Kiyosato, Shari, Utori, via 5 Lakes 92km

We climbed 310 steps up to an observation tower that looked out over Mt Shari, back to Lake Kussharo and all around. It was then a smooth flat ride from Kiyosato to Shari, where we did a bit of food shopping before heading along a lovely coastal road dotted with waterfalls. We are our lunch on a driftwood and litter strewn pebble beach and then continued on to Utori where we found the campsite. As with many Japanese campgrounds, it was up a steep hill. Andrea and I decided after a rest to ride on up the northern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula to the 5 lakes site, Simon was tired, so stayed at the campground. The route included two big climbs on the way out, and much the same on the return. It was worth it, as the views and surrounding forest were spectacular. When back in Utori we collected some beers at the bottom of the hill and returned to camp to celebrate Simon's last night with us. He was returning to Shari to catch the train to Chitose and flying back home. We rode all around town trying to find an open restaurant, and found many others doing the same!! We ended up enjoying takeaway from Seicomart on the big walls at the massive port area, surrounded by massive basalt outcrops.Read more