Cycling to Kimobetsu, Hokkaido

  

Summer is one of the most active seasons for outdoor activities. But during this time, it's hard to invite family and friends for an outing or overnight camp. There's at least one sport though, that can give you an excuse to go out and have fun on your own.

So if you're bored and want to enjoy the hot, summer weather before it ends, how about cycling? 🚲😃

One of the best places to hit the road with a bicycle is found in the rural areas of Japan. Hokkaido has numerous spots to be explored and enjoyed on all seasons. You can venture out in the wild, climb mountains and speed downhill with your mountain bike, or relax while you pass by tranquil streams and rivers. 

 

Shiribeshi River

 

In an early morning around 5, I quickly got up and wore my cycling gear and head to the neighborhood town called Kimobetsu. Kimobetsu is one of the small territories of Shiribeshi and is a 15-minute drive from my hometown, Kyogoku. But since I would be using my roadbike, this 11-kilometer distance would take about an hour and a half. 

 

 

A wide field of sunflowers greets me early in the morning

 

The travel route I took showed me to a lot of interesting views. From tall bridges overlooking the Shiribeshi River, to lush forests, the view of Mount Yotei and Mount Kimobetsu, to discovering a shrine along the way.  I was especially fascinated by the shrine during my journey.  I found out it was named after Kimobetsu, and is the center for worship among the locals living there. The shrine had about 70 steps to get you to the main entrance. I left my bike from the ground and took the stairs to spend some time to explore and meditate at the shrine. 

Kimobetsu Town

This huge tori caught my attention which led to my curiosity

A few more steps to go!

Kimobetsu Shrine

Afterwards, I moved on and discovered a small park called Kimobetsu Chomin Park. It had a park golf, a playground, and even a koi pond. The koi pond was my favorite as there were a number of large, colorful carps in there. What was more interesting was that I could feed them with some of my biscuits that I kept in my backpack. 

Kimobestu Chomin Park

Children's Playground

Park Golf Entrance

 

Hey, fishies! Want some of my cookies?

 

 

There is a gazebo available in the area as well, for those who'd like to linger and read a book. I spent about an hour there and picked up my "Under the Dome" pocketbook by Stephen King and enjoyed my quiet time.

At about an hour before lunch, I headed back to Kyogoku for some fresh soba along the way. It was an enjoyable day indeed!

Kimobetsu Shrine 喜茂別神社

Address: 323 Kimobetsu, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0201

Website:  https://hokkaidojinjacho.jp/

Google Map:  https://goo.gl/maps/H5p6nWuJkZYCyzodA

Rate: 🌟🌟🌟

 

 

Kimobetsu Chomin Park   喜茂別町民公園

Address:  89 Aikawa, Kimobetsu, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0215

Website: http://kimobetsu-ta.p-kit.com

Rate: 🌟🌟🌟🌟