Day 706: October 8, 2023
Sunday – 3-Day “Sports Day” Road Trip D2
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| Thank God, it's a beautiful sunny day today here in Otaru City |
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| Zodakeyamashoho Temple |
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| Zodakeyamashoho Temple's Buddha Statues |
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| The temple's bell tower and pagoda |
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| Buddha's Footprint |
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| Some cute cat statues |
Today truly felt like a blessing. We woke up to clear blue skies, as if our prayers had been answered. The morning promised an incredible adventure, and we couldn’t wait to get started. After freshening up, I took a short walk to Zodakeyamashoho Temple to get our car, Ruru. It was the first time I truly admired the serenity and beauty of the temple grounds. From there, I drove back to pick up my family at Hostel Junpu Manpan, ready to begin the second day of our “Sports Day” Road Trip.
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| See you later, Hostel Junpu Manpan |
At around 7:20 AM, we left Hostel Junpu Manpan in Otaru City and set off for our first stop—Yoichi (余市町), a charming town we had already fallen in love with.
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| Ebisu Rock and Daikoku Rock |
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| Candle Rock |
This time, we decided to explore the coastal parts of Yoichi. We were filled with excitement at the thought of seeing famous rock formations like Ebisu Rock, Daikoku Rock, and Candle Rock. They were truly amazing sights to behold.
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| Next stop - Furubira |
Continuing our journey, we headed to the charming coastal town of Furubira (古平町). Known for its beautiful camping spots and relaxing seaside atmosphere, Furubira is a favorite destination for nature lovers. Unfortunately, time was not on our side, so we could only visit a few key spots instead of fully enjoying what the town has to offer. As we drove through its scenic landscapes and peaceful surroundings, we couldn’t help but make a promise to ourselves: one day, we will return and experience the joy of camping under the stars in this picturesque town.
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| Setakamui Rock |
In Furubira, we made the most of our limited time by visiting some of its highlights. We marveled at the enchanting Setakamui Rock, a striking natural formation that adds to the town’s coastal charm.
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| Furubira Town Hall |
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| Inside Furubira Town Hall |
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| The library is also inside the town hall |
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| Furubira Ebisu Shrine's torii gate |
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| Furubira Ebisu Shrine |
We also admired the architecture of Furubira Town Hall and took a quiet moment to pay our respects at Furubira Ebisu Shrine, where we made a heartfelt wish. After enjoying the serene beauty of this lovely town, we bid Furubira goodbye and continued our journey toward our next destination—Shakotan (積丹町).
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| Shakotan Sightseeing Information Center |
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| This is actually the front side of the Shakotan Sightseeing Information Center |
Shakotan is home to one of the most famous tourist spots in the region—Cape Kamui Natural Park. But before heading to this iconic landmark, we made sure to explore some of the town’s other gems. Our first stop was the Shakotan Sightseeing Information Center, the perfect place to gather maps and learn more about the attractions in the area. The staff were friendly and provided useful tips that made our visit even more enjoyable. Before leaving, my daughter and I got the Shakotan town stamp for our stamp collection.
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| Shakotan Town Hall |
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| Cape Ogon entrance |
We then passed by the Shakotan Town Hall, an important hub of local governance. Its simple yet charming architecture reflects the town’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. After that, we drove to Cape Ogon, also known as Cape Gold, a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking coastal panoramas. The golden glow of the rocks against the deep blue sea truly lives up to its name and left us in awe.
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| Takarajima |
From Cape Ogon, we enjoyed the view of Takarajima, which translates to “Treasure Island.” This small islet is steeped in local legend and is said to hold stories of hidden treasures, sparking both curiosity and imagination.
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| Bikuni Shrine's torii gate |
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| Bikuni Shrine |
Before making our way to Cape Kamui, we visited Bikuni Shrine, a serene place of worship where we offered prayers for safe travels. The peaceful surroundings and quiet atmosphere gave us a moment to pause and appreciate the spiritual side of our journey.
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| Arrived at the parking area of Cape Kamui |
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| Cape Kamui Natural Park |
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| "Women-Prohibited Gate" |
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| It was a challenge going to the tip of the cape because of the wind, but it was worth it. |
After exploring these destinations, we finally arrived at the day’s main attraction—Cape Kamui Natural Park. Despite a number of visitors, it was less crowded than usual, likely due to the previous day’s heavy rainfall. Standing at the edge of the cape, we were completely in awe of its breathtaking beauty. The dramatic cliffs, endless blue sea, and rugged coastline created a scene that felt almost otherworldly. We were deeply grateful for the chance to experience such an extraordinary natural wonder.
