This southeast town of Kushiro was actually the main reason I wanted to come to Hokkaido.
Before returning to Korea in late June 2017, I taught English online. Most of my students were Japanese. I have been able to keep in contact with one former-online-student. She lives in Kushiro now and recommended that I should visit. She offered to show me around herself. We had a few appointment conflicts, but have finally managed to agree and follow through with a date! This is probably why I decided on Japan instead of Mongolia for my summer vacation destination.
Well, we met and toured around on a Sunday. I arrived on Friday night at my hostel. That meant I had Saturday off. From what I could see online, it seemed like there weren't any English-speaking SDA churches in the area. Therefore, I decided to wander around Kushiro on foot--alas, what I do best.
Walking Around Kushiro
I just thought this covered sidewalk looked really cool.
A panoramic view from Nusamai Park. This was taken just above the flower clock.
The Flower clock on the edge of Nusamai Park
A nice light post along Kushiro River
Someone likes The Beatles.
A public footbath near Kushiro river, by Nusamai Bridge.
On a bench at the MOO, looking at Nusamai Bridge and Kushiro river
Lunch at a Thai Restaurant
Oh, Thai? Why not? Even in Japan, I sometimes need a break from Japan itself.
My choice
My choice: before
My choice: after Successful, wouldn't you say?
My dessert? The deep-fried spring roll with banana
I chose well. I didn't even bother with an "after" picture.
Photos of several sunsets from the MOO. I did not see such a sunset that day.
Walking Around Kushiro at Night
KARAOKE! And yes, you can find songs in English, as well as other languages.
Lights from the MOO reflecting on Kushiro River
It was Saturday night. Why is the main road so empty?!
Ah, melon soda . . . Thanks, Greg, for introducing me to this.
Of course, a slideshow of pictures (and video?) from my day wandering around Kushiro on my own.
Next, I'll share my guided day beyond Kushiro. Isn't it wonderful when your guide drives you around?
Yeah, I had fun photographing this place, as you can see in the following pictures.
Wow, the water level is quite high, isn't it?
The cutest and softest husky I had the privilege to meet.
How can you not like that face?
The northern end of Japan's railroad
Small plaque describing the previous photo
I got to touch the northernmost end of Japan's railroad!
Hokkaido is known for its dairy. I am slightly lactose-intolerant, but I find I have fewer issues with dairy in Europe. I wonder if it has anything to do with the EU's high standards. Anyway, I decided to try a bit of Hokkaido's ice cream, in the hopes that Hokkaido's dairy would be like Europe's (and not the State's or Korea's).
Soya's Salty Milk ice cream
My choice has been made.
Soya Salty Milk ice cream
I did not regret my decision.
In case you want to know how much a train ticket to other destinations in Hokkaido cost from Wakkanai.
Dogsled!
That must be a jam-packed weekend.
Back on the train.
You can only go south from here: and that is not a bad thing.
If you noticed from my other Hokkaido posts, I have a video at the end with the pictures (and some videos) I took while at each respective destination.
You can be sure this post will not be an exception.
Here it is, just below.
