<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe took a break at the top of the hill above a field of potato crops<\/strong>. The guide shared that the potato blossoms are a beautiful sight in July, turning the area a bright white. It\u2019s a good workout; at the top was the reward of seeing fields below, and, of course, there is the thrill of riding back down. My guide reminded me not to break too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Road Reaching to Heaven<\/h3>\n\n\n\n After passing through a few more areas of farmland, we stopped again at the top of a third hill for a view of a very straight road. My guide says this is very unique to Hokkaido. Hokkaido was settled much later than the rest of Japan, even as recently as 150 years ago, allowing for planning to be done more grid-likely. The result is roads like this, which stretch out as far as the eye can see or at least until it dips down and back up again with the hills. This stretch goes on for about 20 km, she tells me. We stood at the other end of the so-called\u00a0Ten-ni-tsuzuku\u00a0Michi, <\/strong>or “the road that reaches out to heaven.”<\/strong> Just to the right of this point is a view of Mount Shari.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe\u00a0Ten-ni-tsuzuku\u00a0Michi, or “the road that reaches out to heaven,” is unusual in Hokkaido for its straight road.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe rode down the hill, which gave us the momentum to get up the next one before stopping between some more green farmland. Rows and rows of perfectly planted crops were on either side. Something is soothing and peaceful about this natural scenery. Koshimizu is known for potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\nCycling in eastern Hokkaido offers a chance to get close to the rural farmland that Koshimizu is known for.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJapanese Senbei Crackers at Hogaja Factory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Turning back towards the visitor center, we make one final stop at the Hogaja\u00a0Factory, which makes Hogaja senbei<\/em> (Japanese crackers) from potato, kombu seaweed, scallops, and more. My tour guide quizzes me on what kind of building this was before it was a factory. Seeing the telescope mounted at the facility, I guessed it was an observatory. She said it used to be an elementary school.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow guests can take tours and see how their favorite snacks are made. There is also a gift shop with a place to sit and take a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Hogaja Factory was a short ride back to our start point at the tourist center. We passed a quaint roadside vegetable stand and more lush green fields of crops popping up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Book a Private Cycling Tour in Eastern Hokkaido<\/h2>\n\n\n\n To book a private cycling tour, please make bookings for your group seven days in advance. For more information on the cycling tours<\/a>, including other courses such as bird-watching courses, kayaking, and snowshoe hikes, visit the Koshimizu Tourism Association website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n