get lost.

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Time to make some time! 😉

@Pillokun 7 жыл бұрын

Wow what a change of pace your video is compared to all the other weeboo packed youtube content I have seen. really interesting :)

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pillokun!

@talibakhidr6158 6 жыл бұрын

Pillokun say weeboo again,,,

@markconnelly1806 6 жыл бұрын

We have been bike touring to Japan multiple times. Agree that Hokkaido is great for cycling. When biking in Hokkaido you can stay at rider houses. Rider houses are a network of low cost places to stay for motorcyclists and bicyclists. Also when in the back areas of Hokkaido, they recommend using a bear bell on bikes and when hiking to scare bears.. On the main island, southern Japan has great cycling too. Yamaguchi prefecture has many bike roads and paths closed to cars. Rockbarcycling

@sophiay9388 6 жыл бұрын

Special video!good!

@TheTravelVlogger 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! love the style and what a great way to see Japan. I just did a bike trip across the Czech Republic and am hooked. How was riding with the trailer?

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The trailer was great. It really excelled on the unsealed sections of road in particular and allowed me to take a lightweight road bike along for the ride. If you don't have a touring-specific bike, I certainly recommend a trailer as a way to turn any bike into a touring bike.

@shredcriminals 6 жыл бұрын

I love this video!! さいこう！おもしろい！

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear!

@havefunandbikestuff 6 жыл бұрын

ho nah! f@*king aye mate! just subbed, found the channel through feed suggestions. was wondering if there was a cycle VLOG with cool blokes wondering the samurai land. bloddy good video. CHEERS!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Yeww. Thank you, Mr Green Cyborg. 😎

@jojoligsay3373 2 жыл бұрын

Great job at the Bear Repellant SoundClip hahaha

@harisnanda 7 жыл бұрын

Dude that's awesome! I hope I can touring there

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You should definitely do it!

@Keepcalmandpedalon 7 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed that!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked it!

@berndderbratan 3 жыл бұрын

0:55 LMAO how did a SSIO beat end up in this

@m4nneken 3 жыл бұрын

There is no better song then "Nuttööö" for the beginning of a cycling video.

@CHAM536 3 жыл бұрын

diggah dachte ich auch hajahah

@kaname1904 7 жыл бұрын

Really cool!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@vyzion 6 жыл бұрын

4:18 were you guys wearing your used cycling pants in the onsen?!

@llerradish 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, and I'm a motorcycle guy.

@rhkrhk8975 6 жыл бұрын

amazing!!!!!!... i love japan. and i hope to do that trip too.

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You definitely need to go bike touring in Japan. ☺️

@RaymondWalker 7 жыл бұрын

Reppin the MapOut! I've been a fanboy & doing the same since you showed me! Thanks again!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Yesss!

@flynneady-jennings7965 6 жыл бұрын

Possibly the best mapping service available on iOS

@NickolasRed 6 жыл бұрын

man that brilliant.well enjoyable views

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

😎

@evanbrugge 7 жыл бұрын

Very nice video !

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

🙏

@tannerlaw8097 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent content and killer soundtrack.

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I love the music for this video too.

@unreliablenarrator6649 3 жыл бұрын

You should try there Nakasendo Highway from Kyoto to Nagoya, these old post roads are living history.

@penontonwae 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome adventure, greetings from a new subscriber

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks!

@CriticalEatsJapan 7 жыл бұрын

Cool. I did a similar trip a few years ago ---through Nagano, Niigata, and up the coast by the Sea of Japan to Wakkanai, the northern tip of Hokkaido. The locals along the way were great!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Everyone was lovely. :)

@FhargaZ 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome video and edit... 9:47 ??? Pretty different from the foxes that we found cycling here... :)

@flashgrind 3 жыл бұрын

I love the choice of music 😃

@chadj9764 7 жыл бұрын

Can you tell me what brand/model trailer I see in your video? Also, why did you go with that model and what applications do you particularly use it for (touring, grocery runs, etc.)? Best Regards, Chad San Antonio, TX (and bicycle commuter)

