Yes, it's finally out (well, out for a few week anyway). I also have my May's Hokkaido trip in there as well. It was a good trip, although I have never been to so many shopping centres before, and it's in Japan. I did not even know that they have outlets like those Prime outlets in US!
I did not have much time in Beijing to go around, only had Sat afternoon and entire Sunday before the training starts on Monday. So, I spent that afternoon walking around Beijing, went to the shopping area and then to TianAnMen and then took a taxi back to Hotel. During dinner, we were arranging for some way to get to the Great Wall, and thankfully our China colleague was kind enough to pick us up and drove us to MuTianYu.
Day 1 - Imagine, arrive at Chitose in the evening, not much to do, so we head straight for dinner which was at the hotel which we were staying for the night. Wanted to walk around, so went to the electronic store (yes, never seems to run away from these stores) next to the hotel with mother in tow.
Day 2 - Immediately after breakfast, we were brought to the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera - first of many shopping expedition. As usual, did not get anything but mother bought a COACH bag. Walking around it before the shops were open (yes, we were that early!!), it does reminds me a lot like those that I have been to in US.
Lunch was at some restaurant which has a shop downstairs, somewhere near the outskirts of Chitose, along the way to our next destination - where I had the most expensive, yet unsatisfying, Hokkaido crab. Nom don't get me wrong, it's not that it's no good. While the taste was very fresh, the crab meat was not filling its shell - like it has just shed its own shell - so the meat was pretty lean and slightly flabby. That translate to it being unsatisfying, as specially eating it as sashimi!
Next was on the bus for at least an hour to hit near Shiraoi town where there is this Poroto Kotan, where we visited this museum depicting a traditional Ainu village, nestled on the shores of Lake Poroto.
I did not have much time in Beijing to go around, only had Sat afternoon and entire Sunday before the training starts on Monday. So, I spent that afternoon walking around Beijing, went to the shopping area and then to TianAnMen and then took a taxi back to Hotel. During dinner, we were arranging for some way to get to the Great Wall, and thankfully our China colleague was kind enough to pick us up and drove us to MuTianYu.
This is almost the entire stretch of the Wall that I have walked (back and forth)!!
Did I mention that Japan trip was one of the most relax tour group I have been on???
Day 1 - Imagine, arrive at Chitose in the evening, not much to do, so we head straight for dinner which was at the hotel which we were staying for the night. Wanted to walk around, so went to the electronic store (yes, never seems to run away from these stores) next to the hotel with mother in tow.
Day 2 - Immediately after breakfast, we were brought to the Chitose Outlet Mall Rera - first of many shopping expedition. As usual, did not get anything but mother bought a COACH bag. Walking around it before the shops were open (yes, we were that early!!), it does reminds me a lot like those that I have been to in US.
Lunch was at some restaurant which has a shop downstairs, somewhere near the outskirts of Chitose, along the way to our next destination - where I had the most expensive, yet unsatisfying, Hokkaido crab. Nom don't get me wrong, it's not that it's no good. While the taste was very fresh, the crab meat was not filling its shell - like it has just shed its own shell - so the meat was pretty lean and slightly flabby. That translate to it being unsatisfying, as specially eating it as sashimi!
Next was on the bus for at least an hour to hit near Shiraoi town where there is this Poroto Kotan, where we visited this museum depicting a traditional Ainu village, nestled on the shores of Lake Poroto.
Panoramic View
Spent more than an hour there, where we had a short show to give us some idea of the life spent in such villages long time ago. They actually hang whole salmon near to their roof, something like the process of smoking the meat. They looked pretty eerie when the lights are down... Imagine looking up, seeing multiple "eyes" looking down at you or some angle of that. Had my first taste of Hokkaido ice cream at the shop here.
Next on the itinerary was Noboribetsu where you find their version of Hell's pit. Yup, sulphur pits which somewhat reminds me of Rotorua, except that at least here, the area does not have a monotonous colour; which is great for photography (which reminds me, I never did post anything on my 2009 Sept trip to NZ North Island... Hmm...)
Next on the itinerary was Noboribetsu where you find their version of Hell's pit. Yup, sulphur pits which somewhat reminds me of Rotorua, except that at least here, the area does not have a monotonous colour; which is great for photography (which reminds me, I never did post anything on my 2009 Sept trip to NZ North Island... Hmm...)
By the end of that, it was pretty late, and we were not more than 1 km away from our stop for the night - Noboribetsu Manseikaku where it's the first night where there is an Onsen in the hotel. We also do get to try their traditional style room where you sleep on a futon laid on the tatami-matted floor instead of a bed - You get to wear a Yukata as well! The dinner was so much better than the 1st night.
Day 3 started with a long drive back from Noboribetsu, tracing most of the route we took yesterday, back to Chitose, pass it and even beyond Sapporo, to arrive at Otaru where we spent quite some time there, taking some photos of the canal, then spent time walking along the streets where there were some glass or musical box area which we were brought to, which we were not very interested in. Instead we spent time walking along the streets, going into shops to buy some specialty bsicuits or something which was recommended by the guide. We actually went into some wine shops, and bought a bottle of wine. The biscuits were nice, but I realised Japanese have very, very sweet tooth. Their biscuits are usually very sweet - very nice, great taste, but very sweet.
Lunch saw us at some Grand Park Royal hotel (if I recall correctly) in Otaru which again was not very satisfying for me as it was an International buffet lunch, and the deserts looked better than their mains - but was not very into their deserts due to the sweetness. So I took enough to ensure my stomach does not growl quickly but not much - no, there wasn't any sashimi or sushi that could help to fill my stomach. As the hotel was next to a shopping mall, yup you guess it.. more shopping time spent there.
We then head back to Sapporo where more shopping, again, was done - Headed to this shop somewhere in Sapporo town where the entire group bought a lot of the famous chocolate factory's products and also where mother bought this horse oil cream which the tour leader was waxing about - yes, horse oil, and was supposed to be very good for your hair and leaving it soft and manageable, and also to keep your hair black! Mother bought stuff almost enough to fill a box which was provided free by the shop and they did quite a good job of sealing it.
By then, it was dinner time. This time dinner was a somewhat tepanyaki meat (lamb and chicken) with crab in steamboat. Similar crab to what we had before, but this time meat was better! However, no sashimi for that...
After dinner, headed out to the hotel - Apa Hotel & Resort Sapporo for the night.
Day 4. Left the hotel immediately after breakfast, headed to Odori Park, which you can get to see the Sapporo tower (pity did not go up the tower for a bird's eye view of the Park and the surrounding area.
Day 3 started with a long drive back from Noboribetsu, tracing most of the route we took yesterday, back to Chitose, pass it and even beyond Sapporo, to arrive at Otaru where we spent quite some time there, taking some photos of the canal, then spent time walking along the streets where there were some glass or musical box area which we were brought to, which we were not very interested in. Instead we spent time walking along the streets, going into shops to buy some specialty bsicuits or something which was recommended by the guide. We actually went into some wine shops, and bought a bottle of wine. The biscuits were nice, but I realised Japanese have very, very sweet tooth. Their biscuits are usually very sweet - very nice, great taste, but very sweet.
Lunch saw us at some Grand Park Royal hotel (if I recall correctly) in Otaru which again was not very satisfying for me as it was an International buffet lunch, and the deserts looked better than their mains - but was not very into their deserts due to the sweetness. So I took enough to ensure my stomach does not growl quickly but not much - no, there wasn't any sashimi or sushi that could help to fill my stomach. As the hotel was next to a shopping mall, yup you guess it.. more shopping time spent there.
We then head back to Sapporo where more shopping, again, was done - Headed to this shop somewhere in Sapporo town where the entire group bought a lot of the famous chocolate factory's products and also where mother bought this horse oil cream which the tour leader was waxing about - yes, horse oil, and was supposed to be very good for your hair and leaving it soft and manageable, and also to keep your hair black! Mother bought stuff almost enough to fill a box which was provided free by the shop and they did quite a good job of sealing it.
By then, it was dinner time. This time dinner was a somewhat tepanyaki meat (lamb and chicken) with crab in steamboat. Similar crab to what we had before, but this time meat was better! However, no sashimi for that...
After dinner, headed out to the hotel - Apa Hotel & Resort Sapporo for the night.
Day 4. Left the hotel immediately after breakfast, headed to Odori Park, which you can get to see the Sapporo tower (pity did not go up the tower for a bird's eye view of the Park and the surrounding area.
