Showing posts with label ~ Hokkaido Accommodation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ~ Hokkaido Accommodation. Show all posts

Friday, May 11, 2018

Hokkaido Revisit 2017 三回目の北海道の旅 - Furano Rising Sun 富良野ライジングサン

Stayed 14.10.2017 (Sat), 1 night
Booked thru' Jalan.net.
Single room = 8,000 yen inclusive of breakfast


Near pitch black. During my last trip to Furano, I stayed at Natulux Hotel which was just a stone throw away from the train station. Decided to expand my search to Kitanomine area which is more popular with skiers during the winter season. To my delight, I came across Furano Rising Sun, a newly opened B&B style accommodation which was able to meet my budget and not too inaccessible in my opinion. Arrived at Furano JR Station in the evening when the skies have already turned dark. Hopped on Lavender Bus and alighted at Hotel Naturwald about 8 minutes later. As there were minimal street lamps, I had to almost grope in the dark while finding my way to Furano Rising Sun. What make the situation a bit more challenging was Kitanomine area is located on a slope and I had to descend carefully to reach to my destination. The name of the accommodation never felt so apt at the moment when I saw the sign "Rising Sun" highlighted by spotlights from afar! Yes, I have finally reached!


Furano Rising Sun is a family run B&B which started operation in June 2017. There are a total of 5 rooms - 4 twin rooms and one single room, the latter being occupied by me on that night. I love the touch and smell of wood which was the main material of construction on both the inside and outside of the building. The sense of security, just like what a home will give, was what I felt upon stepping into this two storey building. Both the owner and his wife came to welcome me at the front desk upon arrival. The owner, who was able to converse in simple English, briefly explained to me the features of the building and brought me to my room after completing the check-in procedure. The single room I was assigned to was named "Snow" and had a more modern and simplistic outlook. Spacious with adequate walking space, the room was equipped with basic amenities, similar to that of a hotel. To my surprise, there was even a washing machine found in my room. As Rising Sun accepts long stay guests, this household appliance will bring along convenience and all washing can be done within the comfort of their living space.


Broke the silence. After a refreshing bath, I came out from my room and wanted to sit at the bar to have a drink while planning my itinerary for the following day. Owner was kind enough to open up the bar though I was the only patron, and stood patiently behind the counter while I was contemplating what to drink. Ordered their homemade ginger ale on the drink menu. While preparing my drink, the owner initiated a conversation with me. I took this opportunity to practice my Japanese; first with a self introduction followed by explaining the purpose of my visit in Hokkaido. The casual conversation warmed up the atmosphere and despite me switching between English and Japanese, the owner was very accommodating and waited for me to complete my sentences before responding. The wife joined us in our conversation when I was seeking their advice on places which they would recommend me to visit in Furano. They were extremely approachable and helpful; apart from recommending cafes/restaurants to try and sightseeing spots to visit, they went further to research the transportation I should utilise to get to these destination and even printed out the bus schedule for me! I was so grateful for their help rendered and could not thank them enough. In fact, I managed to visit both places which they recommended, Chevre, a Italian restaurant in Nakafurano and Ryonkaku 凌雲閣, a hot spring ryokan in Tokachidake Onsen 十勝岳温泉, and enjoyed myself thoroughly.



Surrounded by beauty. On the following day, I woke up earlier for a morning stroll in the neighbourhood. As I arrived at night the previous day, I had no idea how the surroundings of Rising Sun looked like. The timing was just right as I was able to catch a glimpse of sunrise, illuminating the beautiful shades of autumn colours that spread across the vegetation on highlands. As Kitanomine area is a well known ski resort in Furano, hotels and pensions here become popular accommodation options for skiers in winter. During non peak period, Furano is actually a relatively quiet and laid back town where people can relax to the calm and easy pace of life here.




