Goose-watching Cycle Tour to Miyajima Pond

Posted on May 11, 2017
57 2

Posted on May 11, 2017

57 2
300km

Distance

5 days

Time

2200m

Ascent

450m

Highest point

4/10

Difficulty

100%

Paved

In late-April and early-May, thousands upon thousands of migratory geese make a stop-off at Miyajima Pond at the western reaches of Bibai City, just 50km northeast of Sapporo City. This happens to be around the time of the Golden-Week public holidays in Japan. This makes for a perfect excuse for an uber-extended weekend cycle tour of up to four or five days. The weather can be very changeable at this time of the year – in 2013 we did a similar trip out this way, and had rain almost every day. During the trip this year, we had scorchingly hot weather. But if you manage to catch the geese at the peak of their population, it can be a spectacular sight.

Last updated May 13, 2020

Route Map

Route Overview

Here, I outline a 5-day, leisurely bicycle touring route around the Iwamizawa-plains area northeast of Sapporo City in Hokkaido, Japan. The route starts and ends in central Sapporo – there’s no need to take public transport on this trip. While the main draw of this route is the migratory geese at Miyajima Pond – only there during the end of April and start of May – the trip can be enjoyed year-round (so long as you have proper snow-cycling gear in the winter). You’ll experience some of the classic topography of the relatively developed area to the northeast of Sapporo – home to intensive agriculture, rivers, and sleepy traffic-free side roads. The route could easily be shortened to be completed in a three-day weekend, or even just an overnighter if just visiting the pond.

Daily Route notes

Distance: 45km | Ascent: 340m | Paved: 100% | ↓ GPX file

The best way to get out of Sapporo to the southeast is by and far the Shiroishi Cycling road. Day 1 takes this route via Kita-Hiroshima City, and meanders across the Naganuma Plains before ending at the well-kept Yuni Campground. The Yuni Onsen is a 2km ride away from the campsite, but is absolutely worth the effort of going. It is a tanin-soaked onsen, and they have really great-value meals there too. If you can’t be bothered cooking, then it is very well worth eating there!

Onsen: Yuni Spa Hotel (ユンニの湯) | 650yen | 2.5km from accommodation

Cycle touring to Miyajima Pond for birdwatching in Hokkaido

As with each ski touring, cycle touring, and hiking route guide published on hokkaidowilds.org, should you choose to follow the information on this page, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road/track closures. While traveling, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow leave-no-trace procedures. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this information, associated GPS track (GPX, KML and maps), and all information was prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. hokkaidowilds.org, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following the information contained in this post.

Comments | Queries | Reports

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