A Longer Trip to Hokkaido

[drron]

We headed north along the coast detouring around a couple of large lakes. Wild rose and interesting light poles.






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a cycle path goes past the lakes and i believe into Abashiri.




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The green plant around the lake turns bright red in Autumn.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

We continued a fair way past the lakes eventually getting to the coast.









Scallops are a major industry along this coast.

 

[drron]

We now turned west and followed a stream as we slowly climbed the mountains. some nice spots to stop.




Sadly this sign was being ignored.






Passed another Michi-no-eki.

Now close to Nayoro.

 

[drron]

We were a little early to check in but Mrsdrron spied this.


Was one of the largest 100 yen shops we have seen and an incredible array of stuff. fishing gear just $3 or $5.


But an unusual experience. this dragon fly took a liking to me and followed me around.


Here we stayed at a My stays hotel. One of the cheapest on the trip but comfortable.






And the views.

 

[drron]

That night we went to a very good Kaiten sushi. Translates as rotation sushi. The name actually comes from a torpedo the Japanese used at the end of the war. it was guided to it's target by a pilot. Some of our choices.






The next day we went north on the main road-not the Expressway. Lovely countryside but then we turned north east to get back to the coast. The drive to the coast was very scenic. Mrsdrron loves purple flowers and they were in abundance.










Then we saw this garden which graced what I thought was the most interesting Michi-no-eki we came across.

 

[drron]

There is a lot for the kids here.








But also plenty to keep dad interested.









But this train was more popular. i had to wait a while to get it empty.

 

[drron]

The highlight was a retired Japanese Air Force F104. There are 51 of them across Japan.














Nakatonbetsu is the town where this is.

 

[drron]

Back on the road. just around the corner and on the other side of the road a ski run.




Then we reached the coast and our second Michi-no-eki for the day. This one had a lot of monuments and the food was all based on scallops.

 

[drron]

There were 2 of these buildings with a light show inside but full of kids.




And once again signs of fishermen.

 

[drron]

On the road again and getting close to the northern tip of Hokkaido. Passed a little shrine.

 

[drron]

Around the corner and we are there. Cape Soya.


They have volunteers there. An older fellow had very good English. They take your photo for free.




We could make out sakhalin Island some 45 Km north east of here not that apparent on a photo.


They have a little garden here. Not impressive now but 4 weeks ago really nice.




also a memorial for a local composer who wrote a song about Cape Soya. Press a button and you can hear it.

 

[drron]

We then went along the coast east to Wakkanai. Again little fishing ports and glimpses of Rishiri Island.












I thought we would get better views of the Island but it was completely covered with the fog the next 2 days.
But also visual pollution.


And past the airport.




And before we got to our hotel we passed another 100 yen shop and just had to go in.

 

[drron]

We went upmarket and stayed at the Surfeel hotel in Wakkania. It started life as a Crowne Plaza but sadly not now. The room.










And the view.

 

[drron]

Some more of the changing views.








Then I went down and walked around the hotel.

 

[drron]

The main restaurant was a little expensive but their sesafood buffet was reasonably priced.

 

[drron]

The last of the buffet.








And our wine.

 

[drron]

Next is the breakfast buffet. I loved the Hokkaido tomatoes. tasted just like the ones my grandfather grew.

 

[drron]

i really enjoy the Japanese breakfast buffets.

 

[drron]

The next day we spent seeing the sights of Wakkanai. Initially I wanted to spend a day on Rishiri Island one of the reasons being an orchid found only there. But recent back problems have limited my nobility and on the day fog would not help. So we started by driving up the hill behind the town. Quite a bit to see up there. First was where they trained the dogs for Antarctic expeditions.


This dog is famous in Japanese Antarctic history. He was part of the 1956 Expedition but they had to leave several dogs behind when they left. this fellow were found alive the next year when the Japanese returned.




Several other statues and monuments.


This deer looked like she might be pregnant.





And a survey marker.


Many more monuments.