Sumptuous breakfast. I could not contain my excitement when I saw the delicious looking breakfast platter served in front of me! The food was so beautifully prepared and I did not expect to indulge in such sumptuous and homely breakfast here. Fresh salad, my favourite croissant, homemade English muffin with bacon and egg, vegetable and tomato soup were served as the mains. The highlight of my meal was I even had the luxury to savour a slice of the sweetest tasting Furano melon for dessert! Many years ago, I have tasted this legendary fruit on my first visit to Hokkaido during the summer season and it has left such a delectable impression in my food memory since then. Being able to taste Furano melon again was a dream come true, especially when it was not at its peak harvesting season. Counting my blessings everyday!

Overall, my stay at Furano Rising Sun has formed, yet another excellent and unforgettable episode of my journey in Hokkaido.


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Furano Rising Sun 富良野ライジングサン
〒076-034 富良野市北の峰町13-28
http://g-brain.com/


How to get there?

(1) Furano Bus Lavender-go 富良野バス ラベンダー号
From the bus terminal in front of Furano JR Station, board Furano Bus Lavender Bus at Platform 4 (effect from 1 May 2018) heading for New Furano Prince Hotel. Alight at Hotel Naturwald and walk for another 3 minutes.
Fee = 160 yen
http://www.furanobus.jp/lavender/

(2) Furano Bus Goryo line 富良野バス 御料線
Similarly from the bus terminal in front of Furano JR Station, board Furano Bus Goryo line at Platform 3 heading for Goryo Ku Sen 御料9線. As compared to Lavender-go, there are significantly lower number of bus services (only three per day) operating along Goryo line.
Fee = 160 yen
http://www.furanobus.jp/rosen/index.html#goryou


Sunday, August 10, 2014

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Loisir Hotel Hakodate ロワジールホ テル函館

Stayed 12.02.2013
Booked thru Japanican.

11.06.2018 Update: Loisir Hotel Hakodate is permanently closed. Current building is housed by Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate フォーポイントバイシェラトン函館



- There are many hotel options nearby Hakodate JR Station. Decided to settle for Loisir Hotel which is just a stone throw away from the train station. Loisir Hotel is one of the brands under Solare Hotels and Resort group, which also manages Chisun series of hotels. Have stayed in Sapporo Chisun Hotel on my first trip to Hokkaido and was pretty satisfied with my stay then.

- Booked the standard twin room A (exclusive of breakfast) at 7,980 yen/night (~99 SGD). Typical room size of 18 m2 (limited walking space in the room), equipped with all basic amenities. Souvenir shops are conveniently located on the ground floor (hotel lobby is on the second floor), allowing guests to perform last minute shopping of local specialties before heading back home. 

- Overall: Strategic location of hotel, great accessibility by both train and streetcar. A good hotel option for those visiting Hakodate for the first time.

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What's nearby?

(1) Bus to Hakodate Airport. Bus stop is located outside the train station.
Hakodate Airport: http://www.airport.ne.jp/hakodate/en/
Bus schedule to/fro Hakodate Airport: http://www.airport.ne.jp/hakodate/en/time_schedule/bus/en.shtml

(2) Hakodate eki-mae streetcar stop is located beside the hotel. Hop onto the streetcar to visit other attractions in Hakodate. Purchase a 1 day pass for 600 yen to enjoy unlimited rides on the streetcar. Passes can be purchased from Tourist Information Counter located within Hakodate JR Station, hotel front desks or directly from the driver. Bought mine from the front desk of Loisir Hotel.

Hakodate Streetcar Map (found in 1 day pass)
Rough guide on streetcar fares:
From Hakodate eki-mae > Jujigai, to visit Mt Hakodate and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse: 210 yen
From Hakodate eki-mae > Goryokaku koen mae, to visit Goryokaku Tower: 230 yen
From Hakodate eki-mae > Yunokawa Onsen: 240 yen

(3) Hakodate Asachi Market (函馆朝市), located beside the train station and hotel. Seafood lovers will definitely want to savour the freshest catch of the day in this popular market. Chose the accommodation plan without breakfast because we wanted to visit the market in the morning.

