Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 42


Weekend 42: August 20-21, 2022

Day 292: August 20, 2022

Saturday – From Osaka with Love Day 2

We woke up to a rainy day. It was not the perfect sight to start a road trip. Thankfully, the weather cleared before we checked out of One’s Villa Sapporo House.



Our first destination for the day is Otaru. It is a port city located in the west of Sapporo City. It is famous for its canal, glassworks, and music boxes.

Otaru City's colored manhole cover

Here are the places that we visited in Otaru City:



Stained Glass Museum

Inside the Otaru Stained Glass Museum


Otaru Canal

Team Nicerio visits Otaru Canal


Otaru Sakaimachi-Dori


Look who Ella found at Otaru Sakaimachi-Dori


Kitaichi Glass Otaru


Lunchtime at Kitaichi Glass Otaru


Le Tao Main Store

We bought snacks at Le Tao Main Store before exploring more of Otaru.

⮚ Le Tao Main Store

⮚ Otaru Music Box Museum


Snoopy Cha-Ya

Who would want to eat food this beautiful?

Sunmall Ichibangai

While my family was checking out what omiyage to buy in the stores in Sakaimachi-Dori, I quickly headed out to Sunmall Ichibangai to take a photo of the Pokemon Manhole Cover of Otaru City. From there, I also checked out the site of the Old Ironai Station which has become a popular photo spot for those who know it.

Nichigin Street

Former Temiya Line

I got back to the parking lot just in time when my wife called me to inform me that we were leaving.

Shiribeshi Expressway 

Our home for the night - Otaru Asari Classe Hotel

From the central area of Otaru, we drove to Asarigawaonsen on the southeastern side of Otaru City where we checked in at Otaru Asari Classe Hotel.

We have Room 2705

Welcome to our room

My family and I enjoyed the different facilities of the hotel like the swimming pool and the onsen.

Itadakimasu

Before calling it a day, we had a sumptuous 7-course dinner in the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

Overall, it was another memorable day with the Kameyama Family. I can’t wait for what’s in store for us tomorrow.


Day 293: August 21, 2022

Sunday – From Osaka with Love Day 3

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning. After eating breakfast, we checked out of Otaru Asari Classe Hotel. Ms. Akiko wanted to experience the canal boat ride at Otaru Canal so we drove back to Central Otaru. Sadly, the canal boat ride was fully booked when we arrived so we left Otaru City for our next destination which is Lake Toya in the town of Toyako.

Good morning from Otaru Asari Classe Hotel

Breakfast before heading out

A quick look at Otaru Canal before leaving Otaru City

Bye for now Otaru City

On our way, we stopped by the Akaigawa Roadside Station in the village of Akaigawa. There was an agricultural fair when we arrived so the roadside statin was quite lively. Aside from that, there is also a Pokemon Manhole Cover in the roadside station which is one of the things that I collect here in Hokkaido.

We visited the following places in Akaigawa:

Akaigawa Roadside Station

Ella with Akarin

We met Cornman from the Akaigawa Roadside Station farmer's market

🚙Akaigawa Roadside Station

From our brief stop at Akaigawa, we continued on to the next town which is Toyako.


Next stop: Toyako

We visited the following places in Toyako:

Lake Toya

🚢 Lake Toya


Lake Toya cruise

The cruise has a stop at Nakajima Island

We chose to explore Nakajima Island and wait for the next ship back to Toyako


Toyako Gurutto Sculpture Park

We strolled along the lakeside walkway of the park

Toyako Pokemon Manhole Cover

🚢Toyako Gurutto Sculpture Park

After the Lake Toya Cruise to Nakajima Island, and also after briefly exploring Toyako Gurutto Sculpture Park we drove to the town of Sobetsu. We rode the ropeway up Mt. Usu and enjoyed the view from Mt. Usu Terrace.


We visited the following places in Sobetsu:

Showashinzan


Statue of Masao Mimatsu

🌋 Showashinzan

Mt. Usu Ropeway / Usuzan Ropeway

Ms. Taeko enjoying her ride on the Usuzan Ropeway

Showashinzan as seen from Mt. Usu Ropeway





Mt. Usu Observatory


🌋 Mt. Usu Observatory


We then walked up to the Mt. Usu Observatory to see Mt. Usu’s crater. It’s a bit of a walk but I’m glad everyone in the family managed to reach the top. From there, we headed back down via the ropeway.


We visited the following places in Date City:

Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa

Checking in Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa

Our room in Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa



Soraniwa of Kita Yuzawa Forest



🏨 Soraniwa of Kita Yuzawa Forest

We then drove to our accommodation for the day which is the 4-star Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa in Date City. After checking in, we drove to the nearby Soraniwa of Kita Yuzawa Forest. This hotel looks exactly like ours but it has a kiddie playground and a wall-climbing facility.

Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa

Dinner at Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa

We then returned to Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa to try out its amenities. That was when we got to appreciate it more. This hotel is by far, the best one that we’ve been to in our stay here in Hokkaido. We enjoyed the dinner buffet and the onsen. Speaking of its onsen, the hotel has a 2-floor indoor onsen and an outdoor onsen with numerous kinds of baths like yomogi and blueberry baths to name a few.

Overall, today was full of adventure. We’re thankful to our Japanese family for the awesome bonding experience. We're looking forward to what our adventure tomorrow will be.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 42
Japan Diaries 4: Day 292
Japan Diaries 4: Day 293

Location: Lake Tōya, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2024 at 2:19 PM

    Ganda ng mga pictures. Kaingit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioApril 4, 2024 at 1:52 PM

      Salamat! Bisita po kayo sa Hokkaido in the future.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading