Today was a day I’d been eagerly anticipating—the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri! This year’s festival felt extra special, as it’s the first one held in four years, making it a big moment for everyone in Rumoi. I’m part of the Rumoi High School Team, and we’re competing in the Moekko Banba Race, the festival’s main event.
We set off early, and my family and I drove over to Rumoi Roadside Station. Once there, I joined up with the 10-man Rumoi High School Team composed of me, my co-teachers, and our school staff Sekiguchi-san. We enjoyed a little pre-race bonding. My wife took on the role of event photographer, while my daughter wandered the festival grounds with her best friend from Midorigaoka Elementary School, soaking in the festivities.
The Moekko Banba Race was the highlight of today's festival, and it was held at Senba Park, which was just behind the Rumoi Roadside Station. During the race, our team managed to score two wins before fatigue set in during our third match against the Firefighter Team. Although we didn’t secure a final victory, the experience was unforgettable—it brought us closer as colleagues, friends, and a team.
Group photo with the Rumoi High School Faculty Team
Next year, we’re determined to come back stronger and give it our all to win. With winter slowly fading, our family is back to resuming our #Hokkaido179 road trips, revisiting nearby spots, and planning new adventures. Hopefully, I’ll get my driver’s license next month, which will open up even more destinations for us to explore together.
Shari Shrine ( 斜里神社 ) is one of the main shrines of the town of Shari. It is located at 44-2 Honmachi in the town of Shari, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Shari Shrine Shari Shrine Details Shari Shrine stands as a testament to the town's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Founded on August 21, 1795, by Murayama Denbei , a sushi restaurant contractor, the shrine has been a symbol of protection and prosperity for the community. Shari Shrine - Shari town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Shrine Rooted in Maritime Tradition Initially revered as a guardian deity for bountiful catches and maritime safety, Shari Shrine ’s significance grew alongside the town’s development. In 1836, stone lanterns were donated by Mikami Banshichi and Sumiyoshimaru Seiroku , subordinates of Tonoju, further solidifying the shrine's place as a spiritual anchor for the fishing community. Shari Shrine 's main torii gate 斜里神社 One of Shari Shrine 's chozuya Shari Shrine 's choz...
Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store ( ラッキーピエロ ベイエリア本店 ) is the oldest and first Lucky Pierrot store in Hakodate. It is located at 23-18 Suehirocho in Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store Details Lucky Pierrot , a beloved fast-food chain in Hakodate, has become an iconic part of the city’s food scene, with 17 locations scattered throughout the area. Among them, the Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Shop holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. Opened in 1987 as the very first Lucky Pierrot store, this location offers a delightful combination of nostalgia and fun, reflecting the unique character of this long-standing restaurant. Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture The Bay Area Main Shop is the oldest Lucky Pierrot store and, true to its origins, it still retains a slight retro charm. Originally a take-out-only shop, it has expanded over the years to beco...
Kuriyama Park ( 栗山公園 ) is a spacious public park in the town of Kuriyama. The park is located at 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kuriyama Park Kuriyama Park Details Located at the foot of Mt. Daishi in Hokkaido, Kuriyama Park is a scenic and family-friendly destination that attracts over 102,000 visitors annually. Spanning an impressive 24 hectares—roughly the size of five Sapporo Domes—this expansive park offers a delightful mix of nature, recreational activities, and seasonal beauty, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Hokkaido. Kuriyama Park - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture Key Attractions at Kuriyama Park Welcome to 栗山公園 Kuriyama Park map Kuriyama town 's tourist map Nakayoshi Zoo: A Fun, Free Experience for All Ages Nakayoshi Zoo Animal feeding activity in Nakayoshi Zoo A major highlight of Kuriyama Park is the Nakayoshi Zoo , which offers free entry and is home to a var...
10 Things to Do in Rankoshi Rankoshi ( 蘭越町 ) is a town situated in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The town is an agricultural town with around 3,000 hectares of farmland. The cleanest river in Japan, Shiribetsu, also flows through the town. The name Rankoshi originates from the Ainu word " ranko-us-i, " which means a place with many katsura trees. For those planning to visit this laid-back agricultural town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Rankoshi : Rankoshi manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Rankoshi . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers, which are both common around the town. Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine 2. Visit the Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine ( 蘭越 目名八幡神社 ) , the main shrine of Rankoshi. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. If you're collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), be sure to get one from this sacred site. You can also get the goshuin of th...