(4) Boni-moriya departmental store (棒二森屋店), located beside the hotel. You can find quite an extensive line up of local souvenirs (mainly food) on the basement of Annex building. For MUJI fans, you will be delighted to know that they have one outlet on the fourth floor in the same building.
Website: http://www.boni-moriya.com/

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Loisir Hotel Hakodate ロワジールホテル函館
040-0063 函館市若松町14番10号
http://www.loisir-hakodate.com/


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Commemorative stamps: 


Monday, June 23, 2014

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Best Western Fino Hotel Sapporo ベストウェスタン ホテルフィーノ札幌

Stayed 09.02.2013 - 11.02.2013 (3 nights)
Booked thru Japanican.

11.06.2018 Update: Best Western Fino Hotel Sapporo is permanently closed. Current building is housed by Hotel Mystays Sapporo Station ホテルマイステイズ札幌駅北口.


- My 2nd visit to Sapporo. One mistake made for this trip was our accommodation in Sapporo was booked too late (despite being three months ahead). Most of the hotels, especially those located near the train station, were seeing full occupancy during the week of Sapporo Snow Festival. Had to spend some time searching for reasonably priced accommodation through several hotel booking websites as the price of rooms were marked up during this period of time (hoping someone will give up the rooms due to change in travelling plans). Tip: book your rooms as early as possible, after the dates of the festival are released.

- Fortunately spotted this rather fair deal offered by Best Western Fino Hotel Sapporo. Double room (inclusive of breakfast) for three consecutive days cost 52,800 yen (~ 241 SGD/night) during the peak season. Found this not overly expensive for a hotel that is located within 2 mins walk from Sapporo JR Station. As this was the best option I have come across so far, I immediately grabbed the remaining two rooms without further hesitation. Even though I could only get smoking rooms, there were no lingering cigarette smell in both rooms, fortunately. 

- Room was small and has limited walking space. However, the usage of natural colours made the small enclosure felt cosy. Room is equipped with all the basic necessities that one require. After having a number of disappointing (or boring) buffet breakfast for the past few days, Best Western Fino surprised us with a delicious spread of food in both Japanese and Western cuisine, with a different menu to offer everyday.

- What's nearby? Hokkaido University is a stone throw away from hotel. Did not have time to visit the campus but will want to explore this place further on my next visit.

Managed to catch a glimpse of its campus directory at its entrance
- Felt that it was one of the best hotel chains I have experienced so far in Hokkaido. Strategic location and high quality service basically summed up my impression of this hotel.

Recognition: Awarded two stars in Michelin Hokkaido Guide 2012.

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Best Western Fino Hotel Sapporo ベストウェスタン ホテルフィーノ札幌
〒060-0808 北海道札幌市北区北8条西4-15
http://sapporo.bwhotels.jp/
2 mins walk from North Exit of Sapporo JR Station.

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Friday, January 3, 2014

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Asahikawa Washington Hotel 旭川ワシントンホテル

Stayed 08.02.2013 (1 day)
Booked through Japanican.

11.06.2018 Update: Asahikawa Washington Hotel is permanently closed. Current building is housed by Smile Hotel Asahikawa スマイルホテル旭川.


- Chose this hotel largely due to its convenience (free shuttle bus from Sounkyo Kankou Hotel stops in front of the hotel) and cheap room rates (comparable to more established business hotel chains). Hotel is located one street away from Heiwa-dori shopping street and approx 3 - 5 minutes walk away from Asahikawa JR station.  

- Shopping complexes such as Seibu, !EXC and Feeeal found along Heiwa-dori Shopping Street -
- Booked standard twin rooms with breakfast plan, at 6,300 yen/room (approx 43 SGD/pax). Left our luggage with the front desk as we arrived before our check-in timing. Was glad to know that the staff have brought our luggage to the rooms when we returned in the late afternoon. Size of room is small but adequate walking space available, and equipped with the basic necessities and amenities to ensure a comfortable night stay. Hotel also has a pillow counter which allow the guests to select the type of pillow that best suit his/her needs, an additional (seemingly small) service which make a difference to one's sleeping quality!

- Was quite disappointed with the breakfast buffet as there were limited food choices (mostly processed food), something the hotel should improve on. Alternatively, skip the hotel breakfast and go for cafes/fast food restaurants (such as Doutor Coffee, Mister Donut, Mos Burger, etc) located along Heiwa-dori shopping street.

