Day 6 - 15.07.2012
Breakfast: Ekiben, bought from Sapporo JR Station.
Sapporo JR Station (0730 hrs) > Noboribetsu JR Station (0842 hrs)
via Muroran main line.
Fee = 7,880 yen for a set of 4 tickets.
Kept luggage in lockers available in Noboribetsu JR Station.
500 yen per large sized locker.
Noboribetsu JR Station > Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
approx. 5 - 10 mins walk.
Fee = 2,400 yen
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Noboribetsu JR Station > Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
via taxi.
Fee = ~2,500 yen
Check in: Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
Lunch: Tenho, ramen shop located along Gokuraku dori.
Covered Noboribetsu Onsen Walking Trails, took approx. 2 hrs:
(1) Jigokudani Loop Course, Tessen Pond.
(2) Oyunuma Observatory, a good view of Mt Hiyori and Oyunuma.
(3) Taisho Jigoku
(4) Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath
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Dinner: Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
Night stroll to Jigokudani (Demon's Fire Trail) and Gokuraku dori.
- End of Day 6 -
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Mt Moiwa 藻岩山
Visited 14.07.2012
Mt Moiwa is about 531 m above sea level. Observatory deck on the summit promises visitors a spectacular view of Sapporo city - both in the day and at night. Ropeway first ferries visitors to a mid station and two mini cable cars (unique in the sense that they moves on a track instead of hanging on a cable line) will tranfer visitors to the next station on the summit.
Personally I feel that the best time to visit Mt Moiwa should be in the late afternoon/early evening, just before sunset. Captured in front of your eyes, apart from the beautiful sunsets, is the transition from day to night whereby the city of Sapporo "brightens up" as the sky starts to darken - a phenomenonal experience that is beyond words to describe! This visit to Mt Moiwa was a great way to end our last night in Sapporo as well. It was also after this memorable experience that made us want to visit Mt Hakodate, which is named as the top three best night views in the world.
Note: It can also get a bit chilly on the summit in the night (even in summer), so do remember to bring additional clothing to protect yourself from the cold especially if you plan to stay outdoors to witness the transition of scenery.
Tip: Grab a 200 yen discount voucher from tourism information centre in Sapporo JR Station. Did notice that the discount vouchers were also available in the streetcar - placed near the driver's seat.
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Mt Moiwa 藻岩山
http://moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp/
Fee (for both ropeway and cable car) = 1,700 yen (1,500 yen with discount voucher)
View Larger Map
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How to get there?
- Susukino or Nihonyon chrome > Ropeway Iriguchi by Sapporo Streetcar; Fare = 170 yen per ride
- Look out for the free shuttle service bus, which ferries passengers to Mt Moiwa Ropeway Station.
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Commemorative stamp:
Mt Moiwa is about 531 m above sea level. Observatory deck on the summit promises visitors a spectacular view of Sapporo city - both in the day and at night. Ropeway first ferries visitors to a mid station and two mini cable cars (unique in the sense that they moves on a track instead of hanging on a cable line) will tranfer visitors to the next station on the summit.
 |
| at 1830 hours |
 |
| at 1840 hours |
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| at 1900 hours |
Note: It can also get a bit chilly on the summit in the night (even in summer), so do remember to bring additional clothing to protect yourself from the cold especially if you plan to stay outdoors to witness the transition of scenery.
Tip: Grab a 200 yen discount voucher from tourism information centre in Sapporo JR Station. Did notice that the discount vouchers were also available in the streetcar - placed near the driver's seat.
======
Mt Moiwa 藻岩山
http://moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp/
Fee (for both ropeway and cable car) = 1,700 yen (1,500 yen with discount voucher)
View Larger Map
======
How to get there?
- Susukino or Nihonyon chrome > Ropeway Iriguchi by Sapporo Streetcar; Fare = 170 yen per ride
- Look out for the free shuttle service bus, which ferries passengers to Mt Moiwa Ropeway Station.
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Commemorative stamp:
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Sapporo Beer Garden 札幌啤酒园
Visited 14.07.2012
Returned to Sapporo from Otaru and headed to Sapporo Beer Garden to settle for an early dinner. One of the goals of this trip was to try out Genghis Khan BBQ, a specialty of Hokkaido. Originally planned to patronise one of the recommended restaurants in Susukino but it was full house on the day of visit (13.07.2012). Sapporo Beer Garden houses a handful of BBQ restaurants within its premises - Garden Grill (the highest end among all), Lilac and Genghis Khan Hall. A beer museum is also located in this compound - for a better understanding on development of Sapporo Beer since it was introduced in 1877.
