Muroran City has a beautiful white bridge !

by Kazu

The White Swan Bridge "Hakuchou Oohashi" could be seen under the gray clouds so clearly from the cafe on that day. Every time we visit the cafe, the fine weather and bright sunshine welcome us so kindly. We are so lucky I believe. 

The separated room in The Cafe Mutekirou run by Miyakoshiya Coffee was not used on that day too. We've never used the room before but it must be worthwhile to spent time there with the friends or family member.

 

Cafe Mutekirou in Muroran again !

by Kazu

It was so fine and the surface of the ocean was shining on that day. The white clouds were away from the coast and the Eruption Bay was so calm that the small island offshore showed us only its silhouette  under the sunshine.

On the opposite side of the ocean, gray clouds were waiting for their turn to cover the ocean and island again. Actually, a little bit before our visit to the area, a landslide took off the soil under the railway that connected Hakodate and Sapporo and all the trains were cancelled on that day and until October 10. 

 

Business Jaunt to Date City and Soubetsu Town !

by Kazu

I visited Sobetsu Town to discuss the most appropriate procedure to rebuild the slope of the mountain made of the dehydrated debris of the wastewater form the abolished sulfur mine. I had worked on this matter since  last November but the way to the goal may be long.

The still-growing volcano Mt. Showashinzan could be seen on our way to Date City. We were lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful landscape around the Eruption Bay and Lake Toya on that day. 

 Usually, we have lunch in a pastoral Italian Restaurant "Bokka" in Date City to buy their own Yogurt my wife loved but after buying two packs of Yogurt we headed to a buckwheat noodle bar in the residential area of the city on that day.  Deep-fried octopus was the chef's signature lunch set of the bar.  

 

Autumn in Niseko 2026 !

by Kazu

Takahashi Ranch in Niseko seemed to have expanded their business at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupri because the inbound tourists increased so much to take photos on their premises where it kindly provided them with so nice photo spot and some items against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei.

This cultivating tractor gave the image of pastoral area and their daily work on the agricultural field surrounded by mountains. I am not sure if the tourists imagine the lives in the pastoral area actually or not but the ranch had created competitive and beautiful collaboration of nature and their products that made the visitors so happy.

Besides, we have to try the new lines of frappuccino made of so sweet sweet potato  beniharuka in Starbucks Coffee chain as soon as possible to savor the seasonal taste amply. My favorite seasonal frappuccino is peach, strawberry and mango&orange but the sweet potato frappuccino must be irresistible. 
 

The Photo Spot beside Hirafu Slope !

by Kazu

This is one of the most popular photo spot beside Hirafu Slope in Kutcha/Niseko area other than the one on the premises of Takahashi Ranch. On the Mt. Yotei side in Hotel Skye premises, another photo spot was arranged but that is in front of the restaurant "Kumo" in the hotel.  

So the people taking photos must be observed by the guests of the restaurant at meal times. Even now, some areas are developed and changing. Swallowing many tourists from other area of Japan and other countries, Kutchan/Niseko area will have to solve the new problems and conflicts forever. 

We do not use the accommodations in the area in winter because the staying cost splurge in winter and sometimes they require over consecutive three-night stay. Heavy snowfall also discourage us to visit there because my wife do not enjoy skiing nor snowboarding in cold temperature.

 

The Cheese waiting for their turn !

by Kazu

Experimentally, unmanned bus is carrying the tourists in the area of Kutchan and Niseko Area for free of charge but it must be tough to use the system in winter season with heavy snowfalls. 

Taking off the heavy snow from the railway is so tough in unmanned station and the mountain course may be abolished after the railway for bullet train is built from Hakodate to Sapporo through Oshamanbe, Muroran, Tomakomai, Chitose, Eniwa and Kitahiroshima.

Some accommodations provides the guests with the transportation service from their facility and Kutchan/Niseko but I am not sure if the service is available to this unmanned station in winter.  

 

Hirafu Train Station at the bottom of the valley !

by Kazy

Some families were enjoying downhill bicycle ride on the downhill ski course of Mt. Niseko Annupri in the afternoon on that day. I recognized the number and ratio of the Caucasians increased so much  . 

A the bottom of Hirafu Valley, unmanned train station was breathing so calmly and waiting for the arrival of the new comers. Some houses are near the station and abolished Japanese inn was in front of the station.

A red  post was in front of the entrance and a snow shooter was having long rest in the station. It must work hard in winter. It may be tough to use the station in winter ski season but the station has to function even in the heavy snowfall.