Day 684: September 16, 2023
Saturday – 3-Day “Respect for the Aged Day” Road Trip D1
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| Day 1 of our 3-day "Respect for the Aged" Road Trip |
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| Driving through National Route 39, going to Kitami City |
We hit the road by 5:25 AM, with our first destination set for Kitami City (北見市), located in eastern Hokkaido. This wasn’t our first visit—we had previously explored Kitami during a road trip back in September 2022, and we were excited to be back. Kitami was going to be our base for the day, but since our accommodation wouldn’t be available until 3 PM, we had plenty of time to explore. With a full day ahead, we took the opportunity to rediscover the city’s hidden gems and even ventured into some of its nearby towns.
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| Karakuri Cuckoo Clock Tower |
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| It says Cuckoo Clock Kamurin |
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| 300 yen for a bag of onions? Best purchase this during this trip so far |
Nearby, the Karakuri Cuckoo Clock Tower put on a charming mechanical show, which was fascinating to watch. Before we left, we shopped at the local stores and were surprised to find a whole bag of onions for just 300 yen—such a great deal!
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| Our little adventurer is well-behaved in his car seat |
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| There is also a play area inside the park |
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| We enjoyed eating brunch here |
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| We also enjoyed some family bonding here |
Our next stop was Nakayoshi Park, also in Kitami, just a few kilometers away from the roadside station. This scenic park offered the perfect setting for a peaceful brunch surrounded by nature. A must-see attraction here is the restored D51311 steam locomotive, a historic train display that adds charm and nostalgia to the park experience.
Leaving Kitami City behind, we ventured into the picturesque town of Oketo (置戸町)—a destination we were visiting for the first time. This town was once known for its lumber industry. Now, it is mostly an agricultural town.
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| Going up the hill to the main hall of Oketo Shrine |
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| The main torii gate of Oketo Shrine |
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| Oketo Shrine |
Our first stop was
Oketo Shrine, a peaceful and serene spot surrounded by nature, perfect for quiet reflection. As part of our
Hokkaido 179 travel goal, we aimed to visit at least one of the main shrines of each new municipality that we visited. During each visit, we pay respects and offer prayers for a safe and productive trip.
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| Oketo Poppo Picture Gallery |
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| Inside Oketo Poppo Picture Gallery |
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| Admiring the artworks of little-known artists |
Next, we explored the Oketo Poppo Picture Gallery, a charming and creative space that showcases local artworks and those by unknown artists. This reflects the town’s artistic spirit.
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| Former Oketo Station |
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| Welcome to Oketo |
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| My wife and Kai stayed in the car while Ella and I explored the picture gallery |
We also visited the remains of the old Oketo Station, where the remnants of the past gave us a nostalgic glimpse into the town’s railway history. The railways are the only thing that is left of the station. It is located behind the Oketo Poppo Picture Gallery.
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| Oketo Town Local Museum |
Unfortunately, our final destination in Oketo Town, the Oketo Town Local Museum, was closed when we arrived. With that, we bid farewell to Oketo and continued our road trip to the neighboring town of Rikubetsu (陸別町)—famous for being one of the coldest towns in Japan.
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| Statue of Kansai Seki |
In Rikubetsu, our first stop was the Statue of Kansai Seki, a tribute to a significant figure in the region’s development.
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| Rikubetsu Roadside Station |
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| We didn't miss a chance to take a picture with the cow chair in front of the roadside station |
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| Galaxy Express 999 Train |
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| We also tried the roadside station's chocolate-flavored soft cream |
We then visited Rikubetsu Roadside Station to get its roadside station stamp and also saw the impressive Galaxy Express 999 Train, a nostalgic and photogenic spot inspired by the classic anime. While exploring the roadside station, we treated ourselves to a delicious chocolate soft cream, the perfect sweet break before continuing our adventure.
Before leaving the roadside station, we didn't forget to take a photo of the Rikubetsu Pokémon manhole cover installed near the entrance of the roadside station. It features Alolan Vulpix and a pair of Bergmites.
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's Torii gate |
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| Rikubetsu Shrine |
Lastly, we paid our respects at Rikubetsu Shrine, a peaceful spiritual site nestled in the northern part of the town.