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| Kamuy Banya |
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| We tried the Shakotan Blue Soft Cream before leaving |
Before leaving Cape Kamui, we stopped by Kamuy Banya, a charming souvenir shop and restaurant conveniently located near the parking area. Here, we treated ourselves to the famous Shakotan Blue Soft Cream—a local specialty as beautiful as it is delicious, with its striking blue hue reminiscent of the Shakotan Sea. It was the perfect sweet ending to our visit. Unfortunately, our time in Shakotan was limited, and by around 11:30 AM, we had to bid this stunning town goodbye and continue our journey.
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| Japan Folk Toy Museum Doshinkan |
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| Inside Japan Folk Toy Museum Doshinkan |
Our next stop was the quaint village of Kamoenai (神恵内村), a peaceful town brimming with culture and history. We began our visit at the Japan Folk Toy Museum Doshinkan, where traditional Japanese toys—from wooden carvings to intricate dolls—offered a fascinating glimpse into the country’s folk traditions. Each display seemed to tell a story, making the museum a delightful first stop.
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| Kamoenai Roadside Station |
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| Ella and Kai relaxed for a bit at the kids' corner while my wife and I checked out what the roadside station had to offer. |
From there, we headed to Kamoenai Roadside Station, a charming hub where travelers can rest, shop, and sample local delicacies. It was a perfect spot to experience the town’s warm hospitality and even pick up a few souvenirs to remember our visit. Of course, we didn't miss out the roadside station stamp for our collection.
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| Kiss Bear Rock |
Next, we explored Kiss Bear Rock, a whimsical natural formation that looks like two bears sharing a kiss. The rock’s unique shape and the surrounding scenery made it a memorable photo opportunity and added a playful touch to our journey. Sadly, I wasn't able to get the right angle to see the two bears kissing.
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| Kamoenai Itsukushima Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Kamoenai Itsukushima Shrine |
Our visit continued at Kamoenai Itsukushima Shrine, a serene and spiritual spot where we paused to offer prayers. The shrine’s traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere provided a quiet moment to reflect and appreciate the village’s tranquil charm.
We wrapped up our exploration at Kamoenai Village Hall, a symbol of the community’s governance and close-knit spirit. Seeing the hall reminded us of the pride and warmth of local life, rounding out our visit to this charming village before we moved on to our next destination.
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| Driving through Route 229 to our next destination - Tomari |
Next on our itinerary was the village of Tomari (泊村), a small coastal village with a rich maritime history. It's also known as the home to Hokkaido's lone nuclear power plant.
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| Horinji's unique torii gate |
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| Horinji |
Our first stop was Horinji, a historic temple known for its serene atmosphere and well-kept grounds. Walking through the temple grounds, we were able to admire its traditional architecture and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection, soaking in the spiritual calm of the place.
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| Tomari Inari Shrine's torii gate |
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| Tomari Inari Shrine |
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| Shakotan Peninsula's Coast |
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| Tomari Fishing Port as seen from Tomari Inari Shrine |
We then visited Tomari Inari Shrine, a charming Shinto site where locals come to offer prayers. It has an amazing view of Tomari Fishing Port and a small but peaceful surroundings, making it a wonderful spot to pause and connect with the cultural and spiritual heritage of the town.
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| Tomari Herring Palace |
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| Inside Tomari Herring Palace |
Our final stop was at the Tomari Herring Palace, a historic building that once served as the center of the town’s thriving herring industry. Inside, exhibits and displays told the story of Tomari’s maritime past and the significance of herring fishing to the local economy. Exploring this site gave us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the fishermen and the town’s coastal traditions.
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| Seicomart Tomari |
Originally, Tomari was planned as the final destination for the second day of our “Sports Day” Road Trip. However, finishing our visit earlier than expected gave us the exciting opportunity to explore another nearby town, extending our adventure even further. Before leaving the village, we stopped by Seicomart Tomari to buy some snacks.
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| Taramaru - Iwanai's mascot |
Excitedly, we drove to Iwanai (岩内町), a lively coastal town with a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. In Iwanai, Alaska pollock (also known as suketōdara) is a particularly popular fish, especially its roe, which is used to make "tatsukama".
