The Shining Ocean !

by Kazu

What do you think about this surreal scenery of Kitafunaoka Station in Date City. I was happy to see the waiting booth and washroom near the station built for the users a few years ago. Other than that, no building could be seen around the station.

The ocean was so calm that the horizon and the border between the ocean and sky was clear and that made us feel the shape of this sphere so clearly on that day.    

The coastline of Oshima Peninsula and the silhouette of Mt. Komagatake could be seen over the sea level. I think you can get the real perspectives of the geographical condition of the region. Please visit there and try to get whole picture of the gifted island.

 

Eruption Gulf and Station !

by Kazu

One of the designated Geo Parks in Hokkaido is active volcano Mt. Usu, Mt. Showa Shinzan and Lake Toya. Mt. Usu could be seen from Kitafunaoka Station over the residential area on the west side of the station. 

I love the scenery that can be seen from this station. The shining ocean, blue sky, calm residential area, single cart train, the sound of waves, chirp of  birds made me wondering what if I lived there and spend time in Kitafunaoka Coffee Roaster Cafe.   

Some train manias and residents in the area were coming up to the surreal station and its bridge. On the opposite side of Mt. Usu and Mt. Showashinzan, the coastline of Muroran Area could be seen. It might be a good place to get the perspectives of the real shape of Hokkaido Island.

 

Kitafunaoka Station !

by Kazu

Kitafunaoka Train Station was so beautiful and surreal as usual under the blue sky against the backdrop of Mt. Usu, the Eruption Gulf on that day. Some train manias were taking photos and strolling around the station and residential area that had a small cafe and coffee roaster. 

The round horizon could be felt from the bridge of the station. Some small fish could be seen in the shallow tide pool around the wave-breaking blocks near the rails. The border of the sky and ocean was clear but the sky near the horizon seemed to be white. 

The ocean was so calm and no bird disturbed the calmness. The sound of the waves touched us so tenderly and nicely. We could not stay there long because it was a short break in our business jaunt to Date City and Muroran City.

 

Bokka Italian and Kitafunaoka !

by Kazu

I had to visit Date City to get the Japanese traditional personal stamp on the contract paper to use the real estate in the city to treat the waste-water from the abolished mine developed decades ago. We have to neutralize the acidic waste-water on a wide space.

We had lunch in the local Italian Restaurant "Bokka" run by Aleph that runs the most popular and famous hamburg restaurant chain in Hokkaido "Bikkuri Donkey". The chef's signature plate is Carbonara with a variety of topping choices. 

It sells also delicious yogurt that my wife loves. So I bought a small barrel of it for her on that day. After leaving the restaurant, we dropped by Kitafunaoka Station to see the beautiful landscape behind the Station. It was so fine on that day and the shiny sky made the surface of the ocean so bright. 

 

Ingredients sourced in Hokkaido !

by Kazu

After strolling around in Nihonbashi area of Tokyo, we dropped by a well-established hole-in-the-wall of Special Fresh Seafood Ricebowl named "Tsujihan"  in front of which a folded long line of people were waiting for their turn to have seats to eat.

We chose to take out the famous and popular ricebowl and savored it in our hotel room. The next day, we had Kyoto Obanzai Cuisine in a restaurant of Nihonbashi area. 

I chose the fried chicken plate with tasteful gel sauce and deep-fried aubergine and sweet potato. After the pilgrimage to visit Japanese traditional shrines, a pint of draft beer was so refreshing and inspiring.
 

Under the Bridges !

by Kazu

I recognized I loved the design of the townlight on the old bridge over the creeks in Tokyo. Some of them had the figures of legendary dragon like the gargoyles on the wall of church in Europe.

The cover glass of the townlights were colored orange that gave the circumstances exotic  atmosphere and scenery like dreams early in the morning. 

The design of the townlights seemed to be figured out when Japan was absorbing the occidental culture and technologies. The bridges had born harsh earthquakes and floods. They might have seen the lives of the people for decades.

 

End of the River Cruise !

by Kazu

We found a cherry tree fully blooming beside the creek in Tokyo. I think that was the only one protagonist as a plant in the River Cruise on that day. A cherry tree under the bridge seemed to be a symbol of the vibes of the city.

It was a little bit too cold for females on the boat but the landscape under the ground of the city was complicated and well-arranged.  Have you ever seen the video of a big space under the ground that accommodate plenty of water to avoid a flood on the ground? 

There is a magnificent space like a huge cathedral under the ground of the city. The construction of the city, particularly under the ground was so interesting and I admire the ideas of the designers and the architects so much.