Great pictures and I'm book marking them for a future trip!

Great photos!
I have manhole cover photos also - we should post them together. :)

Thanks all. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. Yes, let's do a combined manhole (personhole) cover posting. I have about 15 pictures of them from the various places we went. (I love that each place has its own design.) If someone makes the site, I'd be glad to post them to it!

Nice trip report. I'm planning to go to Hokkaido this Oct.

Hi, I just re-read your report, in preparation for my upcoming trip to Hokkaido in October.

Question: Do you remember which model of Nissan you rented? I'm also renting a Nissan, but it's a March--tiny car--so wondering if it's suitable for all the mountain driving in Hokkaido? Thanks for you input.

Hi JC98,

Just noticed your posting. We had a very small car. Can't remember the exact type, but it was one of the least expensive--probably the P2 variety (a Note, or something like it--one step up from the March). We paid 1050 yen for 8 days, including drop-off charge since we picked up in Sapporo and dropped off in Kushiro. The car was perfectly capable of going up and down the mountains--the roads are very good--and was comfortable for long distances. I think you'll be fine with a March, but you could ask the rental agency if they think it's mountain-worthy.

Have a great trip! Your posting prompted me to go back and read my trip report. Wow, we had fun.