I never knew they were that big on dogs, but this is one of the dogs that I have seen while in Japan.
When we saw somewhat of Sakura in the Odori Park, it was a "let-down" as it was not as awesome as it was described by people who has seen it.
When we saw somewhat of Sakura in the Odori Park, it was a "let-down" as it was not as awesome as it was described by people who has seen it.
Between the 2, I still prefer the 2nd one, as it gives a better "feel" to me.
After an hour or so, it was then onwards to Mt Showa (passing Noboribetsu), where we had lunch (seafood tepanyaki type), and also taking pictures of the active volcano - You can see steam coming out of some areas on the mountain (does not look like mountain to me), and this is one of the most recent and still active volcano in Hokkaido. After lunch we were given some time to walk around (to the foot edge of the volcano, if you want, or the shops near the restaurant), and take photos.
Next was a very short (and I do mean short - you can actually walk there from the restaurant) bus ride, it was the Bear Ranch. Now, if I am not wrong, they tell us that these bears are still wild, but they have also been able to do some human actions such as putting their paws together downwards, making like they are "begging". So that you can throw apples or nuts at them as a "reward". Apparently, a few months back there were 7 cubs that were born in this ranch. I have to say the cubs are pretty cute.
Next was a very short (and I do mean short - you can actually walk there from the restaurant) bus ride, it was the Bear Ranch. Now, if I am not wrong, they tell us that these bears are still wild, but they have also been able to do some human actions such as putting their paws together downwards, making like they are "begging". So that you can throw apples or nuts at them as a "reward". Apparently, a few months back there were 7 cubs that were born in this ranch. I have to say the cubs are pretty cute.
More shopping to do, bought more horse oil, this time for the face - with collegen as well (don't play play ok!) Went into this glass shop which was pretty nice and mother bought some (small) glass pieces there. There was a cuttlefish store just outside this glass shop and they actually roast the cuttlefish at the store and it was pretty nice. No, did not buy as I think it was a bit on the expensive side, but did buy myself a 300Y ice cream.
Then it was time to head to Lake Toya. Where we had anticipated a nice evening as there were supposed to be fireworks!
Panoramic View
There was still time before dinner, so a group of us headed down to the side lake (which is just less than 100m from the Kanko hotel where we were staying) and managed to get on a small powerboat which took us to the island at the centre of the lake.
I believe dinner here was the best dinner we had and I believe this is a Keiseki dinner. We had entertainment as well - the tour leader surprising had a pretty goof voice for singing, some of the tour members did gamely joined in, while the rest were to shy (or just not willing to embarrass themselves in front of others). Time for the fireworks! Rush up to the room which gave a very good view of the lake and the fireworks.
Bottom 2 are collage of the different fireworks.
I have borrowed my cousin's netbook and was happily download (and watching tv at an angle) till I felt a neck strain, and it was pretty bad - bad enough for me not to have a very good sleep. Mind you, I think it's compounded with the fact that we were again sleeping on tatami-matted room (and yes, this is another hotel with onsen). I can only say that at least because of this, I was able to wake up and take photos of the only sunrise which I was able to view. I guess something good came out of it!
Day 5 see that we move from Lake Toya to Hakodate. Finally at Goryokaku Park, we get to really see what Sakura is all about - why Japanese could take a day off just to enjoy a day spent in the gardens among the blossoms. Most of us in the tour would say this viewing is worth the price we paid for the trip!
Then had lunch somewhere, if I am not wrong, this is the other buffet, on this trip but this time, the buffet was great! Got to eat quire a fair bit as this place is a all Japanese food buffet, so you get to eat yakitori, tepanyaki, soba, ramen (no I did not take it), sashimi, sushi, and a lot more. Much better!
After lunch, what's the next thing to do? Shopping, or in this case, more walking! They brought us to this place near the habour, where they have a lot of small shops in these old warehouses. Pretty nice, but did not buy much - only ice cream again. :P
Another day gone, back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6 was the day which we would leave Hokkaido and headed to Tokyo. Before we do that we would first head for the fish market in Hakodate. No, we did not head out early, so it would mean that we are actually moving around the shops near the fish market, not so much of the early morning activities in the fish market itself. More shopping to do as mother bought quite a lot of dried scallops for boiling soups, as well as some seaweed thingy which the tour leader say is very good - but damn smelly. Was looking out for Uni to eat, but all we see is sea urchin being grilled on open BBQ grillers. Not the sashimi type that I was looking for. Damn disappointing!!!
