Hokkaido
Sapporo Nakajima Koen
Although the trip to Hokkaido was planned it was based on the Autumn color schedule posted by Japan Travel. I guess nature does not check the Japan Travel website as we missed the full color by about 7 to 10 days.
The trip started with driving from our home in Yokosuka in Kanagawa to Aomori to catch the ferry. As there is no bridge or tunnel to Hokkaido one of the ferries is the only option for those driving. The ferry took us to Muroran where our short visit to Hokkaido starts.
Day 1 had us going to Shin-Noboribetsu Bridge but alas the autumn leaves were past their prime so no real photo opportunity. Then to Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley for the volcanic vents and hot springs. This also included Oyunuma Pond and Lake Kuttara. This was followed by a couple of site stops that sounded better then they turned out to be. That night we stayed at the best RV park that we have been to so far, RV Park Flower Road Eniwa.
Day 2 has us heading to Sandan no taki, Rarumanai taki and Haku Sen no taki (waterfalls) then on to Sapporo. The first stop in Sapporo was Nakajima Koen (park) which turned out to be awesome as it was the only place still in full autumn colors. The last stop of the day was Heiwa no taki then to the RV park.
Day 3 is the first day of rain. This caused us to modify our plans as walking in cold rain is not a top item on my to do list. We still managed to find a couple of things to do - Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery and Yoichi Smoked Foods Shop. Because of the weather the big item for the day got skipped, Shimamui Coast and its nature trails. so off to the first night in a hotel.
Day 4 we wake to rain so we decide to just head straight to Hokodate. The rain stops in time for us to stop at Lake Konuma for a nice stroll. Then on to one of the main attractions of the trip, Goryokaku which is the European style fortification in Hakodate.
Day 4 and it is raining again so we took the ferry back to Aomori to start the journey home. A trip to Aomori without visiting Oirase gorge would be incomplete. Autumn colors were, once again, already past but was still worth the trip.
Days 5 and 6 were the trip home with small uneventful stops along the way.