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| Marine Park |
Our first stop was Marine Park, a scenic area offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the open sea. Strolling along the walking paths, we enjoyed the fresh ocean breeze and took in the dramatic cliffs and waves, making it a perfect spot to appreciate Iwanai’s coastal charm.
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| Iwanai Roadside Station |
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| Photo opportunity with Taramaru |
Next, we visited Iwanai Roadside Station, a convenient hub for travelers. Here, we explored local products, sampled regional snacks, and learned more about the town’s unique offerings. It was a delightful place to experience the hospitality and character of the town firsthand. Like all the other roadside stations, my daughter and I made sure to collect the roadside station stamp before leaving.
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| Kida Kinjiro Museum of Art |
We then explored the Kida Kinjiro Museum of Art, which houses a variety of artworks by local and regional artists. We didn't go in, though, but we admired the architecture of the museum from the outside.
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| Iwanai Shrine's torii gate |
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| Iwanai Shrine |
Before leaving, we stopped at Iwanai Shrine, a peaceful Shinto site where we offered prayers and admired the serene surroundings. The shrine’s tranquil atmosphere provided a quiet pause in our busy day, allowing us to connect with the spiritual side of the town.
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| The view from National Route 276 going to the town of Kyowa |
By 3:30 PM, we realized we still had time to explore another nearby town, so we eagerly set off for Kyowa (共和町), a village rich in history and local culture. The town is especially known for its fresh agricultural produce, including melons, watermelons, and corn.
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| Horoni Railway Memorial Park |
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| Former Horoni Station |
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| Preserved car SuHaFu 42 507 |
Our first stop was Horoni Railway Memorial Park, which preserves the history of the town’s railways. Walking among the old tracks and informative displays, we gained a fascinating perspective on how trains shaped the development of Kyowa and its surrounding areas. My daughter and I were also able to get a stamp here for our collection.
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| Crossing the Horikappu River |
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| Kyowa Town Hall |
Next, we stopped by Kyowa Town Hall, a modest yet charming building that reflects the village’s close-knit community and local governance. It was a great spot to appreciate the town’s civic pride and welcoming atmosphere.
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| Kyowa Town Scarecrow Hometown Museum |
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| Some of the scarecrows are displayed at the entrance of the museum |
We then visited the Kyowa Town Scarecrow Hometown Museum, where exhibits highlighted the village’s history, traditions, and everyday life. From artifacts to photographs, the museum offered a detailed look into the lives of the people who have called Kyowa home over the years.
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| Horoni Shrine's torii gate |
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| Horoni Shrine |
Our final stop was Horoni Shrine, the main Shinto site of the village. We offered our prayers and took in the tranquil surroundings, reflecting on the day’s journey and the cultural richness we had experienced.
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| Lawson Otaru Ironai |
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| 7-Eleven Otaru Inaho 5-chome |
Although we had planned to dine out for dinner, we were completely exhausted from the day's adventures. So, we stopped at Lawson Otaru Ironai and 7-Eleven Otaru Inaho 5-chome to buy our meal, which we enjoyed in the comfort of our room.
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| Back to Zodakeyamashoho Temple to park Ruru |
With our itinerary complete, it was time to return to Hostel Junpu Manpan in Otaru City, concluding a day filled with discovery, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories.
Overall, it was an exhausting but incredibly fulfilling day. We had the privilege of visiting six new municipalities, each filled with unique charm and natural beauty. Our hearts were full, and our spirits were invigorated by the wonders we experienced. We couldn't help but feel grateful for this unforgettable journey.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 101
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 101
Japan Diaries 4: Day 706
Ebisu Rock and Daikoku Rock
Candle Rock
Setakamui Rock
Furubira Ebisu Shrine
Cape Ogon and Takarajima
Bikuni Shrine
Cape Kamui
Japan Folk Toy Museum Doshinkan
Kamoenai Roadside Station
Kamoenai Itsukushima Shrine
Tomari Inari Shrine
Herring Goten Tomari
Iwanai Roadside Station
Iwanai Shrine
Horoni Railway Memorial Park
Horoni Shrine
Hokkaido Manhole Covers
Japan's Awesome Manhole Covers
A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps
10 Things to Do in Yoichi
10 Things to Do in Furubira
10 Things to Do in Shakotan
10 Things to Do in Kamoenai
10 Things to Do in Tomari
10 Things to Do in Iwanai
10 Things to Do in Kyowa
10 Things to Do in Otaru City
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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