Fugoppe Cave ( フゴッペ洞窟 ) is a cultural protection and exhibition facility located at 87 Sakaemachi in the town of Yoichi, Yoichi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fugoppe Cave Fugoppe Cave Details Tucked into the quiet hillside of Maruyama near National Road 5 in the outskirts of the town of Yoichi, Fugoppe Cave is one of Japan’s most mysterious and historically significant archaeological sites. Designated a National Historic Site on November 14, 1953 , this ancient cave offers a rare glimpse into post-Jomon period life through more than 800 rock carvings etched into its sandstone walls. Fugoppe Cave - Yoichi town, Hokkaido Prefecture What makes Fugoppe Cave truly exceptional is its rarity— only one other site in the entire Japanese archipelago , Temiya Cave in nearby Otaru, contains similar carvings. Among the more than 700 known cave sites across Japan, Fugoppe stands out as a unique treasure of prehistoric artistry and cultural expression. Location and Discovery ...
10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City Kaizuka ( 貝塚市 ) is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Kaizuka City was established on April 1, 1889, and became a city on October 1, 1943. The city is historically known for its production of wooden combs made from boxwood. The kanji used for its name kai ( 貝 ) means shellfish and zuka ( 塚 ) means mound. For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City : Kaizuka City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kaizuka City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. Kanda Shrine 2. Visit the Kanda Shrine ( 感田神社 ). It’s located near Kaizuka Station and can easily be reached on foot. It’s a popular shrine among locals so please make sure to keep the peace or the place. This shrine also celebrates the Taikodai Festival so if you time your visit in July then you might be able to witness it. You can also pay your respects and offer praye...
Bifuka Roadside Station ( 道の駅 びふか ) is one of the 128 roadside stations all over Hokkaido. It is located at 307-1 Ote, in the town of Bifuka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Bifuka Roadside Station Bifuka Roadside Station details Conveniently located on National Route 4, Bifuka Roadside Station offers visitors an enchanting experience with its medieval European castle-style building, designed by a renowned Italian architect. Situated against the backdrop of Bifuka Forest Park and the flowing Teshio River, this station boasts numerous outdoor amenities including hot springs, campgrounds, and cozy cottages. Bifuka Roadside Station was one of the first to be registered as a roadside station in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, giving it registration number 5. Bifuka Roadside Station - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture Bifuka Roadside Station takes pride in its extensive selection of local delicacies, highlighting specialties like "Mori no Shizuku," a refreshing ...
Located beside Calle Marcela Marino Agoncillo in the town of Taal in Batangas, Marcela Agoncillo Museum is the ancestral house of the principal seamstress of the first Philippine Flag. Marcela Agoncillo Museum Marcela Agoncillo Museum History The Marcela Agoncillo Museum / ancestral house is a bahay na bato built sometime around the 1780s and is one of the oldest houses in Taal . The house was built by Dona Marcela's grandfather, Don Andres Marino . Dona Marcela inherited the house after the death of her grandfather and she chose to live in the house even after being married in 1889 to Felipe Agoncillo who would later on become known as the "First Filipino Diplomat". Marcela Agoncillo Museum / Heritage House - Taal, Batangas The historical marker of Dona Marcela Marcela Agoncillo statue found outside her house Read: The Republic Act 8491 contents Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo The ownership of the house was then passed on to the ...
Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces is a little-known place of culture and history. It is l ocated in Barangay Amgaleyguey in Buguias, Benguet in the Philippines. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Details Overshadowed by the fame of the Banaue Rice Terraces , the Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces are rarely visited by tourists. As a matter of fact, you won't see it in any travel blogs or tourist books. To those who have seen this place, they can attest that it is equally beautiful as its counterparts in Ifugao. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces - Buguias, Benguet What makes Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces unique is the obvious fact that vegetables are the crops planted on the terraces instead of rice. What makes it more unique are the above-ground tombs that dot the terraces like dandruff on a green shirt from a distance. A perfect view from the view deck The culture of burying relatives on the terraces dates to the pre-Spanish period. Practical...
Have you ever tried eating a decoration in your house? I have... Kiping Now before you judge me as a weirdo, let me first tell you about the decoration that I ate... Kiping of Lucban Check out those colorful chandelier-like decorations... They taste good... This brightly colored leaf-shaped decorative ornament is called a kiping . Nope, it is not made of plastic but of rice paste. It is considered an integral part of the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. So how is a kiping made? He'll show us how... Kiping ingredients... Making a kiping is a process called pagkikipi . One must first collect mature leaves of either the kabal, cocoa, or umbrella tree. These leaves will be used as molds for the kiping , hence its shape. Each leaf can be used three times (you'll find out why later.) Choose a leaf... cut the leaf to make it fit your steamer prepare the rice paste Put the food coloring in the paste... Now to make the rice paste....
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