Horokanai → Sapporo Road Trip (Hokkaido, Japan)
00:00 Horokanai
00:49 Uryu
01:19 Keiun Tuji ( calligrapher and poet) Gallery
02:02 Moerenuma Park
02:47 Yurigahara Park
Traveling through Hokkaido offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern innovation, as I discovered on my journey from Horokanai to Sapporo. The trip began with a drive through the picturesque soba (buckwheat) fields of Horokanai, where the white blossoms of the soba plants create a snow-like illusion, leading locals to say the area experiences two seasons of snow. Unfortunately, by October, the soba flowers had faded, leaving only brown stems behind, waving goodbye to the missed soba spectacle.
The road led to Uryu Michinoeki (Road Station) renowned for its impeccably clean facilities, where technology meets hygiene. Each toilet is equipped with a sink complete with soap, water, and a dryer, all activated with a simple hand gesture. This marvel of cleanliness left a lasting impression.
In Uryu Michinoeki (Road Station), I encountered the legacy of Keiun Tujii, a calligrapher and poet whose works are displayed in a gallery that welcomes visitors free of charge. Uryu Wetland is in Ramsar list. Probably his works based on the life through this area`s nature. This cultural gem offers a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region.
Arriving in Sapporo, the journey continued to Moerenuma Park, a testament to the transformative power of design and sustainability. Once a waste treatment plant, the park now stands as a green oasis, featuring the Glass Pyramid, designed by Isamu Noguchi, sculpture artist. This structure utilizes the natural energy of snow to regulate its temperature, showcasing the innovative spirit of Sapporo.
The city’s international connections are celebrated in Yurigahara Park, where some gardens designed in honor of Sapporo’s sister cities—Portland, Munich, and Shenyang—flourish. Although the autumn visit meant the flowers were past their prime, the presence of a fox added a touch of wildlife to the urban landscape.
————
Useful links for visiting the areas.
Horokanai Michinoeki (Road Station)
Uryu Michinoeki (Road Station)
Moerenuma Park
https://moerenumapark.jp/english/
Yurigahara Park
https://yuri-park.jp/english/overview/