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Published: July 19th 2013
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Hokkaido Summary
Two weeks in Hokkaido, Japan, is not enough. We set off in Furano, which is just left of the centre of the island and worked our way around the mountains to the far NE corner. Obviously, we only scratched the surface of the province and I am amazed at how big Japan is. The country is very prosperous and up to date with almost everything being available. The cars and lorries are in good condition, as are the houses. There are a few poor looking houses,and a few derelict ones, but most I would say, are no more than 40 yrs old. You could call the NE area the land of the loading shovel and fork lift truck since they are found everywhere, no doubt also in abundance to deal with the winter snow, which lasts from October to April. Very few coolies are to be seen working in the fields, only the odd old person on their plot. Farming looks very prosperous with very tidy farms, good buildings and modern machinery everywhere The factories also look modern and newish buildings. Fishing looks very good too with many boats, all well presented. The fishing villages do not look
Board Walk
Shiretoko Lakes quite as good as the rest, but that seems to be the norm anywhere. The roads have few potholes so, in that respect, are much better than ours at the moment. However, many in the country districts have grooves/gaps crossing the full width which I think are expansion cracks. These are not very good on a bike with the constant jarring but not as bad as potholes. The mountain scenery and coastlines are absolutely stunning and it is a pleasure to cycle around due to the low density of traffic and courteousness of the drivers. The general population is courteous and most will do all they can to help with a lot of bowing. On the train the ticket collector bows on entering the carriage and utters something like a welcome to the passengers and then bows on his way out. The trains set off EXACTLY on time. Their Onsens (hot spring baths) which are heated with natural hot water from the volcanic fissures in the earth are a real pleasure and soothing, especially after a days cycling. This also applies to the hot sands and rivers that we encountered in Kussharoko. The cost of goods are just slightly more
than at home in the regions, with the exception of clothing, some of which appears more expensive. The Japanese traditional meals are really something to praise. The fayre is exotic and usually contains fish, pork, rice and noodles. It is not high in carbohydrates and does not contain much sugar, so making it nutritious and healthy. Even basic Japanese food is much healthier than that of most other nations, which is a possible reason why everyone looks so slim. Vehicle fuel is about 70% the cost of ours and the standard of living appears to be high, a strong work ethic with education being a high priority. I do believe, however, that the expectations put on people is causing stress and suicides, which is not a good thing of course.
Japan is the most advanced Asian country I have visited and well worth a visit, especially by bicycle.
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