Day 22 - Lake Shumarinai to Asahikawa 84kms
I awoke to it raining again on my tent. So I took my time getting up and the rain had stopped by 7am. I packed my stuff and rode out by 7:30am.
It rained again for a few kilometres, but as I headed further south the weather got warmer and the cloud gave way to some nice blue sky. Haven't seen that for a few days. I took a number of country roads which went past different farms. Some had animals, but a lot were growing crops. From rice, to tomatoes and canola. I arrived at Asahikawa by 2pm. It is a likeable town which feels quite laid back. I headed to the hotel I had booked and was advised checkin was not until 3pm. This was fine as it gave me time to do laundry, pack bike away and relax for a few minutes. The room is tiny, so I don't think I'll get lost today. I had a wander to the local supermarket. Japanese supermarkets are great, so much freshly prepared food. I bought a few extra for my ride tomorrow. I also found a really good coffee shop who makes an excellent brew. |
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Day 23 - Asahikawa to Sounko - 70kms
After another all you can eat breakfast I was riding by 7am. I rode back to the big green bridge I came across yesterday, as there is a cycle road you can follow which takes me to Sounko.
The first 35kms were on a pretty good cycle road. It followed the river. So it was a great way to start the ride. No messing with cars and traffic lights. Just a relaxing ride. Once again, like yesterday, I passed a number of rice farms. After the first 35km I had to rejoin highway 39. There was a good quality sidewalk I could ride along. As, at times, there were quite a few trucks. The road gradually climbed into the mountain gorge. The views were stunning. Sheer walls either side of me, mixed with a myriad of different shades of green. The river itself was now, at times, more a torrent. I stopped numerous times to just enjoy the views and get my photos. I arrived at Sounko before 12pm. I went straight to the campground (which is free), which is about a kilometre passed the town. It was up a hill but seemed nice and peaceful. I setup my tent and enjoyed the lunch I bought yesterday. After lunch the original plan was to get the ropeway up the mountain. But it looked pretty cloudy at the top so decided I'd do it tomorrow morning. Instead I had a walk to Ginga Falls. A very tall and nice waterfall. After I headed up to the information office in town. The lady working there used to live in Wollongong so she had very good English. I asked about the walk to the summit, she said there was still a bit of snow near the top and I would need crampons. Wasn't fussed about walking on the snow, so will see how it looks when I'm up there. She directed me to a local walk to a waterfall. I had a walk out to the waterfall she mentioned and was in a secluded part of the forest. For the remainder of the day I went to the onsen and grabbed some dinner before walking back to the campground. Today has been a really nice riding day with great roads and fantastic views. Hoping tomorrow will be more of the same. |
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Day 24 - Sounko - Exploring Daisetsuzan National Park
When I awoke this morning there was plenty of blue sky. I had a walk to the ropeway and went up the mountain at 6am. The views were just breathtaking. I spent a good few hours walking and exploring Daisetsuzan National Park. It is the biggest park in Japan and contains a series of mountains.
By mid morning I had finished exploring and headed back to town. I got an early lunch and had a walk back to the campsite. Later on I had a walk to the other onsen, at the far side of town.
Tomorrow hoping weather will be like today so I can have a fun hill climb.
By mid morning I had finished exploring and headed back to town. I got an early lunch and had a walk back to the campsite. Later on I had a walk to the other onsen, at the far side of town.
Tomorrow hoping weather will be like today so I can have a fun hill climb.