Travel Japan - Japan Package Tours, Cheap Flights to Japan, Japan Hotels and Japan Rail Pass

One of the best trips I have to say in my time in Japan was getting up to the Northern area of Hokkaido, around Memambetsu, and then driving to the edge of Shiretoko National Park then back down through Akan to Kushiro. I definitely recommend driving as the public transport is very limited. The island is easy to drive around too, well sign posted with an abundance of wide straight roads.

I drive along the coastline from Memambetsu to Abashiri and Shari before arriving at Utoro. Utoro is located at the bottom of ShiretokoNational Park. I stayed at great ryokan ` Kitakobushi’, which had a lavender onsen, massive buffet and spacious rooms with picturesque views of the ocean.

Out my window was a fishery which caught thousands of salmon each morning. Boat after boat docked, unloaded the hordes then sailed back out. This area is especially famous for crab so I was very excited to hit the buffet and see the crab legs piled up for eating!!!

Endless goodness!!!

I think one thing that I will always remember about this ryokan was when we checked out. One of the staff waited for us to get in our car and as we drove off, she bowed and stayed at a 90 degree angle until we were out of sight! Customer service is second to none in this country.

Hokkaido is being increasingly popular for its flower fields. If you are able to make it to Furano in Spring, you will be touched by vast fields of mauve for as far as the eye can see. They even have lavender goods, ranging from more common products like perfumes and pouches for your drawers to the more unusual like ICECREAM!!

Whilst driving between Abashiri and Utoro, I just stumbled across this beautiful and immaculately placed flower field.

Even though Niseko in Hokkaido is probably the most famous city to visit in Winter to ski for Aussie’s, areas like Furano, Rusutsu and Shiretoko are fast becoming Spring and Summer destinations perfect for the families, independent travelers or groups.

During Summer in Japan (June to October in Australia) we offer a great 4 Day Trip of Eastern Hokkaido, so please contact us at Travel Japan for further detail!

This is just the beginning for this trip of mine so please keep an eye out for the second part `Day Two’ as I continue my way along the coast than inland!!

Sakura