Explore Hokkaido - Going To Lake Toya - Day 4

Day 4 checking out at a secluded lodging called Notrack with breakfast provided. Together with us there were other guests, a Japanese dad and son where we had a nice morning chat. So goodbye Notrack .

The weather was superb and I love the scenery of the village in the vicinity of Makkari together with the gorgeous Mount Yotei always tagging behind us.

As usual the traffic is quiet as we slowly pedalled our way through Makkari Village.

A road sign indicating that we were near the centre of Makkari Village.

The village of Makkari 真狩村 is a small community where we stopped by at 7-11 convenience store for a toilet break. The building at the far end is the village community hall.

Our next target was a small town called Rusutsu 留寿都村.

The ride continue to be pleasant and capturing as many nice pictures as possible.

This stretch of our route comes with a bit of rolling hills not severe but a little bit tough for Jo. Despite her constant rattling as she ascends she managed to overcome the climb.

After a distance of 15 km we found Rusutsu town, this building houses a tofu shop known as Shimizu Tofu Shop.

A stop at Lawson Rusutsu for a coffee. Rusutsu is popular for their potato and asparagus produce. And also a popular resort Rusutsu Resort which is synonymous with its ski slope, amusement park and golf courses.

While Jo was taking pictures of a memorial park at this traffic junction, I saw these three lively Japanese kids waiting to cross the junction.

I have secretly kept a plan "B" for an alternative transport to Lake Toya from Rusutsu Town. Miraculously there is a bus service to Lake Toya from this town and the bus tickets could be purchased from this shop through an old lady.

The bus stop is located opposite the shop and here we were with our bagged bicycles and baggage waiting for the bus to come.

Just in case any unfavourable weather you could take shelter at the bus stop.

At last the bus came though it was slighted delay from the scheduled time. Jo was very happy that she does not have to cycle any further to Lake Toya.

We finally arrived at the Bus Terminal of Lake Toya and that was the bus we took known as Donan Bus.

In front of the ramen shop with the huge lake down the slope behind me. Mount Yotei is still visible from here.

Lunch was at Horaiken Ramen for a bowl of ramen.

We managed to locate our pre-booked accommodation at Daiwa Ryokan which we will be putting up for 2 nights.

We decided to take out the bicycles for a spin around for the remaining day and enjoy scenery of Lake Toya.

First I over heard a couple speaking Cantonese and found out the touring couple was from Shah Alam, Malaysia. We became friends, KC Loh and wife have been cycling from Nagoya to Wakkanai for the last 30 days and planning to finish it to the tip of Hokkaido island Wakkanai. That was indeed an amazing adventure they were embarking and salute to these senior citizens of Malaysia.

Some of shots taken for the day.

That's all folks for Day 4 going to Lake Toya from Niseko. Tomorrow we will cycle around the entire lake of Toya.

Explore Hokkaido - Cycle Around Mount Yotei, Kutchan - Day 3

Good morning Tabi-mugi Backpackers. The temperature was -1°C in the early morning but the weather forecast reported it will gradually increases to 9° C by 9am

We were glad to find out the temperature was improving earlier than expected and we were eager to start the tour.

The view of Mount Yotei as we crossed a bridge near our hostel. Mount Yotei is one of the famous mountains in Hokkaido.

And into and passing through Kutchan town as we slowly pedal our way for this adventure. 

The first 8km was slightly hilly but doable and a stop a Lawson convenience store for a rest. Temperature was 8°C but sunny.

The route today was taken from Hokkaido Cycling Tourism website with a recommendation of about 60km for beginner level. It is indeed a lovely route which I highly recommend for those who wish to seen Hokkaido with their bicycles.

There are many of this kind of cottage buildings seen which I reckon is very popular for skiers to stay during the winter.

Getting closer to the snow landscape as it slowing melting away. 

Slow but steady moving through the day with nice weather and beautiful surrounding.

Field getting ready for the vegetation to grow with a beauty setting behind it.

Somewhere along the highway we saw an entrance to a shrine.

Mount Yotei is forever following us as we went round the foot of the mountain.

At our 18km we crossed a yellow bridge called Niseko Bridge spanning over Shiribetsu River

Niseko View Plaza where there were many holiday makers taking a stop at this shopping village.

It has a farmer's market with many local produce from the many farms around the area and a wonderful experience to see the varieties of food under one single roof.

Thank you Hokkaido Cycle Tourism to the recommendation.

Arishima Ostrich farm after a distant of 24km located along the way at GPS : 42.780976, 140.731826

There were visitors stopping by the farm watching ostriches running freely, taking pictures and buying stuffs like ostrich sausages.

Occasionally you will bump into cyclists but not many for us.

Hokkaido Cycling Tourism indicates that the route is meant for beginner but be aware there is a bit of climb to face. We took it easy and push at some of the climbs.

Makkari Hot spring (真狩温泉) or known as Onsen located about 1km from Makkai Village surrounded by fields and sited on top of a small hill.

At the reception where the entrances for both sexes are seen separated.

The ride continued with endless gorgeous view.

A sign indicating we were approaching the most beautiful village in Japan. 

The continuous rural landscape that serene and awaiting Autumn to come.

The tough snow gradually melting away for the next season.

Stopping at Fukidashi Park for a rest and light refreshment after having cycled 47km for the day.

Big Sky Droplet jelly, a unique dessert to try.

Another dessert coated with peanut powder from the same stall.

Cutting across the park while enjoying the beauty of the park.

The manhole cover of Kyogoku Town. 

By the time we completed the 62km ride back to Kutchan we were unable able to try the onsen near Tabi mugi Backpackers as it was too late. Ryo San was kind to drive us to our next accommodation which was 16 km away.

A beautiful sunset at Notrack remotely located from any convenience stores where the housekeeper drove us to Makkari Town to get some food for the evening.

I would say that Day 3 ride was the toughest among all and would definitely treasure the experience especially for Jo.