← Back to all stories

Wakkanai to Asahikawa — today is just south, all day. The route is the Ororon Line, Route 232 along the Sea of Japan. Roughly 200 km of coastline from Wakkanai to Rumoi, a road riders love.

The Ororon Line — straight south

Out of Wakkanai and the coastal road begins. Sea of Japan on the left, open plain on the right. Almost no traffic lights, and once you reach Teshio, the view opens to the horizon. The same feeling I had on the SR400 — back again on the XSR900.

Today I skipped the sightseeing stops and rode through. Fatigue is catching up; by the time I reached Asahikawa, "just sleep" was the mood. That's fine. Tomorrow is the last day.

Asahikawa night — izakaya "Kogorō"

Checked in at a hotel in central Asahikawa, walked the streets looking for dinner. I went into "Kogorō." A sign reading "Kita-no-Tsukuri-dokoro" — a local-feeling izakaya.

Ikura-don at Kogorō
Ikura-don at Kogorō. Big grains, a satisfying pop in every bite.
Fried plate at Kogorō
Fried plate at Kogorō. The sauce coats it well.
Exterior of izakaya Kogorō
Kita-no-Tsukuri-dokoro "Kogorō." The purple sign is the marker.

Warm vibe of a place, and the food is solid. After nearly a week of riding, the fatigue lets go a little in a place like this. If you find yourself in Asahikawa, recommend stopping in.

Today's stops

1
Ororon Line (Route 232)
Sea of Japan coastal route from Rumoi to Wakkanai, Hokkaido. About 200 km. Few traffic lights, expansive scenery.
2
Kita-no-Tsukuri-dokoro Kogorō
Around 2-jō 6-chōme, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido / Izakaya with sashimi, sushi, and grilled dishes. Warm atmosphere — recommended.