Japan Diaries 4: Day 505

Day 505: March 21, 2023

Tuesday – Vernal Equinox Day Road Trip

It's a holiday today so we're heading out for another road trip
It's a holiday today, so we're heading out for another road trip

Spring has officially arrived in Japan, marked by the celebration of Vernal Equinox Day on March 21st. It is a public holiday in the country, and many people take advantage of the beautiful weather to go on road trips and explore the natural beauty of the countryside. This year, my wife and I decided to embark on a road trip to the picturesque towns of Biei, Kamifurano, and Furano City.

Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway
We drove along the Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway towards Asahikawa City

First stop: Moda Club Serufu Asahikawa to fill up our gas tank
First stop: Moda Club Serufu Asahikawa to fill up our gas tank

711 at 6 Chome-1-2 Chuwa 8 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
We then bought some food for breakfast at the nearby 711

We started our journey early in the morning from Rumoi City (留萌市), which is located in the northern part of Hokkaido. The weather was perfect, and we were excited to explore the countryside. Our first stop was at Moda Club Serufu Asahikawa in Asahikawa City (旭川市), where we filled up our tank and grabbed some breakfast from the nearby 711.

Route 452
Driving to Biei via Route 452

We found a scenic road near the Seven Stars Tree
We found a scenic road near the Seven Stars Tree

Seven Stars Tree Biei
Seven Stars Tree

Next stop: Parent and Child Tree
Next stop: Parent and Child Tree 

We weren't allowed to go near the tree so I just used the maximum zoom of my phone to take a picture of it.
We weren't allowed to go near the tree so I just used the maximum zoom of my phone to take a picture of it. 

Tree of Ken and Mary Biei
Tree of Ken and Mary

Our first destination was the Seven Stars Tree, located in the northern part of Biei (美瑛町). The tree is a natural wonder and is believed to be over 200 years old. This tree was made popular when it was featured in a cigarette advertisement in 1976. We then visited the Parent and Child Tree and the Tree of Ken and Mary, both famous landmarks in Biei. 

Biei manhole cover
Biei manhole cover

We saw this retired train displayed in a vacant lot in front of Biei Shrine
We saw this retired train displayed in a vacant lot in front of the Biei Shrine

Biei Shrine's Torii gate
Biei Shrine's Torii gate

Biei Shrine
Biei Shrine

Nakamachi Park - Biei, Hokkaido
Nakamachi Park

The restored SL 49600 is displayed in the park
The restored SL 49600 is displayed in the park

Four Seasons Tower - Biei, Hokkaido
Four Seasons Tower

The view from the observation platform of the Four Seasons Tower
The view from the observation platform of the Four Seasons Tower

Biei Station - Biei town, Hokkaido
We went to get our eki stamp from Biei JR Station or simply Biei Station

We were lucky as there was a train that arrived at the station during our visit
We were lucky as there was a train that arrived at the station during our visit

The bus stop outside Biei Station
The bus stop outside Biei Station

This bus stop was a filming location in Episode 6 of the Netflix series "First Love"
This bus stop was a filming location in Episode 6 of the Netflix series "First Love"

After exploring these beautiful locations, we made our way to the town center to visit the Biei Shrine to pay our respects and do our family tradition of offering prayer and making a wish. From there, we drove to the nearby Nakamachi Park, Four Seasons Tower, and Biei JR Station.

Trick Art Museum - Kamifurano town, Hokkaido
The Kamifurano Trick Art Museum, or simply Trick Art Museum

Trick Art Museum in Kamifurano
We first had fun playing on the snow outside the Trick Art Museum...

Kamifurano Trick Art Museum
We first had fun playing in the snow outside the Trick Art Museum...

Miyamatoge Art Park has a great view of Mt. Tokachi and Mt. Furano
Miyamatoge Art Park has a great view of Mt. Tokachi and Mt. Furano

Next, we drove to the town of Kamifurano (上富良野町), where we visited several places. First on our list was the Trick Art Museum. It was a lot of fun, and we spent a good amount of time taking photos with the interactive paintings.

