GOING SOLO IN JAPAN ( 1995 )- Sapporo/ Hokaido Last Updated: January 30, 2024
Our first visit to Hokkaido was in 1995. Hokkaido is the Northern most island of Japan.
We had gone there to attend a meeting in Sapporo – Capital city of Hokkaido. Theis was the second ICDS conference we were attending.
On this visit all our internal travel was in slow motion. We didn’t travel by plane for any internal travel. We travelled in a Ferry from Maizuru to Otaru, the port city. From there in a car to Sapporo.
After the conference was over as usual we wanted to do some sightseeing in area. At that time I had very little knowledge of the geography of this island.
With help of our friend we decided to visit two destinations .
FURANO
The Furano region is a picturesque area located in the central part of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, vast fields of flowers, and the Tokachi mountain range in the background.
Furano is particularly famous for its lavender fields, which bloom from late June to early August. The lavender fields create a vibrant and colorful landscape, attracting visitors from all around Japan and beyond. The lavender farms, such as Farm Tomita, are popular spots for tourists during the blooming season. While the lavender fields are a major attraction in the summer, Furano is beautiful in all four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the foliage transforms into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows. Winter brings snow, turning the region into a winter wonderland, and making it a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports.
Naka Furano
It is a town which is endowed with nature and scenery of the Furano Basin.
Naka means middle. It was a day trip to Naka Furano which is located in central part of the island. We went there by train. In Japan for all tourist destinations they have a very special train for tourists. The train for Naka Furano is painted in Lavender colour. We couldn’t get seats on this train while going there but on return we travelled on this special Lavender train.
Naka Furano is popular during summer months for flower beds of many different flowers. Very special are the flower beds of Lavender flowers.
We walked around the area. There was a shop with everything in Lavender colour including the Ice cream.
Farm Tomita which is dotted with lavender fields such as the Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden. You can enjoy the colorful flowers not only lavender, but sage and sunflowers.
A superb view overlooking the Tokachidake mountain range and the beautiful rural scenery can be seen when ascending by lift.
LAKE DISTRICT
The next destination was a visit to lakes in the eastern part of Hokkaido.
Lake Akan (Akan-ko) is situated in the Akan National Park, Lake Akan is known for its marimo, which are rare spherical algae. The lake is surrounded by forests and is a habitat for various wildlife.
Lake Mashu (Mashu-ko): Often referred to as one of the clearest lakes in the world, Lake Mashu is located in Akan National Park. The lake is known for its foggy conditions, which add to its mystique.
Lake Kussharo (Kussharo-ko): It is the largest caldera lake in Japan, located in the Akan National Park. The lake is known for its hot springs, and during winter, parts of the lake often freeze.It is said that Lake Mashu is difficult to see as it remains covered in clouds like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
For our visit as there is no western style hotel available near the lakes we had to stay in Kushiro.
We were introduced to a doctor couple who had worked at Hokkaido university and were told that his wife speaks English and likes to help foreign students. The couple met us at the station and welcomed us.
We stayed at a hotel close to station.Knowing that we are vegetarians she had packed sandwiches and fruits for our lunch
Next morning she picked us up and took us on a full day tour of the lakes.Knowing that we are vegetarians she had packed sandwiches and fruits for our lunch
On the way we stopped at the Crane centre established for breeding of beautiful Japanese cranes.
After that we proceeded to Lake Akkan. Lake Akan (阿寒湖, Akanko) is a beautiful crater lake in Akan Mashu National Park.
We walked around the lake. And after that sat down in grass for our lunch. Knowing that we are vegetarians she had packed sandwiches and fruits for our lunch. After lunch we drove to Lake Mashu. We had been warned by our friend that lake may not be visible. And she was correct.
A wonder that I read about Akan lake is that It is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms itself into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan’s marimo can reach the size of soccer balls. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument. Lake Akan is located in Kushiro City of eastern Hokkaido. Born from a volcanic eruption in the Akan caldera around 158 years ago, it was designated as Akan .
Beautifulcrater lake famous for Algae
