From Yoichi to Sapporo (via Akaigawa) (80 km)

For this tour I took the 'Cycling Train' from Sapporo to Yoichi. In Yoichi follow National Route 5 to the south. At the end of Yoichi take Hokkaido Route 36 to the left. Soon the street rises and after a few kms you are on top of a 340 m hill. The street then leads to the Akaigawa Country Club with the ugliest club house I have ever seen. A descend leads to Akaigawa, a town with no recognizable center, just a few vending machines. Soon you meet National Route 393 and continue along a small and nice valley. You climb steadily and at the end of the valley you can see the Kiroro ski area. Then the streets acends to 648 m and follows a small plateau with 3 peaktops. Soon after the last top, you have a magnificent view over Otaru and Tenjinyama. Hairpin curves lead down to Otaru and the follow Route 5 back to Sapporo.