Day 734: November 5, 2023
Sunday – Culture Day 2023 Road Trip Day 3
Today marked the last day of our exciting 3-day Culture Day 2023 Road Trip, and it was a special day because Kai turned four months old! We started early, packing our things and tidying up our room at Minpaku Kuroya.
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| Good morning! Today is the last day of our 3-day road trip. |
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| Farewell, Chaco. It was nice knowing you! |
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| Thank you so much, Minpaku Kuroya, for having us! |
Before leaving Minpaku Kuroya, we made sure to bid goodbye to Chaco, the hostel's adorable cat mascot. Our accommodation may not have been in the heart of Obihiro City (帯広市), but it had its own charm, and the owner's quick responses and warm hospitality made it a great choice.
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| Time to hit the road. |
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| McDonald's at Satsunaikyoeimachi in Makubetsu |
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| Time for breakfast |
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| We also stopped by the nearby 711 to buy some snacks for our long drive |
After bidding farewell to our host, we had a hearty breakfast at a McDonald's in Makubetsu (幕別町). There is something comforting about starting the day with familiar food, and it gave us the energy we needed for our morning adventure. While eating, we talked about the places we planned to visit and felt excited to explore more of Makubetsu.
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| Smile Park |
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| Masashi Makime Birth Monument |
We then headed to Smile Park. The park was bright and inviting, with wide open spaces perfect for a leisurely walk. The fresh Hokkaido air and the greenery around made it a peaceful place to start our day. Kai ran around with curiosity and energy, making the morning feel even more joyful. In the park were a pair of Nauman elephant statues. We didn't miss taking pictures with it, of course.
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| Passed by the Black Woodpecker's House on our way to the shrine |
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| Makubetsu Shrine's torii gate |
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| Makubetsu Shrine |
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| We enjoyed the autumn foliage in the shrine grounds |
Afterwards, we visited Makubetsu Shrine. Visiting the main shrine of each municipality we explore for the first time is part of our Hokkaido 179 goal, and it felt meaningful to continue this tradition here. The shrine was calm and serene, and we spent some time offering our prayers and reflecting quietly. Being there reminded us of the peaceful moments hidden in every town and gave a special touch to our visit to Makubetsu.
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| Makubetsu Town Hall |
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| Kongosanmasataka Temple |
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| The statues of the deities housed in the temple |
Before leaving the town, we passed by and checked out the nearby Makubetsu Town Hall and the Kongosanmasataka Temple.
Our next stop was the picturesque town of Ikeda (池田町), a place known for its beautiful scenery and its proud winemaking heritage. The moment we arrived, we could already feel the relaxing countryside atmosphere that made Ikeda so inviting.
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| Ikeda Wine Castle |
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| Checking out the wine shop inside Ikeda Wine Castle |
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| My daughter and I checked out the wine cellar |
We first explored the famous Ikeda Wine Castle, one of the town’s main attractions. The castle stood proudly on a hill, offering a scenic view of the surrounding Tokachi Plains. Inside, we learned about the history of wine production in Ikeda and how it became one of Hokkaido’s most recognized local industries. The aroma of wine filled the air as we walked through the exhibits, and the souvenir shop featured local wines beautifully displayed. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the place itself is worth visiting for its architecture and the panoramic view it offers.
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| DCT Garden Ikeda |
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| Inside DCT Garden Ikeda |
Near the Ikeda Wine Castle is the DCT Garden Ikeda, a museum dedicated to Miwa Yoshida, a member of the popular Japanese pop band Dreams Come True. The museum showcases many of her stage costumes, personal memorabilia, and exhibits that celebrate the band’s music and achievements. It’s a must-visit spot for fans, offering a glimpse into the creative world of one of Japan’s most beloved musical groups.
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| Ikeda Station Wine Opener |
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| Ikeda Station |
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| Team Nicerio visits Ikeda Station |
After that, we stopped by Ikeda Station, a charming and quiet station along the JR Nemuro Line. There was a sense of calmness there, with only a few passengers waiting for their trains. The wooden structure and old-fashioned feel gave it a nostalgic charm. Stations like this remind us of the slower pace of life in rural Japan, where time moves a little gently.
