The Final Week of Our Hammock Camping Journey
~ Adventure by Ashlynn and Val ~
We went from Akita to Wakkanai. Ever since I had seen a Japanese animation I had wanted to visit the most northern point of Japan as it had been featured on many an anime flick. Wakkanai has a monument about an hour outside of the city that marks the most northern point. Ending our mainland travel by going from the south to the north was mind-boggling to say the least. We traveled from Wakkanai to Sapporo where we set up one of our last urban camping spots in Nakajima Park by Hassoan.
Northernmost Point of Japan
Our Nubé and Hammocks in Sapporo Nakajima Park by Hassoan
Sapporo Nakajima Park
To round out our Island hopping plan, we visited the last of the four main islands, Shikoku. We traveled over the only bridge that connects the main island of Honshu with that of Shikoku by train. The ride was even on a sleeper train, which we really wanted to experience, and we were just in luck, we each had our own bunk! We originally planned to bike across the Shimanami Kaido which is a bike/pedestrian bridge that goes from Imabari to Onomichi. Instead, we ended up traveling the same route by bus, as we were a little short on time. At the transfer site we found an amazing vending machine that basically materialized a fabulous banana ice for 200¥ or about $2! It was fantastic.
A beautiful gardenia on Shikoku Island
Wind chimes in a Shikoku Mura village
We had been trying to hit so many cities during this last week that is was hard to keep them all straight! We went from Sapporo to Okayama, Okayama to Takamatsu to Imabari to Onomichi to Mitaka. We visited a well-known Japanese anime exibit, Sailor Moon, and then found a the best option around to set up camp. It was basically in an apartment complex. But later, a lovely park in Mitaka, Tokoyo made up for it!
Nubé and Hammocks in Okayama Park Apartment
Nubé and Hammocks in Mitaka, Tokyo Inokashira Park
After this final travel adventure, we headed back to Tokyo for a stay at a capsule hotel and some souvenir shopping before heading to the airport. After leaving the capsule hotel we saw a lot of Tokyo-ites dragging their suitcases with them. It had become a regular site to see many people walking around with suitcases. It helps them when shopping as they are easier to manage when getting on and off trains, and going up and down stairs or escalators, which are everywhere around Tokyo and most of Japan.
Shopping with suitcases
After some last moment shopping around Tokyo we headed to Narita Airport and eventually lift off. Our last official photo for our first excursion overseas was a photo of downtown Seattle and the Space Needle Seattle. Coming home was a lot different since we saw everything in a different light, and a new perspective. The way only traveling gets you to question and experience new things and allows you to make new assessments about your own Country, State, City, and life choices!
Seattle welcomes us back home!
SMr Camping Gear Used on This Adventure:
