sapporo-daisetsuzan-wakkanai 5 days

Hi, we would be visiting hokkaido in early november and would like to ask about the feasibility of our itinerary. We haven't any plans to rent a car yet. Is it possible at all to cycle? Thanks!

Day 1 Arrive in Sapporo in early afternoon

Day 2 Head to Biei/ Furano via Asahikawa (all by train)
Stay the night, or head on to Daisetsuzan.

Day 3 Daisetsuzan (Asahidake) via the bus from Asahikawa. (How do you get around in Daisetsuzan park?) Maybe stay the night at Ryounkaku (if we manage to get there!)
Is it easy to hitch a ride?

Day 4 Head to Wakkanai (5 hr train), maybe on to Rishiri-rebun (though gotta check time for ferry (dunno where), and it seems that all accomodation closed on these 2 islands)

Day 5 Still there, I guess!

Day 6 Evening leave Sapporo


Thank you!! We could forgo going north and go east instead, to Shiretoko. Any recommendations? I would like to go to some nice off-the-beaten path places too. Thanks!

Day 2 Head to Biei/ Furano via Asahikawa (all by train)

The fastest way from Sapporo to Furano is via Takikawa. The fastest way from Sapporo to Biei is via Asahikawa.

Biei and Furano are 45 train minutes apart from each other and difficult to explore by public transportation, especially in the off season, which November falls into.

How do you get around in Daisetsuzan park?

By visiting one of the several bases around the park or by trekking tours between the bases, which are impossible in November due to snow.

Asahidake Onsen is one of the bases around Daisetsuzan National Park, accessed by bus from Asahikawa:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6775.html

Thanks for your reply!
It looks as if we can't explore much during this time :(
Can cycling be done around Biei and Furano, then?
And is it possible to get from one base to another at Daisetsuzan?
Do you know about going to Rishiri-Rebun?
Any suggestions as to where we could visit?
Thanks!

Can cycling be done around Biei and Furano, then?

If there is snow, it should be possible. But if it snows I don't recommend it. It usually starts snowing into the lower elevations around Asahikawa by around mid November.

And is it possible to get from one base to another at Daisetsuzan?

Not directly, because snow covers the hiking trails. For example, in order to get from Asahikawa to Sounkyo, you need to take buses via Asahikawa.

Do you know about going to Rishiri-Rebun?

It is possible, but difficult to get around without private means of transport. I imagine it to be very calm. Finding open accommodation might be a challenge, as you mentioned yourself.

November is not the best time of the year to visit the Hokkaido in terms of weather and transportation, but, on the other hand, it let's you see the places without crowds. I imagine remote places like Rishiri and Rebun and Shiretoko to be very nice in the calm off-season.

Yes, and I am not sure whether the closure of these roads are of concern..:

http://cgi.eolas-net.ne.jp/eolas-lab/daisetsu/news/view.php?...

Also, how is it possible to get to ryounkaku? http://www.ryounkaku.com/

Do you know and recommend it? Thanks!

Also, it seems as if the ropeways are closed..

Yes, and I am not sure whether the closure of these roads are of concern..:

http://cgi.eolas-net.ne.jp/eolas-lab/daisetsu/news/view.php?...

The page lists the roads to Ginsendai, Aizankei Onsen and Kogen Onsen, three bases to explore Daisetsuzan National Park. In contrast, Sounkyo and Asahidake Onsen remain open around the year.

Also, how is it possible to get to ryounkaku?

They do not mention access by public transportation, but here is a simplified road map:
http://www.ryounkaku.com/ryo/map.htm

Do you know and recommend it?

I don't know it.

Also, it seems as if the ropeways are closed..

Asahidake Ropeway is closed from November 11 to December 10. Kurodake Ropeway in Sounkyo runs around the year.

any web that we can check the timetable of ferry going to Rishiri or Rebun islands?

seems this one is not working http://www.kaiferry.co.jp/risiri/timetable/index.html

Thanks~

oh! known. http://www.heartlandferry.jp/english/index2-1.html

:) thanks anyway!