Wonderful Hokkaido (part 1)

Do you know who the first Japanese astronaut is? The answer is Mamoru Mohri. He was born in Yoichi, a wonderful town in Hokkaido. Yoichi is not only famous due to birthplace of the first cosmonaut from Japan, but also it provides a lot of attractive things that are heavily recommended to experience.
In middle of June 2015, I and my lab mates had a chance to travel in west side of Sapporo. Yoichi is the first town that we visited. Located in on the southeastern of the Shakotan peninsula, Yoichi is close to some municipalities such as Otaru, Niki, Akaigawa, and Furubira. Additionally, it is also attributed to Nikka Whisky, a predominant alcoholic beverage in Japan. Furthermore, fresh fish-based foods are also the most interesting part in Yoichi. Fresh Salmon with a unique texture and white lines on the meat and salmon eggs (ikura) are indispensable. To taste this food, we visited Kakizaki, a combination of seafood restaurant and fresh fish market. Itokodon is a great menu here, although it is less famous than another fresh salmon-added food.

Itokodon in Yoichi

Mishima "pink blossom" garden

 The next destination is Kutchan town (Niseko). We visited “a pink garden”, attributed to the pink color of Shibazakura which covers the garden. Mr. Kazuo Mishima has created this garden and dedicated it for public recreation. No entry charge is given for all visitors. Mishima Garden is like a man-made heaven, blanketed in magnificent Shibazakura (pink moss) blossoms. Furthermore, a tremendous landscape combined with Mt. Yotei panorama mesmerize tourists and bring them great happiness. However, it was so cloudy which “hide” the mountain. This spot was even attended by one couple for wedding pictures (do you want to try?).
Unfortunately, full attraction of these pink blossoms is not available all years. I think May and June are the best time for coming here where tiny pink Shibazakura flowers will blanket this area. For this reason, making a good plan and scheduling is required. 

Enjoy the trip