Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside, cycling in the Hakodate region offers a unique and rewarding experience. This page provides essential safety information and best practices to help you ride with confidence and peace of mind. From choosing the right bicycle and tire setup to understanding local weather patterns, wildlife precautions—including brown bear awareness—and the importance of helmets, lights, and radar systems, you'll find practical guidance tailored to the region’s diverse conditions.

Hokkaido is an island rich in mountains and forests which are home to an abundance of nature. The primary point of caution is the existence of brown bears (known in Japanese as higuma). Brown bears can be found all over Hokkaido and for centuries people have been making efforts to coexist alongside these animals. As a cyclist it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers involved in brown bear encounters, to understand the best course of preventative action, and to be up-to-date with local information concerning recent brown bear sightings. The Hokkaido Prefectural Government provides a Living with Brown Bear Leaflet in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese which provides important practical information. We encourage all cyclists to review such information and take precautionary measures prior to cycling in the local region.

Based on our own personal experience of over 80,000km riding within the local context without incident we recommend the following precautions when cycling in the natural environment.

• Always ride with at least one other person and inform others about your route plan
• Use a dedicated GPS cycling device and activate its safety features (incident detection alerts etc.)
  
• Use a dedicated bear bell on your bicycle and make sufficient noise when passing through nature
• Announce your presence in bear territory with a bear horn or cap gun
• Carry bear spray in a position which is immediately accessible (i.e., not in your bag)
• Do not carry open foods which emit strong odors as brown bears can easily pick up the scent
• Ride on marked trails or single track roads and avoid going off-course
• Note any physical signs of brown bears such as droppings and foot prints and leave the area
• Check current information about bear sighting in the local area and adhere to any advisories issued

Many of the local districts within the Oshima region also provide information and recent data concerning bear encounters although most information is in Japanese (Oshamambe, Yakumo, Mori, Shikabe, Nanae, Hakodate, Hokuto, Kikonai, Shiriuchi, Fukushima, and Matsumae). HIGUMAP also provides visual mapping information concerning recent brown bear sightings for the whole of Hokkaido in addition to many of the individual areas in the Oshima region (Yakumo, Mori, Shikabe, Nanae, Hakodate, Hokuto, Shiriuchi, Fukushima, and Matsumae). This information is provided so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Wearing a dedicated cycling helmet is essential for safety on any ride, and investing in a helmet with modern safety features can significantly enhance protection. Helmets equipped with technologies such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) are designed to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts, offering greater protection to the brain in the event of a crash. Additionally, some advanced helmets now include integrated medical ID chips or QR codes that can store critical health information—vital for first responders in case of an emergency. A well-fitting, high-quality helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury while riding, and should be considered non-negotiable equipment for every cyclist.

For added safety, we highly recommend using rear-facing radar and light systems such as the Garmin Varia. These devices alert cyclists to approaching vehicles from behind, often before the rider can hear or see them, greatly enhancing situational awareness—especially on narrow or winding roads. Coupled with a bright rear light, they significantly improve visibility to drivers, reducing the risk of accidents. In the mountainous terrain of the Oshima region, cyclists will encounter numerous tunnels, many of which are long, dimly lit, or curved. As a result, both front and rear lights are essential at all times of day, not just at night. A powerful, daytime-visible front light improves visibility inside tunnels and in low-light conditions, while a constant or flashing rear light helps ensure drivers see you from a distance. Prioritizing visibility is a key element of riding safely.

Selecting a bicycle is a personal decision influenced by factors such as riding style, preferences, budget, and availability. While it's possible to ride in the Oshima region on almost any type of bicycle, our experience highlights some important considerations.

The region’s harsh winters, with prolonged snow and ice, contribute to significant road damage—including cracks and potholes, particularly along the edges. As a result, traditional road bikes with narrow tires (700x23c–28c) are not ideal, as they are more prone to punctures and potential rim damage. For a safer and more comfortable ride, we recommend road bikes that can accommodate wider tires (700x30c–45c), especially with a tubeless setup. This combination offers improved durability, better shock absorption, and greater protection against rough surfaces.

Touring and gravel bikes with road-oriented tires ranging from 700x32c to 45c are well-suited for the varied conditions in the Oshima region. Many mountain routes can also be tackled on gravel bikes equipped with wider tires (700x35c–50c); however, for optimal performance and comfort, we recommend suspension mountain bikes. A dedicated mountain bike with tires sized between 29x2.1 and 2.6 offers superior handling, shock absorption, and speed on off-road terrain. This setup is especially beneficial given the rugged trails and mixed surfaces found throughout the area. For winter riding—from mid-December through late March—spiked tires are essential to ensure safety on ice- and snow-covered roads.

Being aware of the expected weather is essential for planning safe and enjoyable rides in the Oshima region. From mid-December to late March, the area is typically blanketed in snow, with daytime temperatures often remaining below freezing. Weather conditions during this period can change rapidly, so checking the forecast before heading out is crucial. In past rides, we’ve encountered mountain temperatures as low as -15°C, along with sudden snowfalls and blizzard-like conditions. To stay safe and comfortable, cyclists must be equipped with deep winter gear, have a solid understanding of the area, and carry extra clothing and food. With the right preparation, winter cycling in Oshima can be both rewarding and safe.

From June to September, the Oshima region experiences a mix of sunshine, rain, and frequent overcast skies—shaped by the area's topography and coastal climate. Although summers here are generally cooler and shorter than in many other parts of Japan, temperatures can still exceed 30°C during peak periods. Additionally, radiant heat from the road surface often results in even higher readings on GPS devices. To stay safe and comfortable, riders should use proper sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a head covering under the helmet. Staying well-hydrated is also essential to prevent heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Many of the recommended routes pass by vending machines and convenience stores, providing access to drinks and snacks.