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Chad. It's an Aevon KIT L80. I'm currently testing trailers for my website CyclingAbout, and this is the first on my list. I picked it because I wanted to see what it was like to tow a seatpost-mount style, rather than the usual axle-mount. I also liked the idea that it had suspension, and that it folded right down for my flights. Sign up to the CyclingAbout emailing list, or Facebook/Instagram if you'd like to follow my journey with trailer testing! Alee

@pedroaragao5977 3 жыл бұрын

Cool funky shirts! :D

@MonkeyMitra 5 жыл бұрын

Wow..man you rock....Love from India

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@OscarBoyd 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video guys! You should come down to Kyushu there's some incredible roads down here. P.S what's the advantage of using one of those trailers rather than panniers? Weight distribution and wheelies? Cheers!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

The trailer allowed me to carry 80 litres on a 9kg road bike - so that was cool! But a trailer is also really good on the dirt sections of our route. There's less strain on the bike, you can run lower pressures in your tyres and you can let go of the brakes more too. :)

@user-tl4xg5cj6j 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome,big bear hide in leaf! You guys so tuff! Im japanese and so i know how japanese rural erea is so hard up and down,so nice!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We loved riding in the hard, hilly areas in the countryside.

@HowManyMore 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and inspiration! Any tips on how to deal with the bear? Sounds like a close shave!

@rdkuless 3 жыл бұрын

Bear Spray and loud horns work... Put loads of jingle bells on the bike.. You evidently surprised it.. They don't like humans and will avoid them if they know you are coming.. Make noise / music / bells / airZound horn work great.

@noorisyan6767 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome, my dream journey

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Live your dreams! 🙌

@61tree_VR_Gliding 7 жыл бұрын

Looks like fun.

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

It was!

@connorlipscomb3614 7 жыл бұрын

I am trying to find and use the MapOut app yall talked about but am having trouble. can you send a link or perhaps instructions to get the maps?

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

It's for iOS only, so if you aren't in the iTunes store, you won't find it. OsmAnd 2.6 and Backcountry Navigator Topo on Android have pretty good features.

@daytimecow 7 жыл бұрын

いいねぇ。楽しそう。

@joshkozono 3 жыл бұрын

Hello. I am a cycle commuter from Tokyo. I came across your video and enjoy every episode. I was going to suggest to come to Japan someday but you already have! Please visit the southern part of the country next time!

@Cyclingabout 3 жыл бұрын

I've cycled all through the south too! From Kyushu island to Tokyo. 🙏🏼

@joshkozono 3 жыл бұрын

CYCLINGABOUT Oops. Sorry! I am glad to know. That is amazing! I am planning to ride back to my home in Tokyo to my hometown in Kyushu after covid - hopefully spring 2021. Your video is the inspiration to my adventure!

@Cyclingabout 3 жыл бұрын

@@joshkozono That's awesome, good luck!

@777celso777 6 жыл бұрын

Which mapout app you use??? The one from "Valnova" or "Brian Olencki"??? thanks for your videos...

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Valnova!

@WoOdysCZ 7 жыл бұрын

So addicting 😎

@flynneady-jennings7965 6 жыл бұрын

We recommend watching multiple times

@ynslife 7 жыл бұрын

Those shirts are funky as hell! Awesome footage guys. One question: How did the trailer hold up? especially on the hills

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

The trailer was fine in the hills. It weighs 7kg, so only a few kilograms heavier than the equivalent panniers and racks. But given my road bike is so much lighter than my touring bike, this was actually a lighter bike setup overall. Yep, the trailer goes quicker up the hills! Downhill and I barely noticed it was there.

@granddolph 4 жыл бұрын

dope tunes

@Lampi_tm 6 жыл бұрын

I like those bike shorts.

@japankofun 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome stuff, love it. I've been all over Japan but not Hokkaido (yet). What's the name of the volcano you climbed towards the end of the vid ? It's going on my list for next time.