Next was the flight to Hanada airport in Tokyo. We then had a bus tour of the areas in Tokyo - went pass Ueno park (no cannot see it, we seems to be somewhere below it?), went pass Ginza area, went pass the area which the Imperial family lives. This is where there is this famous bridge which is the most photographed bridge in Japan, because you can only walk across this bridge to ensure the place twice a year.
Then was to this oldest temple in Tokyo - SensÅ-ji in Asakusa. Spent an hour or so there where you get to walk through Nakamise-dori to get to the temple, and they were full of people.
Finally, dinner and a drive to Narita (which we did pass by Disneyland), where the hotel we are staying for the night is at. Since it was early, we then head to the nearest shopping area (suprisingly it's Aeon, which I have seen some in Malaysia. Not sure if there are links) for final shopping. In my case, more like more walking after a filling dinner - a Chinese style dinner!
Day 7 was time to say goodbye to Japan. We basically headed for the airport after breakfast.
It was pretty short in my travel book, and by far the most relax tour (as compared to Spain), and as for food. Well, I won't say that I was very impressed with the food. It was fresh, nice, but it did not have that "wow" impact which everyone else had. Hmm.. Maybe I was expecting more sashimi and sushi! :P
Panoview of a part of the Park.
Another dog, this time Husky! He looked magnificent among those flowers in the park.
Another panoview of another park of the Park.
Walking in the park and came across this kid and her friends and parents. Standing a little far from her, and with the parent trying to take her photo, had to do something to remove some of the distraction around her. But her happiness really shines through. (The extra length in 18-200mm finally paid its due! :P)
Final panoview of the Park.
Then had lunch somewhere, if I am not wrong, this is the other buffet, on this trip but this time, the buffet was great! Got to eat quire a fair bit as this place is a all Japanese food buffet, so you get to eat yakitori, tepanyaki, soba, ramen (no I did not take it), sashimi, sushi, and a lot more. Much better!
After lunch, what's the next thing to do? Shopping, or in this case, more walking! They brought us to this place near the habour, where they have a lot of small shops in these old warehouses. Pretty nice, but did not buy much - only ice cream again. :P
Another day gone, back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6 was the day which we would leave Hokkaido and headed to Tokyo. Before we do that we would first head for the fish market in Hakodate. No, we did not head out early, so it would mean that we are actually moving around the shops near the fish market, not so much of the early morning activities in the fish market itself. More shopping to do as mother bought quite a lot of dried scallops for boiling soups, as well as some seaweed thingy which the tour leader say is very good - but damn smelly. Was looking out for Uni to eat, but all we see is sea urchin being grilled on open BBQ grillers. Not the sashimi type that I was looking for. Damn disappointing!!!
Next was the flight to Hanada airport in Tokyo. We then had a bus tour of the areas in Tokyo - went pass Ueno park (no cannot see it, we seems to be somewhere below it?), went pass Ginza area, went pass the area which the Imperial family lives. This is where there is this famous bridge which is the most photographed bridge in Japan, because you can only walk across this bridge to ensure the place twice a year.
No, we did not stop, this is taken from the tour bus, which happens to stop at a traffic light near it. Another 200mm shot.
Then was to this oldest temple in Tokyo - SensÅ-ji in Asakusa. Spent an hour or so there where you get to walk through Nakamise-dori to get to the temple, and they were full of people.
Owner of this doggie was at the temple, so she left the doggie on the bike.
Finally, dinner and a drive to Narita (which we did pass by Disneyland), where the hotel we are staying for the night is at. Since it was early, we then head to the nearest shopping area (suprisingly it's Aeon, which I have seen some in Malaysia. Not sure if there are links) for final shopping. In my case, more like more walking after a filling dinner - a Chinese style dinner!
Day 7 was time to say goodbye to Japan. We basically headed for the airport after breakfast.
It was pretty short in my travel book, and by far the most relax tour (as compared to Spain), and as for food. Well, I won't say that I was very impressed with the food. It was fresh, nice, but it did not have that "wow" impact which everyone else had. Hmm.. Maybe I was expecting more sashimi and sushi! :P
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