Driving through Route 237 going to Kamifurano town proper
Driving through Route 237 going to Kamifurano town proper

Kamifurano manhole cover - Hokkaido
Kamifurano manhole cover

Kamifurano Shrine's Torii gate
Kamifurano Shrine's Torii gate

Kamifurano Shrine - Kamifurano, Hokkaido
Kamifurano Shrine

Hinode Park in winter - Kamifurano, Hokkaido
Hinode Park

Kamifurano Pokemon manhole cover
Kamifurano Pokemon manhole cover

Panorama Road - Kamifurano, Hokkaido
Panorama Road

We were lucky as there were only a few people when we got to Panorama Road
We were lucky as there were only a few people when we got to Panorama Road

From there, we drove to the Kamifurano Shrine to offer prayers and pay respects. It was a peaceful and serene place, where we contemplated. Our next destination was Hinode Park, mostly covered with snow. Thankfully, the Kamifurano Pokémon manhole cover has a cover and was protected, so we were able to take a photo of it before hitting the road again and going to the scenic Panorama Road before leaving the town.

Driving to our next destination: Furano City
Driving to our next destination: Furano City

Looking for a parking space near Furano Shrine
Looking for a parking space near Furano Shrine

Furano City manhole cover 1
Furano City manhole cover 1

Furano City manhole cover 2
Furano City manhole cover 2

Furano City manhole cover 3
Furano City manhole cover 3

Furano Shrine's Torii gate
Furano Shrine's Torii gate

Furano Shrine
Furano Shrine

McDonald's Furano
McDonald's Furano

Late lunch at McDonald's Furano
Here's what we ate for lunch

Ningle Terrace - Furano City, Hokkaido
Ningle Terrace

Ningle Terrace - Furano City
This is our last destination for today

Kitanominedori - Furano City
Driving through Kitanominedori Street on the way back to Rumoi City

We saw the Akabira Tokugawa Castle along the way
We saw the Akabira Tokugawa Castle along the way

Our last stop was Furano City (富良野市), where we visited the Furano Shrine, McDonald’s Furano, and Ningle Terrace. The shrine grounds are a beautiful place and are a must-visit for anyone who appreciates traditional Japanese architecture. McDonald’s Furano is an interesting location due to its unique design. We also visited Ningle Terrace, which is a collection of small cottages that house boutique stores and cafes.

2nd Street Takikawa
2nd Street Takikawa 

Driving back home via the Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway
Driving back home via the Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway

I still have the energy to attend the Rumoi English Chat Club
I still have the energy to attend the Rumoi English Chat Club

As the sun began to set, we decided to head back home. But before that, we made a quick stop at 2nd Street in Takikawa City to buy some baby clothes. When we finally reached home, I still had one more activity left for the day. I attended the Rumoi English Chat Club, held in Asuka. We discussed the topic of "surprise." I shared my experience of taking the driving test for my Japanese driver's license, which was a surprise in many ways.


Overall, it was a fantastic day with adventure, exploration, and surprises. Our Vernal Equinox Road Trip was an excellent way to celebrate the arrival of spring, and I can't wait to plan our next road trip. Suppose you ever find yourself in Hokkaido during the Vernal Equinox Day. In that case, I highly recommend taking a road trip to explore the beautiful countryside and experience the joys of spring in Japan.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 73
Location: Furano, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Follow me on Facebook

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Patungan Beach - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated  barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the  Nasugbu - Ternate Highway  and  Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila.  Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Keep reading

Ilocos Sur Adventure: Vigan City

Image
Our adventure today takes us about 400 kilometers northwest of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Vigan City , the capital of Ilocos Sur, was recently converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. Aside from that, Vigan was also listed as one of the World Heritage Sites in the Philippines by UNESCO. Vigan City Vigan City details So what's unique with Vigan City ? Imagine yourself living during the Spanish Colonial days when the kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) rules the cobblestone streets and century-old houses, not buildings, conquered the landscape. Vigan City offers you the same colonial-era backdrop minus the people walking around with DSLRs and GoPros. Team Nicerio visits Vigan City Vigan City details Vigan City was earlier known as "Ciudad Fernandina" during the Spanish Era. However, the origin of the city's name is said to come from different sources. Some say it came from the Chinese word "Bee Gan" or beautiful shore. While others say that it came...
Keep reading

