Japan Diaries 4: Day 623

Day 623: July 17, 2023

Monday – Father and Daughter Road Trip 5: Northeastern Hokkaido Trip Day 3

Woke up to a rainy day here in Lake Kutcharo in Hamatombetsu

Thankfully, we didn't pitch a tent at the nearby Kutcharo Lakeside Campground

Today is Marine Day (海の日), a special public holiday here in Japan. It also marks the final day of our unforgettable “Northeastern Hokkaido Trip”. We began our day at the picturesque Kutcharo Lakeside Campground in the charming town of Hamatombetsu (浜頓別町). Despite the persistent rain, we embraced the adventure that awaited us and made some modifications to our itinerary before embarking on our journey.

Hamatombetsu Roadside Station

Before bidding farewell to Hamatombetsu, we made a brief stop at the Hamatombetsu Roadside Station. The cold wind at the lakeside campground had made it a challenge to step out of the car, so we took the opportunity to freshen up and organize our belongings for the road ahead at the warmth of the roadside station.

First destination for the day: Kotobuki Park

F104 jet plane

Ella is on one of the obstacle courses in the park

SL 49648

Our car Ruru, looks like another display in the park

Our next destination was the town of Nakatombetsu (中頓別町), which we were revisiting for the second time. During our previous visit, we had only managed to visit and explore the shrine and the roadside station. This time, we were determined to make the most of our stay and visit the places we had missed. Our itinerary included the expansive Kotobuki Park, designed for children, where we marveled at the restored SL 49648 and F104 jet plane displayed within its grounds. The park also boasted a golf course and a thrilling go-kart track.

Former Nakatombetsu Station, now Nakatombetsu Bus Stop

Inside the Nakatombetsu Bus Stop

The preserved KiHa 22 208 is displayed at the Tenpoku Line Memorial Park

We also made sure to visit the Former Nakatombetsu Station, a beautifully restored building that once served as a train station but now functions as a bus station. It is now part of the Tenpoku Line Memorial Park. Witnessing the preservation of history in such a tangible way was fascinating. 

Nakatombetsu Town Local History Museum

A replica of the 100-gram gold nugget from the town's river.

Inside Nakatombetsu Town Local History Museum

Thank you so much, Junko-san!

Our curiosity led us to the Nakatombetsu Town Local History Museum, where we had the pleasure of meeting Junko-san, a friendly volunteer who shared captivating stories about the town's rich history. She was kind enough to tour us through the museum.

Nakatombetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Pinneshiri

Before bidding farewell to Nakatombetsu, we couldn't resist revisiting the Roadside Station "Pinneshiri." On our previous visit, Ella had missed out on acquiring the roadside station stamp, so it was an opportunity for us to complete our collection. 

Otoineppu's manhole cover

Otoineppu Roadside Station

Inside Otoineppu Roadside Station

Otoineppu Station

We got the eki stamp of Otoineppu Station

Tenpoku Line Reference Room

From there, we embarked on a journey to revisit the village of Otoineppu (音威子府村). Our exploration of the village included stops at the Otoineppu Roadside Station, the Tenpoku Line Reference Room, where we delved into the history of the Tenpoku Line connecting the village to Wakkanai via the Sea of Okhotsk.

Eco Museum Osashima Center

Inside Eco Museum Osashima Center

One of the museum's most popular exhibits

There are artisans who do woodwork in one of the warehouses near the museum

Our last stop in the village was the Eco Museum Osashima Center, where we admired the intricate woodwork of the late Bikki Sunazawa. It was surprisingly a beautiful museum in the outskirts of Ottoinepu. 

Welcome to Nakagawa

Nakagawa manhole cover

Nakagawa colored manhole cover

Our main destination for the day was the tranquil town of Nakagawa (中川町), which we were visiting for the first time. We had missed it on our previous "Drive Up North Road Trip" due to its secluded location. 

Nakagawa Roadside Station

Stamina Baked Katsu Curry

Homemade Haskap Soft Cream

Stamina Hormone Ramen

We got the Nakagawa Roadside Station stamp

Our Nakagawa adventure included a visit to the Nakagawa Roadside Station, where we indulged in the flavors of the region, trying the Stamina Hormone Ramen, Stamina Baked Katsu Curry, and the delicious Homemade Haskap Soft Cream. My daughter and I didn't forget to get the stamp of the roadside station for our stamp collection. 

Exploring the town of Nakagawa 

Teshio-Nakagawa Station

Nakagawa Shrine's torii gate

Nakagawa Shrine

We also explored the Teshio-Nakagawa Station, a charming spot that exuded a nostalgic atmosphere, and before leaving the town, we paid our respects at the Nakagawa Shrine, which is part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goals of visiting a main shrine of a municipality that we visited for the first time. 

Nakagawa Eco Museum Center

Ella had fun digging for dinosaurs

Nakagawa Eco Museum Center exhibits

Our last stop in Nakagawa was the Nakagawa Eco Museum Center. Once a school, it has been transformed into a museum showcasing fossils and other historical artifacts for which Nakagawa is renowned. I highly recommend visiting this place if you’re interested in exploring the prehistory of not just Nakagawa but also Hokkaido.

Quick stop at Shosanbetsu village

Shosanbetsu manhole cover

With the clock nearing 2:50 PM, we had initially planned to relax and rejuvenate at either the Asahi Onsen in the town of Embetsu or the Shasanbetsu Onsen Hotel Misaki no Yu in the village of Shosanbetsu. However, considering the risk of driving in the dark along the Ororon Line, known for its active deer population, we decided to prioritize safety and forgo the hot springs. Nevertheless, we couldn't resist making a brief stop at Shosanbetsu village, capturing a photograph of the colored Shosanbetsu manhole cover as a memento of our journey and as part of my growing collection of unique manhole covers of Japan.

We got home around 4 PM, tired but happy from our adventure. After unpacking, I quickly took care of the laundry. Later, my daughter and I relaxed by binge-watching the sixth season of the Japanese anime Slam Dunk. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Looking back on our Northeastern Hokkaido trip, I feel grateful for the memories we made and the amazing places we explored. Each town and village had something special to offer, showcasing the region’s culture and natural beauty. Until our next trip, I’ll treasure these memories and look forward to the adventures ahead.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 90
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 90

Japan Diaries 4: Day 627

Lake Kutcharo
Kutcharo Lakeside Campground
Hamatombetsu Roadside Station
Kotobuki Park
Tenpoku Line Memorial Park
Nakatombetsu Town Local History Museum
Nakatombetsu Roadside Station

Otoineppu Roadside Station

Otoineppu Station

Eco Museum Osashima Center

Nakagawa Roadside Station

Teshio-Nakagawa Station

Nakagawa Shrine

Nakagawa Town Eco Museum Center

Hokkaido's Manhole Covers

Japan's Awesome Manhole Covers
10 Things to Do in Hamatombetsu
10 Things to Do in Nakatombetsu
10 Things to Do in Otoineppu
10 Things to Do in Nakagawa
10 Things to Do in Shosanbetsu

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary