Cycle Around Japan: Season 2015, Episode 4

2015 - 4: Autumn: Amidst Mother Nature in Hokkaido

Starting from Asahikawa, the 2nd largest city in Hokkaido, we will ride toward the Shiretoko Peninsula, the World Heritage Site. During 520km journey, we are going to meet people who live close to the nature in Hokkaido. We will visit the community of Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan. They still live in this region and struggle with maintaining their tradition and Ainu's way of life. You may find a mysterious lake near the Ainu's village where the water changes its color reflecting the sunshine. Our destination, the Shiretoko Peninsula is one of the most remote regions in all of Japan. The word "Shiretoko" is derived from an Ainu word, meaning "the place where the earth protrudes". The Shiretoko Peninsula is home to diverse wildlife, and UNESCO designated the area a World Heritage Site in 2005.