The last day of my recent Hokkaido trip started in Sapporo.
"Boys be ambitious !!"
At Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, there were many tourists lined up in front of the Dr. Clark statue, and it seemed to be customary to take photos in the same pose.
This observation deck offers panoramic views of Sapporo city.
Even though Hokkaido is developed, there aren't many tall buildings due to it being a snowy region, which might be why the wind blowing from Hokkaido's magnificent nature feels so pleasant.
Despite it being mid-summer, the temperature was a comfortable 27℃ on this day.
Sometimes, summer in Hokkaido can be hotter than Okinawa in terms of temperature alone, but it doesn't feel as hot as the thermometer indicates, making it one of the most pleasant places in Japan.
This season offers many activities, including driving and touring, and it truly reinforces how wonderful Hokkaido is...
Lake Shikotsu, about an hour's drive from Sapporo, makes you truly appreciate the sheer scale of Hokkaido.
It looks more like an ocean than a lake.
And its transparency is exceptionally clear and beautiful.
Facing such a beautiful lake, you can't help but be deeply moved.
The mountain roads leading here are also magnificent in their own way, but it feels almost too luxurious to be able to reach such a place in just a short time from the city.
It's hard to imagine this landscape completely covered in snow in winter,
but this trip made me truly understand why summer in Hokkaido is as popular a tourist destination as Okinawa.
Okinawa has its own charm, but as people get older, the heat can become unbearable, and they often seek the healing power of nature.
After seeing this, perhaps my only option for future summer trips will be Hokkaido.
My sense of luxury changes with each trip,
but without a doubt, the luxury I value now is seeing and feeling "magnificent nature."
Let's go to Hokkaido again next time!!