How to get to the "Moss Corridor" - Walking around Lake Shikotsu from the northern lake -

"Moss Corridor"

How could such a landscape be created? I was glued to the scenery I saw in a magazine.

Today's Nagu-Nagu Tourist (Nagu-Tour tour will guide you to the otherworldly wonderland, the "Moss Corridor".

What is the Moss Corridor? How do I get there? Where is the parking lot?
I will answer those questions.

Now, the trip from Tomakomai to the Lake Shikotsu area
begins!

Today, I'll be sending this with lots of photos!

Full of Autumn Leaves

National Route 276 connects the accommodation area of Tomakomai with Lake Shikotsu. The autumn leaves were so beautiful that it felt like you could enjoy just this road for a whole day. This national highway has a dedicated bicycle path running parallel to the road, allowing you to ride your bike leisurely through tunnels of autumn leaves and over carpets of fallen leaves.

Unfortunately, this time I am traveling by rental car.
Approaching Lake Shikotsu. To get to the Moss Corridor, it is convenient to park your car at the "Morappu No. 1 Parking Lot" near Morappu Tarumae-so. Let's stop by the restroom here as well.

To the Moss Corridor

The Moss Corridor is not a maintained site. You need to walk along a wild path to reach it, so be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, bring rain gear, and some water and food. And don't forget your bear bell.

Also, these are delicate natural formations. It is my earnest wish that you follow proper etiquette. I hope that the number of restricted areas does not increase any further...

Alright! Are you ready?
Let's go!

Once you leave the parking lot, head west along the lake to reach National Route 453. However, the national highway has no sidewalk and is dangerous to walk on. There is a walking path maintained between the highway and the lake, so please walk there.

Keep walking along the side path for about 20 minutes. Once you pass Shikotsu-Kobashi Bridge and cross Tarumae Bridge, it's a sign that the side path is getting close, so be careful.
And when you see a bridge structure on your left, turn off the side path and go under the bridge (Monbetsu Bridge).

'Are you sure this is the right way?' my wife muttered as she walked beside me.

Her eyes, turned toward me, held 30% doubt and 70% anxiety mixed with trust.
Are we really going this way? she muttered again.

Yes.

I nodded firmly.
A leader must not waver.

We move forward.

Walking through a pathless path, a dried-up stream bed.

Suddenly,

Rustle.

A sound was heard.

I stopped and listened intently.

Rustle.

I strain my eyes in the direction of the sound.

Phew, just a squirrel...

I ring the bear bell attached to my backpack for no reason.

A silent world.
Only the sound of our footsteps on the fallen leaves echoes.

After walking for about 30 to 40 minutes

The green walls gradually get higher,
and I finally feel confident that I'm on the right path.
I'm getting excited now!

and the moss corridor continues no matter how far you go.

It's a green labyrinth.

Splosh!

When I visit a place for the first time that has a bit of a thrill, my adrenaline starts gushing out like a "pear juice splash."

Once you experience this pleasure, the planned fear (predictable harmony) of things like roller coasters starts to feel underwhelming. That is the moment you become addicted to travel.

Now, before we run into a bear...

Let's wrap up the morning session.

Wow!

Did you actually meet a bear! (lol)

Well, it was during the afternoon session. When I came out of the restroom, there was a stuffed bear...

Now, for the afternoon session, the final lake.

The hint photo was this one, wasn't it? I wonder where it is~

I'm going to enjoy myself right up until the moment I board the plane on the final day~ Finally, next time, the Hokkaido arc concludes!

Stay tuned!

(To be continued...)

Click here to read from the beginning