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| Flying into Chitose International Airport |
Hokkaido's powder snow is frequently praised by skiers from around the world as being the ' best quality snow'. This is due to the cold air from Siberia that cross over the Sea of Japan to Hokkaido. I have to admit, fresh falling snow indeed feels soft to touch and powdery. Indeed a new experience for the two of us from hot tropical Msia.
The 7 days 5 nights tour was organised by Apple Vacations and there were 33 of us with a Tour Leader and a Manager. We opted for the direct flight to Chitose International Airport albeit by AirAsia but with comfort kit and meals onboard.
Departure 2330hrs. Arrival 0805+1.
Day 2 Lake Toya, Mt Usuzan, Hakodate
Lake Toya is Japan's 3rd largest volcanic caldera lake. This ice-free lake never freezes even in winter.
We took a cable car (Ropeway) up to Mt Usuzan for a scenic view of the surrounding area below us. The line climbs Mount Usually, an active volcano in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This was our very first encounter with real snow. We had to make a short hike to a vantage point though slow and slippery from melting snow for panoramic views. At the same location, we visited a Bear Ranch or rather more like a Bear Enclosure where lay brown bears ( Jap largest animal) sunbathing waiting for food from tourists!
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| Our very first experience with real fresh snow! |
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| View from the top of the ropeway |
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| Lake Toya |
Next stop, Hakodate, Hokkaido's 3rd largest city located at the island's southernmost tip. As one of the first three ports in Japan opened to foreign trade in 1859, Hakodate experienced contact with various foreign cultures. In the evening, we were taken up in another Ropeway to Mt Hakodate. It is voted as one of the world's most magnificent night views. We were blessed with a clear sky on that night and rewarded with awesome views.
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| Night scene from Mt Hakodate. Voted one of the world's best views |
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| First night. A futon is a Japanese traditional bedding. The bedding set is pliable enough to be stored away in an oshiire closet. |
Accommodation - Hakodate Takuboku Tei
Day 3 Hakodate Morning Market, Old Port Store Street, Jigokudani, Noboribetsu Onsen
Japan is famous for their fresh seafood so the day started with a visit to Hakodate Morning Market which is a seafood wholesale market.
Next was the Old Port Store Street, also known as Red Brick Warehouse. These are old warehouses of yore now refurbished and converted to booths for shopping.
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| I caught this! |
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| Ice ball. What it needs now is rose and brown syrup. |
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| 19th century Russian Orthodox Church |
After a sumptuous lunch, we visited a corner of the city where many churches of different denominations were located.
Then it was the next town, Noboribetsu, to visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) to view thermal springs resembling hell.
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| Jikokudani or 'Hell Valley' in the town of Noboribetsu |
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| All around town, there are references to hell valley, hence devil caricatures |
Accomodation - Noboribetsu Sekisuitei Hotel
Day 4 Snow Mobile & Mount Racey Ski Resort
Today we took a break from sightseeing and it is all fun fun in the snow!
We had the experience of riding a snow mobile through a set course to familiarise with the controls before we taken on snow covered trail through the woods.
Cost: 15,000 yen with missus riding at the back.
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| Cool and confident rider |
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| I even have to ride at the back! |
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| Getting chummy with our course guides too. She's in her element. |
That serves as an appetizer to the ski experience we were about to embark. Surprisingly, Tricia shared the same enthusiasm to try skiing! Yubari Mount Racey Ski Resort is located 60km from Sapporo or 55km from Shin Chitose Airport. Located within is Hotel Mount Racey. How convenient! There is an onsen hot spring to soothe the old and tired muscles after a day of skiing.
For first time skiers. You need ski boots, the skis, ski poles, gloves, hoodie, ski mask ( not necessary in my opinion), ski jacket and pants. Putting on all the required stuff is a challenge itself especially the ski boots. The boots are heavy and stiff thus making walking award and difficult. The skis itself is quite heavy. We build up a sweat just putting it all on. Lol.
Cost: 8,000 yen per pax with ski gear.
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| All geared up and ready for the ski slopes |
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| Jacket, pants, hoodie, googles, gloves, boots and ski equipment. The works. |
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| We can easily represent the country in the slalom race |
Accommodation - Yubari Mt Racey Resort
Day 5 Otaru, Sapporo and Tanukikoji
From the ski resort, we proceeded to the west coastal harbour city of Otaru in Ishikari Bay. Here, we were given free time to walk the tourist shops in Sakaimachi Street or Otaru Handicraft Street, renowned for its glass handicrafts, music box museum, art gallery, ice cream, cafes and dessert shops and also take souvenir photos with the famous picturesque century old warehouses along the canal.
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| Music Box Museum |
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| Everything in the shop are music boxes |
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| Museum of Venetian Art |
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| Must try! Hokkaido famous cheese tarts |
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| Obligatory photo along the famous Otaru canal |
From Otaru, it is about 2 hrs drive to Sapporo, the fifth largest city in Japan. It is famous for its annual snow festival held every February.
After a BBQ dinner, we visited the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It has over 150 shops ranging from souvenirs, clothing, supermarkets, cafes, snacks, etc. Along the way to our hotel, we caught a glimpse of Sapporo red light district, Susukino.
Accomodation - Ibis Styles Sapporo
Day 6 Former Government Building, Okurayama, Olympic Ski Jump site, Hokkaido Shrine and Mitsui Premium Factory Outlet.
We visited two places of interest in the city i.e. the old government building the Sapporo Clock Tower.
Later we went to the Okurayama Olympic Ski Jump which was used in the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. We went to the top of the Ski Jump by chair lift to have a bird's eye view of the city.
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| Top of the ski jump overlooking Sapporo city |
Then we visited the Hokkaido Shrine built in 1869. It is popular with the locals and there was a festival going on when we visited.
For lunch, we had about the best meal throughout the whole trip, gala seafood lunch presented and prepared by the chef of Hokkaido Kita Gourmet Kitchen at the wet market.
The meal included steamed King Crab, King Crab soup, scallop porridge, scallop, salmon belly and abalone. The meal was fresh and satisfying and the crab meat sweet.
With our appetite satiated, it was shopping galore for the ladies at Mitsui Premium Factory Outlet. Obviously, Tricia did not go back empty handed!
Day 7 Hokkaido to KL
Left the hotel at 6 am with meal boxes to catch the flight home at 9.20 am.
To view video goto https://quick.gopro.com/v/teepsXVAm6/
Tour: Apple Vacation
Price per pax: RM6,000
