Explore Hokkaido - Cycle Around Mount Yotei, Kutchan - Day 3

Good morning Tabi-mugi Backpackers. The temperature was -1°C in the early morning but the weather forecast reported it will gradually increases to 9° C by 9am

We were glad to find out the temperature was improving earlier than expected and we were eager to start the tour.

The view of Mount Yotei as we crossed a bridge near our hostel. Mount Yotei is one of the famous mountains in Hokkaido.

And into and passing through Kutchan town as we slowly pedal our way for this adventure. 

The first 8km was slightly hilly but doable and a stop a Lawson convenience store for a rest. Temperature was 8°C but sunny.

The route today was taken from Hokkaido Cycling Tourism website with a recommendation of about 60km for beginner level. It is indeed a lovely route which I highly recommend for those who wish to seen Hokkaido with their bicycles.

There are many of this kind of cottage buildings seen which I reckon is very popular for skiers to stay during the winter.

Getting closer to the snow landscape as it slowing melting away. 

Slow but steady moving through the day with nice weather and beautiful surrounding.

Field getting ready for the vegetation to grow with a beauty setting behind it.

Somewhere along the highway we saw an entrance to a shrine.

Mount Yotei is forever following us as we went round the foot of the mountain.

At our 18km we crossed a yellow bridge called Niseko Bridge spanning over Shiribetsu River

Niseko View Plaza where there were many holiday makers taking a stop at this shopping village.

It has a farmer's market with many local produce from the many farms around the area and a wonderful experience to see the varieties of food under one single roof.

Thank you Hokkaido Cycle Tourism to the recommendation.

Arishima Ostrich farm after a distant of 24km located along the way at GPS : 42.780976, 140.731826

There were visitors stopping by the farm watching ostriches running freely, taking pictures and buying stuffs like ostrich sausages.

Occasionally you will bump into cyclists but not many for us.

Hokkaido Cycling Tourism indicates that the route is meant for beginner but be aware there is a bit of climb to face. We took it easy and push at some of the climbs.

Makkari Hot spring (真狩温泉) or known as Onsen located about 1km from Makkai Village surrounded by fields and sited on top of a small hill.

At the reception where the entrances for both sexes are seen separated.

The ride continued with endless gorgeous view.

A sign indicating we were approaching the most beautiful village in Japan. 

The continuous rural landscape that serene and awaiting Autumn to come.

The tough snow gradually melting away for the next season.

Stopping at Fukidashi Park for a rest and light refreshment after having cycled 47km for the day.

Big Sky Droplet jelly, a unique dessert to try.

Another dessert coated with peanut powder from the same stall.

Cutting across the park while enjoying the beauty of the park.

The manhole cover of Kyogoku Town. 

By the time we completed the 62km ride back to Kutchan we were unable able to try the onsen near Tabi mugi Backpackers as it was too late. Ryo San was kind to drive us to our next accommodation which was 16 km away.

A beautiful sunset at Notrack remotely located from any convenience stores where the housekeeper drove us to Makkari Town to get some food for the evening.

I would say that Day 3 ride was the toughest among all and would definitely treasure the experience especially for Jo.

Explore Hokkaido Otaru - Kutchan - Day 2

Good morning Otaru where we started the day with a appetizing breakfast at Pizzeria Gabbiano. Thanks to Adam, a young Russian whom helped me on my plan data.  We found out that his dad is operating this restaurant.

One for the record at Smile Hotel before we check out. We decided to spend some time in Otaru before we set for our next destination. Smile Hotel is a simple hotel where you could easily book it through the internet.

The morning was slightly moist and cold, we were greeted by  a scene of some political campaigning for a local election.

There we were roaming around Otaru tracing for the places of interest.

Otaru don't seem busy though it's a city and a port it is located north west of Sapporo with a population in a region of  about 130,000 peoples.

The Tourist Information center with a temperature indicator showing the coldness of the morning at 5.9°C

The famous steam clock of Otaru and the time was 11am. A clock powered by steam and built by the well known Canadian steam clock maker Raymond Saunders. It whistles with its steam on the hour.

Picking our noses into nook and corners that excite us.

The Temiya Line (手宮線, Temiya-sen) was a local freight narrow gauge railroad in Otaru, Hokkaidō, Japan, connecting Minami-Otaru Station and Temiya Station. The line was a state-owned enterprise, originally established in the late 19th century to transport coal and marine products, and closed in 1985.

There were tourists taking rickshaw tour to visit places of interest like the the canal area.

While we move around with our sets of small wheels.

Towards the far end of the fringe of the canal on the northern part we found this park called Unga Park where you can see several warehouse or godowns.

A beauty scene from the fringe of that canal with a hill behind the background. This is there the boat cruise made a U-turn here in its cruise.

Finding our loop back to the centre area where the busy spot is while enjoying sea side atmosphere.

We were glad to step into this shop for a delicious fresh seafood lunch.

What a satisfying lunch with a reasonable price. Oshi desu ne.

Our next destination is Kutchan and it is about 60km away from Otaru, the train fare was 1,070¥ cutting through mountainous land and partly covered with snow along the route.

By 5.10pm we have made our way to Kutchan which was still cold and peaceful. Kutchan is popular for its potato cultivation, noodle making and snow skiing.

A ride from the train station searching for the hostel that we were supposed to put up. The atmosphere was cold and peaceful.  Fortunately it was not too far away from the station as it was chilling cold.

After checking in to our accommodation at Tabi-tsumugi Backpackers we came out to the town again to buy our dinner at 7-11 convenience store where we met a Brommie from Canada. I guess he is the only Brompton owner living in Kutchan. We had a lot to exchange and were happy to have met each other. I hope one day Ian will visit Kuala Lumpur.

Ian carrying his skiing gears and on a Brompton. I wish Ian a happy married life and all the best in his understanding in Niseko.

We were the only guests in the entire hostel and a simple meal for the evening before we call it a night.

Tabi-tsumugi Backpackers is a small but nice and clean lodging in a peaceful surrounding. The operator is Joe who is helpful and friendly. Our next adventure will be riding around Mount Yotei and looking forward for tomorrow's activity. Good night and the tatami mat awaiting for us a comfortable sleep.