japan day eight – and so it rained

It rains on and off overnight, and we get up to dampness. First up is the climb up and away from Akan Lake, and the rain starts in earnest. As we pedal uphill in the rain many Japanese military vehicles go past us, and I get a few waves and thumbs up. Finally the climb is over, and we descend in a downpour with numb hands. Well mine were getting numb until I switched to mittens. We pass a sign that says it’s 10oC, then enter Toshikaga and huddle in the Seicomart, where all who enter are greeted with deranged cheeriness, and we squelch around in bike shoes that resemble swimming pools for feet.

Fooded up, we cycled onwards to Lake Kussharo, where the proprietor takes pity on us and drops the price of a cabin, so we can afford to stay warm and dry for the night (fronting onto the lake too – luxury… although it’s just a small wooden box with a gas heater, it was home to us). We quickly turn the place into a sauna with wet clothes hanging everywhere. After a dip in the open air onsen by the lake, some dry clothes, and washing my hair in the sink, I almost feel human again.

Location: Akan – Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido, Japan
Distance cycled: 60km