Cape Kamui this year 3 !

by Kazu

Would you like to dive into the blue ocean ?  Eve now I am not sure where is the approach to the coast. I think it is not allowed to swim around here except for scuba divers.

The wild lilies peculiar to Hokkaido Island showed their vivid yellow full of vigor.

 I think this angle may be the best to get the perspective of the cape. Don't you feel like you are on the back of a dinosaur ?

You can feel the shape of the globe and the spine of the massive creature, I think. I will try to post the photos taken under the water in not-so-distanced future.

Cape Kamui this year 2 !

by Kazu

The horn of the cape was over this rock. In winter, this trail is closed. As the season of sea urchin is so limited that June is the highest season of the tourism, I can say.

 Cape Shakotan could be seen clearly from this lookout on the horn of Cape Kamui.

Some fishers were landing a variety of fish under the cliff. Nobody was swimming in the ocean but I was strongly allured to the blue sea albeit the temperature might be under fifteen degree in Celsius. That is warm enough for me.
The light blue part of the ocean has almost no kelp nor seaweed because of the lack of minerals and nutrition from the river that is too short to nurture the natural fertilizer produced by the forests.  

Cape Kamui this year !

by Kazu

Looking back the gate to the lookout on the peninsula, I could find no cursing word on the back side of the gate albeit the sign of the off-limits is on the front-side of the gate.

 Both side of the peninsula is facing the Sea of Japan but the shape affected by the wind from the direction of Northwest seemed to have created another world.

It would take five more minutes to reach the pear of the peninsula. Almost I could find the goal after ten-minute walk. Every time I visit the horn of the peninsula, I am allured by the landscape under the water that can be imagined.

You might be afraid of diving into the ocean while you are seeing it over the sea level but once you get the neutral floating balance, you get free from the gravity.

Keeping your body upside down under the water is so fantastic and relaxing that you may come up with an idea that can make you break through the challenges, I think and experienced before !

Iwanai to Shakotan Peninsula !

by Kazu

It was still too cold to dive into the ocean on that day but the condition under the sea level seemed to be so calm enough to enjoy the clear view. I was wondering if I would be able to have time to enjoy scuba diving this summer.

 This is the slope from the parking area to the entrance to the lookout on Kamui Peninsula. Bamboo grass was strong enough to cover all the hillside.

The slope was not so steep that the elders might not have to grasp walking up the the gate.

As I mentioned before, it is said that this area is off-limits to females because the deity of this area is so jealous albeit so many females were visiting here and entered to the path to the pear.

Iwanai Town !

by Kazu

Above is the shower corner of the Goshiki Onsen (Hot Spring) Annex. Don't you like such public space ?
But the deeper you get to know and immerse yourself in the Japanese culture, the more you feel as if you got together with the universe surrounding you.

After taking enough time in the accommodation "Goshiki Onsen", we headed to the port town Iwanai where so nice traditional Japanese inn can be savored. I recommend "Takashima Ryokan"on the hillside facing to the Sea of Japan".

The character design comes from "cod" that has an asparagus because the total amount of catch from the ocean is consist of hectic amount of cod and it is said that Iwanai Town is the first place to introduce the cultivation of asparagus in Hokkaido.  

This is the souvenir shop in the roadside station of Iwanai near the port. Only a few staffers were in the station and they plays the role to give tourism information. The ocean was still a little bit too cold for human beings to swim but I swam a week after this drive.

Just after the trekking !

by Kazu

It's a pity that I can not convey the quality of this hot spring but believe me, absolutely this hot spring water takes off the pain from your body and refresh your body and soul.

 The main building of "Goshiki Onsen" can be seen from the bath tub from where the magnificent landscape can be savored.

Mt. Niseko Annupri could also be seen from the bath. It was our privilege to relax in the hot spring water after the trekking. We will stay there again at the end of this month,I think.

Get down from the highland 2 !

by Kazu

The trace of mud and rock flow could be seen on the hillside near the crater of Mt. Iwaonupuri. The color of red came from the ingredients of oxidized iron.    

The black rocks and mud were made of lava erupted from the crater. I hope this area will be kept as it were albeit no change could not be expected even in ten years.

The hillside and top of the mountains changes their countenances in each season and inspires us human beings every year. We found the free hot spring bath outside of the accommodation "Goshiki Onsen". I am not sure if some trekkers use this hot spring gratis or not but I would like to avoid to share it with brown bears.