Hokkaido is almost a sacred place for vagrants who travel by bike, bicycle, train or on foot. Hokkaido is a vast land and people who live in Hokkaido are broad-minded for vagrants. Many people visit Hokkaido every summer. These vagrants had spent every night in a station, a park, the underground if rained, or somewhere like that. They were not rich and had to save money. People who live in Hokkaido got to give them a night's lodging, using their empty house. Vagrants were very happy to avoid being exposed to the elements and night dew.
Riders' houses were generated almost spontaneouly like this. There are no baths in most riders' houses. But it's no problem because there are hot springs everywhere in Hokkaido. No beds. It's ok because all vagrants have a sleeping bag. Every riders' house has its own specialty. Owners are unique. I know that 2 Korean bike freaks are reading this touring diary. How about going riders' house-hopping. I proudly assure you that you'll be happy. I have stayed more than 20 nights at riders' houses, but I didn't meet any foreign people. If you visit one of them, you'll be welcomed.
See the 1st photo. An aged lady who is in the center of the photo is the owner of this riders' house called "Rider House Chitose". She is a retired beautician. After her retirement, she converted her beauty salon into this riders' house. There are a public bath, coin laundries, convenience stores and some eating houses around here within 10 minutes' walk. She said that she was happy to talk with many young people and felt they were like her sons and daughters.
Strangers get together by chance and spend a night in the same house. I spent a wonderful time. I could share their life. I don't remember how late I slept.
(Vocabulary)
vagrant 放浪者、路上生活者
the elements 《複数扱い》 悪天候
(KW: ライダーハウス千歳 ライダーハウスちとせ)
Comments