Other domestic walks

I found myself spending a weekend in Hamamatsu for the first time in a while and was thinking about what to do. Inuyama Castle, one of the twelve existing original keeps and a designated National Treasure, came to mind, along with a friend living nearby whom I hadn't seen in ages. I messaged them saying, "Let's meet if we can!" and decided to head out to Inuyama.

I wasn't quite in the mood for a big hike or a long drive, but I still wanted to get out of the house. The cold weather reminded me of the icicles I once saw at Misotsuchi in Chichibu. After looking it up, I found that the "Ashigakubo Icicles" had great access from the station, so I decided to head out and check them out.

For some reason, I’ve always been drawn to “edges” and “the ends of the earth.” When I was in junior high, I once took a train to a place called Yubetsu, which felt like one of those remote corners. Recently, while on a skiing trip to Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort, I suddenly remembered that journey from Engaru to Yubetsu. Feeling nostalgic, I looked it up and found that there's a monument at the site of the former Yubetsu Station, and the station building one stop before it, Naka-Yubetsu Station, is still preserved! So, I decided to go and see them.

When people talk about sightseeing spots in Higashikawa Town, including hot springs, Asahidake usually comes to mind first. But personally, I really want to recommend Tenninkyo! It's a place where you can see the elegant and beautiful Hagoromo Falls, amazing columnar jointing, and the onsen (hot springs) are fantastic too. Until 2018, there was a charming hotel called Tenningaku, but unfortunately, it closed down. Still, there's Shikishima-so, a wonderful inn with a superb location and amazing hot springs.

I was planning to go cheer for Ene-1 at Suzuka Circuit early the next morning, so arriving the day before was a must. Since I was already going to be in the area, I thought about doing some sightseeing near Suzuka, and had planned to hike Mt. Gozaisho, which I'd been curious about for its unique rock formations. However, the weather forecast for the weekend was rain nationwide. I was almost ready to give up, but then it looked like it would be spotty sunshine only around Osaka. Osaka felt a bit too far, but Nara wasn't bad distance-wise, and even if it rained, there are plenty of cultural assets to enjoy indoors, so I decided to head there.

Mori-machi, known as Enshu's Little Kyoto. It's the birthplace of eBikes, famous for my favorite chestnut yokan, and even home to the Million Pedal Park run by my colleagues. I'd been curious about it for ages but it always felt a bit far to visit. This time, I finally made it to Oguni Shrine!

Kutugata Cape Park, located right near Kutugata town and Kutugata Port, also has an attached campsite. There's a circular path around Kutugata Cape Lighthouse, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Since it was pretty close to our hotel, I decided to head out to gaze at the sunset and starry sky.

I spent a relaxed 5 days and 4 nights on Rishiri Island. Since driving around the entire island takes just over an hour, I decided to take it easy and explore. What really struck me about Rishiri in summer was not just Mt. Rishiri constantly in view, but also the incredibly clear, bright blue sea, the lush greenery, and the alpine flowers blooming even at lower elevations.

I've enjoyed Rishiri Island's sea urchin in various forms like uni-don (sea urchin rice bowl) and uni sashimi. But then I found a place where I could actually peel sea urchin myself and eat it right on the spot! So, I quickly booked the experience and headed out. The location was Kamui Coast.

Every summer, my Hokkaido trip usually involves visiting friends in Higashikawa Town and enjoying a relaxed stay. But this year, we headed to Rishiri Island! Our goals were to climb Mt. Rishiri, savor sea urchin and Rishiri ramen, indulge in hot springs, and simply soak in the unique scenery and atmosphere of a remote island. As for Rebun Island, considering my wife isn't a fan of boats, the plan was to extend our trip there only if the weather and timing were perfect.