Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

This time, the travelers are Glen from Australia, Jeremy from the United States, and Jackie from Germany. They quickly board the "Express Shakotan" bus at North 3rd Street Plaza, Akapura, and head towards the final stop, Mukawa.

Lunch at "Jun no Mise," about a 3-minute walk from the Amerika bus stop. It's a popular diner in the area. After a hearty meal, it's dessert time at the nearby "CAFE STAND Mado." The café stand, which looks great for Instagram, is known for its "Shakotan Blue Sundae" topped with salmon monaka.

Since there was still time until check-in, we drove to Cape Kamui. On this day, with very strong winds blowing, Jeremy and Glen went to the tip of the cape, but Jackie decided to wait for the two of them along the way. All three were captivated by the beautiful Shakotan Blue.

Departing from Cape Kamoi, check in at the inn 'Nagomi no Yado Iida' in Shakotan. This guesthouse, renovated from a 100-year-old herring fishing hut, boasts dishes that allow you to fully enjoy the charm of seafood and mountain delicacies from Shakotan.

We headed to the activity company "Shakomaru" in Shakotan for a SUP experience from the morning. Although the weather was good, the waves were a bit high, so we experienced it inside the breakwater. It seems that falling off a stable SUP happens because the person riding it loses balance. If you keep your center of gravity low by sitting in the center of the board, you will hardly fall off. Jeremy, who has good athletic ability, was standing from the beginning, while Glen and Jackie experienced it sitting down the whole time. The three of us paddled along the complex cliffs of the coastline, thoroughly enjoying the Shakotan Blue sea.

After that, to wash off the seawater, we went to a hot spring. Since the nearby "Cape of Shakotan" was closed for the day, we enjoyed the rich brown water at "Furubira Onsen Shiokaze," which also overlooks the Sea of Japan. After this, we will head to Kutchan Town to ride the summer gondola at HANAZONO Resort in Niseko. On the way, we stopped by "Gelato Cafe Mita Farm" in Kyouwa Town for some sweets. The gelato made from fresh milk at Mita Farm, which was established in 1902 (Meiji 35), is the oldest existing farm in Hokkaido. It brings out the original flavor of the milk. The milk from cows that live in a stress-free environment, grazing freely, has a deliciousness without any off-flavors.

The Hanazono area in Kutchan Town is also progressing with development, and new hotels are being constructed one after another. We took the gondola, which is close to its final operation, and in about 6 minutes one way, we traveled from an elevation of 308m to 658m. A magnificent panoramic view spread out beyond the large windows of the cabin, allowing us to enjoy an aerial walk while closely viewing Mount Yotei. After that, on the way back to Shakotan, which took about an hour and a half, we were able to see a beautiful sunset over the Sea of Japan from the car window, and the three of us exclaimed in admiration.

The weather has been nice since the morning, and it looks like it will be hot today as well. After checking out of the accommodation, we headed to "Shakomaru" for today's E-MTB experience. After a briefing on how to ride the E-MTB (especially how to brake) in the facility's parking lot, we set off for a course that lasts about an hour!

The slopes are easy to climb with electric assist, making for a comfortable cycling experience. We stopped by the botanical field of the craft gin "Shakotan Spirit" and received an explanation about the vegetation from the person in charge. The three people interested in plants listened with great curiosity.

Furthermore, after that, we deviated from the planned course and changed to a wild route pushing the E-MTB through the bamboo thicket. Jeremy was overjoyed by the unexpected adventure. At the end of the experience, there was a tent sauna set up on the riverbank. The sauna inside the small tent was steaming hot, and in no time, we were drenched in sweat. After leaving the tent, we jumped into the deep part of the river as a substitute for a cold bath.

After that, we returned to Otaru again on the "Express Shakotan" and checked in at "Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru." The hotel, which has been boldly renovated with a modern sensibility, raised the spirits of the three of us. The atmosphere of the "BAR IGNIS" on the first floor was also nice, and everyone enjoyed their welcome drinks.

Tonight's menu is soup curry, requested by Jackie. On the way to the restaurant, we will visit the North Canal. The "North Canal Night Market 2024 Yummy City" is being held, and the three of us were sparkling with excitement at the night market, where various stalls lined up along the beautifully lit Otaru Canal.

"Crazy Spice," located near the North Canal, is a popular soup curry and Nepalese curry restaurant in Otaru. The interior of the stone building is filled with a tropical atmosphere, and I enjoyed the curry where I could choose my preferred level of spiciness.

It had been drizzling since morning, but by the time we left the hotel, it was pouring. In such weather, we set off from Otaru towards "COAS" in Nishi Ward, Sapporo. Here, we are launching the program "Horse Log," which allows participants to confront their own hearts while facing a bare horse, for the first time in Japan.

It seems that the horses here are not trained to become accustomed to people. Horses with a natural sensitivity serve as mirrors that reflect the true inner selves of the humans in front of them. By facing the horses, each individual's personality emerges.

Three people take turns facing the horse, but what is important during this time is to observe how the other two are experiencing it. Once everyone has finished their horse log, we discuss how we felt during our turn and how we perceived each person's interaction with their horse. Through this, various discoveries are made, and each person's inner self is brought to light. This approximately two-hour program was very well received, and even on the train heading to the disbanding location at Sapporo Station, there was an excited atmosphere. This three-night, four-day trip must have become an unforgettable journey for the three of them.