Japan Diaries 4: Day 818

Day 818: January 28, 2024

Day 818: January 28, 2024

Sunday – Hokuryu

We're heading out on another weekend family adventure
We're heading out on another weekend family adventure

Off to the town of Hokuryu
Off to the town of Hokuryu

It’s a beautiful and clear Sunday morning. The sky was bright and calm, and somehow the air felt lighter compared to the past week of harsh winter weather. My family and I decided to take advantage of the good weather and drive to Hokuryu (北竜町) for a relaxing dip at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring, which is part of the Hokuryu Roadside Station. The drive itself felt peaceful. The familiar winter scenery, covered in soft white snow, was both quiet and comforting.

Hokuryu Roadside Station's famed twin dragon arch
Hokuryu Roadside Station's famed twin dragon arch

Hokuryu Roadside Station
Hokuryu Roadside Station

Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring
Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring

It's time to go on an onsen dip
It's time to go on an onsen dip

When we arrived, the warmth of the onsen was exactly what we needed. The soothing heat, paired with the stillness of the place, felt like a reset button after days of freezing winds and busy routines. Sitting in the warm water while the cold winter air lingered outside created a perfect contrast. It reminded me how small moments like this can recharge the mind and body.

After our relaxing dip, we tried the sunflower soft cream of the roadside station
After our relaxing dip, we tried the sunflower soft cream of the roadside station

Hokuryu Roadside Station
We spend a few hours in the rest area to just relax

Hokuryu Roadside Station at night
It's time to say good bye to Hokuryu Roadside Station

After resting, we tried the Himawari soft cream or sunflower soft cream being sold at the roadside station. At first glance, it wasn’t particularly special since the sunflower seeds were simply sprinkled as toppings. But like many things in Hokkaido, the base—made from rich Hokkaido milk—made all the difference. It had that signature creamy taste that always feels indulgent yet familiar. It’s interesting how something simple can still leave an impression.

Dinner at Menya Miyabi Rumoi Branch
Dinner at Menya Miyabi Rumoi Branch

I ordered the spicy miso ramen
I ordered the spicy miso ramen

Ella and my wife got the miso ramen
Ella and my wife got the miso ramen

Menya Miyabi Rumoi branch
Itadakimasu!

Once we finished our bath and treat, we drove back to Rumoi City and stopped by Menya Miyabi Rumoi for dinner. We ordered their miso ramen and spicy miso ramen. Each bowl was hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The warmth of the broth, paired with the cold night outside, made every bite feel more meaningful. In Japan, food isn’t just something you eat—it’s part of the memory of a place, a season, and a moment.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 117

Japan Diaries 4: Day 818

Hokuryu Roadside Station

Hokuryu Roadside Station Revisited 2022

Sunflower Park Hokuryu Hot Spring

Unique Soft Cream Flavors of Hokkaido

10 Things to Do in Rumoi City

10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City

10 Things to Do in Hokuryu

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

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