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Mt. Me-akan (雌阿寒岳)

@japankofun 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent, thanks very much

@mikehenry7494 6 жыл бұрын

What section of your Hokkaido route did you encounter all of the downed trees? Planning for a Hokkaido tour later this year and am stoked. Thanks for putting all this info together.

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It was between 315-325km on this GPX file: ridewithgps.com/routes/24715014 But keep in mind, roads are cleared at different times after winter. Some of the roads on this route that were perfect last year might now have trees down, and conversely, the road we had problems with may just be fine!

@gregorythorne2097 6 жыл бұрын

Took me way too long to watch this! so super sick!

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you got there in the end! Japan is so sick. ✌️

@megadeath098ajb 2 жыл бұрын

What trailer were you guys using?

@Sultanalmuntasir 6 жыл бұрын

I'm planning some bikepacking in Hokkaido in June, and I'm hesitant about which of my bike should I bring. Would my steel gravel bike (Genesis CdF) be a better bet over my carbon road bike (Giant TCR)?

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

Bring the gravel bike! The best stuff is not on sealed roads.

@Sultanalmuntasir 6 жыл бұрын

CyclingAbout thanks!

@findtherightbeat 4 жыл бұрын

How did you find places to camp in?

@felixvegangster3305 7 жыл бұрын

Hey why did u decide to travel with a trailer? Was it necessary for you? Your mate just had the bags. I currently use the topeak trailer but I thought to switch to the aveon trailer. That's the one you have right? Good shots in the video! I didn't have japan on my list yet. You got me inspired.

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

The trailer was only necessary because I wanted to see if my road bike could handle the demands of bike touring with a heavy load! I could've easily brought along a bike with some panniers. You're right, my trailer is a Aevon KIT L80. I got it because I liked that the whole trailer could fold inside the drybag. On dirt roads, I barely noticed it was there - I think the rear shock helped.

@colette8022 6 жыл бұрын

Hokkaido was hit with a few huge typhoons summer 2016 that wiped out roads, so it's no wonder those paths were littered with trees.

@Cyclingabout 6 жыл бұрын

For sure!

@marcokaraula1411 7 жыл бұрын

I cant find the App you are using on the Appstore. Can you post a link to it?

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

mapoutapp.com/

@Sumansihag 5 жыл бұрын

Hey your cycle travels are jawdropping, more extreme than anybody else's. Please can you give a little more description of things while cycling, As a viewer, I would love that. E.g. the sauna type pool, would love to know what that was... I know it's a little more talking but that can make a huge difference for the viewers. Best always!

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. Will see what I can do! (But also trying to keep my films not too long)

@mksdad 7 жыл бұрын

You guys are like top gear but on bicycles lol great stuff!

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

With a big budget cut! 😂

@steveneumeyer681 7 жыл бұрын

man this video is rad. lol 11:00

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Flynnnnn 😂😂😂

@JogieGlenMait16 7 жыл бұрын

Oh, yeah. I saw the last video clip on Instagram.

@kick2299 7 жыл бұрын

What tires did you guys use on your bikes? Looked like a pretty thick slick tire?

@Cyclingabout 7 жыл бұрын

Both bikes run Maxxis Refuse tyres. Mine are 700x32c, Flynn uses 650x50c.

@buddytheweim 6 жыл бұрын

The hills are insane in Japan

@6709LeftzBehind 5 жыл бұрын

I like how you mentioned Hokkaido is much the same as the rest of Japan - we have everything you described in Yamanashi! Plus lots of fruit farms and history and I think less wild bears? Not sure on that front - we still sell bear bells in the stores. Did you ship the trailer to Japan or pick one up here? What made you guys decide to use one?

@Cyclingabout 5 жыл бұрын

The trailer was brought from Australia on the plane. I decided to use it because I had never been on a long trip with one - so I was able to share my experience on CyclingAbout.com.