Japan Diaries 4: Day 622

Day 622: July 16, 2023

Saturday – Father and Daughter Road Trip 5: Northeastern Hokkaido Trip Day 2

Rainy day here at Nishiokoppe Forest Park Campsite

It was our first time sleeping in the car, and it was very memorable

It’s the 2nd Day of our “Father and Daughter Road Trip 5: Northeastern Hokkaido Trip” and like yesterday, it was rainy. The rain didn't dampen our spirits, though, as we embarked on a journey through the lesser-known towns of northeastern Hokkaido. 

Nishiokoppe Shrine's torii gate

Nishiokoppe Shrine

We passed by the Nishiokoppe Village Local Museum on our drive out of the village

We detoured a bit at Seicomart Nishiokoppe to buy breakfast

From Nishiokoppe Forest Park Campsite, we headed up the hill where Nishiokoppe Shrine was located. As part of our family tradition, we paid our respects and offered prayers. We also made several wishes before leaving. What I like about this shrine is that it has a serene surrounding, which allowed us a moment of introspection that would set the tone for the rest of our adventure.

We saw plenty of deer along Route 239

Okoppe Shrine's torii gate

Okoppe Shrine

Okoppe manhole cover # 1

Next, we made our way to Okoppe (興部町), a town we had never visited before. We first visited the Okoppe Shrine in the outskirts of the town proper to pay respects to the deities of the town as part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goals. 

Saruru Shrine's torii gate

Saruru Shrine

We then drove out of the town proper to visit Saruru Shrine in the Saruru District several kilometers south. It was an unmanned shrine, but it was equally important to the locals. We also offered prayers here. 

Saruru's Pioneer Origin Monument

Saruru Beach

We also had the chance to visit the Pioneer Origin Monument by Saruru Beach, which commemorates the town's early settlers in the Saruru District. The area where the monument stands is quite scenic. Sadly, the dark clouds, strong winds, and strong waves made it feel like it was a dangerous place to be.

Okoppe Roadside Station

Okoppe's milk soft cream

Okoppe Transportation Memorial Museum

From there, we drove back to the Okoppe Roadside Station in the town proper. At the roadside station, we stumbled upon a bit of the town’s transportation history – the Okoppe Transportation Memorial Museum. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we indulged in the delectable milk soft cream, a local specialty. 

Joy Park

D51 365's driving wheels

Rugosa Express

Inside Rugosa Express

Okoppe manhole cover #2

Outside the roadside station was the vast park called Joy Park. There were several unique things to see, like the Steam locomotive D51 365's driving wheels and the repurposed Rugosa Express, which serves as free lodging for those who want to use it for the night.

Okoppe Town Hall

Okoppe colored manhole cover

Before leaving the town, we made a short visit to the Okoppe Town Hall to take a photo of the Okoppe colored manhole cover displayed near its entrance. These artistic manhole covers have always been one of the things that I look for when we visit a new municipality in Japan.

Route 238 to Omu town

Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna

Enjoying the view from Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna

Continuing our journey, we drove northwards to Omu (雄武町). Our first stop is Cape Hinode, which greeted us with its stunning coastal beauty. Since it was drizzling when we got there, we immediately went to the Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna, where we were treated to panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean.

Omu Shrine's torii gate

Omu Shrine

From there, we continued to the town proper to visit the Omu Shrine. It stood as a symbol of the spiritual tranquility of the town, offering a moment of serenity amidst our adventure. Before leaving, we offered prayers and wished for a memorable trip.

Omu Roadside Station

The Omu manhole cover card and the Omu colored manhole cover

Omu Roadside Station observation deck

Omu manhole cover #1

Omu manhole cover #2

We then drove to the Omu Roadside Station, and we were delighted to discover the Omu manhole card, a collectible that reminded us of our journey through these remarkable towns. Surprisingly, the Omu colored manhole cover is also inside the roadside station, so it's like hitting two birds with one stone. Of course, we didn’t miss the roadside station stamp for our Hokkaido Stamp Rally collection. 

Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima”

Ella ordered the seafood curry set for lunch

Had a photo with Esashi-kun, the town's mascot

Our next destination was Esashi (枝幸町), a town steeped in history and nature. At the Esashi Roadside Station, officially called Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima”, we savored the seafood set curry and hot curry, local delicacies that satisfied our hunger. We didn't miss out on collecting the roadside station stamp for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. 

