Riding into Wild Hokkaido #2

Another Fairfield by Marriott Hotel

We have become fans of the Fairfield by Marriott chain of hotels in Japan. They create a welcoming communal space, comfortable rooms and a great price, well below its competitors. We will stay at the Naganuma Fairfield tonight which is set in the countryside with a Michi no Eki directly behind it. As always, the hotel celebrates its location by featuring books, photos and crafts from the area. The following photos show a few Ainu pieces..

Ainu wooden Plate with traditional carving.

This is a first…a special storage building for bikes. Well built with a heat pump, lockers for valuables and a place to sit. 👍

It is incredible…secure parking in and out, lockers for valuables.

Before heading out, we stopped by the Michi no Eki behind the hotel as today is Farm Market day. Japanese people came in car loads and many of them with their dogs. This dog took a liking for Barry and his trike.

Wow, check out this guy with his golden feet and colourful tail. It’s tail reminds me of an ice cream cone, despite where it is!

Food is a bit part of the appeal….farm stalls, food trucks and the Michi. The Osakan specialty, Okonomiyaki..was featured at the truck. It is pictured on the truck bottom left.

The Michi has a building which is used by local farmers on market day. Excellent produce reasonably priced. It is good timing and pure luck that we are here on Market Day..

Haskap plants for sale…also known as the Honeyberry it is an edible honeysuckle native to Canada, Japan and Russia. It is a super berry with high antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and vascular benefits. The “jelly roll” dessert we loved in Tomakomai is made exclusively with Canadian grown Haskap, not Japanese grown. Not sure why, tradition perhaps.

Chives, a tasty suggestion for serving tofu.

Awww, some golden retrievers and a corgi to make our day!

This family must be busy with two Goldens and this energetic little Corgi.

This fellow and his monkey were at the market as well.

Bowing is an important part of daily life in Japan, as this monkey has learned..

When in Hokkaido where ice cream is the best, soft serve is a required part of your diet….so creamy.

In Hokkaido we are seeing more large dogs….these two were lovely.

This fellow was excited to come over and talk. He lives in the area and was out for a day ride. He rode with us until he had to turn off.

This area of Japan is so lush with farms, hills and beautiful countryside. We are on our way to Yubari and those hills are waiting for us. It is a beautiful day.

A decorative use of old milk metal containers.

Cows are always curious and appreciative of attention. Holsteins are my favourite and are part of the great memories I have of my grandfather’s farm in Ontario.

Something special is coming up…not sure what it will be.

Another curious cow who came out of the barn and was so interested to see us on our trikes.

There is a parking lot full of cars and a big line up of people….must be ice cream!

But, first things first…this dog is super excited so this takes priority.

This line up at the farm for ice cream stretches the length of the house.

Love this image of the farm with rice fields in the foreground.

We have made it to Yubari which is famous for the melon grown here. It is renowned for being the best and most expensive in Japan and the world. They are grown in greenhouses and typically one melon can cost between $40and $60. We have read that the most expensive pair of Yubari melon were sold for $45,000.

Every May, the first melons of the season are sold at auction in Sapporo. These are the most expensive melons.

Beware of the Melon Cuma, the melon mascot. It is said that the bear transformed after eating a Yubari melon. This is the entrance to a shop selling melon, fresh and in season.

Yubari was a former industrial town that suffered a crippling recession in the early 2000’s. This decimated the population. At its height, Yubari’s population was 120,000 and today it is about 11,000. It has been revitalized as an extensive and affordable skiing destination, along with the much beloved Yubari melon.

A local specialty…corn chocolate. The coating is Yubari melon chocolate.

Great riding in this beautiful area with low traffic.

One of the many rivers that run through this area.

These can be rented and ridden on railway tracks.

Even manga characters love Yubari melon.

Life size versions of the Yubari mascot has proven to be too much for young children…it makes them cry. This small stuffed toy version is more popular.

Translation regarding the caged melon bear is below.

We are nearing our destination. The river seems to be very high this year.

We have returned to Yubari for the specific reason of revisiting the Hostel here. We chanced upon it during a previous trip to Hokkaido and it was a highlight for us. Miwa and her mother run this hostel and cook the meals, while also working on the family farm. All of the food we will eat is sourced from their farm. It is a special place. We will stay 2 nights.

Our first dinner at the Yubari Forest Farm Hostel which includes fresh Yubari melon from their farm. All of the food we will eat here is grown by the family.

Today's ride: 55 km (34 miles)
Total: 2,056 km (1,277 miles)

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