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| Ikeda Shrine's torii gate |
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| Ikeda Shrine |
Before leaving Ikeda, we visited Ikeda Shrine. Surrounded by tall trees, the shrine was peaceful and inviting. We offered our prayers as part of our Hokkaido 179 goal of visiting at least one main shrine in every municipality we explore for the first time. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the stillness of the place made it a perfect ending to our visit. It was a moment of quiet reflection and gratitude before continuing our journey through Hokkaido.
Continuing our journey, we headed northeast to Honbetsu (本別町), a quiet yet charming town known as one of the major bean producers in Hokkaido. The moment we entered the town, we noticed how proud the locals are of their agricultural heritage. Honbetsu’s mascot, Genki-kun, a cheerful character shaped like a soybean, can be seen around town, adding a touch of playfulness and local identity to the area.
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| Honbetsu Shrine's torii gate |
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| Honbetsu Shrine |
Our first stop was Honbetsu Shrine, a peaceful and well-kept place surrounded by trees. As part of our Hokkaido 179 goal, we offered prayers and took a moment to appreciate the calm atmosphere. The shrine felt like a quiet sanctuary in the heart of town, where locals likely come to pray for good harvests and prosperity. It was a simple yet meaningful stop that connected us to the community’s spirit.
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| Picture time with Genki-kun |
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| Genki-kun is Honbetsu's mascot |
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| We bought locally grown potatoes here, which are way cheaper than those in the grocery. |
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| Honbetsu Roadside Station |
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| The preserved old train overpass at the back of the roadside station |
Next, we dropped by Honbetsu Roadside Station, a popular stop for travelers. The station had a cozy and welcoming feel, with a selection of local products, souvenirs, and freshly harvested beans and vegetables. It’s a great place to take a short break, stretch out, and learn more about what makes Honbetsu special. The staff were friendly, and the displays highlighted the town’s reputation as a top bean producer.
Before leaving, we made sure to take a photo of the Honbetsu Pokémon manhole cover and, of course, get the roadside station stamp for our collection.
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| Honbetsu Park |
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| Team Nicerio visits Honbetsu Park |
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| We saw a lone colored manhole cover along Route 274 |
Before leaving, we visited Honbetsu Park, a spacious and relaxing area perfect for an afternoon stroll. The park had wide open spaces and well-maintained walking paths, ideal for families and travelers who want to unwind. The greenery and peaceful surroundings made it a pleasant way to end our visit. Honbetsu may be a small town, but it has a warm, down-to-earth charm that made our stop here truly enjoyable.
We then drove north to Ashoro (足寄町), an agricultural town known for its vast dairy farms and its distinct name, which often sparks curiosity among travelers. The town exudes a calm countryside charm, surrounded by rolling fields and gentle hills. It’s the kind of place where life moves at a slower pace, allowing visitors to appreciate both nature and culture.
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| Ashoro Museum of Paleontology |
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| Ella and the T. rex skull fossil |
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| Inside Ashoro Museum of Paleontology |
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| Ella wanted to make one of these, so I got her a blank resin T.rex head |
Our first stop was the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology, a fascinating destination that highlights the region’s prehistoric past. The museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, including those of ancient mammals that once roamed Hokkaido. Walking through the exhibits, we were amazed at how much natural history the town preserves. It’s a great educational stop, especially for families and anyone interested in science and history.
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| Ashoro Shrine's torii gate |
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| Ashoro Shrine |
Next, we visited Ashoro Shrine, a peaceful spot surrounded by tall trees. Following our Hokkaido 179 tradition, we offered prayers and took a moment to enjoy the quiet beauty of the place. The shrine felt timeless and sacred, with the sound of rustling leaves adding to the serene atmosphere. It was a meaningful experience that connected us once again to the spiritual side of our journey.
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| Ashoro Roadside Station |
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| Inside Ashoro Roadside Station |
We also stopped by the Ashoro Roadside Station, which was a perfect place to rest and recharge. Inside, we found a wide selection of local products, including the dairy goods that Ashoro is well known for. Some souvenirs and snacks showcased the town’s rich agricultural lifestyle. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it an ideal stop for travelers exploring this part of Hokkaido.
