Daisetsuzan National Park
It was shame that it rained for the first three days of the tour. The pictures below were taken mainly on Day 3 and Day 4 of the tour.
Day 2. While it was raining dogs and cats outside at Sounkyo, Chris and I took the opportunity to sample some of the local ramen (Japanese noodles). I had the local Asahikawa-styled Ramen and Chris had some Miso (bean paste) Ramen, I think. It was a nice way to enjoy the evening after soaking in a local onsen (hot spring) for about 500 yen.
Day 3. On Route 273 our way to Mikoku Pass at over 1,100m above sea level. This stretch of road wound its way through some very beautifully forested mountains in the Daisetsuzan National Park. Only if it wasn't so rainy and misty, we may have been able to see more. As it was, the scenery that we saw as we rode through the area certainly made it worthwhile being out that day, rain or no rain.
This picture was also taken on Route 273 just a kilometre shy of Mikoku Pass. It may give you a little idea of the beautiful scenery that we enjoyed while slowly making our way up to the pass. We were soaked to the bones (but you don't notice it when it's hot), but we were just happy to be out cycling in the Hokkaido wilderness.
At Mikoku Pass (Tunnel). After this picture was taken we had a lot of fun going downhill for the next 10km or so. No pedalling and we were cruising at speeds of between 40-50km / h. I guess that why I like climbing on my bike as I know at the end of a hard climb there is always the exhilarating downhill ride!
Day 4. Lake Nukabira and this stunning view of Hokkaido at its best was only 400 metres from our campsite! I wish I could wake up to a view like this every morning.
Our campsite at Lake Nukabira. The ground was still very soggy from the last three days of rain, but at least it was bright and sunny on Day 4.