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Ride Japan's Northern Frontier
The Japan trip is our ramen-fueled, volcano-ringed, onsen-drenched answer to adventure seekers who crave more culture with their climbs.
This is a 6-day bikepacking experience across the wild beauty of Hokkaido—Japan’s northern frontier—featuring rides through national parks, a ferry trip to a remote island, hot springs after every ride, and food that’ll make you want to move in.
It’s not a race. It’s not a tour bus. It’s the kind of trip where your legs burn, your soul chills, and your group chat becomes unhinged for months afterward.
Total Miles: 100ish
Mode of Transport: Bike
Ride Through Japan’s Wild Side
Cycle past volcanoes, flower valleys, and coastlines most tourists never see. This is Hokkaido, raw and unfiltered.
Soak It All In (Literally)
Onsen culture is baked into this trip. Whether it's a post-ride soak or a mid-route detour, you'll get plenty of chances to unwind in Japan’s most iconic hot springs.
Taste the Best of the North
Fuel up on miso ramen, fresh uni, buttery scallops, and farm-grown goodness from Japan’s top food region.
Small Group Big Energy
With only 6–8 spots, it’s an intimate crew, a shared challenge, and a whole lot of memories you won’t stop talking about.
Supporting Adaptive Adventures in 2026
Lil Drifty has always been about testing yourself and getting a little lost along the way. In 2026, we’re making it even better—by giving back. 100% of Lil Drifty profits will be donated to Adaptive Adventures, an incredible nonprofit making the outdoors accessible for people with physical disabilities.Why Adaptive Adventures?
Because we believe everyone deserves a shot at freedom, movement, and stoke. Adaptive Adventures delivers life-changing outdoor programs—from kayaking to cycling to climbing—across the country, no matter someone’s location, equipment needs, or financial situation.
When you join us, you’re also helping Adaptive Adventures expand access, develop adaptive gear innovations, and bring the healing power of nature to even more people.
Check out this video to know more about what they're doing.
the Loose route
We’ll kick things off from Asahidake Riders House to get you set up. Then, we'll let you loose on a 3-day loop through Daisetsuzan National Park. You’ll ride through alpine valleys, volcanic terrain, and the Furano flower fields, covering around 25 miles a day.
After a rest day (and maybe a ropeway ride up Mt. Asahidake), you’ll ferry out to Rishiri Island for 2 more days of coastal riding around a stratovolcano—30 miles total. If the ferry’s a no-go, we’ll pivot to a backup route packed with hot springs and quiet roads.
We’ll handle your luggage, lodging, breakfast, and the occasional course correction. You just show up ready to ride, soak, and eat.
pricing
Can you put a price on lifelong memories and friendships? Probably not, but we can put a price on the Lil' Drifty, and it's a steal! You get: entry into the adventure, your trusty kayak or canoe, bike transport at the transition points, luggage storage, some sweet swag to show off your Drifty cred, a shiny medal because you're awesome, some other surprises and food & drinks at the epic finish line party a.k.a. DRIFTY FEST.
Slacker Tax - May 1st (Prices Jump To $350, $600, $800)
Proscratinator's Premium - June 30th (Prices Jump To $399, $650, $850)
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
Can you put a price on lifelong memories and friendships? Probably not, but we can put a price on the Lil' Drifty, and it's a steal! You get: entry into the adventure, your trusty kayak or canoe, bike transport at the transition points, luggage storage, some sweet swag to show off your Drifty cred, a shiny medal because you're awesome, some other surprises and food & drinks at the epic finish line party a.k.a. DRIFTY FEST.
NOT YET READY TO BOOK?
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
The cost covers all lodging, daily breakfast and coffee, luggage transport between stays, access to local onsens, guiding, ground transportation, ferry tickets (weather permitting), and a welcome dinner to kick things off. Depending on where we stay, some dinners may be included, but not always—so plan to buy most of your evening meals (around $20 each). Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases aren’t included, but we’ll point you toward the best local spots along the way.
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general itinerary
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infrequently asked questions
Expect around 25 miles per day for the first 3 days, and 15 miles per day for the 2-day island loop. There are climbs. There are coasts. There are snacks.
A gravel or road bike with tires 42mm or wider is ideal. Most roads are paved, but a few sections might get a little “character-building.” Need a bike? We got you covered—just select the rental option.
Lodging, breakfast, coffee, luggage transport, guiding, onsen access, and a welcome dinner. You’ll need to cover lunches, most dinners (~$20/meal), snacks, drinks, and any souvenir squid chips.
No stress. We’ve got a stunning onsen-filled backup route ready on the mainland.
We keep it intimate—6 to 8 riders max. Just enough for good convos and bad group photos.
We keep it intimate—6 to 8 riders max. Just enough for good convos and bad group photos.
Absolutely. Most people do. You’ll make friends fast.
The main trip runs from September 5–13, 2026. If there’s enough interest, we’ll open a second session from September 14–20, 2026.
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