Aside from collecting the roadside station stamp for our growing collection, we also took the time to snap a photo of the Ashoro Pokémon manhole cover located just outside. It was a fun and unique find that added a playful touch to our visit.
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| "Hokkaido's shortest rail" |
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| Footprints of residents are displayed near the Former Ashoro Station |
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| Former Ashoro Station |
Before leaving the town, we visited the historic Former Ashoro Station. Though no longer in operation, the station has been beautifully preserved and stands as a reminder of the town’s transportation history. Its nostalgic wooden structure and old railway elements made it feel like stepping back in time. It’s a quiet yet charming spot for photos and reflection.
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| Kamishihoro Roadside Station |
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| Team Nicerio visits Kamishihoro Roadside Station |
Leaving Ashoro, we traveled to Kamishihoro (上士幌町), a scenic town nestled within the majestic Daisetsuzan National Park. The drive itself was breathtaking, with mountain views and forests unfolding along the way. Our first stop was the Kamishihoro Roadside Station, a modern and well-designed rest area that highlights the region’s natural beauty and local produce. It was a nice place to relax, enjoy some snacks, and learn more about the town’s attractions.
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| Kamishihoro Shrine's torii gate |
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| Kamishihoro Shrine |
We then made our way to Kamishihoro Shrine, continuing our shrine-visiting tradition. The shrine was peaceful and surrounded by nature, giving us another quiet moment to pause and reflect. It felt like a small spiritual refuge amid the mountains.
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| Takadai Park |
Afterwards, we explored Takadai Park, located near the shrine, a lovely open area that offered panoramic views of the town below. The park was beautifully maintained, with wide paths and grassy spaces perfect for a walk or picnic. It was the kind of place where you could simply sit and enjoy the scenery while breathing in the crisp mountain air.
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| Mikuni Pass Observatory |
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| The view from Mikuni Pass Observatory |
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| Team Nicerio visits the highest pass of Hokkaido |
Our last stop in Kamishihoro was the Mikuni Pass Observatory, one of the most scenic viewpoints in Hokkaido. From there, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. The crisp wind, the sweeping valleys, and the endless horizon made the moment unforgettable. As we left the national park, we spotted several deer along the roadside, a gentle reminder to drive carefully and to always stay mindful of the wildlife that freely roam Hokkaido’s natural landscapes.
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| Uobei Toko branch |
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| My favorite sushi so far - Salmon and green onion chili oil |
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| My wife and Ella's favorite - Shrimp tempura with tempura sauce |
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| Happy 4th month, Kai |
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| Another successful road trip |
On our way, my wife and I decided to celebrate Kai's 4th month with a special dinner in Asahikawa City (旭川市). We dined at the Uobei Toko branch, a popular conveyor belt sushi chain, satisfying our sushi cravings and unwinding after a long day.
We arrived home around 9 PM, surprisingly still full of energy. As part of our usual post-trip routine, we immediately got to work unloading and unpacking our luggage. It always feels satisfying to settle back in after a long day on the road.
Today was tiring yet deeply rewarding, filled with moments and memories that will stay with us. We explored four new municipalities, bringing our total to 136 out of 179 in our #Hokkaido179 goal. Each new destination brings us closer to completing this incredible journey, and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure that awaits.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 105
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 105
Japan Diaries 4: Day 733
Smile Park
Makubetsu Shrine
Ikeda Wine Castle
Ikeda Station
Ikeda Shrine
Honbetsu Shrine
Honbetsu Roadside Station
Honbetsu Park
Ashoro Museum of Paleontology
Ashoro Shrine
Ashoro Roadside Station
Former Ashoro Station
Kamishihoro Roadside Station
Kamishihoro Shrine
Hokkaido's Manhole Cover
Pokémon Manhole Covers of Hokkaido
Japan's Awesome Manhole Cover
A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps
10 Things to Do in Obihiro City
10 Things to Do in Makubetsu
10 Things to Do in Ikeda
10 Things to Do in Honbetsu
10 Things to Do in Ashoro
10 Things to Do in Kamishihoro
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City
10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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