Good Fortune will come !

by Kazu

The rows of poplar trees in the  agricultural experimental farm of Hokkaido University looked so nice and beautiful early in the morning. Considering as the lighting, the angle of the sun seemed to be the best early in the morning. 

Before the sunset, the rows of poplar trees can not get such beautiful lighting. But there are some good place to take photos of the trees against the backdrop of setting sun. I love the scenery from this angle the best. 

 

Matcha and Strawberry Sandae in Rokkatei !

by Kazu

My wife was eager to have shaved ice topped with whip cream and Matcha sauce. I chose shaved ice with strawberry sauce and whip cream in Rokkatei Tea Lounge of Maruyama Area in Sapporo City.  

When we had Matcha flavored shaved ice for the first time in Tokyo, it costed 1,600 Japanese Yen in 1997. The amount of shaved ice seemed to be too much for one person and to be shared with friends or family.  This time, the amount of the shaved ice seemed to be appropriate for one person in Rokkatei Tea lounge.   
They were so refreshing and eased our exhausted bodies. 

Wrap up with Sora Ramen Noodle !

by Kazu

The ice hockey team Hokkaido Red Eagles won the pre-season game. Coming into the arena from hot and humid outside was so comfortable and refreshing.  

The pre-season game was arranged on the date of the festival of Tomakomai City. Many citizens and supporters of Red Eagles watched the game and savored the foods sold outside the arena.

All the members of Red Eagles appreciated the supporters for the heartfelt support and cheering up. All the supporters seemed to be satisfied and pleased with their win even though many dangerous faults had been conducted.   

 

Pre-season Ice Hockey Game in Tomakomai City !

by Kazu

On that fine day, after jogging around the premises of Hokkaido University, I headed to Tomakomai City to watch the ice hockey game of "Red Eagles"  owned by Oji Paper Manufacturing Company.

We heard that the company would close its paper manufacturing factory in Tomakomai City and concentrate its ability to make papers in the main island of Japan. We are so concerned about the ice hockey team and the city. 

As we wanted, Red Eagles won the game but the game was so exciting and faults and the penalty seemed to be much more than the usual games. Before the real season of the ice hockey league in Japan, the players might be frustrated or have too much energy before the season.

 

Shooting Star and Rising Sun !

by Kazu

This is "Shooting Star Waterfall" in Souunkyou Valley which is said to be mannish compared to the adjacent "Galaxy Waterfall" that has the appearance of females curve lines. The straight water flow might be connected to the image of males.   

The next day, the sky over Sapporo City seemed to be the same as the one over my hometown Kitami City. The rows of poplar trees stood still to the blue sky. 

The summer in 2025 was closing its stage but the rising sun seemed to be resisting and getting bigger on the horizon. What a beautiful city Sapporo is !

 

Shooting Star Waterfall !

by Kazu

Above is the parking lot in front of the lookout to see the waterfalls of Galaxy, Shootingstar and the columnar joints heading to the sky and surrounding the water flows.

The national Route had been moved to the current position decades ago from this route which is used as a trekking and cycling course and parking lot beside the river. The valley has its own particular atmosphere and circumstances.

The original national route was built beside the river but some long tunnels built afterward took over the role to connect my hometown Kitami City and Asahikawa City. Trekking to the peak of Mt. Kurodate takes only one our or so from the end of the lift station. Would you try the valley and mountain ?

 

Galaxy Waterfall in Souunkyou !

by Kazu

I keep my fingers and toes crossed praying for the citizens of my hometown Kitami City in the critical financial situation. I am craving for the recovery of the municipality's financial stability.

On our way back to Sapporo from my hometown Kitami City, we dropped by Souunkyo Valley and took photos of Waterfalls of Galaxy and Shooting Star beside the National Route.  

In my infancy, this valley was the place I was eager to stay for a week or more enjoying the quality hot spring spa, jogging along Ishikari River, trekking to the peak of Mt. Kuro-dake.