I hadn’t mentioned in yesterday’s post that Honbetsu campground is definitely one of the better ones we’ve stayed at in Hokkaido. Lush grass, mature trees, and obviously popular among the locals.
Soon after we left the campground, it was clear it was going to be a scorcher of a day. We really had it all on this trip…cold in Nemuro, wet for the last few days, and now scorching hot in the sun.
Perhaps understandably, this area of Hokkaido is famous for its vineyards. Tokachi wine is a big Japanese wine brand, and as far as the taste is concerned, it is a fairly passable drop.
The area west of Honbetsu is well and truly Tokachi. In addition to the wine, the area is known as being the vege basket of Hokkaido. The atmosphere is very much “comfortably well off farming”.
Cashing in on this image is the very upmarket Tokachi Hills gardens. Haidee had found this on a Google search of the region, and despite the stiff 20 minute climb up to the attraction, it was well worth the visit. Not so kind on the wallet, however, as their sweet treats were all too tempting for two sugar-deprived cyclists.
Our destination for the day was to be Memuro Town, and a campground next to the Arashiyama Ski Resort. Obviously the skiing wasn’t happening at this time of year, but the attached hotel and hot spring spa would be open…a worthy goal for the day.
The scenery for the last 30km or so along quiet country lanes was quintessential Hokkaido. Big skies…
Harvest scenes…
and traffic-free roads.
We arrived at the Coropokkuru-no-sato Campground on dusk. Like a few other nights on this trip, the mosquitoes were out in force, so we decided to head over to the ski resort for an onsen, and decided that if they had a cafeteria, we would eat there. Their cafeteria was awesome. Big portions for both of us for around 800 yen (US$8) each, and were a happy duo.
We also availed ourselves of their coin laundry, doing a large load of well-needed washing.