Conclusion: Being the second largest city in Hokkaido, there are numerous accommodation options in Asahikawa, and most of them are within close proximity to the train station. Apart from the breakfast which leaves much to be desired, a combination of affordable rates, strategic location and decent service still make this hotel stands out among the rest of its competitors.

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Asahikawa Washington Hotel 旭川ワシントンホテル
北海道旭川市1条通6丁目左10号 昭和通
http://www.awh.jp/english/

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Friday, December 27, 2013

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Sounkyo Kankou Hotel 層雲峡観光ホテル

Stayed 07.02.2013 (1 day)
Booked through Japanican.


- Booked western style twin rooms, inclusive of both breakfast and dinner, at 12,600 yen/room (~ 90 SGD/pax). Found the price relatively cheap for a hot spring hotel. Hotel is divided into two annexes - the more luxurious Japanese style rooms are found in Shiki (四季) while the other guest rooms are housed in Saika (花彩), the main building. Rooms that were assigned to us were unusually spacious (even after we opened up two luggage fully), especially for the price we were paying for.

- Location of hotel is about 3 - 5 minutes walk from Sounkyo Onsen bus terminal, tourist centre and main onsen town (whereby you can find Seicomart convenience store, several eateries and ropeway to Mt Kurodake). Did not have time to visit the main onsen town and nearby attractions (Waterfall of Ginga and Meteor, Oobako and Kobako gorges) as we arrived at the hotel in the late evening and left for Asahikawa early next day. The venue for the annual Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival is also about 5 mins walk from the hotel.

- There are two separate communal bathhouses for men and women. Bathouses are closed at midmight, for thirty minutes, to prepare for opposite gender usage. Do note that for one of their bathhouses, its indoor and outdoor sections are not connected i.e. one will need to dress up to shuffle between the indoor and outdoor hot spring facilities.


- Both breakfast and dinner were buffet style, offering quite a decent spread of Western and Japanese cuisine. Seafood items such as the ever popular crab legs and scallops, miso hot pot (packed with ingredients that you are free to pick/choose), steak and tempura were available during dinner. Had soup curry (one of the signature dishes from Sapporo) for the very first time too during breakfast.
Side note: Restaurant was very packed (and noisy) during our day of visit as the hotel was hosting a huge overseas tour group. Unfortunately, the crowd did make the overall dinning experience seemed more hectic.

Top: spotted a Sika deer outside our window; Bottom: 1 hour bus ride to Asahikawa Washington Hotel
- Utilised the free shuttle bus service provided by hotel to transfer to Asahikawa.
From Asahikawa Washington Hotel > Sounkyo Kankou Hotel: 1400 hrs
From Sounkyo Kankou Hotel > Asahikawa Washington Hotel: 1000 hrs
Do note that phone/email reservation is required at least 1 day before your stay. Did reconfirm my reservation with the front desk on the night of my stay.

Conclusion: Will definitely come back to Sounkyo on a different season to visit Mt Kurodake and other beautiful natural landscapes of waterfalls and gorges. Affordable room rates for this hotel will definitely attract many budget travellers. Hot spring facility is definitely not the best I've been to but reasonably good for the price. Personally, I will want to try out other accommodation options (hopefully a quieter/less crowded one) on my next visit to Sounkyo.

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Sounkyo Kankou Hotel 層雲峡観光ホテル
078-1701 北海道上川郡上川町字層雲峡
http://www.sounkyo-kankou.co.jp/en/

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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Hotel Route Inn Abashiri Ekimae ホテルルートイン網走駅前

Stayed 06.02.2013 (1 day)
Booked through Agoda.sg.


- There are two hotels located conveniently in front of Abashiri JR Station - Toyoko Inn and Hotel Route Inn. Both business hotels are well-known for their inexpensive charges, suitable for budget travellers. Have no particular preference or staying experience in both hotel chains - decided on Hotel Route Inn eventually.

- Booked a twin room (inclusive of breakfast) for approximately 87 SGD after discount (redemption of points awarded from past hotel bookings with Agoda). Left our luggage with the front desk (located on the second floor) as we arrived before the check-in timing (1500 hrs). Brochures and discount vouchers for nearby attractions (such as Abashiri Prison and Okhotsk Ryohyo Museum) can be found on stands placed in the hotel lobby. Free drinks from coffee machine is available in the lobby (1500 - 2200 hrs) as well.

- Room has more walking space than expected for such business hotel and is equipped with basic necessities. Complimentary breakfast is served in its restaurant located on the second floor (just beside the front desk). Variety of food was limited and predictable, nevertheless still good enough to start off the day.

- There are two man-made hot spring public baths, separated by gender, available to hotel guests. A soak in the hot spring felt exceptionally good after a tiring day of walking in the town!

- Left: view from room; Right: Abashiri River just behind hotel -
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Hotel Route Inn Abashiri Ekimae ホテルルートイン網走駅前
093-0046 北海道網走市新町1丁目2番13号
http://www.route-inn.co.jp/search/hotel/index_hotel_id_502
Twin Room charges:
Oct - Jan, Mar - May = 9,500 yen (~ 120 - 130 SGD)
Feb, Jun - Sep = 10,500 yen (~ 130 - 140 SGD)

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi 知床グランドホテル北こぶし

Stayed 05.02.2013 (1 day)
Booked through Japanican.


- Booked a twin room, inclusive of two meals (dinner and breakfast). Cost 23,520 yen (322 SGD). Was given room which looked out into Okhotsk Sea. Room was very spacious and comfortable. Was warmly welcomed by staffs upon arrival. Warm konbu tea and dried prune were served while waiting for check-in at the lobby.

- One main feature of this hotel is their communal hot spring bathhouse located on the 8th floor, overlooking the vast and magnificent Okhotsk Sea, which is fully covered with drift ice during winter season. Walk up the stairs to access the outdoor hot spring facility - personally preferred the open air one as the indoor one can get humid at times. Towels for usage in the bathhouse are placed in a rattan basket, found in the hotel room. Only sodium chloride hot spring is offered by the hotel.

- Both dinner and breakfast were buffet style. Huge array of food (both Western and Japanese) were provided by the hotel, which made us spoilt for choice. Overall dinning experience was enjoyable.

- Dinner -

- Breakfast -
- Souvenir shops are located on the ground floor of the hotel. Vividly remember that there is Seicomart located just in front of the hotel. Tickets to Aurora Fantasy (laser light show) during the winter season can be purchased directly from the front desk and the event venue is approximately 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Did not manage to explore the area around the hotel as we reached in the evening and had to depart early in the morning. Will love to visit Shiretoko Peninsula again in summer/autumn to explore the national park.

- Limited period Twinkle Bus bound for Utoro Onsen will allow passengers to alight at several major hotels, and this hotel is one of them. Alternatively, take Shari bus (Shiretoko line) from Shari Bus Terminal (beside Shiretoko-shari JR Station) and alight at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal. Hotel is within a few minutes walk from the bus terminal. Bus schedule: http://www.shiretoko.co.jp/access/index.html

Recognition: Was featured in Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012.

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Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi 知床グランドホテル北こぶし
〒099-4355 北海道斜里郡斜里町ウトロ東172番地
http://www.shiretoko.co.jp/english/index.html

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Commemorative stamp: 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Kushiro Royal Inn 釧路ロイヤルイン

Stayed 04.02.2013 (1 night)
Booked via email (info@royalinn.jp).


- Twin room cost 9,100 yen, inclusive of breakfast. Small room size but equipped with all the necessities and amenities. Front desk was approachable and patient to cater to our needs, and helped to arrange a sightseeing taxi to get to Akan International Crane Center, despite not being very well-versed in English.

- Strategic location of the hotel - less than 3 mins walk from Kushiro JR Station. Upon stepping out of the train station, look to your right and Kushiro Royal Inn is located just behind a church. Washo Market (和商市场) is a stone throw away from the hotel as well. Taxis are also readily available in front of train station.


- There is a good selection of hotels are available nearby Kushiro JR Station. Eventually decided on Royal Inn after reading multiple rave reviews commending on their sumptuous spread of breakfast. Restaurant is located on the 10th floor (only open during breakfast hours), providing a good view of Kushiro city. I can only say the variety of bread served for breakfast was incredible, definitely comparable to what you get in a traditional bakery! Bread was fresh from the oven and tasted delicious. Buffet table also provided a good spread of both Japanese and Western cuisine. Definitely a fulfilling breakfast to start off one's day!

- Unable to access the reservation page on their English website and had to do it via email (info@royalinn.jp). Do ask for non-smoking rooms if you do not like the lingering smell of nicotine in the room.

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Kushiro Royal Inn 釧路ロイヤルイン
北海道钏路市黑金町14-9-2
http://www.royalinn.jp/
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Saturday, July 20, 2013

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Sanyoan 三余庵

Stayed 03.02.2013 (1 day)
Booked through Japanican.

- Japanese style room: Manyo -
Background: First read about Sanyoan through this book (北海道,一个人的幸福旅程) which I stumbled upon in the library. Milly (the author of the book) has been to Japan numerous times and have published a series of travel guides to share her knowledge and experiences accumulated over the years. In this book, she wrote about her 20+ days summer holidays in Hokkaido, covered entirely by herself. Sanyoan was one of the hotels/ryokans she stayed during the trip and had full of praise for this top-notched hotel located in Tokachigawa Onsen. Her excellent narration has intrigued me to find out more about this ryokan, which had left her a deep impression in many aspects. Curiosity eventually made me part a hefty sum of money to gain this experience myself.

Tokachigawa Onsen is famous for their unique and rare botanical moor hot springs. The water is slightly brownish in colour, completely different from the milky white sulphur rich hot springs that are more commonly seen. Moor hot springs is also referred to as a "beauty spring" because it brings about skin smoothing and moisturising effects.

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Mode of transportation: Tokachigawa Onsen is about 20 mins bus ride away from Obihiro JR Station.
(1) Free hotel shuttle bus services provided by Sanyoan & Daichii Hotel to/fro hotel and Obihiro JR Station/Tokachi-Obihiro Airport. You will need to inform the hotel beforehand (via email or phone) to pick you up from the designated locations.
- From Obihiro JR Station (north exit): two pick-up timings at 1440 and 1645 hrs.
- From Tokachi-Obihiro Airport: one pick-up timing at 1540 hrs.

Shuttle bus from Sanyoan to:
- Obihiro JR Station: two departure timings at 0920 and 1050 hrs.
- Tokachi-Obihiro Airport: one departure timing at 1050 hrs

(2) Free shuttle bus service to Tokachigawa Onsen from Obihiro JR Station for guests of selected hotels/ryokans (inclusive of Sanyoan). This bus service is available till Mar-2014 and pick up location is at the north exit of train station. Collect a bus voucher from the ticket counter and hop onto the designated bus (three pick-up timings at 1526, 1651 and 1811 hrs).
Return bus trips to train station is available in the morning as well. Do inform the hotel/ryokan staff if you intend to utilise this bus service.
Please check up Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association website for the most updated information on bus service availability.
Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association (Japanese): http://www.tokachigawa.net/
Free shuttle bus service information (1 Apr 2013 - 31 Mar 2014): http://www.tokachigawa.net/img/index/pdf/2013-busfree.pdf

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Highlights:


- Adore the laidback and relaxing ambience and attentive hospitality of staffs, which you will experience immediately upon stepping into the ryokan. Drinks and light snacks are served upon arrival and staff will check with guests what time do they want their dinner to be served and any food allergies/preferences to take note of.

 - Booked two rooms, inclusive of two meals (dinner and breakfast):
Japanese style room: 60,900 yen (834 SGD)
Western style room: 54,600 yen (747 SGD)


- There are only 11 rooms in this ryokan (located on the second and third storey), each having its own distinct layout and name. Stayed in the spacious Japanese-style room, Manyo (万叶) and opposite Western-style room, Yukiguni (雪国). Each room is equipped with a Japanese cypress bath, allowing one to enjoy moor hot springs in the comfort and tranquility of your private space.

