20 days in Japan

I could be wrong, but I don't think there are long-distance ferries from the rest of Japan to Hokkaido. To get there, you'd be spending a lot of time on trains or buses, and a short time on the ferry.

Anyway. If you need to catch boats to/from Busan, then your options are limited. Boats from Busan run to Tsushima Island, Fukuoka, Shimonoseki, and Osaka. I'm fairly sure that's it.

I have no experience cycling in Japan, but nice routes to consider might be something like Osaka-Shimonoseki (the north coast of Honshu is fairly sparsely populated and beautiful, and may well be a nice cycle option) or a loop around Kyushu. Maybe some actual cyclists can suggest better itineraries. But if you need boats from Busan, then your options are certainly limited.

Your timing will be perfect for Hokkaido, so despite the fact that you would be spending a lot of time on ferries, I would still suggest going for it. Hokkaido is excellent for cycle touring and you certainly can take ferries there from central Japan.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2355_01.html

The diagram shows that you have two good options for a ferry to Hokkaido from either Maizuru or Tsuruga.

So, from Busan take the Panstar Ferry to Osaka Port (Osakako) then take trains up to either Maizuru or Tsuruga where you can catch ferries to either Otaru or Tomakomai. From Osaka Port to Maizuru it's about 130km, or 2-3 hours by train. It's a bit further to Tsuruga. Alternatively, if you're feeling energetic and want to get a feel for cycling on Honshu, you could ride to Maizuru or Tsuruga in one long, slow day and catch a ferry that night as it they leave after midnight. That's what I'd do. Arrive from Busan at 10am, ride to Maizuru or Tsuruga, then take the ferry that night to Hokkaido.

Here's the timetable for both Shin Nihonkai ferries:

http://www.snf.jp/pdf/english.pdf

As far as routes in Hokkaido itself, I suggest the ferry to Tomakomai, then hug the coast all the way to Kushiro, then head north towards Shiretoko and back to either Otaru or Tomakomai for the return ferry to Honshu. You'd probably need 3 weeks minimum from Busan, but longer would be better.

From what I've heard being the South of Japan would not be a good idea because it will be too hot. If you don't want to go up as far as Hokkaido, then the other suitable place would be the Japanese Alps. I think you should be easily able to spend 20 days there. You can also visit Kanazawa and if you want to spend a little time on the coast at the end, go to Noto penninsula which is lovely.

I just got back from 8 weeks in Japan and am in the process of writing up my blog. I do spend a few days in the alps but and as yet I haven't written about those days but will be doing it soon.

Apart from the places I went to, there is Nikko which is near Tokyo and could be the place where you approach the alps from. And then head over to Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama. Come down via Shirakawa go and the other thatched hut villages into Kanazawa. Kanazawa is an interesting city and I even camped one night there in addition to four nights in paid accommodations. Nikko is in a national park and should be a pretty good place to ride through.

So this is what I would do if i was in your shoes. Noto peninsula would be lovely for swimming i think. The coast is beautiful though it will be hot. The west side is the most wild and if you don't do all off it, you should at least do that side. There's a big long beach running up from Kanazawa with a bike path the whole way and you can camp beside the beach. The path is a bit dull but its fine and easy and only one day.

It looks like there's a ferry to Seoul from Toyama which is the city neighbouring Kanazawa and would probably work out pretty well for you I think.

Here's my blog: Japan in SpringI am working through it slowly so you may have to wait a bit before I get up to some of the parts that I am recommending to you but there should be some useful info in the earlier parts too.

Hokkaido is great for cycling. We rode a big loop there last July and are starting another one this weekend coming. We don't even bother to make a detailed route plan as it is all so good. The weather is perfect too.

Hey thanks for the replies everyone! They were really helpful. For those of you who toured in Japan, did you register your bicycle or have proof of ownership? I've been reading some things online that say I am required by law to have proof I didn't steal my bike. Is this true? Or is this just one of those rules that's neither followed nor enforced?

Oh God no, what have you been reading lol. Its probably more of an issue for locals.

I've toured the length of Japan and would say you can find great routes for touring nealy anywhere with Shikoku and Hokkaido on top of my list. I agree though that July/August is the worst season - hot and humid so Hokkaido would be best choice.. great for camping, nature! Can you consider flying? I used Peach Airlines, cheap japanese airlines they fly to Korea..
Also I wrote a personal guide to touring in Japan (go to English in upper right corner of the page) http://www.ewcyna.com/japonia/

Enjoy!

We have just wound up another tour in Hokkaido and Nth Honshu. Not much to add except (a) Hokkaido has better roads, better shoulders, and is less intense and (b) toyoko-inn.com is a great chain of hotels at very reasonable prices. Book on line the morning before you take off. Get their card which has many benefits.

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