Tokyo in the day and nite is such a contrast!


Early next morning we went about our separate ways in the Ikebukoro area to do our own shopping.

After lunch we gathered at the lobby of the hotel for the the ride to the airport.

Asakusa Temple


We went to the fish market early in the morning and visited the fort that was constructed in the shape of a star.After this we headed to the airport for our flight to Tokyo

We headed to Asakusa temple and went exploring the area on our own. It was 8pm when we reached our hotel in the Ikebukoro area. One of the customers wanted to visit shinjuku so I accomapnied him as it was only 4 stops away.

Leaving Sapporo we headed south towards Lake Toya. On the way we visited the Ainu village. The Ainu people were the natives of Hokkaido. Due to intense discrimination the language died out as nobody wanted to use it. There was no more pure blooded Ainus left due to intermarriage.

Next stop was the local bear ranch. The Japs raise them for meat. But the bears here are fun as they will beg you to throw them an apple by waving at you.

Next stop was Hakkodate and we were to spend at least 4 hours on the road. It was retty scenic ide as we drove along the coastal road. The coast was dotted by small fishing villages. it was already dark when we reached the city. We when up to the Mount Hokkodate to seee the nite view of the city. We had our dinner at the wharves where a big crowd had gathered to see the fireworks.

Otaru Canal

Otaru

It was another round of excellent breakfasting on Hokkaido produce. It will be another day of long journey as we head towards as we head back to central Hokkaido.We stopped at a horse ranch for lunch. The souvenir shop was selling products derived from horses.I bought a bottle of cream that would help keep your skin from getting dry in the harsh winter air. It seems the Japs like to eat horse meat sashimi.

By the time we reached the port city of Otaru it was a bout 4pm and getting dark. There were lots of European style buildings here as it was opened to foriegn trade. It use to produce lots of floating glass balls tied to fishing nets when the Herring trade was good in the old days. But when the fish stocks collapsed the factories turned to making intricate glasswares for tourists.

For dinner we would head back to Sapporo. It was 8pm after dinner when we went to see the Odori park where the hold the yearly ice sculpting competition. It was really cold but there were lots of people around taking photos of the X'mas lightings.The underground mall was closed by 8pm and we checked into our hotel for the nite.

Tancho Cranes

Tokachikawa Bridge


Woke up early next morning so that I could take a walk around the hotel grounds to check out the local scenery.It seems that the resort is located next to a river. Unable to stand the cold I went back in and proceeded to the breakfast hall. After hauling our baggage into the tour bus we walked over to the edge of the river to feed the ducks and swans that had gathered there.

When it was time to head further east to Kushiro the hotel staff came out and waved us off. kushiro is a port town and we went to the local fish market to check it out.
After that it ews off to the marshland to see the Tancho cranes.

It was a smooth flight but clearing customs and immigration took us alomost an hour. Chris our Japanese guide was nervous for we only have about one and a half hour to catch the domestic flight from Haneda airport which was about 45 minutes away from Narita.

It was nap time on the short flight to Chitose airport as the tour begins the moment we touch down.

It was straight to lunch after touching down. The temperature was about 2 degrees celcius as it had snowed the previous night.We had Japanese hotpot with seafood in it. If you are not a fan of scallops and giant crabs Hokkaido is not the place for you.

Our bus journey to the Onsen for the night in Tokachigawa in Eastern Hokkaido would take about 5 hours. It started snowing and in no time everything was blanketed by snow.

It was dark by the time we reached the Onsen or hot spring resort. It was decided that we have our dinner first before soaking in the hot springs. We were advised by Chris to wait at least 2 hours after meal before heading to the hot springs.

There were a couple of things we needed to take note of. One has to clean up before soaking in the baths. the Japanese do not soak more than 15 minutes at one go. If you have high blood pressure do take note that the temperature of the baths might affect you. One can go dip in the baths three times a day. After you finish a glass of ice water will cool you down.

My job on this tour organized by ANA was pretty easy. Help them with their luggage and rooming list in Japan

We will be flying on ANA to Tokyo Narita on a midnight flight where we will be met by the local tour guide and be transported to Haneda for our domestic flight to Chitose airport in Sapporo.

Have got all my winter clothing sorted out for the tour group that I will lead to Japan this weekend.