Cycling Hokkaido - 1,700 km across Japan's North
Mick Turnbull
155,438 views
This video captures long days on quiet rural roads, remote coastlines, rolling farmland and mountain passes, and the simple rhythm of bike travel in Japan’s northern island. Hokkaido is known for its wide roads, low traffic, and cooler summer climate, making it one of the best places in Japan for long-distance cycle touring.
Along the way: incredible Japanese food, from convenience store stops to fresh seafood and local specialities that somehow taste even better after a long day in the saddle. Expect scenic riding, peaceful camps, small towns, and the kind of slow travel that lets you really experience a place.
Route and an article:
https://bikepacking.com/news/bicycle-...
Instagram: Instagram: mick.turnbull
🚴 Like, subscribe, and share. Thanks for watching.
#bikepacking #graveladventure
20 Comments
So glad to see you guys safe and well.
Cycling Hokkaido - 1,700 km across Japan's North
Mick Turnbull
155,438 views
This video captures long days on quiet rural roads, remote coastlines, rolling farmland and mountain passes, and the simple rhythm of bike travel in Japan’s northern island. Hokkaido is known for its wide roads, low traffic, and cooler summer climate, making it one of the best places in Japan for long-distance cycle touring.
Along the way: incredible Japanese food, from convenience store stops to fresh seafood and local specialities that somehow taste even better after a long day in the saddle. Expect scenic riding, peaceful camps, small towns, and the kind of slow travel that lets you really experience a place.
Route and an article:
https://bikepacking.com/news/bicycle-...
Instagram: Instagram: mick.turnbull
🚴 Like, subscribe, and share. Thanks for watching.
#bikepacking #graveladventure
Key reasons:
• Strong social norms around not inconveniencing or endangering others
• Cyclists are legally treated as vulnerable road users
• Driver training is strict, expensive, and failure rates are high
• Police enforcement is consistent, even for minor offences
• Shame and social consequence carry more weight than fines
On the road specifically:
• Drivers are taught to pass cyclists slowly and with clear space
• Many roads assume mixed traffic by design
• Cyclists are common and socially accepted as everyday transport
It is a collective responsibility mindset, reinforced by motor vehicle licensing standards and everyday enforcement.
Unfortunately Australia relies more on written law and penalties. Japan relies more on behavioural expectation and social accountability.