Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch

Hot springs and biking in one trip. This Sapporo day mixes a 10-km beginner ride along the Toyohira River with steaming stops in Jozankei, then ends at Hoheikyo Onsen for a long soak and a proper curry lunch. One heads-up though: this is not a hardcore trail experience, it is more easy-going riding that includes road sections, so set your expectations accordingly.

I like the way this tour bundles the practical stuff for you. You get a morning pickup, a guide, and the bike kit (bike, helmet, gloves), plus the hot spring fee and lunch, so you are not trying to figure out transport, rentals, and ticket timing while your legs are already warm.

The schedule is also nicely paced. You start around 9:00, ride for about 1.5 hours, soak for about an hour, eat curry with naan, then you are back in Sapporo by mid-afternoon.

Quick take: why this tour is a smart Sapporo half day

• Beginner-friendly biking: about 10 km total, with a simple river route and only mild skill demands
• Jozankei onsen town vibes: you ride in, see the steam, and stop for a quick onsen-manju-style snack
• Hoheikyo Onsen as the finale: indoor and outdoor options, plus a long soak time
• Included curry lunch with naan: a filling end that keeps the day from feeling rushed
• Small-group feel: the tour is described as small-group (up to 10) and your booking is capped (operator info lists a maximum of 6)
• English-speaking local guide: you will get clear instructions, and past groups have been guided by people named Jun, Hiro, and Yun

From your hotel in Sapporo to the Toyohira River start

This tour starts with a morning pickup in Sapporo. Your guide collects you either at your staying hotel or at Sapporo Station, with the activity beginning at 9:00 am. From there, you ride by air-conditioned minivan for roughly an hour to the mountain area and the biking start point.

That minivan time matters. It means you spend your energy biking, not transferring. It also helps you arrive at the ride start area before the day gets too busy.

Once you arrive, the guide fits you with the mountain bike and gives you the helmet and gloves. Then you get a safety briefing and basic ride guidance, so you are not guessing at speed, braking, or handling on the route.

If you are traveling with teens or friends who do not bike much, this is one of those tours where the structure is the feature. You are not just dropped off with a map.

The ride itself: 1.5 hours of easy river biking, plus a few hills

The main biking portion lasts about 1.5 hours and follows the Toyohira River. The route is designed to be approachable, and it includes some scenic moments that do not require any athletic talent to enjoy.

Here is what you can expect during the ride:

• A peaceful paved path tracing the river
• Canyon views as you pedal, especially memorable in autumn when the area is described as decorated with leaves
• A suspension bridge crossing for a quick change of perspective
• A steep downhill into Jozankei, followed later by an uphill return toward the river

That steep downhill is the part you feel. It is not technical in the scary sense, but you will notice it. If you are nervous about hills, slow down, keep your weight balanced, and trust the guide to set the pace.

The “not hardcore” part is real. The total distance is listed as 6-mile (10 km), which is a nice active break, not an all-day workout. You end your ride at Hoheikyo Onsen and then finish your day by soaking and eating.

You should also plan for conditions to change. The course may be adjusted due to road conditions, and the company notes the tour is seasonal. One guest observation from early season was that some preferred off-road paths can still be snowed in, making the ride feel cooler and slightly more road-based. In plain terms: bring a layer and do not assume every segment will look identical to photos.

Crossing into Jozankei: steam, a riverside town stop, and a snack

After the river riding, you reach the Jozankei area. Jozankei is known for its hot springs, and the ride brings you into that world fast. One of the most memorable moments is the sight of steam rising from naturally heated baths as you wander around.

Before heading back uphill and toward Hoheikyo, you get a quick snack stop. The tour description calls out onsen manju, typically a bun filled with azuki-bean paste.

This stop is short, but it is useful for two reasons:

1. It breaks up the physical rhythm so you do not roll straight from “bike mode” into “soak mode.”
2. It adds cultural context. You see what the onsen towns are like beyond just one soaking pool.

In the notes from real experiences, I also saw mention of stopping near an onsen statue area. So even if you are not hunting for landmarks, you are likely to get a small, photo-friendly moment that helps the day feel like more than a commute.

Hoheikyo Onsen soak: 100-percent spring water, indoor and outdoor pools

Then comes the payoff: Hoheikyo Onsen. The route ends at this hot spring, and the tour includes a soak of about 1 hour.

Hoheikyo is described as having mineral bath water, with the key feature being that you can choose between indoor and outdoor pools. If you want the full “Hokkaido air + warm water” effect, you will probably gravitate to the outdoor option. If you are sensitive to cold or wind, the indoor pools can feel just as satisfying.

A detail that I think is worth knowing: the water is described as 100-percent pure hot spring water fed exclusively by the hot spring. That helps explain why the bath is treated as the main event, not an afterthought.

Also, this onsen facility is described as having multiple pools (three outdoor pools mentioned in the tour info), so you can move around a bit without feeling locked into one view.

