It’s another weekend here in Rumoi City. It’s still cold but once in a while, the sun peeks to share its warmth.
Kawakami Internal Medicine Clinic
My family and I woke up early today as it is my COVID-19 vaccination schedule at Kawakami Internal Medicine Clinic in Rumoi City. I’ll be having my 3rd shot of Pfizer. However, in reality, this is my 5th COVID-19 vax as I had 2 Sinovac shots back in the Philippines. After my vaccination, we were thinking of resting at home in case there were side effects. However, since it was a beautiful morning and I felt well, I told my wife that we should go somewhere instead.
Hamanakaundo Park
Can you guess what we are doing?
Here's the view from the park
We drove to Hamanakaundo Park on the southwestern side of Rumoi City. Sadly, a large part of the park was still closed to the public so we did some stretching in one of the open areas instead.
From there, we decided to drive somewhere else, while thinking about where to go, we first went home to get some food and drinks. We ultimately decided to revisit the town of Chippubetsu.
These are the places that we visited in Chippubetsu:
We left Chippubetsu at around 4 PM. Before going home, we did a quick grocery shopping at COOP in Rumoi City. We got home a little after 6 PM. Before calling it a day, we watched the Netflix documentary "MH370 The Plane That Disappeared". We only managed to watch the first episode. I wanted to binge-watch it but was already sleepy after the first one.
Day 496: March 12, 2023
Sunday – Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri
Today is one of the days that I am looking forward to. It`s the annual Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri. It's also a big day for the people of Rumoi, as the last time this event was last held was 4 years ago and was canceled due to several reasons, particularly the pandemic. This year, I am one of the members of the Rumoi High School Team "Chimidoro" who will compete in the Moekko Banba Race, which is the highlight of the festival.
We had a group huddle before the start of the Moekko Banba Race
For the event, my family and I drove to Rumoi Roadside Station. Once there, I went to bond with the 10-man Rumoi High School Team "Chimidoro", composed of my co-teachers and our school staff, Sekiguchi-san. My wife covered the event while my daughter went around the festival grounds with her best friend from Midorigaoka Elementary School.
Competition time!
The Moekko Banba Race was the highlight of the festival and it was held at Senba Park behind the roadside station. During the event, we managed to win twice but were too tired to win our third match against the Firefighter team. Regardless, it was a very memorable event as it made us closer not only as a faculty of the same high school but as a team.
Here's the result. We failed to make it to the top 3 but technically we're in 4th place
We lost but we were super happy with our accomplishment
Next year we will surely come back stronger and hopefully win the competition. Overall, winter is slowly ending. My family and I are now resuming our #Hokkaido179 road trips by revisiting nearby places. Hopefully, I get my driver`s license next month, which will allow us to drive farther to visit new destinations.
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us 46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog The Adventurer's List would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his...
Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” ( 道の駅 マリーンアイランド岡島 ) is one of the roadside stations scattered all over Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 238 in 1978-13 Okashima, in the town of Esashi, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” Details Registered as an official roadside station on April 16, 1996, with Registration Number 28, Roadside Station "Marine Island Okajima" is a must-visit destination along National Route 238. Designed to mimic a ship sailing through the majestic Sea of Okhotsk, this roadside station is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Esashi Town and its scenic coastline. Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture Discover Esashi’s Seafood Treasures At the Esashi Town Specialty Products Direct Sales Shop , visitors can indulge in the best seafood the town has to offer. Highlights include: Hairy Crabs : Esa...
My family and I had the opportunity to explore Asahiyama Zoo ( 旭川市旭山動物園 ) for the first time on November 20, 2022 , marking my 384th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme . It was the highlight of our day trip to Asahikawa City. We all enjoyed the numerous facilities in the zoo. Asahiyama Zoo Revisited 2023 That didn’t stop me from bringing my siblings there during our Sibling Roadtrip #3 when they visited Hokkaido last July 27, 2023 . It was the highlight of the day, and we spent the whole day exploring the vast zoo. Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture A Brief History of Asahiyama Zoo Located at the northernmost part of Japan, Asahiyama Zoo was inaugurated on July 1, 1967, under the visionary leadership of then- Mayor Kōzō Igarashi . The zoo initially showcased 75 animal species, and despite challenges like dwindling attendance, it reinvented itself into a leading wildlife conservation center. Innovative exhibits introduced since the late 1990...