Mt. Mikasa Tenbokaku Observatory

Since the view was covered with fog, we just enjoyed a drink in the cafe inside the observatory

We then drove up to the peak of Mt. Mikasa to see the famed view from the Mt. Mikasa Tenbokaku Observatory. Sadly, the mountain was covered in fog, which also obstructed the view. With that, we just enjoyed the Twice float and Mystery float in the cafe inside the observatory, which were both eye-pleasing and refreshing drinks.

Okhotsk Museum Esashi

Inside the Okhotsk Museum Esashi

Our next stop was the Okhotsk Museum Esashi, which enabled us to delve into the rich heritage and natural wonders of the town. We spent more than an hour exploring this museum, as there were a lot of things to see here.

Esashi manhole cover #1

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's torii gate

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

From there, we went to Esashi Itsukushima Shrine, with its revered torii gate, offering a spiritual experience. This is the last shrine in our itinerary for today.

Esashi manhole cover #2

Apollo Station Esashi

Before leaving the town proper, I decided to fill up the tank at Apollo Station Esashi. It was a wise decision as the gas stations along the way were already closed.

Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rock

We wanted to go down there too, but the rocks were slippery and we didn't want to risk it.

To wrap up our exploration of Esashi, we made a brief stop at Usutaibe Senjoiwa Camping Ground to view the Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rock. Upon seeing it, we were in awe of its mesmerizing rock formations. However, the rain intensified, forcing us to skip other stops in Esashi. Instead, we headed to Sarufutsu Park Camping Ground in the village of Sarufutsu (猿払村) for our planned overnight stay.

Sarufutsu Tourism Festival at Sarufutsu Park Camping Ground

Sarufutsu Park's Wind and Snow Tower

To our surprise, the camping ground was the main venue for the Sarufutsu Tourism Festival. Despite the cold wind and rain, we watched the festival briefly before seeking shelter at the Sarufutsu Roadside Station. Unfortunately, plans to visit Hotel Sarufutsu for a day spa were dashed as it was closed due to the event.

Toilet break at Roadside Station North Okhotsk Hamatombetsu

Undeterred, we decided to drive to the town of Hamatombetsu (浜頓別町) for our overnight stay. We have already camped here last year, so we were familiar with the Kutcharo Lakeside Campground. It proved to be a welcoming retreat, with only a few campers present.

Hamatombetsu Onsen Foot Bath

Next stop: Hamatombetsu Onsen Wing

It's onsen time!

All fresh and ready to call it a day

Before settling in, we made a detour to the Hamatombetsu Onsen Foot Bath, a missed opportunity from our previous visit. The foot bath provided a blissful respite, followed by a visit to Hamatombetsu Onsen Wing, where we indulged in the rejuvenating waters of its day spa facility.

Seicomart Hamatombetsu Midorigaoka

Time to call it a day. Good night, everyone! See you all on the last day of our 3-day adventure!

Our hunger beckoned us to Seicomart Hamatombetsu Midorigaoka, where we purchased food for dinner. Back at Kutcharo Lakeside Campground, we dined while immersing ourselves in the nostalgic anime series Slam Dunk.

Although the rain obscured our view of Kutcharo Lake, our experience was still enriched by the unique destinations we explored and the moments of tranquility and discovery we cherished along the way. The hidden gems of Japan's northern region have left an indelible mark on our hearts, making us yearn for future adventures in uncharted territories. Please join us for the last day of our Northeastern Road Trip tomorrow.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 89
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 89
Japan Diaries 4: Day 621

Nishiokoppe Forest Park Campsite
Nishiokoppe Shrine
Okoppe Shrine
Saruru Shrine

Saruru Beach
Okoppe Roadside Station

Rugosa Express
Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna
Omu Shrine
Omu Roadside Station
Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima"
Mt. Mikasa Tenbokaku Observatory
Okhotsk Museum Esashi
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine
Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rock
Sarufutsu Roadside Station
Sarufutsu Park
Hamatombetsu Roadside Station
Hamatombetsu Onsen Wing
Kutcharo Lake Campground

Lake Kutcharo

Hokkaido Manhole Covers

Japan's Awesome Manhole Covers
10 Things to Do in Nishiokoppe
10 Things to Do in Okoppe
10 Things to Do in Omu
10 Things to Do in Esashi
10 Things to Do in Sarufutsu
10 Things to Do in Hamatombetsu

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary