Japan Diaries 4: Day 417

Japan Diaries 4: Day 417

Day 417: December 23, 2022

Friday - Tomamae x Sapporo

Tomamae Commercial High School 12.23.22
Tomamae Commercial High School 12.23.22

Another chilly morning greeted me as I prepared for my final school visit of the year. Today's destination: Tomamae Commercial High School, marking my 27th visit in the academic year 2022-2023. Armed with my trusty 1-day Moekko Free Ticket, I set off for what promised to be a memorable day.

Tomamae Commercial High School's annual Karuta Tournament
Tomamae Commercial High School's annual Karuta Tournament

Upon arrival, I discovered that classes had been canceled due to the spirited competition unfolding in the school gym: the annual Karuta Tournament. It was a lively scene, with students showcasing their skills and camaraderie.

All set and ready to go!
All set and ready to go!

We got quite a workout after pulling our luggage on snowy roads
We got quite a workout after pulling our luggage on snowy roads

Sapporo Grand Hotel
Sapporo Grand Hotel

Our home for the night - Room 607
Our home for the night - Room 607

We got 10K yen worth of vouchers from Sapporo Grand Hotel
We got 10K yen worth of vouchers from Sapporo Grand Hotel

Returning home in the afternoon, my family and I embarked on the 6 PM Engan Express Bus from Motokawa-cho bus stop in Rumoi City bound for Sapporo Station. Our journey led us to the welcoming embrace of the Sapporo Grand Hotel, where Room 607 became our temporary sanctuary for the night.

Sapporo White Illumination at Odori Park
Sapporo White Illumination at Odori Park

Eager to experience the renowned Sapporo White Illumination 2022 at Odori Park, I extended the invitation to my weary companions. However, fatigue prevailed, and they opted for rest. Undeterred, I ventured forth alone, immersing myself in the enchanting spectacle of lights adorning the park.

Sapporo TV Tower as seen from Odori Park
Sapporo TV Tower as seen from Odori Park

From dusk till late evening, I wandered through Odori Park, marveling at the intricate displays that transformed the wintry landscape into a magical realm. Despite the chill in the air, the experience was nothing short of captivating.

The Backpack Adventures visits Odori Park for the Sapporo White Illumination
The Backpack Adventures visits Odori Park for the Sapporo White Illumination

Returning to the warmth of the Sapporo Grand Hotel, I indulged in a soothing soak before retiring for the night. As I reflect on the day's adventures, I realize that my solo excursion to Odori Park not only inaugurated my winter vacation but also brought an end to a fulfilling work week.

Tomorrow holds the promise of new adventures as we bid farewell to Hokkaido Prefecture and set off to reunite with our Japanese family in Osaka—a journey we've eagerly anticipated for quite some time.


Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 60

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 60

Moekko Free Ticket

Sapporo Grand Hotel

Odori Park

Sapporo White Illumination 2022

Hokkaido 179

10 Things to Do in Tomamae

10 Things to Do in Sapporo City

10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

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