Japan Diaries 4: Day 518

Day 518: April 3, 2023

Monday – Birthday Road Trip Day 3

Checking out the buffet selection for breakfast

いただきます

It's an awesome sunny Monday morning. It's also the third and final day of our 3-day Birthday Road Trip. Our first order of business for the day is to enjoy breakfast before checking out of the Toyoko Inn Shin Hakodate Hokuto Eki Minamiguchi in Hokuto City (北斗市).

Zushihokki Statue

Zushihokki Post Box

Michiya Mitsuhashi Monument

Former Oshima-Ono Station oil storage

We then took a short walk across the street from our hotel to the Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Outside the station, we discovered several fascinating landmarks, including the very cute Zushihokki Statue and Zushihokki Post Box, the historical Michiya Mitsuhashi Monument, and the intriguing remnants of the Former Oshima-Ono Station oil storage. Each site offered a glimpse into the local history and culture, making the visit even more memorable.

Bronze Statue of Kenshiro

Hokuto City manhole cover

Ella and I got the Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station stamp here

My daughter and I didn’t miss the opportunity to go inside Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in search of its JR Station stamp. We were surprised that the station also houses a museum and the Hokuto City Tourist Information Center. However, the latter was still closed when we visited. We found the colored manhole cover of Hokuto inside the second-floor waiting area along with the stamps and a Bronze Statue of Kenshiro. He is the protagonist of the Fist of the North Star manga series.

Itomihi Shrine's Torii Gate

Itomihi Shrine

As part of our tradition, we took a moment to visit Itomihi Shrine before leaving Hokuto City. This sacred ritual holds a deep significance for us, as it allows us to express our gratitude and reverence. At the shrine, we paid our respects by offering prayer and seeking blessings for safety, health, and prosperity on our journey. We also requested the shrine’s guidance and protection, honoring the spiritual connection we have with the place. It was a peaceful and meaningful way to close our time in the city before heading to our next destination.

Tomoe Big Bridge

We parked our car at Times Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Parking

Can you see the Bronze Cat Statue?

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Suechirocho Wharf

We then drove back to Hakodate City (函館市) to visit the places that we missed yesterday. Our first stop was the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse in Suechirocho. The red brick warehouses that line this part are probably one of the most popular spots in Hakodate as it is commonly featured in the news.

Starbucks Coffee – Hakodate Bayside

This Starbucks branch has a fireplace... Interesting! 🧐

We didn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Starbucks Coffee – Hakodate Bayside and indulge in a cup of coffee. Nestled in the charming historic district of Hakodate, this Starbucks branch is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Japan. Its location by the bay offers stunning views of the water, especially during sunset, making it an idyllic spot for coffee enthusiasts and travelers alike. The building itself blends modern design with traditional touches, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding red-brick warehouses and picturesque landscape. 

Hachiman-Zaka Slope

While my pregnant wife decided to rest for a while and stay in the coffee shop, I took the opportunity to explore the nearby area and capture some memorable sights. One of the highlights was the Hachiman-Zaka Slope, a scenic street lined with trees that offers a breathtaking view of Hakodate Bay. This slope is particularly famous for its postcard-perfect vistas, especially during autumn when the foliage transforms into vibrant hues or in winter when snow blankets the area.

Jo Niijima Statue

I also visited the Jo Niijima Statue, a monument honoring the influential Japanese educator and Christian missionary who played a significant role in modernizing Japan's education system. The statue stands as a reminder of his contributions to Japanese society and serves as an inspiration to many visitors.

First Place of Entering Hokkaido Monument

Lastly, I stopped by the First Place of Entering Hokkaido Monument, a significant marker that commemorates the history of Hokkaido's development and its connection to early settlers. Each site added a layer of history and cultural appreciation to my brief solo walk, and it was a rewarding way to make the most of our visit while ensuring my wife had time to rest comfortably.

Cape Tachimachi

The view here is amazing

After my short solo exploration, we drove to Cape Tachimachi. This place is probably one of the underrated destinations in Hakodate City. The place has an amazing view of Tsugaru Straight. The rugged coastline reminds me of Sandanbeki Rock Cliffs in Wakayama.

Next stop: Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Entrance fee: 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for kids

Team Nicerio visits the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Inside the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

The highlight of this place is the monkeys bathing in the onsen

From there, we proceeded to Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden to watch the Hot-tubing monkeys. It was fun watching them but I think it would have been better if we visited at the height of winter as it was a hot day and most of the monkeys were sunbathing instead. Regardless, I enjoyed the botanical garden area as it reminded me of our farm in Camalig.

Matsukura River Walkway

2nd Street Hakodate Tokura Shop

Ella enjoying her 2nd Street shopping experience

Our adventure wouldn’t be complete without shopping so we visited 2nd Street Hakodate Tokura Shop to see if there are good deals. Before joining my wife in her shopping adventure, I went to the nearby Matsukura River Walkway. It was quite scenic but according to reviews of the places, it is a place to visit during the Sakura season as the walkway is lined up with Sakura trees.

We gassed up at Apollo Station in Tokuracho

Former Toi Line Shiokubi Bridge Ruins

Before continuing on our trip, we filled up our tank at Apollo Station in Tokuracho on the southeastern side of Hakodate. From there, we followed National Route 278 to the city’s eastern side.

