The 20th Anniversary BROMPTON MEETING in Hokkaido @Lake Toya

The 20th Anniversary BROMPTON MEETING in Hokkaido, by Shugakuso bike shop, was held at Lake Toya. More than 60 Bromptons came to get together and enjoyed the ride around the lake (approx. 40km). What a beautiful day and wonderful fellows! Big thanks to Mademoiselle Kihara and her colleagues of Shugakuso Bike Shop.

Brompton snow ride in Mt. Hakkoda, Aomori prifecture.

Brompton and I went out for a snow ride in Mt. Hakkoda. Mt. Hakkoda, situated at the northern end of Japan's main island, is famous for terrible snow storm in winter. 

In order to ride on the snow road, Brompton was equipped with Schwalbe Winter, a pair of 16-inch stud tires.

Arriving at Aomori airport, I hurried up to Sukayu hot spring lodge by car. 

Sukayu is famous for deep snow, usually reaches 3 to 5 meters in winter. Snowfall beyond 1 meter over night is quite common here. Snowfall recorded 538 cm high in one day on Feb. 26, 2013. A good place to experience a snow adventure as well as nice hot spring.

The lodge is a historic hot spring accommodating people for the past 200 years.

Sukayu lodge preserves its historic wooden bath house and bath tab.  Hot spring here is extremely fresh because it directly comes out from the bottom of bath tab. Yes, the bath house is build just on the natural hot spring.

Let's go out for a snow ride! Please watch a movie below.

While road was completely covered with snow, Schwalbe winter tires ensure a comfortable ride.

However, it's too cold. Strong snow storm blew with wind speed of over 10 meters per second.

Due to deep snow, I can't continue to ride any more. I started to push Brompton.

Finally Brompton and I arrived the distination, Hakkoda Hotel. 

Receptionist opened the door to invite me in.

I had a lunch reservation at the main dining.

Wonderful meals awaited me. bon appetit.

Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall

Shiretoko is a special place even for Japanese.

Shiretoko means 'end of the earth' in Ainu language. Because of this rich and beautiful nature, Shiretoko is UNESCO's World Heritage site.

Do you know Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall? It is waterfall but at the same time hot spring!

Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall is a hot spring river coming out from Iwo Mountain located in the mid of Shiretoko Peninslar. Watching from the sea, you can see the valley dividing the Iwo Mountaint from the summit to sea shore.

If you get closer,...

The last (hot) waterfall is dropping directly into the sea.

Then, let's go to a trail through a forest. You may meet a wild fox if you are lucky.

I was lucky...

Arrived at Kamuiwakka. Starting to climb the waterfall.

Arrived in one of the fall pods. Temprature was very nice, about 36-40 degree centigrate.

A waterfall trip ended up here. It used to be one of Japan's ultimate hot spring destinations. However, the upper part beyond the point, most spectacular section of the river, has been closed to the public due to the danger of falling rocks.









It's really a secret place where you can visit only during a short summer. The forest path only opens from late June to October because of weather. Only permitted car can enter during high season. However, any time it's open to Brompton and other bikes.

Shuttle Bus Shiretoko Goko Parking → Kamuiwakka
Distance:　10.6km
Maximum difference of an elevation:　119m
Average inclination:　total 0%　ascent 4.9%　descent 4.1%
Gained elevation:　ascent 178m　descent 176m
http://latlonglab.yahoo.co.jp/route/watch?id=55271e0641be704e9a1e9bff0ff5f6c3

Shiretoko National Park Nature Center
http://center.shiretoko.or.jp/en/

Trip Advisor: Kamui Wakka no Taki Falls
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1120888-d1384206-Reviews-Kamui_Wakka_no_Taki_Falls-Shari_cho_Shari_gun_Hokkaido.html