10 Things to Do in Kitahiroshima City Kitahiroshima ( 北広島市 ) is a city located in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is the place where Dr. Clark left his famous words in "Boys Be Ambitious." The name " Kitahiroshima " literally means " North Hiroshima City ." On September 1, 1996, the town of Hiroshima was upgraded to city status. However, since there was already a city named Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture, the municipality was renamed Kitahiroshima to avoid having two cities with the same name. For those planning to visit this vibrant city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kitahiroshima City : Kitahiroshima City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kitahiroshima . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly found around the city. Hiroshima Shrine 2. Visit the Hiroshima Shrine ( 廣島神社 ) , the main shrine of Kitahiroshima City. You can visit at any time of day to o...
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide...
Hagoromo-tei Memuro Branch ( 回転ずし 羽衣亭 芽室店 ) is one of the two conveyor belt sushi restaurants of Ankai Co., Ltd. It is located at 1-42 Higashi 8-jo 9-chome in the town of Memuro, Kasai District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Hagoromo-tei Memuro Branch Hagoromo-tei Memuro Branch Details Established in 1983, Hagoromo-Tei proudly represents the Tokachi region, renowned for its high food self-sufficiency rate and natural abundance. This area, blessed with fertile fields, dairy farms, and rich fishing waters, provides the fresh, high-quality ingredients that define Hagoromo-Tei ’s menu. Hagoromo-tei Memuro Branch - Memuro town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Unique Sushi Experience The Hagoromo-Tei Memuro Branch offers a sushi experience that combines quality, variety, and affordability. The rotating conveyor features an enticing selection of beautifully crafted sushi, catering to both traditional tastes and adventurous foodies. Seasonal specials add an exciting touch, ensuring eve...
Kunimare Sake Brewery ( 国稀酒造㈱ ) , located in the charming town of Mashike in Hokkaido, is the northernmost sake brewery in Japan . With a history spanning over a century, this iconic brewery has preserved its traditional sake-making techniques while earning its status as an important cultural property designated by the Japanese government. Kunimare Sake Brewery Revisited 2023 My journey to Kunimare has become a cherished tradition, with each visit offering a unique perspective and deepening my appreciation for Japanese culture. Kunimare Sake Brewery - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture First Visit: A Memorable Introduction My first encounter with Kunimare Sake Brewery was on April 10, 2022 , my 160th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme . Accompanied by my ALT friends, we were awestruck by the sheer historical significance of the brewery. Exploring its informative exhibits and indulging in a free sake tasting session made for an unforgettable cultural experience. Sec...
Utashinai Roadside Station , officially known as Roadside Station Utashinai Tyrol ( 道の駅 うたしないチロルの湯 ) , is one of the roadside stations around Hokkaido. Located at 72-2 Nakamura, Utashinai City , this station is more than just a stopover—it’s a gateway to discovering the charm of Hokkaido's Central, Northern, and Eastern regions. Utashinai Roadside Station Revisited 2023 My family and I first visited Utashinai Roadside Station on September 11, 2022 , during a memorable road trip spanning from September 9 to 11. At the time, it marked my 314th day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) under the JET Programme . The visit was part of a cherished tradition: my daughter and I collect roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally , a popular activity for locals and travelers alike. Utashinai Roadside Station - Utashinai City, Hokkaido Prefecture We returned on August 13, 2023 , my 650th day in Japan , making it the first stop on an exciting day trip through Mi...
Minamifurano Roadside Station ( 道の駅 南ふらの ) is one of the roadside stations spread around Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located along National Route 38 at 687 Ikutora in the town of Minamifurano, Sorachi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Minamifurano Roadside Station Minamifurano Roadside Station Details Minamifurano Roadside Station is one of Hokkaido’s outstanding roadside stations, combining convenience, culture, and natural beauty in one remarkable location. Officially registered on April 22, 1993 , as Registration Number 3 , this popular stop is more than just a roadside station—it’s an experience that celebrates the charm and uniqueness of Minamifurano. Minamifurano Roadside Station - Minamifurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Landmark with Iconic Architecture One of the station’s standout features is its architecture, inspired by the town’s connection to canoeing on Lake Kanayama and the Sorachi River. The building’s design, shaped like the tip of a canoe’s axle, i...
That looks like a fun festival. I'm happy you were invited to such events.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes it was fun.
Delete