Hokadate (1)

We checked out from Hotel Crest Sapporo and left 4 big baggage there... As we make our 3 days trip to Hokadate. Light weight traveling...

After 3 hours of train ride we finally reach Riding in this Super Hotoni ...



Welcome to Hokadate.



I think I book a Ryokan this time, a Onsen Ryokan... Just to try out. We did the same thing last trip to Japan.

Usually is quite far from the town or JR station. This Yonohama Hotel is no exception too. About 20min away from JR Hokadate station.

But it turn out to be great!!!




Japanese style, and sea view. Facing East...




The room facilities not bad. Baby won't have any chance to fall down the bed. Because is tatami bed.





Just checked, 4:30am is sun rise... Since we are here facing east, sea view, why not?

And the food is excellent too!!! All ika (squid)... Salmon, sashimi, etc.. Buffet style, morning breakfast and dinner.



The room cost 6600 yen per pax. Really worth it!!!


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Fun pictures from Japan (1)

Photos from the Canons...

Jay Jay with the funny pose...



Jay the tour guide telling us where we are now...


The man caught eating fresh grilled sea snails...




Sitting by the Otaru canal...



Taking advertising shot?


The melons really looks nice... Too bad they don't do international delivery...



Ok, what is the meaning of this?



Here is another one... One husband and many wifes???




Why this so big one? I thought is a pet plant... Kept in small bottle?


Fish Kay Kay



Fish Jay Jay



Shopping alley at Otaru...


Sashimi again...



Nice shot of mommy and Kay Kay...


Rainbow flower bed...



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Underground Shopping

We have another two hours before we go Hokadate... So we took a subway to Odori.





And wow! The underground shopping is very long and lots of things to see...





This is one of the underground mall...




And upstairs is another shopping alley..




Left right are shopping alley...




Wow... Why Singapore don't have this? Membership to rent bicycle...


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A day in Otaru (3)

Japan is a country I love to visit. People are so polite and they know how to make tourism work!

Finally we came to a canal. Lots of people, lots of talented artist and craftsmen. Even the sea gull love to sit on the lamp post here...



There is a lot of glass related crafts here. Otaru seems to be a place that produces very nice glass arts. Look at their tree, a glass or crystal tree.




Jay Jay can't seems to stop eating the melons...




As for me, a simple squid sticky Japanese rice and a local Hokkaido beer makes my lunch!



Lots of shopping later, we found this amazing cafe. Nice coffee, nice food, and very nice ambience... And a lady was playing piano inside...




This is the cafe name.



Hey cool... Paul... Or his brother... Swimming inside waited to be eaten... Sotong...




The glass factory, blowing glass...



Finally after lots o shopping and eating...

We are in the journey back...and the sea was great!!!




By the way, no rain today. And it's a great day.

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A day in Otaru (2)

I think the Chinese has become a super powerhouse interns of spending power... Otherwise why in most train station or tourist information counter or even the JR office has "Chinese Speaking" staff, even at Yodabashi...

I still have to thank that Chinese speaking tour officer who recommend me where to go and walk around in Otaru.

I know this is not Hokadate yet... But look at those crabs...



Oh oh... My favorites Oysters... Got to have it...



He will be our cook to prepare the food for our snacks...



And we also order the giant clams as well as this sea snail...




The oysters is ready. As usual, on behalf of my wife, I ask for tobasco sauce. The man say, no need, eat fresh! And we did as we told, and it is really nice!!!




Now he is preparing the sea snails...




He says it is a female, and he likes it, taste good, number 1.




And here pour the secret sauce which I think is Ginger and yellow wine... Very tasty...



After that, we just enjoy the melons from 夕张. Very nice and juicy...




And even the sunflowers agrees that the melon tasted so good.



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A day in Otaru (1)

Never thought that Otaru can be so fun. Thanks to that Chinese speaking travel information staff, she really make my day by explaining to me the walking tour route of Otaru...




Just follow the red arrow, we walk down to the canal, pass by all the fantastics seafood stores and restaurant, and all those amazing glass and souvenir or specialty shops... It was a great day!!!

It's about 30min to reach Otaru from Sapporo if you take the super express train. Here is the train we took...




It's only 10 minute walk towards the canal and the sea side. Otaru is a very peaceful town...




Jay loves train and train tracks. There was a piece of old track, and Jay Jay and mommy managed to take pictures with it...




Hey, isn't that Miffy?



Jay, let's take picture with these Miffy...




Wah, karaoke in a scary place???




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