Hokkaido Revisit 2017 三回目の北海道の旅 - Shikisai no oka 四季彩の丘

Revisited on 15.10.2017 (Sun)
Previous post: https://hsuchia.blogspot.com/2013/03/hokkaido-summer-2012-shikisai-no-oka.html

Accomplished! When I visited Shikisai no oka with my family in 2012 during summer, weather was not at its best as it was drizzling/showering for most part of the day and we could not explore this huge flower park extensively. A returning visit to Shikisai no oka was added to my to-do list since then and I could finally tick this item off during my study trip in Higashikawa-cho in Oct 2017. This time round I was blessed with favourable weather and I enjoyed myself thoroughly, surrounded by colourful seasonal flowers in a countryside landscape.

Equally stunning. Like most people, I would think that summer is the best time to visit Furano and Biei as it is the peak blooming season for its signature lavender fields and other flower parks. I actually beg to differ after this visit during the relatively cooling and less crowded autumn season. Visited Shikisai no oka on the second weekend of October and I was totally blown away by the equally stunning flower-carpeted fields here. Upon arriving here by my rental bicycle, I could immediately relate to the familiar pale yellow colored country style building which housed the restaurant (on the second floor), souvenir shop and snack stalls, and the two iconic mascots, made up of bales of straw, still standing faithfully at the same spot to welcome their visitors.

Do you remember me? Look at the field of yellow mustard flowers behind me!

Finally revisited this place after a five years hiatus.

Symbol of optimism. Rows of equal width, each occupied by a different colored plant, transformed the hilly landscape into a vibrant and magical looking rainbow carpet. Was hoping very much to revive the breathtaking moment of witnessing a brightly lit sunflower field - a memorable scene which I could still vividly remember till now. To my surprise, the sunflower field was still beaming cheerfully in the month of October. Based on the flower calendar published on its website, sunflower (known otherwise as himawari ひまわり in Japanese) can be sighted from late Jun to mid Jul, Aug and from mid Sep to mid Oct. Apart from that, visitors can also admire yellow flowers of mustard plants, which blossom exclusively during the autumn season between mid Sep to late Oct in Shikisai no oka.

Yet again, a memorable episode concluded at Shikisai no oka!

Not forgetting to grab a lavender flavoured soft serve cone before wrapping up today's visit!

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Shikisai no oka 四季彩の丘
〒071-0473 北海道上川郡美瑛町新星第三
Operating hours:
- Apr to May, Oct: 0900 - 1700 hrs
- Jun to Sep: 0830 - 1800 hrs
- Nov: 0900 - 1630 hrs
- Dec to Feb: 0900 - 1600 hrs
- Mar: 0900 - 1630 hrs
https://www.shikisainooka.jp/

How to get there?

(1) By foot. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from Bibaushi JR Station 美馬牛駅 to Shikisai no oka.

(2) By rental bicycle. Just a minute walk from Bibaushi JR Station, there is a local tour agency named Yamanoya 山の屋 offering rental bicycle services between May to Oct. For my trip, I utilised the rental bicycle and followed a cycling map to explore Panorama Road. In the recommended route, I passed by Bibaushi Elementary School 美馬牛小学校, Shikisai no oka, Takushinkan, Fureai Farm ふらあい牧場, Sanai no oka Observatory 三愛の丘展望台, Shinei no oka Observatory 新栄の丘展望台 and Christmas Tree クリスマスツリーの木 and the entire route took me about 4 hours.
To get to Yamanoya, do not exit the train station through the waiting area/main building. Exit from the platform which is opposite to the waiting area/main building. Upon reaching the road, turn right and Yamanoya will be within sight in 20 meters. 
Yamanoya: http://www.yamagoya.jp/index-bike%20season.htm



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Commemorative stamp:

Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Fujikyuko Fujisan Station 富士急行富士山駅, Thomas Land-go Train トーマスランド号

Fujisan Station 富士山駅 (FJ16) is a train station located along Fujikyuko line 富士急行線. Operated by a private railway company, Fujikyuko, this railway line ascends from Otsuki 大月駅 to Kawaguchi-ko 河口湖駅 and is frequently utilised by both locals and tourists to visit Fuji five lakes (such as Kawaguchi-ko and Yamanaka-ko), Fuji Q Highland themepark and numerous scenic spots which offer spectacular views of Fujisan.

Limited express and special themed trains serving this train station include:

(1) Thomas Land-go トーマスランド号, a local train which makes two round trip per day along Fujikyuko line. Happened to hop onto one when we were travelling from Fujisan Station to Shimoyoshida Station 下吉田駅. The two-carriage train is decorated by the characters originating from Thomas and Friends, inside out. I was fully absorbed in exploring the train during the short 5 minutes journey, walking from one end to the other, gasping with excitement as my eyes scrolled through the colourful pictures on the walls/ceiling.

Hit cartoon series. I only realised that the British cartoon series, Thomas and Friends series, was so well received in Japan after seeing a exact replication of Thomas on one of the train heads of Oigawa Tetsudo (in Shizuoka Prefecture). There is even a Thomas Land established in Fuji Q Highland theme park where kids can enjoy rides or take photos with huge figurines featuring the main characters. And that's not all. For each of the eighteen train stations along Fujikyuko line, the platform name boards feature a different character from the cartoon series. Look out for Thomas at Fuji Q Highland Station while Fujisan Station is represented by James, the red engine.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/thomas.php

Fuji Tozan Densha

(2) Fuji Tozan Densha 富士登山電車, a limited express train commuting between Otsuki and Kawaguchi-ko, stopping by Mittsutoge 三つ峠駅, Shimoyoshida 下吉田駅, Fujisan 富士山駅 and Fuji Q Highland 富士急ハイランド駅. The train makes a 1.5 round trip on weekdays and two round trips on weekends/public holidays. Both Fuji Tozan Densha and Fujisan View Limited Express are attractively donned in stunning vermilion with exquisite interior design to impress its onboard passengers. Fuji Tozan Densha is made up of two train carriages named Aka-Fuji (Red Fuji) and Ao-Fuji (Blue Fuji) respectively, with matching colours utilised. Putting on a retro modern style, natural materials such as wood and cloth were employed as much as possible to decorate the train interior. It is a pity I was not able to suit my schedule to ride on either themed train this time round and hopefully I can eventually get to do so one day! Take note that an additional 200 yen fare is required to board this train.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujitozandensha.php

Fujisan View Limited Express.

(3) Fujisan View Limited Express 富士山ビュー特急, a limited express train commuting between Otsuki and Kawaguchi-ko, stopping by Tsurubunka Daigaku-mae 都留文科大学前, Fujisan 富士山駅 and Fuji Q Highland 富士急ハイランド駅. The three-carriage train makes two round trips on weekdays and three round trips on weekends/public holidays. One exclusive service offered by this particular train is the sweets plan (スイーツプラン) and this is only available on weekends/public holidays. The dessert menu is specially created by Highland Resort & Spa (which is also owned by Fujikyu) and cost 4,000 yen per person. For the reserved seats in Car 1, a top up of 900 yen is required. Whereas for the non-reserved seats in Car 2 and 3, an additional 400 yen is collected for commuting between Otsuki to Fujisan/Fuji Q Highland/Kawaguchi-ko.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujisan_view_express.php

Isn't he adorable?

(4) Fujisan Limited Express フジサン特急, a limited express train commuting between Otsuki and Kawaguchi-ko, stopping by Tsurubunka Daigaku-mae 都留文科大学前, Fujisan 富士山駅 and Fuji Q Highland 富士急ハイランド駅 (similar to Fujisan View Limited Express). The train makes three round trips on weekdays and two round trips on weekends/public holidays (opposite to Fujisan View Limited Express). Caught a glimpse of this adorable looking Fujisan Limited Express when we alighted at Fujisan Station and was totally amused by the wacky Fujisan inspired cartoon characters which occupied the exterior wall of the train.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujisan_express.php

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What's nearby?

(1) Fujiyoshida-shi Tourist Information Center 富士吉田市観光案内所, opposite to the train station. A place to head down to retrieve brochures and sightseeing maps of Fujiyoshida City. Feel free to approach the knowledgeable staff here for more information or direction advice on any places of interest in the area.

Bus terminal, located just outside the train station.

Bus Stop 3 for buses heading for Oshino Hakkai, Yamanaka-ko, Heino and Gotenba.

(2) Bus Terminal バスタミナール, just outside the train station.

Bus Stop 3:
- for Fujikko-go Bus ふじっこ号バス heading for Oshino Hakkai 忍野八海, Hananomiyako Koen 花の都公園 and Hirano 平野.
Bus schedule: http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/rosen/shuyufujikkogo
- for Fujikyuko Bus (heading for Oshino Hakkai 忍野八海 and Gotenba JR Station 御殿場駅.
- for Fujikyuko Bus heading for Hananomiyako Koen 花の都公園, Gotenba JR Station 御殿場駅 and Gotenba Premium Outlet 御殿場プレミアムアウトレット.

Bus schedule: http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/gotemba/20181001/timetable_2.pdf

(3) Q-STA, a shopping mall connected to the train station.
The anchor tenants are MUJI (3F) and Daiso (4F) and there are a handful of eateries such as MOS Burger and Uotami housed within the same building. There is a souvenir shop (Gateway Fujiyama) located on the ground floor where a wide variety of Fujisan related merchandise can be purchased. 

http://www.q-sta.jp/

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Commemorative stamps: 

Fujisan Station

Fujiyoshida-shi Tourist Information Center

Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Fujisan Station Hotel 富士山ステーションホテル

Stayed 16.10.2018 (Tue)
Booked thru' Jalan.net
Triple room: 18,000 yen/night (inclusive of breakfast)

Accessibility. Owned by Fujikyu group, Fujisan Station Hotel, as the name suggests, is located in the vicinity of Fujisan Station. Its close proximity to the train station makes it convenient for guests to utilize both the train and bus network to explore areas around Fuji five lakes such as Kawaguchi-ko and Yamanaka-ko, and also Fuji-Q Highland, a large scale amusement park well known for its thrilling high speed roller coaster rides. Stayed here for a night and visited nearby attractions such as Arakurayama Sengen Koen (where a breathtaking view of Fuji-san, together with a pagoda and Fuji Yoshida city can be captured), Oshino Hakkai and Yamanaka-ko over two days.

Perks. The services provided by Fujisan Station Hotel do not differ much from other typical business budget hotels. We had the triple room which came with three super single beds. The 21 m2 room was surprisingly spacious with adequate walking space even after opening up the luggages. One incentive that guests get to enjoy here is a spectacular view of Fuji-san could even be sighted clearly from its rooms on a good weather day. Was extremely fortunate to be blessed by good weather, as we woke up to a stunning view of Fuji-san, seen right from our room! The other perk exclusive to guests residing in Fujikyu group of hotels is the complimentary sightseeting tour bus service that commutes from the hotels to Fuji-Q Highland and Fujikyuko Fujisan and Kawaguchi-ko Station. Breakfast was buffet style and the spread was decent, with both western (scrambled eggs, sausages, etc) and Japanese style made available. For dinner, we had MOS Burger at Q-STA, a small shopping mall connected to Fujisan Station. There are a handful of eateries, such as Uotami and small food courts serving Yoshida Udon, housed within the shopping mall to choose from.

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Fujisan Station Hotel 富士山ステーションホテル
山梨県富士吉田市松山2-7-12
http://www.fujisanstation-hotel.com/

How to get there?
(1) By foot. 2 minutes walk from Fujikyuko Fujisan Station 富士急行富士山駅.

Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Toyoko Inn Kofu Eki Minami Guchi 2 東横イン甲府駅南口2

Stayed 3 nights: 12.10.2018 (Fri), 13.10.2018 (Sat), 17.10.2018 (Wed)
Booked thru’ Toyoko Inn website.
- Single room: 6,175 yen/night
- Twin room: 9,500 yen/night
* Price inclusive of 5% member discount.

First choice. After multiple trips to Japan, Toyoko Inn has become my top choice of hotel whenever possible. This time round, we stayed in Kofu Eki Minami Guchi 2 on all the nights in Kofu-shi, because of its ideal location near the train station. Currently, there are only two branches of Toyoko Inn in Yamanashi Prefecture and both of them are found within Kofu-shi and within walking distance from Kofu JR Station South Exit. Location wise, Kofu Ekimae Minami Guchi 2 has a greater advantage since it is just right opposite the train station - the distinct building can be easily identified once upon exiting from the train station. On the other hand, Minami Guchi 1 is about 7 minutes walk from the train station, located closer to Maizuru Jo Koen.

Ample walking space within room.

Interior of single room.

Interior of single room.

Perks. Will not elaborate much on the accommodation since the business model has been quite consistent among all Toyoko Inn branches I have stayed so far, and there has not been any changes since I last stayed with Toyoko Inn (when I visited Ibaraki Prefecture) a year ago. One of the perks enjoyed by a Toyoko Inn Club member is a free one night stay (in a single room) being awarded after the 10th stay. Being an avid supporter of Toyoko Inn, I have also accumulated enough points from previous trips to redeem a free one night stay this time round.

Toyoko Inn Club membership: https://www.toyoko-inn.com/club/

Highlights. If you are staying on the higher levels of the hotel, a good view of Maizuru Jo Koen / Maizuru Castle Park 舞鶴城公園 can be seen from the window at one end of the corridor. And if you are lucky enough, you can even spot the majestic Fuji-san from the hotel as well! Complimentary breakfast is served in the morning starting from 0630 hrs till around 0900 hrs. Here, the local specialty, Houtou ほうとう, was served in replacement of miso soup, which I felt was a thoughtful gesture by the hotel to introduce this well known local noodle dish to its guests. All in all, I can always count on Toyoko Inn for a good night rest during my stay in Japan!

Maizuru Castle Park viewed from 12th storey of hotel.

Lobby and dinning area.

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What’s nearby?

(1) Kofu JR Station 甲府駅 and Bus Terminal バスターミナル, a stone throw away from the hotel.

(2) Maizuru Jo Koen 舞鶴城公園, less than 3 minutes walk away from the hotel.
A public park now; was originally the site of Maizuru Castle 舞鶴城 (or Kofu Castle 甲府城), which would have been 400 years old if it existed. Though the castle keep tower or tenshukaku 天守閣 is no longer around, the stone laid fortress is still well preserved and its relatively high elevation makes it an excellent observatory to capture a good 360 degree overview of Kofu city.
https://www.city.kofu.yamanashi.jp/welcome/rekishi/kofujyou.html

Yamanashi Prefectural Office.

(3) Museum of Modern Yamanashi Historical Figures 山梨近代人物館, just across the main road.
Designated as a cultural property, the annex of Yamanashi prefectural office houses a museum documenting the achievements of famous people originated from Yamanashi Prefecture and their contributions in various fields of work such as politics, finance, education, agriculture, international relations, arts, research, etc.
- Free admission
https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/ykj/index.html

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Toyoko Inn Kofu Eki Minami Guchi 2 東横イン甲府駅南口2
〒400-0031  山梨県甲府市丸の内2-3-2
https://www.toyoko-inn.com/search/detail/00132

How to get there?

(1) By foot. 1 minute walk from Kofu JR Station South Exit.

Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Kofu JR Station 甲府駅, Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和

Kofu JR Station 甲府駅, is located along Chuo main line 中央線 and the terminus station for Minobe line 身延線. Kofu is the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture and it takes approx 1.5 hours to reach here by limited express trains from Shinjuku Station 新宿駅. Kofu was also the focal point during my 9 days stay in Yamanashi Prefecture. From here, we visited nearby symbolic landmarks such as Kai Zenkoji 甲斐善光寺 and Takeda Jinja 武田神社; travelled northwards from here by bus to explore Shosenkyo 昇仙峡; eastwards to Fuji five lakes area 富士五湖 and Fuefukigawa Onsen 笛吹川温泉; westwards to Kiyosato Kogen 清里高原.

Limited express trains serving this train station include:
(1) Ltd Exp Azusa あずさ and Super Azusa スーパーあずさ, commute between Shinjuku and Matsuyama 松山駅, located in Nagano Prefecture.
(2) Ltd Exp Kaiji かいじ, commutes between Shinjuku and Kofu.

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What’s nearby?

(1) Tourist information center, located within Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal building. 

(2) Bus terminal. There are two bus terminals, one on each exit of the train station. 

North Exit Bus Stop 2, for buses heading towards Takeda Jinja.

North Exit / Kita Guchi 北口:
- Bus Stop 3 for Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス heading for Takeda Jinja 武田神社

South Exit Bus Terminal. Tourist information center located within bus terminal building.

South Exit / Minami Guchi 南口:

- Bus Stop 2 for Aeon Mall Kofu Showa Shuttle Bus イオンモール甲府昭和シャトルバス.

- Bus Stop 4 for Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス heading for Shosenkyo 昇仙峡.

- Bus Stop 5 for Fujikyuko Bus 富士急行バス heading for Fujisan Station 富士山駅, passing by Isawa Onsen 石和温泉 and Kawaguchiko Station 河口湖駅. 

- Bus Stop 6 for express/highway buses heading for Shinjuku, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya or Shizuoka.

Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和
〒409-3852 山梨県中巨摩郡昭和町飯喰1505-1

http://kofushowa-aeonmall.com/

Ironically, there are no large scale shopping malls in the vicinity of the train station. If you are thinking of doing some shopping, Aeon Mall Kofu Showa is an excellent place to head down to. As it was still early after visiting Takeda Jinja 武田神社 on Day 2, I decided to utilise the dedicated shuttle bus, departing from Kofu Station Bus Terminal, to explore this mega shopping mall located about 30 minutes away by bus from the city center. At Aeon Mall Kofu Showa, international brands such as H&M, Gap and Zara and local household brands such as GU, MUJI, Seria (100 yen shop) can be found. Apart from restaurants, the shopping mall also houses TOHO cinema and a food court, named Food Forest (on the third storey), where we settled our dinner here before hopping back onto the shuttle bus heading for Kofu JR Station.
Bus fare = 210 yen (one way)

(3) Shopping malls

- Celeo セレオ, a JR managed shopping mall connected seamlessly to the train station.
Here, you can find souvenir shops selling goods originated from this prefecture, such as the signature Kikyo Shingen Mochi 桔梗信玄餅 - bite sized mochi covered with soy bean powder (kinako) and drizzled with brown sugar syrup. In fact, the huge popularity of Kikyo Shingen Mochi has coined an extensive array of merchandise bearing similar flavour as its predecessor, such as ice-cream, pudding, langue de chat and even Kit Kat! Rest assured that you will definitely be spoilt for choice when doing last minute shopping for souvenirs to bring back home at the train station. There is also a good variety of restaurants such as Aoba Ramen, Saizeriya, etc, located on the fifth storey of the shopping mall which are opened for business till 2130 hrs.
https://www.celeo.co.jp/shiten/index.php?scd=5

- Yamako Departmental Store 山交百貨店, located less than a minute walk away from South Exit.
There is a Starbucks located on the ground floor and a supermarket housed in the basement of the shopping mall.
https://www.yamako-dept.jp/

(4) Kofu Ekimae Post Office 甲府駅前郵便局, located less than a minute walk away from South Exit.
For Postacollect fans, remember to grab exclusive postcards released for Yamanashi Prefecture here!
https://map.japanpost.jp/p/search/dtl/300108186000/