Gear & Packing List

Bike & Tools

• Multi-tool with chain breaker
• Spare tube(s) — 2 minimum
• Patch kit
• Tire levers
• Mini pump
• Spare brake pads
• Spare chain links / quick link
• Spoke wrench
• Small bottle of chain lube
• Zip ties and duct tape (small roll)
• Spare spokes (taped to frame)
• Bright front light + rear light (tunnels are frequent in Hokkaido; mandatory for safety)
• Bike lock (cable lock is fine; theft risk is very low in Japan)
• Bungee cords / straps

Clothing

Hokkaido summer weather: daytime highs up to 30C, overnight lows down to 10C. Rain is possible any time.

Riding:

• 2 pairs cycling shorts (padded)
• 2-3 moisture-wicking shirts
• Lightweight long-sleeve layer
• Cycling gloves
• Helmet
• Lems Sneakers for riding when it’s dry
• Sunglasses

Rain gear:

• Rain Shell
• Teva Sandals for riding when it’s raining

Off-bike:

• Lightweight jacket (for cold evenings)
• Warm hat / beanie
• 1 pair lightweight pants or shorts
• Underwear (2-3 pairs, merino)
• Sandals / flip-flops (for onsen and guest houses)
• Buff / neck gaiter

Electronics & Navigation

• Garmin Edge 1050 with .gpx routes from Ride With GPS
• Phone with offline Ride With GPS route as backup
• USB battery bank
• Charging cables

Food & Water

• 2 water bottles + bottle cages
• Konbini strategy: 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, and Seicomart (Hokkaido’s own chain) are your lifeline. Available in most towns. In remote eastern Hokkaido, you may go 1-2 days between konbini — carry extra food for those stretches.
• Onigiri, bento, chocolate cookies (Alfort) are staples for riding
• Pocari Sweat to replenish electrolytes on warm days

Documents & Money

• Passport
• Cash (Japan is still heavily cash-based outside cities; carry 20,000-30,000 yen minimum, top up at 7-Eleven ATMs or Post Offices which accept international cards)
• Credit card (accepted at hotels, larger shops, some konbini)
• Printed accommodation reservations (helpful at hotels with limited English)