Arrival and Departure in Kitafunaoka Station!

by Kazu

The single coach of the train coming from Toyoura Town colored silver, yellow and orange added an artificial twist to the landscape. I felt the real life of the people living in the area with frail public transportation system.

The train left Kitafunaoka Station and headed to the steel town Muroran City. Of course, the lives of Hokkaido depends on the automobiles but the elders and kids can not drive cars.

The train sustained the lives of the people even in the rural area but the cost to maintain the railway may spoil the running of JR Hokkaido. More people should use the train  to maintain the public transportation.

 

A Train Arrived at Kitafunaoka Station!

by Kazu

The railway seemed to be well-maintained and well-designed. The parking lot are available for free of charge. Some white clouds aroused over Mt. Usu. 

The ocean was so calm on that day but the platforms were so close to the ocean that the high waves of the ocean may reach them in typhoon and strong wind. 

Soon a single coach of the train arrived at the station and swallowed some passengers. As you may know, the railway for bullet trains will be built but the route will not go through this station. The local railway should be maintained for the local citizens and passengers.  
 

Kitafunaoka Station 2024!

by Kazu

The name of the station is Kitafunaoka. Mt.Usu near Lake Toya could be seen from the bridge of the station. Unmanned station seemed to be waiting the passengers and trains so calmly.  

The bright surface of the Pacific Ocean was reflecting the sunshine and blue sky. Many train manias and other visitors dropped by the station to take photos of the station and the train.

The coast line from Muroran City and Toyoura Town could be seen so clearly.The color of the blue was so impressive and breathtaking. I love this scenery of the station and landscape.  

 

Brunch in Muroran City !

by Kazu

The cafe run by "Misuzu coffee" in Muroran City has its shop in the same building beside the National Route near the hotel we stayed. We had pizza toast and pan cakes for breakfast on that day. 

We dropped by the train station near the coast again on our way to Niseko from Muroran. The scenery looked so surreal with the bridge that connected the platforms on the coast side and mountain side.  

Some tourists appeared to take photos of the station and train. Lonely coach of train carry the local citizens to the next station or the one where the express trains stopped by.

 

Autumn in Sapporo 2024!

by Kazu

Wild grapevines have born fruit on the fence of Sapporo Horse Race Course at the beginning of autumn. On my way of jogging every morning, the wild grapes turned the color of the fruit from green to violet. The leaves have not changed their color.   

Rowan trees bore red fruit making the beautiful contrast with their green leaves. They were playing the role of declaring the beginning of autumn before other trees turn the color of their foliage.   

Soon the rows of poplar trees would turn the color of the foliage to yellow and brown.  They were alluring many photographers and joggers on the fine day. Sapporo TV Tower also alluring the citizens and tourists. It would take a month or two to see the monochrome scenery of snow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Midst of Autumn in Sapporo !

 

by Kazu

In the midst of November, the beautiful color of foliage lit up on the premises of Hokkaido University seemed to be unknown because no one took picture early in the morning. Early jogger or midnight jogger could see the beauty as if early birds get worms.  

The layout of the limelight and the trees as well as their kinds was not unintended but the contrast, gradation of the colors were as if God arranged.  

The planners of Hokkaido University building project must have been so talented, considering their works remained on the premises. To protect the agricultural fields and livestock, the rows of poplar trees were planted but they gave us another gift even now.  

End of Summer !

by Kazu

The row of poplar trees on the west side of premises of Hokkaido University reflected the sunshine of rising sun. They play the role of a wall to protect the livestock in the Faculty of Agriculture.

The rising sun could be seen between the trees on the premises of Hokkaido University. It was a godsend during my regular jogging in this season. The air was still warm before winter.

The color of the trees had not changed even in the middle of October, 2024. It was so hot in summer this year that the autumnal beautiful foliage had not come into play. Jogging under the blue sky and sunshine was so refreshing and comfortable but I have to jog around in the darkness in winter.