Spring has arrived in Hokkaido! While it's early for cherry blossoms, we feel the fresh breath of new greenery daily. How about a solo trip for adult women, drawn by the spring warmth? Let's drive to the Shiribeshi area, where you can enjoy 'seeing, buying, and eating'!

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Between housework, work, and childcare... I enjoyed a solo trip, forgetting my busy routine. My mind and body feel refreshed with this free time! This time, I'll suggest a stylish trip unique to adult women. And of course, I won't forget souvenirs for the family!

An SUV that suits the northern land is easy for women to drive! A certain day in March. It was a perfect day for shooting, enveloped in spring-like warmth. This time, the director told me to 'dress stylishly!' The concept is 'a solo trip for adult women.' I wanted to ask for a stylist, but just pairing my favorite spring-colored pumps lifted my spirits. Shedding heavy winter coats and enjoying brighter fashion for spring outings always makes me excited! My travel companion was a shiny new SUV, the X-Trail. Thank you, Sapporo Rent-a-Car, for another wonderful car! It was my first time driving an SUV, but its high vantage point and wide view make it incredibly easy to drive! On Hokkaido's vast land, this car feels like it could go anywhere. And these sexy white body lines! I can't help but admire it. I was surprised by the tire size, but also by its excellent fuel efficiency despite being such a large car. Sapporo Rent-a-Car, who always lend us wonderful vehicles. For medium to long-term rentals, they offer significantly lower prices than anywhere else. A 'Hokkaido tour,' a dream for many, might not be just a dream! You can inquire about rental periods and compensation by phone, so feel free to discuss your travel plans. For long-term rentals, robust coverage is key. Please consider the '

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'.Heading to Yoichi, the town famous for Nikka Whisky!

Alright, let's depart. First, we'll head to Yoichi Town, located beyond Otaru. It's home to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery and was the setting for NHK's morning drama 'Massan,' so many of you might know it. With good weather, we can expect some spectacular views!

To Yoichi, take the Sasson Expressway between Sapporo-Kita IC and Otaru IC (toll: 1,220 yen), then drive straight along National Route 5. It's a beautiful coastal route, perfect for a drive. The navigation showed approximately 58km. Even if we stop at convenience stores and take our time, it should take about an hour and a half. Hokkaido, free from traffic jams. The roads were clear and comfortable, the sunlight warm, and the car interior cozy. We arrived in Yoichi in no time. It was so comfortable, I forgot to photograph the spectacular scenery! On the way back... This time, for sure... No, no, I intended to take photos on the way back from the start!!! (Will I remember by then...?) Shopping at a long-established smokehouse! And then... Anyway, we've arrived. The first shop I recommend this time is a long-established smokehouse called 'Minamihodaka Rotaro Shop'. It's quite a bold shop to use a full name as its store name. I was surprised when I first learned about it, but my interest was piqued when I found out it's a place frequented by people captivated by its taste. The black exterior has a wonderfully subdued atmosphere. The term 'ibushi-gin' (smoked silver, referring to understated elegance) perfectly describes it. This shop is said to have been built over 60 years ago. It's a building with a deep character that speaks of its long history. Inside the shop, various types of smoked products are lined up. There was a truly wide variety of products, from familiar smoked items like octopus legs, scallops, and salted salmon, to seafood rarely seen smoked, such as herring, sweet shrimp, Atka mackerel, and helmet crabs. There were also items like vegetables, tofu, and walnuts, making me wonder about their smoked taste, piquing my curiosity. Even smoked coffee beans! This... is intriguing! I love coffee aroma, but smoked? Smoking to add fragrance!? I can't imagine. I'd love to try it! I sampled the products while listening to a detailed explanation. Smoking was originally an ancestral wisdom to preserve food by flavoring and drying fish or meat. However, the smoked herring I sampled here, while enhanced in flavor and aroma, remained juicy without losing moisture. Enjoying a fresh, moist texture despite being smoked... it might change your perception of smoked foods! As mentioned, Yoichi Town is home to the Nikka Whisky distillery, and it's said that this shop began with the desire to create snacks that pair perfectly with 'Taketsuru' whisky. As someone who watched 'Massan,' I couldn't help but get excited by that anecdote. After hearing all this, I was completely fascinated by 'smoked foods.' I couldn't help but ask to see the smokehouse! They readily agreed, and I was able to learn even more details. Yay!

Minamihodaka Rotaro Shop

【Address】88 Minatomachi, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido 【Phone】0135-22-2744 【Hours】8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 【Closed】Year-end and New Year holidays 【Parking】Available Enjoy smoked dishes right next door! What do they taste like...? A specialty smoked food restaurant started by "Nampo Retaro Shoten". The restaurant, located on the same premises, has a wonderful name: "Kemukaro" (燻香廊). The renovated old folk house has a charming structure, exuding a Showa-era atmosphere. It's the perfect place to drop by, bring your favorite novel, and enjoy some alone time. For lunch, I decided to go with the chef's recommendation. What kind of dish awaits me? Kemukaro