Best Motorcycle Roads in Hokkaido

Our choice of the best motorcycle roads in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. After riding around the island for over a month in the summer of 2023, we understand now why Hokkaido is often called “Japan’s Motorcycle Paradise” by the local riders and we want to share with you our choice of the best motorcycle roads in Hokkaido.

1. Route 228 & 229

This was our introduction to Hokkaido and we were absolutely stunned by this magnificent coastline. Apart from from the views, you will also get to learn a little bit about Hokkaido’s history. In Matsumae, you can see Hokkaido’s only Japanese-style castle (although it was rebuilt in 1854) and learn about the history of Matsumae clan which was responsible for ‘defending Japan from the barbarians of the north’ (the Ainus) from late 16th. Another interesting place is the town of Esashi, which grew wealthy thanks to fishing of herrings. Further up north, you will get to see amazing rock coastal formations and little fishing towns nested between many, many tunnels.

2. Odoron Line, Wakkanai, Cape Soya

Wakkanai, Cape Noshappu and Cape Soya are popular destination for motorcyclists in Hokkaido. There is just something about reaching the extremities of islands and countries, isn’t it? To reach Wakkanai, most motorcyclists take the coastal Ororon Line. From this super straight road you can see the mysterious Rishiri Island which is almost entirely occupied by a volcano. In Wakkanai, there is a famous rider house where you can stay the night for around 2000 yen. Or you can camp for free in a local park on top of a mountain. It’s a short ride from Wakkanai to Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan, but you can make a small detour to ride along the Path of White Shells.

3. Shiretoko National Park

The ride in Shiretoko National Park may be short, but you won’t be disappointed. You just need to get lucky with the weather as the Shiretoko Pass is often hidden in thick clouds. Nevertheless, it is a truly wild place where you can admire and enjoy unspoiled nature. If you have one or two days to spare, take your time and go hiking, relax in hot springs or go on a cruise along the Shiretoko Peninsula. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in Hokkaido!

4. Akan-Mashu National Park

Admire the landscape formed by past volcanic activity from Bihoro Pass and then ride down through amazing primeval forests to see the Park’ three lakes – Lake Akan, Lake Manshu and Lake Kussharo. Lake Manshu is known for its cristal clear waters, but is often sourrounded by fog, especially during summer. On the shore of Lake Kussharo, one of the largest caldera lakes in Japan, you can make your own hot spring in the sand. Lake Akan is known for its strange algae called marimo that look like little green balls and for a small Ainu village (called kotan) where you learn more about Hokkaido’s indigenous people and their culture.

5. Forest Road between Utanobori and Bifuka (Mount Hakodake)

Hokkaido has a lot of off-roading options, but nice roads are rarely listed on the internet in English. This road was recommended to us by the owner of Mustache Boss who is a rider as well and has an impressive collection of motorcycles. The road is on Google Maps, but has no name and for some reason doesn’t trace the road automatically. On OpenStreetMap, it is called Dohoku Super Rindo (道北スーパー林道) or 美深歌登大規模林道. The summit of Mount Hakodake is especially popular with offroad enthusiasts. Just watch out for bears!

6. Cape Nosappu

End of the roads and capes are usually great spots for a ride. Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point of Japan (and of Hokkaido). From here, if the weather is good, you can see the Kuril Islands and watch how the waters of the Pacific and Okhotsk Sea mix together. In the area you will also find an abandoned Aurora Tower (one of many abandoned budlings in Japan), a sad reminder of how quickly Japan’s rural areas are depopulating. Another interesting sight is the Shima-no-kakehashi (四島のかけ橋), a monument constructed to pray for the world peace and the return of four disputed islands of the Kuril Archipelago to Japan. There is a rider house nearby where you can stay for the night to enjoy the sunrise the next morning.

7. Cape Erimo

Another cape that we enjoyed riding around is Cape Erimo on the southern coast of Hokkaido. Along the road you can enjoy the views of the Pacific coast and imposing Hidaka Mountains. On the cape itself you can visit Museum of Wind (as this area of is known for one of the strongest winds in Japan), try spotting some wild seals and try the local seafood.