Going from Tokyo to my wife's family home in the Hokkaido countryside is always a fascinating study in contrasts. One example will sum it up: I went for a walk (with the camera, needless to say) for half an hour or thereabouts, and I think I saw about ten people in all. In order to do that in Tokyo, I'd have to be walking around with my eyes closed 99 per cent of the time.

So this (and the following - themed - article) are a record of a brief but pleasant break from the generally urban vibe of Tokyo. (I like Tokyo a lot, but it's even better when you contrast it with what is in many ways its polar opposite). Hope you enjoy these.

Firstly, the not-obligatory-but-sorely-tempting "shot from the plane" picture.

I couldn't state precisely where that is, other than "in between Tokyo and Hokkaido". But from here on it's all Hokkaido, all the way.

EPSON DSC Picture

EPSON DSC Picture

EPSON DSC Picture

EPSON DSC Picture

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

EPSON DSC Picture

EPSON DSC Picture

The second part should be up next week and will give me a chance to throw in an allusion to one of my favourite writers.

Thanks for looking!