Day 518: April 3, 2023
Monday – Birthday Road Trip Day 3
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| Checking out the buffet selection for breakfast |
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| いただきます |
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| Zushihokki Statue |
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| Zushihokki Post Box |
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| Michiya Mitsuhashi Monument |
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| Former Oshima-Ono Station oil storage |
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| Bronze Statue of Kenshiro |
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.
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 |
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| We parked our car at Times Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Parking |
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| Can you see the Bronze Cat Statue? |
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| 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. |
| This Starbucks branch has a fireplace... Interesting! 🧐 |
We didn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Starbucks 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 the Tsugaru Straight. The rugged coastline reminds me of Sandanbeki Rock Cliffs in Wakayama.
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| Entrance fee: 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for kids |
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| The highlight of this place is the monkeys bathing in the onsen |
From there, we proceeded to the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden to watch the Hot-tubbing monkeys. It was fun watching them, but I think it would have been better if we had 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 |
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| 2nd Street Hakodate Tokura Shop |
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| Ella is enjoying her 2nd Street shopping experience |
Our adventure wouldn’t be complete without shopping, so we visited the 2nd Street Hakodate Tokura Shop to see if there were 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 with Sakura trees.
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| We gassed up at Apollo Station in Tokuracho |
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| 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.
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.
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| Kakinoshima Site of the Jomon Era |
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.
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| 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.
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 our respects.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Mori Chamber of Commerce |
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| Mori JR Station |
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 Pokémon manhole cover, one of the 35 Pokémon Manhole Covers of Hokkaido, is installed. Aside from that, Ella and I also got the Mori JR Station stamp at the station for our collection. |
| The last town to visit for the day - Yakumo |
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| After eating, we enjoyed the view from the restaurant's terrace |
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| Yakumo's Panorama Road |
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| 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 at 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 over 10,500 kilometers and brought us to 86 out of 179 cities, towns, and villages in 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
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