For the thrill-seeking traveller in search of sweeping vistas, amazing wildlife (incl. bears), wide open roads and overwhelming emptiness, Hokkaido is a refreshing contrast to the crushing density of Honshu. In fact, the image of cruising across these hinterlands is associated with unfetted freedom in the minds of the Japanese.
After arriving at Hakodate by train from Tokyo, I picked up my rental car and cruised 3000 km around the island for 3 weeks. And it’s all what has been promised above and more.
“We invented beer, right here in Sapporo! Well I guess maybe it came from Germany first, but the Japanese were drinking sake before we came to the rescue!” Haruki from Sapporo