-  On the ground level, there are two communal bathhouses (male and female changover time at 2100 - 2115 hrs) and each has its own outdoor area. Had my first experience soaking in the open air hot springs when there was light snowing and ambient temperature was below 0 degC. You will need to bear the cold for a while when shuffling from indoor to outdoor, but once immersed in the hot springs, the feeling is truly extraordinary and unexpectedly soothing and enjoyable!




- Shunju main dining room is located on ground level of hotel. Menu is changed every season, utilising seasonal and premium ingredients cultivated and harvested from the land of Hokkaido. Totally blew away by the sumptuous and delicious 9 course dinner! From the freshest sashimi, juicy and tender Tokachi beef, flavourful soup with matsutake mushroom tofu to the last delectable chestnut mousse cake, all the dishes were plated beautifully and artistically. Given a basket containing sweet beancurd skin stuffed with rice to be eaten as supper back in the room. You will be asked to choose between Japanese and Western style breakfast for the next morning just before you leave the dining room.

- Western style breakfast -
- Japanese style breakfast -
- Breakfast was equally pleasing too. Japanese set comes with grilled fish, stewed pork, tofu soup and nagaimo, which is a specialty of Tokachi, and served with congee/rice. Bread which is fresh from the oven and handmade jam, bacon, sausages and eggs (choice of scrambled or sunny side-up) were served in the Western set menu. Milk, yogurt and fruit juices were available on the buffet table, which is laid in front of the open concept kitchen.


- There is a covered passageway from Sanyoan to Daichii Hotel (both under the same hotel group). Guests from Sanyoan (but not the other way round) are allowed to use the facilities (bathhouse) in Daichii Hotel. A souvenir shop is also found on the ground floor of the hotel where you can find almost all Hokkaido's famous souvenirs here or grab a postcard to send home. From the entrance of Daichii Hotel, you can get a good view of Tokachigawa (十胜川) or even make your way down to the river bank to feed the swans on a good day.

Recognition: Featured in Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012.
http://pr.gnavi.co.jp/prt/redguide-hokkaido-2012/en/page.php?no=458

Conclusion: So far, the best ryokan I've stayed in my life. Both food and service standard have been exceptional and have made the hefty expenditure seemed worthwhile after all.

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Sanyoan 三余庵
北海道河東郡音更町十勝川温泉南13
http://www.sanyoan.com/eng/

大きな地図で見る

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Noboribetsu Grand Hotel 登別グランドホテル

Stayed 15.07.2012 (1 day)
Booked through Rakuten Travel


- Located in Noboribetsu hot spring town, a stone throw away from Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal.

- Mode of transportation from Noboribetsu JR Station:
(1) Taxi: Approx 13 mins; fee = ~2,500 yen. Recommended if you are carrying large luggage and travelling in groups.
(2) Bus: take either Bus NC or ND and alight at Noboribetsu Onsen (N11). Bus NA and NB drop by Date Jidaimura (时代村) before going to Noboribetsu Onsen. Approx. 20 mins; fee = 330 yen.

- Booked a twin room for 27,000 yen, inclusive of 2 buffet style meals (dinner and breakfast). If you prefer non-smoking rooms, do remember to state your preference during hotel reservations.

- Hotel offers three different types of hot springs (out of the 9 available in Noboribetsu) - sulphur, sodium chloride and iron. There are two separate communal bathhouses for men and women. Each communal bathhouse has an indoor and an outdoor section and the designs are unique for each bathhouse. All bathhouses are closed between 0230 - 0330 hours in preparation for the alternate usage. Therefore, it is recommended to do your first soak upon check-in and another one in the morning, in order to fully utilise both facilities.
Note: you will need to pay a bathing fee of 150 yen per person upon checking out, regardless whether you use the communal bathroom facilities or not. This fee is typically not included in hotel room charges.

- Main shopping street, Gokuraku dori (极乐通商店街) is just 2 mins walk from the hotel. Another 10 - 15 mins walk to reach Jigokudani (Hell Valley, 地狱谷).

