Due to time considerations and the NHK film crew's logistics, we opted for a straight coastal route up to Wakkanai - going inland only between the airport at Chitose and Sapporo. From Sapporo, it's a straight shot up the coast to Wakkanai, almost Japan's northernmost point. There we overnight and take an early morning ferry to the island of Rebun, to cycle its isolated northern coast, and from there to Risshiri, to cycle the circular island while gazing up at the 1700m peak at its center. On our final day, we take yet another ferry back to the mainland and cycle immediately to Cape Soya, which IS Japan's northernmost point, before returning to Wakkanai Airport to board a plane for home.