{"id":31370,"date":"2017-12-08T08:00:13","date_gmt":"2017-12-07T23:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=31370"},"modified":"2024-11-25T22:22:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T13:22:31","slug":"eastern-hokkaido-autumn-colours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/eastern-hokkaido-autumn-colours\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Nature and the Autumn Colours of Koshimizu-cho, Eastern Hokkaido"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Autumn in Hokkaido? Why wouldn’t you!? The first place that koyo<\/em><\/strong> (autumn colours) hits Japan<\/strong> is in the northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido.<\/strong> I was able to experience just a fraction of Hokkaido’s\u00a0autumnal charm\u00a0by exploring the small town of Koshimizu-cho<\/strong> (\u5c0f\u6e05\u6c34\u753a), and its neighbouring lake,\u00a0Lake Tofutsu<\/strong> \u00a0(\u30c8\u30a6\u30d5\u30c4\u6e56), designated a Ramsar Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Autumn
Autumn Surrounds Lake Tofutsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Koshimizu-cho<\/strong> is a quiet\u00a0town of just 5,000 people along the Sea of Okhotsk<\/strong> in e<\/b>astern Hokkaido.<\/strong> Its town centre is only a 10 minute drive from Lake Tofutsu<\/a><\/strong> and the Abashiri Quasi National Park,<\/strong> making it the perfect place to set-up camp and start exploring. With approximately one in five people here working in agriculture<\/b>, it is Koshimizu’s main industry.\u00a0You know what this means, right? Fresh,\u00a0local<\/strong>\u00a0food!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Koshimizu-cho\"
Koshimizu-cho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I will be showing you the highlights of my autumn fun<\/strong> in Koshimizu. From driving<\/strong> around the scenic highlands,<\/strong> to cycling<\/strong> past Japanese cranes,<\/strong> and even picking some yams for a barbecue!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autumn in Hokkaido is Wonderful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sure, Japan is world famous for its cherry blossom (sakura) season; the 2-3 week period where waves of pink sweep the country from south to north. But<\/span> I personally<\/span><\/span> prefer the gold<\/strong> that autumn<\/strong> brings to the pinks of spring. Autumn is warmer, it lasts longer and, best of all, <\/span>the glorious countryside<\/strong> bursts with an array of colours, from the deepest reds to the serenest greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you have never experienced a Japanese summer, imagine feeling like you need to have a shower all day. <\/em>Autumn means cooler weather! Yes please!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Golden
Golden Autumn in Koshimizu-cho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cycling with Koshimizu’s Autumn Leaves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is perhaps no better way to inhale everything that autumn offers than cycling.<\/strong> Driving is outrageously easy around Koshimizu,<\/strong> but cycling means you can stop as much as you want, go off the beaten track and really <\/em>take your time. Electric bicycles<\/strong> can be rented from Koshimizu Tourism Association, and I picked mine up just next to Hama-Koshimizu Station (Koshimizu’s closest train station).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I cycled at the end of October and was blessed with bright, clear skies and 16\u00baC. The clothes you will need depend dramatically upon the weather conditions. Lower temperatures will require thermals, gloves, scarves and more. Note: You will be provided with a helmet!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other items I recommend include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n