Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 85

Weekend 85: June 17 – 18, 2023

Weekend 85: June 17 – 18, 2023

Day 593: June 17, 2023

Saturday – Rumoi

According to the weather forecast, the rain was expected around 9 AM, and it indeed started raining until 11 AM. Fortunately, we didn't have any road trips planned for the day, so my daughter and I took the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely morning and catch up on some sleep. We woke up slightly before 10 AM, feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Here's our breakfast for today
Here's our breakfast for today

After a satisfying breakfast, we tackled some household chores and efficiently completed them. With the tasks at home done, I took the opportunity to update some of my travel blogs and create an itinerary for our upcoming road trip scheduled for tomorrow. It was a productive and fulfilling time spent preparing for the adventure ahead.

Rumoi Shinkin Bank's Main Branch
Rumoi Shinkin Bank

Rumoi City Library
Rumoi City Library

Rumoi City Library - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Inside the Rumoi City Library

Once we were ready to venture out, we drove to Rumoi Shinkin Bank's Main Branch to withdraw some money. With that errand taken care of, we made our way to Rumoi City Library, where Ella returned a book and borrowed a new one. The library provided a serene and cozy atmosphere, and we stayed there until 3 PM, indulging in our love for books.

MaxValu Rumoi City
Last stop for the day - MaxValu

To wrap up our day, we made a quick stop at MaxValu to purchase some groceries. It was convenient to have everything we needed today in one place, making our shopping experience efficient and hassle-free.

Jenga with Ella
Jenga with Ella

Before calling it a day, Ella and I engaged in a friendly game of Jenga. She proved to be quite competitive as she skillfully defeated me three times in a row. It was a fun and lighthearted way to end the day, filled with laughter and bonding.


Day 594: June 18, 2023

Sunday – Father and Daughter Road Trip 3: "Father’s Day Trip"

Father and Daughter Road Trip 3 Father’s Day Trip
Father and Daughter Road Trip 3 - "Father’s Day Trip"

It’s Father’s Day today and it’s another opportunity for Ella and me to head out and go for another Father and Daughter road trip. However, for this trip, we decided to invite Mike, the Tomamae ALT along.

Tomamaeda Bear
Tomamaeda Bear

That’s why from our house in Rumoi City, we first drove to the town of Tomamae to pick him up. We waited for Mike at the Tomamae Town Hall parking area which is famous for the Tomamaeda Bear. Of course, we didn’t miss the opportunity to take a picture of it before heading out.

Stopover at Route 239
Stopover at Route 239

From there, we drove eastward going to the town of Horokanai via Route 239. These are the places that visited in Horakanai:

Lake Shumaranai
Lake Shumarinai

Lake Shumaranai

Shumarinaikohan Camping Ground was closed during our visit because of the bear attack that happened recently
Shumarinaikohan Camping Ground was closed during our visit because of the bear attack that happened recently

🔷 Lake Shumaranai


Route 275
Route 275

Tenbo Dai
Tenbo Dai

The view of Lake Shumarinai from the observation deck
The view of Lake Shumarinai from the observation deck

🔷 Tenbo Dai

Moshiri Crystal Park - Horokanai
Moshiri Crystal Park

We explored Moshiri Crytal Park grounds
We explored Moshiri Crytal Park grounds

🔷 Moshiri Crystal Park

Mizuho Parking Area
The view from Mizuho Parking Area 

The view from Mizuho Parking Area
You can see Nayoro City from here

Our next stop after that is Nayoro City. Upon entering the boundary of Nayoro, we saw a scenic spot along Route 688. Luckily, the Mizuho Parking Area was nearby. The place has a panoramic view of the city and we managed to take dozens of pictures.

Nayoro City manhole cover
Nayoro City manhole cover

Kamekin Shokudo
Kamekin Shokudo

Ella ordered the best seller miso ramen
Ella ordered the best-seller miso ramen

I ordered the lamb ramen
I ordered the lamb ramen

We then continued to the city proper and since it was past noon, we decided to eat lunch first before going to our next stop. We had our lunch at Kamekin Shokudo which was recommended by my student at Haboro High School. I ordered the lamb ramen, my daughter had the best-seller miso ramen, and Mike tried the unique cheese ramen.

After lunch, we visited the following places in Nayoro City:

SL Snow Removal Train Kimaroki - Nayoro City
SL Snow Removal Train "Kimaroki"

D51398
The train is known officially as D51398

🦉 SL Snow Removal Train Kimaroki

Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum
Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum

Inside Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum
Inside Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum

🦉 Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum

We didn't miss the sheep feeding activity
We didn't miss the sheep-feeding activity...

Sheep and Cloud Hill - Shibetsu City
...and taking pictures of the scenic hills


From there, we drove to Shibetsu City. It was amazing that the sun finally showed itself after hiding behind the clouds most of the day. It was right in time for our visit to Sheep and Cloud Hill. We had fun feeding the sheep and of course, taking pictures of them too. It was almost 5 PM when we decided to drive back to Tomamae.

Saw this fox along Route 239. It approached our car
Saw this fox along Route 239. It approached our car

On our drive back along Route 239 going to Tomamae, we were amused to see numerous foxes along the side of the road. These foxes were not afraid of humans and as a matter of fact, they eagerly approached the car when we slowed down to see them. That’s why we got a lot of fox pictures from this trip.

Candle Rock - Tomamae
Candle Rock

Route 232
Route 232

Uehira Greenhill Wind Farm
Uehira Greenhill Wind Farm


Our road trip with Mike didn’t end when we got to Tomamae. We brought him to a parking area to view Candle Rock. We also drove uphill to see the Uehira Greenhill Wind Farm.