- Direct bus service (at a nominal fee) ferrying guests from Sapporo to the hotel is also available. However, reservation is required if you intend to use this service.
http://www.nobogura.co.jp/access/index.html

Recognition: Featured in Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012.

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Noboribetsu Grand Hotel 登別グランドホテル
〒059-0592 北海道 登別市 登別温泉町154番地
http://www.nobogura.co.jp/english/

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Saturday, March 30, 2013

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Chisun Hotel Sapporo チサン ホテル 札幌

Stayed 13.07.2012, 14.07.2012 (2 days)
Booked through Misa Travel (hotels.com.sg)

11.06.2018 Update: Chisun Hotel Sapporo is permanently closed. Current building is housed by Nest Hotel Sapporo Ekimae ネストホテル札幌駅前.


- Booked a double room, exclusive of breakfast. Approx 105 SGD per room/night.

- Business hotel, owned by Solare Hotel & Resorts, is located in between Sapporo and Odori subway stations. Approx 7 mins walk from either subway station. Hotel is located on the south side of Sapporo JR Station.

- Small room (not much walking area) equipped with basic amenities. Competitive price considering its strategic location.

- A cheaper option (if you don't mind an even smaller room) is Chisun Inn Sapporo (also owned by Solare) located just opposite to this hotel.

- Located near prominent landmarks such as Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower.

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Chisun Hotel Sapporo チサン ホテル 札幌
北海道札幌市中央区北二条西2-9
http://www.solarehotels.com/english/chisun/hotel-sapporo/guestroom/detail.html?nid=HKD_CHSap_e

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Furano Natulux Hotel

Stayed 10.07.2012 - 12.07.2012 (3 days)
Booked through Agoda.sg.


- Booked a double room, inclusive of breakfast. Approx 300 SGD.

- Small space but simplistic and stylish design/layout, usage of neutral colours created a cosy atmosphere.


- Breakfast served in Natural Dining Restaurant & Bar. Choice of Western or Japanese set - tried both and were equally sumptuous and tasty. Apart from free flow of coffee, tea and orange juice, you get to choose between fruit/vege juice and Furano milk (I had milk for three consecutive days!). Not forgetting to mention the free flow of tasty bread made by the kitchen, which we had several helpings during breakfast.

- Highly recommended if you want to make use of public transport (trains, buses and taxis) to visit nearby attractions, especially during summer. During winter, Natulux is of a less popular choice. Most visitors will choose accommodation (e.g. New Furano Prince Hotel, Naturwald Hotel, Hotel Bells Hill, etc) in Kitanomine area (北の峰) as most skiing/winter activities take place there. Kitanomine area is about 10 - 15 minutes bus/taxi ride away from Furano JR Station.

- Great hospitality and service left a deep impression on me. Hotel also employs part-time Mandarin speaking staff, catering to the influx of visitors from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Recognition: Rated 1 star in Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012.

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What's nearby?
(1) Furano JR Station (T30), a stone throw away.

(2) Tourist Information Centre, located outside Furano JR Station.
Visit this place to gather info and discount vouchers/coupons to attractions in Furano and Biei, purchase Kururu bus passes and arrange sightseeing taxis.

(3) Bus Terminal, outside Furano JR Station.
Lavender-go buses to/fro Asahikawa Airport, Twinkle Bus, Kururu Bus, buses to attractions such as Furano Grape Juice and Winery and Farm Tomita.

(4) Supermarket, located just behind the hotel.
Opening hours: 1000 - 1900 hrs

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(5) Within walking distance to Furano Marche (a small shopping complex comprises of shops selling locally grown agricultural products, souvenirs and cafe) and Hokkaido geographical center marker in Furano Elementary School.

(6) Famous eateries/restaurants featured in guide books/travelogue:
- Yuigadoxon (唯我独尊): well-known for their omu curry rice and homemade sausages.
- Kumagera: well-known for their raw beef rice and Bandit's hot pot.

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Furano Natulux Hotel
http://www.natulux.com/en/about/index.html
1-35 Asahi-machi
Furano City, Furano
Japan 076-0026

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