Cape Shiokubi

This area is probably one of the little-known places in Hakodate. It has a very rural (inaka) feel to it. Our first stop here was at Cape Shiokubi. It is the closest point of Hokkaido to Honshu. We took a photo with it of course. Ironically, the sea fog came in and obscured the view.

Roadside Station Natowa-Esan

Since the Roadside Station Natowa-Esan was closed when we visited, we just contented ourselves taking pictures with this standee

Our next stop was Roadside Station Natowa-Esan which was disappointingly closed. We weren’t able to get the physical roadside station stamp but I was able to get the digital one for the Hokkaido Roadside Station Rally App.

National Route 278

Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Team Nicerio visits Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe

Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era

From there we visited another roadside station which was the Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe which was also closed. Thankfully, the physical stamp was available. This roadside station is a place to visit if you want to know more about the Ainu people. There were Japanese staff who were present and they were very welcoming and wanted to tour us around. Sadly, we were pressed for time so we thanked them and promised them that we’d visit again in the future.

Shamisen Falls

We then continued on our drive hugging the eastern coast of Hakodate via Route 278. Our next stop was Shamisen Falls on the outskirts of the town of Shikabe (鹿部町). This town is a fishing town with several fishing ports. Most of the octopus and atka mackerel in the region come from this town.

Shikabe manhole cover

Shikabe Roadside Station / Roadside Station Shikabe Kantetsusen Park

We got the Shikabe Roadside Station stamp time to head out...

From there, we headed to Shikabe Roadside Station / Roadside Station Shikabe Kantetsusen Park to get the roadside station stamp and also see Shikabe’s famed geyser.

Ichiro Toba “Hokutosen” Monument

You can also take a photo on this rowboat near the monument

We also took a photo at the Ichiro Toba “Hokutosen” Monument just across the street from the roadside station. 

Shikabe Inari Shrine's torii gate

Shikabe Inari Shrine

Before leaving town, we went to Shikabe Inari Shrine to do our family tradition of offering prayers for a safe trip and also to pay respects.

Roadside Rest Area “Tsudoru-Plaza Sawara” 

This roadside station has an amazing view of Mt. Komagatake

We then continued on our way and revisited the town of Mori (森町). Since we only visited one of its two roadside stations yesterday, we made sure to visit the other one today. So, our first stop was the Roadside Rest Area “Tsudoru-Plaza Sawara” where we got the roadside station stamp for the Hokkaido Roadside Station Rally.

Mori manhole cover

Morimachi Inari Shrine's torii gate

Morimachi Inari Shrine

From there, we couldn't leave the town without visiting the Morimachi Inari Shrine in the town proper so that we could offer prayers and pay our respects. 

Mori Chamber of Commerce

Mori Pokemon manhole cover

Mori JR Station

Mori JR Station stamp

Our last stop in Mori is the Honcho area where the Mori Chamber of Commerce and the Mori JR Station are located. It’s where The Mori Pokemon manhole cover, one of the 35 Pokemon Manhole Covers of Hokkaido, is installed. Aside from that, Ella and I also got the Mori JR Station stamp in the station for our collection.

The last town to visit for the day - Yakumo

Harvester Yakumo

Harvester Yakumo's famed fried chicken

After eating, we enjoyed the view from the restaurant's terrace

We had intended to travel directly home from Mori. We'd need about 7 hours to get to Rumoi City. However, because our last complete meal was at breakfast, we chose to enjoy dinner at Harvester Yakumo in Yakumo (八雲町). We were amazed at how the farm-raised chicken here tasted like KFC. Turns out, the founder worked with Col. Sanders in his first store. 

Yakumo's Panorama Road

My wife took a power nap before continuing on our drive back home

From there it took us 6 hours to reach Rumoi City. We drove through Routes 230, 229, 276, 5, 337, 225, and 231. We needed to stop in one of the roadside stop areas in Ishikari City as my wife was feeling sleepy. We stayed there for about 30 minutes so that she could have a power nap. From there, it was about an hour more to our house. We arrived safely home at around 30 past midnight officially ending our 3-day road trip.

It was my wife's longest continuous drive to date. Unfortunately, this is our final road trip for the month because my wife's International Driver's License expires tomorrow and my Japan Driver's License retake is still scheduled for May. Regardless, I thank God for the blessing of going around Hokkaido and visiting numerous destinations.

Overall, my wife drove 10500+ kilometers and brought us to 86/179 cities, towns, and villages of Hokkaido Prefecture. This is also her last road trip as a driver; her International Driver's License expires next month. With that, I’m looking forward to passing my Japan Driver’s License Exam this May so that my family and I can continue with our #Hokkaido179 goals.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 75

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station
Itomihi Shrine
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Starbucks Coffee – Hakodate Bayside
Cape Tachimachi
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Cape Shiokubi
Roadside Station Natowa-Esan
Roadside Station Jomon Roman Minamikayabe
Shamisen Falls
Shikabe Roadside Station
Shikabe Inari Shrine
Roadside Rest Area “Tsudoru-Plaza Sawara”
Morimachi Inari Shrine
Harvester Yakumo

Hokkaido 179

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Hokkaido Pokémon Manhole Covers

Hokkaido Manhole Covers

10 Things to Do in Hokuto City

10 Things to Do in Hakodate City

10 More Things to Do in Hakodate City

10 Things to Do in Shikabe

10 Things to Do in Mori

10 Things to Do in Yakumo

Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary