Japan Diaries 4: Day 629

Day 629: July 23, 2023

Sunday - Sibling Road Trip 2 – Flower Parks and Blue Pond

Sibling Road Trip 3

Today was another exciting road trip adventure for us. Our destination this time was Kamikawa Subprefecture, located in the central part of Hokkaido. We started our journey from Rumoi City at 9 AM, and our first main stop was the town of Nakafurano, although we made a few stops along the way to make the long drive more enjoyable.

First stop: Totoro Pass in Fukagawa City

Catbus

We didn't miss the chance to take a group picture with Totoro.

Our first stop was at the outskirts of Fukagawa City (深川市), where we parked at Totoro Pass Parking Area. We took a walk to the Catbus, which was a delightful sight. It was my second time visiting this interesting landmark. The first time that we visited Catbus was on September 10, 2022.

Ashibetsu Roadside Station

Toilet break at Ashibetsu Roadside Station's star-shaped wash room

Hoshinofurusatoo Bridge

Hokkaido Kannon / Dai Kannon

We then made a quick stop at Ashibetsu Roadside Station in Ashibetsu City (芦別市) to use the toilet, and I couldn't resist checking out the Hokkaido Kannon / Dai Kannon from the Hoshinofurusatoo Bridge.

We rode the chairlift up to the observation deck of Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden

Nakafurano as seen from Hokuseiyama

The smell of lavender filled the air, so this place was quite relaxing for us

After our short break, we continued our drive to Nakafurano (中富良野町), around 30.5 kilometers away. Once there, we visited some fantastic places, including the beautiful Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden, the Tomita Melon House, and Tomita Farm. 

Tomita Melon House

Tomita Farm

Lavender Melon mix soft cream

Lavender soft serve

One more family picture before leaving Tomita Farm

We couldn't miss out on trying the special soft cream flavors of the town, so we savored the Furano Red Melon, Furano Green Melon, Lavender, and Lavender Melon mix.

Lunch at Tonton Tei

Itadakimasu!

Sagariyaki set meal

Katsukare

By the time we left Nakafurano, it was already past noon, and the next stop was Kamifurano (上富良野町). We decided to have lunch at Tonton Tei and tried their famous Sagariyaki set meal. The meat was incredibly tender and delicious, almost resembling wagyu, but it was pork.

Kamifurano colored manhole cover

Kamifurano Pokemon manhole cover

The lavender fields of Hinode Park

Tokachi Mountain Range - Kamifurano town

Once our hunger was satisfied, we continued our exploration of Kamifurano. We visited Hinode Park and didn't miss its picturesque Lavender Garden. Last time we visited, Hinode Park was still mostly covered with snow, so we were only able to see a small part of it. This time, we came at the best time to see the lavender in full bloom. We were also able to take pictures of the Kamifurano Pokémon manhole cover and the Kamifurano colored manhole cover installed in the park.

Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Birke

Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Birke stamp

From there, we made our way to Biei (美瑛町), where we had planned to visit the Shikisai No Oka flower field. However, my sister felt overwhelmed by the flower fields, so we decided to skip it this time. Instead, we stopped at Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Birke. My sister, daughter, and I collect roadside station stamps, so we made sure not to miss it. 

Shirogane Blue Pond / Biei Blue Pond

Family photo time!

Blue soft serve

Tastes like soda

Afterward, we headed to Shirogane Blue Pond. It wasn’t our first visit, as my daughter and I had been there with my wife the previous year. Just like before, the area was bustling with tourists, so we didn’t stay for long. However, before leaving, we couldn’t resist trying the Blue soft cream, which had a refreshing soda-like flavor.

Shirogane Bridge

Shirahige Falls

It's our first time visiting Shirahige Falls

We saw a torii gate and decided to check it out

Shirogane Shrine's torii gate

Shirogane Shrine

Our road trip didn't end there, though; we continued to Shirahige Waterfall and, before leaving, checked out the Shirogane Shrine. These places were breathtaking, and the natural beauty of Biei was truly captivating. 

As the day was coming to an end, it was 5 PM when we left Biei. The timing worked out well, as we still had daylight on our drive back home to Rumoi City. It was a relief compared to our drive the previous day when exhaustion made me nearly fall asleep at the wheel.

Quick grocery at COOP in Rumoi City

Car wash before heading back home

We arrived in Rumoi at around 7 PM, and since we had the energy to spare, we decided to go to COOP to buy some groceries. I also took the opportunity to wash our car, Ruru, at the coin-operated car wash at the Suzuki dealership in Motokawa-cho.

Sibling nomikai

To conclude the day perfectly, my siblings and I had a nomikai, enjoying some drinks together. It was an ideal way to end the week filled with adventure and laughter. As we look forward to tomorrow, with me returning to work and Ella heading back to school, we eagerly anticipate what the coming week has in store for us.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 90
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 90
Japan Diaries 4: Day 628
Totoro Pass & Catbus

Catbus Revisited 2023
Ashibetsu Roadside Station
Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden
Tomita Melon House
Tomita Farm
Hinode Park

Hinode Park Revisited 2023
Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Biruke
Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond Revisited 2023
Shirahige Waterfall
Shirogane Shrine

Hokkaido Manhole Covers

Hokkaido Pokémon Manhole Covers

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Unique Soft Cream of Hokkaido
10 Things to Do in Fukagawa City
10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City
10 Things to Do in Nakafurano
10 Things to Do in Kamifurano
10 Things to Do in Biei

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary