It's a place I want to visit this summer, though getting there is the issue for me. I want to go by bike but it's a long way to ride from Aomori. Do you know anything about taking bikes on trains?

I cycled there from Kushiro, Luke. Doesn't take long really. I recommend using the bus system, as the trains tend to cover less area or require you to take roundabout ways (through Sapporo etc.) Most of the bus companies will put the bike in the hold for you if you have a Rinko bag.