88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Laguna

Image
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...
Keep reading

Toji - Kyoto

Image
Located in 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Toji or Toji Temple  ( 東寺 ) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto City.  Toji ( 東寺 ) Toji History Toji was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (old name of Kyoto). The temple was one of the two guardian temples that were built on the main entrances of the Imperial Capital. To-ji , which means " East Temple ", was the guardian temple of the East while its sister temple Sai-ji , which means " West Temple " was the guardian temple of the West. This temple stood alongside the Rashomon which is the gate to the Heian capital. Sadly, Sai-ji burnt down in 990, rebuilt, and was ravaged by fire again in 1233. It was never rebuilt after.  The Toji Kondo as seen from the Nandaimon (gate) I got to visit Toji during the Kobi-ichi (flea market) Check out the items you might want to bring home. Toji was formerly known as Kyo-o-gokaku-ji or...
Keep reading

First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass

Image
First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass Kyoto City is one of the most touristy destinations in Japan . There are numerous tourist destinations scattered around this 827.8 square kilometer city that commuting sometimes becomes too costly and stressful particularly for travelers who are on a tight budget.  As of 2018 , the fixed rate for city buses is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children per ride. Now, imagine riding the bus 5 times a day or more... Luckily, there is something that can remove this concern from the equation. First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass The Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass gives you that hassle-free and cost-efficient commuting experience during your visit. For just 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children , tourists can get that unlimited bus ride for a day. However, before availing of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass , one should keep these in mind first... This one's for daddy and mommy This one's fo...
Keep reading

Hiking Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Image
Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy  (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy ) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay. Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mt. Gulugod Baboy details Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas Mt. Gulugod Baboy , despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.) I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments Other Teletubby moments... So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152 ...
Keep reading

Cagsawa Ruins Revisited 2019 - Albay

Image
Located in Barangay Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga in the province of Albay, the Cagsawa Ruins are the most popular landmark and tourist destination of the province.  Cagsawa Ruins Cagsawa Ruins History Cagsawa Ruins were remnants of the once-proud 16th-century Spanish colonial era church called Cagsawa Church . Prior to its devastation in 1814, the church already had a very colorful history. It was built in 1587and served as the spiritual sanctuary for the locals for decades until it was razed by the raiding Dutch pirates in 1636. It was then rebuilt in 1724 under the supervision of Fr. Francisco Blanco and then continued to become the safe haven to its people until February 1, 1814, when Mayon Volcano ended that.  Off to Cagsawa Ruins Nice! The roads seemed improved Souvenirs anyone? Check out the rates to enter Cagsawa Ruins Got our tickets... ...and our stamp Recorded as the most powerful eruption of Mayon Volcano , the 1814 Eruption buried towns ...
Keep reading

Gifu Castle - Gifu

Image
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Keep reading

National Shrine of St. Padre Pio - Batangas

Image
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa  St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli...
Keep reading

Ocampo Deer Farm - Camarines Sur

Image
Located at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ocampo in the province of Camarines Sur, Ocampo Deer Farm is a project of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur to boost tourism to the province.  Ocampo Deer Farm Ocampo Deer Farm History Ocampo Deer Farm opened in 1996 with 208 deer belonging to different species from Australia. These species are the Blackbuck Antelope, Chital Deer, Elk, Fallow Deer, Red Deer, and the most common Rusa Deer. They were allowed to roam freely on the 28-hectare farm found in the vicinity of Mt. Isarog and are already used to human presence already.  From Naga, Ocampo is about an hour drive away Expect smaller sometimes uncemented roads going to the deer farm Welcome to Ocampo Deer Farm Here's the gate of the deer farm Deer 1: Uhhhh here comes the hoomans! Deer 2: Stop fighting guys! They won't feed us. Wanna see some swag... err stag? Don't be shy my deer My family and I got to visit Ocampo Deer Farm on the second...
Keep reading