2026.06.20

Early Summer in Eastern Hokkaido


* Ezokisuke/Yezo daylily, a typcal native variety in the coastal wildflower gardens between Abashiri and Nemuro, including the one in Koshimizu.

 
At this time of year, Hokkaido—where we live—delights our senses wherever we go.
Eastern Hokkaido (commonly known as “Dōtō”) is particularly renowned for its majestic scale of nature. In the middle of the freezing winter, people go there to see the Okhotsk Sea covered with drift ice and/or to enjoy smelt fishing on frozen Lake Akan.


* Cape Kiritappu whose official name is Cape Tofutsu. Mother and cub sea otters can be observed in this season.

 
However, now is the time that this region shows totally different profiles-the harmony of sky and sea known as “Okhotsk Blue,” big farmlands full of vigorously growing crops, pastures where dairy cows graze, forests cloaked in vibrant gradation of greens, primeval wildflower parks and fields (ready for) bursting with colorful flowers, breathtaking sunset views, and without forgetting, the dynamic encounter with wildlife in Nemuro Strait which includes Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site. You will understand that this region is almost surreal, if you know its winter.


* Nemuro Strait is apparently an important segment in the migration route for Orcas/Killer Whales. Bird species like sheawaters also come from south-eastern Australia (One way distance: approx. 10,000 km!) Amazaing!

 


* (Replica) A delicate femal figurine made of ivory unearthened from a ruin of the “Okhotsk Culture”

 
While there are 12 airports across Hokkaido that serve passenger flights, the eastern Hokkaido region has five of them dedicated exclusively to domestic flights: Kushiro-Tancho, Tokachi-Obihiro, Memanbetsu, Nemuro-Nakashibetsu, and Okhotsk-Monbetsu. If you prefer to travel by land, trains and long-distance buses connecting to major cities and towns (especially from Sapporo) are also available.


* Beniya wildflower garden with blooming rugosa roses (Hamatonbetsu town)

 
Once you arrive there, I am sure you’ll discover your own magical moments and scenery unique to the short early summer of Eastern Hokkaido.


* No words needed…

 
K Mina
 

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