Fuel Canisters in Hokkaido, Japan

[sam21fire]

Hi everyone!
My wife and I are planning a self-contained tour in Hokkaido next month.  I'm working on purchasing propane/isobutane fuel canisters on our way through Niigata but I need to know how readily available they are along the route so I'll know how many to initially buy.  We'll be camping/cooking most nights. The riding portion will begin in Otaru, up the west coast to Wakkanai, then to Sapporo via the central part of the island.
Thanks for any information you can provide about this, or anything else you can add!

Sam

[janetanorth]

i used Primus cannister fuel all through my japan tour. i bought my stove especially for the availability of the fuel.
i googled "sporting goods store" or "camping store", and then checked what was offered.
i think snowpeak is actually a japanese brand.
enjoy, hokkaido is fantastic! the "mishi no eki" will become your best friend-it is an amazing rest stop area with food and toilets. i've even camped out back!
i also recommend a strong set of lights (many, many tunnels) and a kickstand-leaning bike against stuff is discouraged.
regards,
janet

[sam21fire]

Great, thanks for info, Janet!