The Roadside Station of Engaru Town !

by Kazu

This is the Roadside Station at the east end of the highway in Engaru  Town. Many kitchen cars were there on that day. It seemed that the same amount of kitchen cars swamp every weekend.

It was as if some kind of festival was held during the weekend but no attraction nor VIP was there. After the long drive on the highway, the drivers and their families have a rest and food after using washing room. 

I estimated that the roadside station earned a hectic amount of money every weekend. The Mayor Mr. Shuichi Sasaki must be so satisfied with his staffs' arrangement and coordination.

 

Skewered Grilled Chicken Bar "Tatsumi" !

by Kazu

A limited number of children can learn in this environment, inspired by the objects created by Mr. Kan Yasuda, the creatures in the nature on the premises of Arte Piazza in Bibai City.

It has ample space for kids to run around and explore. Without the surveillance of the adults, it may be dangerous to allow them to enter the bushes at the foot of the mountain.

This is one of the most popular lunch set that includes the buckwheat noodle soup topped with veggie and shrimp tempra, skewered grilled chicken, soy bean curd and rice bowl boiled with chicken broth. Being energized, we headed to the east.

 

Arte Piazza Bibai nurtures the citizens!

by Kazu

The blossoms of Cherry, Magnolia Kobus were still blooming in Arte Piazza Park in Bibai City. The art works created by Mr. Kan Yasuda provided the citizens and visitors with the comfort in cooperation with the nature and old buildings.

The wooden building of the former elementary school of this district had turned to the art museum and kindergarten to give the precious environment and opportunity to inspire the little kids.

The concept was realized and continues to stimulate the creative talents and personalities with its unique elements of education. The kindergarten is so popular in the city.

 

A poem on the peak !

by Kazu

A stone plate of the poem for departing was set on the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri.   No name was on the plate. No body knows who set the plate.

The surface of the island looked so fascinating for me. Without tall trees and bush, the fine view  from the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri may allure mnay trekkers from overseas.

 

Much easier way to reach the peak !

by Kazu

The trail to the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri led to the start point of the downhill ski course on the opposite side of the mountain. The lifts for skiers and snow-boardwers are not available in green season.

Para-glider activity is not in service in this area. The maintenance of the lifts is tough and expensive. I've never seen the trekkers crawling up the downhill ski course before.

I've never heard of brown bears appeared around this area. I heard that six hundred brown bears were shot in a year to avoid the bear attacks in Hokkaido but controlling the number of the brown bears in Hokkaido is tough work in this aging population. Seasoned and experienced hunters are very few in Hokkaido. 

 

Going through the bamboo grass !

by Kazu

The trail to the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri had not been covered with bush and had fine view of the landscape around it. We could get the perspectives of the area  geographically. 

From the peak of the mountain, the whole Mt. Yotei covered with white cloud like silk could be seen. Experiencing the geographical dynamism of this island of Hokkaido may be much easier than in the main island of Japan.  

 

Trekking on Mt. Niseko Annupri !

by Kazu

From the hillside of Mt. Niseko Annupri, the peak and hillside of the adjacent Mt. Iwaonupri could be seen so clearly. The dark green hillside wore white drapes of snow at the beginning of summer.  

The season of trekking is so limited in Hokkaido. Even in June, trekkers need iron spike to crawl up the hillside covered with snow. The mountains in Hokkaido are much milder than those in the main island of Japan but even if so, we should be well-prepared for trekking, including the bear bell to avoid the encounter with brown bears.