If you are thinking about comfort logistics, pack like you are switching jobs mid-day:

• Wear something you can easily change out of
• Bring a towel (the facility sells them, and there is also towel rental mentioned as a cash transaction with a partial return when you bring it back)
• Keep your change of clothes accessible so you are not unpacking in a rush

And yes, you will feel your legs after the downhill and uphill. That is why the hour matters.

Curry lunch and naan: a satisfying finish, not a side quest

After your soak, the tour finishes with lunch at an onsite restaurant at Hoheikyo. The meal included is Japanese curry, described as Jozankei’s most popular food, and it comes with naan bread for dipping.

That combination is clever for this kind of day. Curry is filling without being heavy, and naan is ideal for dipping, so you do not need to find extra sides or extra snacks right after cycling.

Timing is also built in. You arrive back around late morning, get a full soak window, then lunch. You are not eating at the exact moment you are hottest and most tired.

If you are picky about spice, Japanese curry often ranges from mild to medium heat depending on the restaurant. The tour info does not mention options, so this is one place you might want to think about how you handle curry at home.

Value check: what your $71.16 actually covers

At about $71.16 per person, this tour can feel surprisingly reasonable once you look at what is included.

From your side, you typically have four budget hits on a day like this:

• transportation (getting from Sapporo to the biking start and back)
• bike rental + safety gear
• onsen admission and access
• lunch

This tour folds those into the price. Included items list:

• professional English-speaking local guide
• mountain bike, helmet and gloves rental
• curry lunch
• hot spring fee
• all taxes, fees, and handling charges

What is not included:

• drinks
• towel rental (cash is mentioned, and a towel rental deposit pattern is described)
• extra food and drinks unless specified

So the value equation is pretty direct. If you were to assemble all of this on your own, you would likely spend time coordinating, and you might still end up paying for bike gear and onsen admission anyway. Here, the schedule is doing the heavy lifting.

Who should book this, and who should reconsider

This is a great match if you want:

• a beginner-friendly active day without technical trail riding
• to combine nature views with Japanese onsen time
• a small-group experience with an English-speaking guide who handles the pacing

It is also a smart fit for families with teens, because the day has clear phases and clear goals: ride, snack, soak, eat.

Who might reconsider:

• people who truly want lots of aggressive mountain trail time, or expect long dirt-only routes
• cyclists expecting a workout that feels like an all-day endurance ride

Even though the tour uses the words mountain bike, the experience is closer to a scenic, guided outing. The onsen and lunch are half the point, and the bike is the way you get there.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Here are the small choices that change how you feel halfway through.

Bring a water bottle. The tour info explicitly says to bring your own water, and the bike rentals have water holders, so you are not stuck trying to buy water at the start.

Wear long sleeves and long pants, with workout shoes. Jeans are not recommended. You want something comfortable that protects you a bit from the outdoor ride and the onsen transition.

Bring eye protection. Sunglasses or some kind of eye protection is recommended.

Pack a light windbreaker for spring and fall. Even in the tours listed months, temperatures can surprise you, and one guest noted a cold early-season day around 4 C.

Use cash for extra items. Credit cards cannot be used for purchases at the hot spring facility, and extra snacks and drinks require payment in Japanese yen. This matters if you want cold drinks after the ride.

Expect possible route changes. Road conditions can affect the course. The guide will adjust, and that is normal for this kind of day.

Should you book this Sapporo to Hoheikyo bike and onsen day?

If you want a half-day plan in Hokkaido that actually feels local, not just a sightseeing checklist, I think this tour is a strong choice. You get active time near Sapporo, you see why Jozankei is famous for hot springs, and you finish at Hoheikyo with an included soak and a filling curry lunch.

I would only steer you away if your main goal is high-intensity mountain biking and technical trails. This tour is for people who like moving through scenery at an easy-to-moderate pace and then rewarding themselves the Japanese way, with hot spring baths.

If that sounds like your pace, book it and show up dressed for cool weather, bring your water, and let the onsen do the rest.

FAQ

What months does this mountain bike tour run?

It is seasonal and runs yearly between April and October. The exact date is subject to change.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 40 minutes.

How far do you bike?

The riding route is listed as 6 miles (10 km).

Is pickup from Sapporo provided?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your staying hotel or from Sapporo Station. The activity start time is 9:00 am.

Are bikes and safety gear included?

Yes. Mountain biking equipment is included for rental, along with a helmet and gloves.

Is the hot spring fee included?

Yes. The hot spring fee is included in the tour price.

What meal is included?

A curry lunch is included, served with naan bread for dipping.

Do I need to bring a towel or can I rent one?

You are advised to bring a bath towel, but you can buy or rent one at the facility. Towel rental is mentioned as JPY520 with JPY300 back after returning the used towel.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it is not refundable.