Roadside station Obira Nishin-banya
Obira Roadside Station

Herring Cultural Historical Park - Obira
Herring Cultural Historical Park

We drove Mike back to his place before driving back to Rumoi. For one final stop along the way, we made a brief toilet break at Obira Roadside Station. We also got to witness the sunset at Herring Cultural Historical Park just across Ororon Road.

Our dinner for today - salmon and lettuce
Our dinner for today - salmon and lettuce salad

When we got home, we only had salad for dinner as I was tired from driving the whole day and after doing some minor chores, we decided to call it a day early in preparation for the new work week tomorrow.

Overall, this weekend was fantastic. My daughter and I got another opportunity to go on road trips. This time, we were able to revisit the towns of Tomama, Obira, and Horokanai. We also revisited the cities of Nayoro and Shibetsu. Hopefully, next week, we get to visit a new municipality for our #Hokkaido179 goal.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 85
Japan Diaries 4: Day 594
Rumoi City Library
Tomamaeda Bear
Lake Shumaranai
Lake Shumaranai Revisited 2023
Moshiri Crystal Park Revisited 2023
Kamekin Shokudo
SL Snow Removal Train Kimaroki
SL Snow Removal Train Kimaroki Revisited 2023
Nayoro City Hokkoku Museum
Nayoro Roadside Station
Sheep and Cloud Hill
Sheep and Cloud Hill Revisited 2023
Obira Roadside Station
Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Previous:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 84
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 84

Next:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 86
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 86
Location: Shibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

Post a Comment

Please Follow my Official FB Page

The Backpack Adventures

Please Follow my Family FB Page

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

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Keep reading

Cagraray Eco-Energy Park - Albay

Image
Located on the island of Cagraray in Bacacay in the province of Albay, Cagraray Eco-Energy Park is an eco-park that is known to offer various recreational and ecological activities to its visitors.  Cagraray Eco-Energy Park Cagraray Eco-Energy Park Details Cagraray Eco-Energy Park is a project of the Eco-Trail Foundation Society, Inc in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The 110-hectare eco-park was the first-ever ecological park in the province.  Cagraray Eco-Energy Park - Bacacay, Albay Cagraray Eco-Energy Park offers a plethora of activities aimed at thrill-seekers, outdoorsmen, sightseers, and even pilgrims.  Welcome to Cagraray Eco-Energy Park Before the COVID 19 Pandemic, Cagraray Eco-Energy Park offers the following activities: Wall climbing Rappelling  Zipline Eco-Trekking High Ropes Course Paintball/airsoft Horseback riding  Swimming Camping Other activities that do not require visitors to pay extra are the...
Keep reading

Mayon Rest House & Mayon Planetarium - Albay

Image
Located halfway to the peak of the eastern slope of Mayon Volcano and in the jurisdiction of Tabaco City in the province of Albay is the Mayon Skyline View Deck also known as the  Mayon Rest House . Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planitarium Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium details Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium - Tabaco City, Albay Formerly known as the Mayon Skyline Hotel , the establishment was long been shut down due to the unpredictability of Mayon Volcano. Luckily for the aging establishment, it was preserved by the local government of Tabaco City. The place was also improved by adding the planetarium, zip line, and wall climbing facilities also known as the Mayon Planetarium and Science Park . However, during our visit, it was only the planetarium that was functional.  Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium as seen from the foot of the volcano Going up to another area of Mayon Planetarium Sadly, Mt. Mayon is not in the mood to be seen in th...
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

Aquino Ancestral House - Tarlac

Image
Located in A. Luna Street, corner Timbol Street the town of Concepcion in the province of Tarlac, Aquino Ancestral House is an old Pre-war mansion owned by the (highly political) Aquino clan.  Aquino Ancestral House Aquino Ancestral House History The Aquino clan, as most of us know, is a political clan known for producing generations of politicians. The most famous (and last occupant of the house) is Benigno Aquino Jr. also called Ninoy by most. He is the senator turned martyr during the Marcos regime. His wife would then become the 11th President of the Philippines after his assassination and the subsequent  EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos from his seat of power. Several decades later his son Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III would become the 15th President of the Philippines. Aquino Ancestral House - Concepcion, Tarlac The house is surprisingly well maintained Aquino Ancestral House NHI Marker The beautiful maiden in the garden Check out the roo...
Keep reading

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

Aguinaldo Shrine - Cavite

Image
Located in Kawit in the province of Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. It is famously known as the house where the Filipino flag was formally unfurled to the public after the declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo Shrine Aguinaldo Shrine history Constructed in 1845, the house became a silent witness to the shaping of the Filipino nation. It all began on March 22, 1869, when Emilio Aguinaldo was born in one of its rooms. Years later, the house became a meeting place for revolutionaries. It was here that many of the most important revolutionary plans were made.  Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite Contrary to popular belief this balcony was not there when the flag was first shown to the Filipinos. Lastly, the house became a symbol of freedom when the flag a hoisted and shown to the public during the declaration of independence from Spain. This event is known today as the Araw ng ...
Keep reading

Daraga Church Revisited 2021

Image
The last time I visited Daraga Church was during the 4th day of our CamSur - Albay Road Trip last 2014. Since that's almost a decade ago, I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the 8th day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip .  Daraga Church Revisited 2021 Daraga Church details For those who are unfamiliar with Daraga Church , it is located in Santa Maria Street, Daraga in the province of Albay. The church is formally called Nuestra Senora de la Porteria Parish Church ( Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church ). Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church was built under the supervision of the Franciscans sometime in 1773. the church was placed under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Daraga Church Facade Sadly, Mayon Volcano was not visible during our visit Daraga Church NHI Marker Can you spot the scary tarsier? The church facade is known for its Churrigueresque architectural style. It was built using materials that are abundant in the area like volcanic rock, wood, and...
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
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...
Keep reading