From Rikubetsu, we made an unplanned but rewarding detour to Tsubetsu (津別町)—a town that wasn’t originally on our itinerary but drew us in with its quiet charm.
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| Tsubetsu Roadside Station / Aioi Roadside Station |
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| Taking a bite of the kumayaki standee outside the roadside station |
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| Of course, I tried the real kumayaki |
Our first stop was the Tsubetsu Roadside Station, officially called Aioi Roadside Station, a convenient and welcoming place to rest, grab local snacks, and pick up souvenirs. Here we tried the highly advertised and recommended kumayaki. which is a bear version of the common taiyaki.
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| Aioi Tetsudo Park |
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| A snow plow train is displayed in the park, too |
Next, we explored the nearby Aioi Tetsudo Park, also called Aioi Railway Park, a nostalgic train-themed park that delighted us with its old railway cars and peaceful atmosphere, which is located just behind the roadside station.
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| Tsubetsu Wood Crafts Museum Kinos |
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| There was a quiet area inside the museum where Kai got to get additional sleep time |
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| Inside Tsubetsu Wood Crafts Museum Kinos |
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| Team Nicerio enjoyed some quality family time at Tsubetsu Wood Crafts Museum Kinos |
We then visited the Tsubetsu Wood Crafts Museum Kinos, where we admired finely crafted wooden art pieces and learned about the town’s woodworking tradition. This place also doubles as a play area for kids, which is why Ella had a blast.
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| The main torii of Tsubetsu Shrine |
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| Tsubetsu Shrine |
To end our visit, we stopped by Tsubetsu Shrine, a serene and beautifully maintained shrine tucked away in nature, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. Just like the other shrines that we visited today, we made sure to pay respects and offer prayers before leaving.
By 3 PM, we departed from Tsubetsu and made our way to the quiet town of Kunneppu (訓子府町).
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| Kunneppu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Kunneppu Shrine |
Our first stop was Kunneppu Shrine, a modest but peaceful place of worship surrounded by local charm. We paid our respects here too and offered our prayers.
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| Pocket Park |
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| We decided to relax here for a bit, as we have been on the road for quite some time |
We then visited Pocket Park, a small green space that offered a calm and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a short break in nature.
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| Kunneppu History Museum |
Hoping to learn more about the town’s past, we headed to the Kunneppu History Museum, only to discover that it was closed, much like the museum we had hoped to visit in Oketo earlier in the day.
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| The D5025 steam locomotive is displayed at Sanji Park |
As the sun began to set, we left Kunneppu behind and made our way back to Kitami City, retracing our journey through the peaceful countryside. Before checking in at our accommodation, Guesthouse Ichibangai, we made a quick stop at Sanji Park. There, we took a moment to admire the D5025 steam locomotive, beautifully preserved and displayed within the park—a fitting final touch to a day filled with history, discovery, and small-town charm. |
| Guesthouse Ichibangai |
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| Kita 1-jo Dori Street |
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| 2nd Street Kitami |
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| Inside 2nd Street Kitami |
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| We had Ruru's tank filled up at Apollo Station for our road trip tomorrow. |
Finally, around 6 PM, we checked in at Guesthouse Ichibangai, a cozy and convenient place to stay located in the heart of Kitami City, just a short walk from the train station. But our day wasn’t over just yet—we made a quick stop at 2nd Street Kitami, a popular secondhand shop where we browsed for unique finds and hidden gems.
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| Katsutoku |
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| Itadakimasu! |
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| We ordered the Tonkatsu set meal |
To wrap up our eventful day, we indulged in a delicious dinner at Katsutoku, a well-loved local restaurant known for its flavorful dishes. It was the perfect way to end a fulfilling first day of our road trip.
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| Back to the Guesthouse Ichibangai to call it a night |
Looking back, our first day was nothing short of fulfilling. We went beyond our original plans—revisiting Kitami City and discovering the unique charm of Oketo, Rikubetsu, Tsubetsu, and Kunneppu. Each town offered its own memorable highlights, making the day both enriching and unforgettable. Stay tuned as we continue our adventure on Day 2!
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 98
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 98
Japan Diaries 4: Day 685
Kitami Roadside Station
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