Hokkaido

Hokkaido, but first a few words on the wonder that is the Japanese version of the western toilet. Above is the Control Panel for the toilet, with a bidet, seat warmer, dryer and too many other things to mention. You can just sit there and experiment!!

The toilet, with attached controls on the left.

Traditional Japanese toilet.

We arrived in Hokkaido at the port of Tomakoma in the south central part of the island.

Hokkaido comprises one fifth of the land area of Japan, yet only has 5 per cent of the population. It is Japan`s frontier. There are only two major cities, and there are wild areas somewhat like the interior Canadian Rockies. Bear, deer and foxes abound. Above, restaurant near Tomakoma.

Pass, south central Hokkaido on the way to Furano

Road through farming country, central Hokkaido, near Furano. Hokkaido has rich farming areas. Milk and cheese production are major industries.

Furano, major ski area and farm center. Beautiful spot, but overcast and rainy when we were there.

On a dead end road at a mountain onsen (hot spring spa) on a rainy day. The maps of Japan available in English have many mistakes. The Japanese versions are much better.

At the end of a rainy day the reward, time in a onsen hotel.

The countryside.

The Onsen
Above are bathing pools in a Japanese onsen. In Japan, the bath is taken to a different level.

In a Japanese bath, you first sit on a small stool and clean yourself with soap and water. After that and only after that do you go into the bath, which is usually quite hot. At public baths, there are several pools, with different temperatures, mineral content or even slight electrical charges.

Onsens are hot spring mineral spa areas, usually with a hotel attached. They are all over Japan and are especially great in Hokkaido.

Dear Crossing, Hokkaido wildlife in front of a motorcycle shop, Akan National Park.

Lake Mashu, Akan National Park, eastern Hokkaido. It is meant to be the most beautiful lake in Japan.

Io-zan, Akan National Park--steaming sulphur vents.

Sulphur vents, bright yellow!

Outdoor steaming onsen at night by Lake Kussharo, Akan National Park.

Same onsen by daylight.

Crater near Lake Akun.

Most northerly point in Japan, Soya Misaki, east of the town of Wakkanai, our port of departure for Russia, and Sakhalin Island. Lots of sea fog.

View over Wakkanai and Sakhalin Island in the distance. Tomorrow, June 8Th, we catch the ferry to Russia.