Trip Report

Cycling Across Hokkaido, Japan (Day 4): From Hamanaka to Kiritappu

Posted on Aug 18, 2014
2

Posted on Aug 18, 2014

Just a short day today…less than 30km on the bike, but plenty to see, as we spent some time exploring the Kiritappu Wetlands. After getting away from the cow-shaped Motto Kazete campground (we had the place, above, to ourselves), we followed the coast around Hamanaka Bay. The beach would have been perfect for holiday-goers, had it been earlier in August. As it were, I (Rob) was content with a very quick skinny-dip at this very deserted beach.

Last updated Oct 14, 2018

Just a short day today…less than 30km on the bike, but plenty to see, as we spent some time exploring the Kiritappu Wetlands.

Motto Kazete Campground near Hamanaka, Hokkaido, Japan

After getting away from the cow-shaped Motto Kazete campground (we had the place, above, to ourselves), we followed the coast around Hamanaka Bay. The beach would have been perfect for holiday-goers, had it been earlier in August. As it were, I (Rob) was content with a very quick skinny-dip at this very deserted beach.

A beach near Hamanaka, Hokkaido, Japan

Haidee’s very capable Maxx Bikes Pacemaxx touring bicycle kept a keen lookout.

Maxx Bikes Pacemaxx Comfort touring bicycle (Hokkaido, Japan)

Once again, a mainstay for the economy around these parts appeared to be konbu kelp harvesting. A convenience store worker told me that the harvest season was July through October, outside of which many turned to fishing or seasonal contract work such as construction and public works.

Drying seaweed (konbu kelp) near Kiritappu, Hokkaido, Japan

We spent a good part of the day at the Kiritappu Wetlands nature center. This three-story mammoth building had a panoramic view over the wetlands. A perfect place to spend a few hours working on a manuscript I wanted to get completed.

Kiritappu Nature Center overlooking the Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan

The lunch offerings at the NPO-run cafe were amazing: I had a chunky vegetable and chicken curry, for around 800yen (around US$8), and so did Haidee…although we got them to transfer the chicken from her dish to mine…mmmmm….

Lunch at the Kiritappu Nature Center, Kiritappu, Hokkaido, Japan

The rest of the day consisted of nothing more than setting up camp at the excellent (and free) Kiritappu Cape campground, cooking dinner, and having a great long soak at the Kiritappu Onsen (natural hot springs). A nicely restful day.

Route

Comments | Queries | Discussion

2 thoughts on “Cycling Across Hokkaido, Japan (Day 4): From Hamanaka to Kiritappu”

  1. Happy to find your site! We’re planning to do a bicycle tour of Hokkaido this coming summer (2018), and planning this as part of our route. Looking forward to seeing your other posts.
    Kind Regards,
    Jack & Barbra Donachy

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Cycling Across Hokkaido, Japan (Day 4): From Hamanaka to Kiritappu Difficulty Rating

Category

Grade

Points

Strenuousness

Vertical Gain

D

25

Time ascending

D

0

Technicality

Altitude

D

0

Hazards

D

Navigation

D

Totals

25/100

GRADES range from A (very difficult) to D (easy). Hazards include exposure to avalanche and fall risk. More details here. Rating rubric adapted from Hokkaido Yukiyama Guidebook 北海道雪山ガイド.