GOING SOLO IN JAPAN 4 – 1995 Sapporo/ Hokaido

Our very first visit to Sapporo in Hokkaido was in 1995. Hokkaido is the Northern most island of Japan.

We had gone there to attend a meeting in Sapporo – Capital city of Hokkaido.

On this visit all our internal travel was in a slow motion. We didn’t travel by plane for any internal travel. We travelled in a Ferry from Maizuru to Otaru, the port city. From there in a car to Sapporo. 

After the conference was over as usual we wanted to do some sightseeing in area. At that time I had very little knowledge of the geography of this island.

With help of our friend we decided to visit two destinations .

FURANO

The Furano region is a picturesque area located in the central part of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, vast fields of flowers, and the Tokachi mountain range in the background.

The Tokachi Mountain Range is a series of mountains situated to the south of the Daisetsu- zan volcanoes and its highest peak, Mount Tokachi, is a volcano that is still active. A large number of people visit the southern area, which is Mount Tokachi, Mount Biei, and Mount Furano.

Furano is particularly famous for its lavender fields, which bloom from late June to early August. The lavender fields create a vibrant and colorful landscape, attracting visitors from all around Japan and beyond. The lavender farms, such as Farm Tomita, are popular spots for tourists during the blooming season. The farm also sells many products based on the lavender it produces, from lavender scented candles and soap to lavender flavored drinks and ice cream.While the lavender fields are a major attraction in the summer, Furano is beautiful in all four seasons.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the foliage transforms into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows. Winter brings snow, turning the region into a winter wonderland, and making it a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports.

Naka Furano

It is a town which is endowed with nature and scenery of the Furano Basin.

Naka means middle. ours was a day trip to Naka Furano which is located in central part of the the Island. We went there by train. In Japan for all tourist destinations they have a very special train for tourists.

The train for Naka Furano is painted in Lavender colour. We couldn’t get seats on this train while going there but on return journey we travelled on this special Lavender train.

Naka Furano is popular during summer months for flower beds of many different flowers. Very special are the flower beds of Lavender flowers.

We walked around the area. There was a shop with everything in Lavender colour including the Ice cream.

Farm Tomita which is dotted with lavender fields such as the Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden. You can enjoy the colorful flowers not only lavender, but sage and sunflowers.

A superb view overlooking the Tokachidake mountain range and the beautiful rural scenery can be seen when ascending by lift.

The next destination was a visit to lakes in the eastern part of Hokkaido.

LAKE DISTRICT

These lakes are located in Kushiro City of eastern Hokkaido. 

We were introduced to a doctor couple who had worked at Hokkaido university

and were told that his wife speaks English and likes to help foreign students. The now live in Kushiro.

When we reache there by train, they met us at the station and welcomed us.

As there was no suitable hotel in the lake area we stayed in a hotel near the station. We were received by these friends and they took us to our hotel.

Next morning she picked us up and took us on a full day tour of the lakes.

On the way we stopped at the - The Akan International Crane Center which is a museum, breeding center, and sanctuary where cranes can be seen year round. It has a good exhibit about crane history and ecology with English explanations.

LAKE DISTRICT

Lake Akan (Akan-ko) is situated in the Akan National Park, Lake Akan is known for its marimo, which are rare spherical algae. The lake is surrounded by forests and is a habitat for various wildlife.

Lake Mashu (Mashu-ko): Often referred to as one of the clearest lakes in the world, Lake Mashu is located in Akan National Park. It is said that Lake Mashu is difficult to see as it remains covered in clouds like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania The lake is known for its foggy conditions, which add to its mystique.

Lake Kussharo (Kussharo-ko): It is the largest caldera lake in Japan, located in the Akan National Park. The lake is known for its hot springs, and during winter, parts of the lake often freeze.

We first visited Lake Akan. We walked around admiring the greenary all around.

For lunch we set down by the lake side and dipped our hands in the water .

It was very hot.

After lunch we drove to Lake Mashu. We had been warned by our friend that lake may not be visible. And she was correct.

A wonder that I read about Akan lake is that It is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms itself into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan’s marimo can reach the size of soccer balls. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

Beautifulcrater lake famous for Algae

Last we took a drive around lake Kusharo and returned home.

Lake Kussharo (Kussharo-ko): It is the largest caldera lake in Japan, located in the Akan National Park. The lake is known for its hot springs, and during winter, parts of the lake often freeze.

In the evening she took us for dinner and we went back to out hotel.

Next morning we left Kushiro to go to mainland all along by train.

We made an overnight stopover at Hakodate as it required change of train.

In Hakodate we took one of the best sightseeing tour going up to top of a hill.

The City View From Mt. Hakodate: A Classic Among Classics!

It is spellbounding.

Next morning we were on our way to mainland to reach Tokyo.

In our train journey from Hakodate across to Aomori the train went through an underground tunnel and came out at other end to Aomori.

The rest of the journey was Aomori - Morioka - One night at a station for Toshiba factory - on to Tokyo.