00:00 Astuta fish market
00:23 Ishikari Michi no Eki
00:56 Rumoi Michi no Eki
01:14 Obira Michi no Eki
01:45 The fisherman`s house
03:37 Haboro Michi no Eki
03:44 Teshio
04:23 Teshio hot spring
Michi no Eki, which are roadside stations that offer various services. They have free parking and 24-hour toilets (not every Mich no Eki), which are very convenient for travelers.
The northern island of Hokkaido, Japan, is a place of stunning natural beauty and a paradise for seafood lovers. I used a rental car and travelled the coast line, from Sapporo to Teshio in October 2023.
Atsuta Bay’s fish market, the freshness and value are undeniable, with the catch going straight from the water to the market. Nearby restaurants, typically open around lunchtime.
The drive from Atsuta to Rumoi is a tunnel marathon, 21tunnels cutting through the landscape. I’ll know more about the inside of a tunnel than I have ever cared to. It’s fascinating to learn about the history of herring fishing along the Sea of Japan coast, even though the herring population has declined since its peak in the early 20th century. The ships between Osaka to those coast line were operated in that era.
Obira’s Michi no Eki is a colorful spectacle, with flags are decorating on the walls and ceiling、each telling a story of the signaling fishing successes to tell the family waiting at the coast, new ship launches and the year’s first catch. The history of herring fishing, which thrived here from 1905 to 1954. A historic fisherman`s house of Mr. Hanada, now a protected national asset, stands as a testament to this rich history. It is next of Michi no Eki. Mr. Hanada employed about 180 fishermen, boat carpenters and blacksmiths. Although time did not allow for a visit inside this time, it remains a recommended stop for those exploring the region. I recall its significance from a previous road trip in 2019.
Haboro’s Michi no Eki offered a sweeter experience with youkan, a Japanese confection that has become a favorite of mine since my last visit. It’s always special to find a local treat that becomes a favorite.
Finally, Teshio, where the sunset over the Sea of Japan is a very quiet and calm. The silhouette of Rishiri Fuji of Rishiri Island on the horizon adds to the picturesque scene. After a day on the road, the local hot spring was a welcome respite, followed by a dinner featuring Teshio’s renowned clams, fresh from the river.
This coastal drive might be fishy, the tunnels might test your patience, but the destinations are nothing short of spectacular.
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Useful links for visiting the areas.
Ishikari Michi no Eki
Rumoi Michi no Eki
Obira Michi no Eki
Haboro Michi no Eki
Teshio MIchi no Eki