Took the subway and walked approx 10 mins before the distinctive and prominent red brick building and chimney came into sight. Decided on Lilac and chose an indoor table. Cautiously ordered only one serving of lamb marinated with salt (1,400 yen) and one serving of pork, just in case we did not like the strong smell of mutton (otherwise known as 羊骚味 in Chinese).
The meat was served with vegetables - beansprouts, cabbages and slices of pumpkin. A cube of lard was first used to "oil" the hotplate, before putting in the meat and vegetables. The cooked meat can be dipped into the sauce provided before eating.
Conclusion: We were totally blown away by the lamb meat which was very tender and juicy, and not a tint of mutton smell at all. In the end, we had to order another serving of lamb to satisfy our appetite! We were pretty sure that we will eat this again if we visit Hokkaido in future - thumbs up to Genghis Khan BBQ!
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Sapporo Beer Garden 札幌啤酒园 - Lilac
Opening hours: 1130 - 2130 hrs
View Larger Map
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How to get there?
(1) Subway: Sapporo (H07) > Higashi Kuyakusayomae (H05) by subway via Toho line (blue). Approx 10 mins walk from subway station. Fee = 200 yen
(2) Bus: Take bus on Sapporo Beer Garden/Ario Line (188) on the north exit of Sapporo JR Station.
Frequency: every 30 mins on weekdays and every 20 mins on weekends and public holidays.
Fee = 200 yen
Location of bus stop: http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/busstop/images/sapporo_annai_english.pdf
Timetable for Bus 188: http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/course/common/images/pdf/sapporo_Q.pdf
Returned to Sapporo from Otaru and headed to Sapporo Beer Garden to settle for an early dinner. One of the goals of this trip was to try out Genghis Khan BBQ, a specialty of Hokkaido. Originally planned to patronise one of the recommended restaurants in Susukino but it was full house on the day of visit (13.07.2012). Sapporo Beer Garden houses a handful of BBQ restaurants within its premises - Garden Grill (the highest end among all), Lilac and Genghis Khan Hall. A beer museum is also located in this compound - for a better understanding on development of Sapporo Beer since it was introduced in 1877.
Took the subway and walked approx 10 mins before the distinctive and prominent red brick building and chimney came into sight. Decided on Lilac and chose an indoor table. Cautiously ordered only one serving of lamb marinated with salt (1,400 yen) and one serving of pork, just in case we did not like the strong smell of mutton (otherwise known as 羊骚味 in Chinese).
The meat was served with vegetables - beansprouts, cabbages and slices of pumpkin. A cube of lard was first used to "oil" the hotplate, before putting in the meat and vegetables. The cooked meat can be dipped into the sauce provided before eating.
Conclusion: We were totally blown away by the lamb meat which was very tender and juicy, and not a tint of mutton smell at all. In the end, we had to order another serving of lamb to satisfy our appetite! We were pretty sure that we will eat this again if we visit Hokkaido in future - thumbs up to Genghis Khan BBQ!
======
Sapporo Beer Garden 札幌啤酒园 - Lilac
Opening hours: 1130 - 2130 hrs
View Larger Map
======
How to get there?
(1) Subway: Sapporo (H07) > Higashi Kuyakusayomae (H05) by subway via Toho line (blue). Approx 10 mins walk from subway station. Fee = 200 yen
(2) Bus: Take bus on Sapporo Beer Garden/Ario Line (188) on the north exit of Sapporo JR Station.
Frequency: every 30 mins on weekdays and every 20 mins on weekends and public holidays.
Fee = 200 yen
Location of bus stop: http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/busstop/images/sapporo_annai_english.pdf
Timetable for Bus 188: http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/city_route/course/common/images/pdf/sapporo_Q.pdf
Friday, May 24, 2013
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Otaru JR Station 小樽駅
Otaru JR Station (S15), along Hakodate main line.
What's nearby?
(1) Sankaku market (三角市场) - market is located on your left upon stepping out of the train station. Personally have not been to this market before.
(2) Old Temiya railway track (手宫线) - walk straight along Chuo dori after stepping out of the train station. You will notice a stretch of railway track that is not in service anymore. This is the formal Temiya line, part of the first railway line built in Hokkaido in 1880. Temiya line is a 2.8 km railway line which branches out from Minami-otaru JR Station. Train service was discontinued in 1985 due to low utilisation rates. Part of the railway track was retained and has evolved into a tourist attraction in Otaru. In winter, this is one of the venues for Otaru Snow Light Path Festival which is held for around 10 days in February every year.
View Larger Map
(3) Otaru Canal (小樽运河) - walk straight along Chuo dori after stepping out of the train station. Undoubtedly the most popular and prominent landmark that everyone will associate Otaru with.
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Commemorative stamp:
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Otaru Canal 小樽运河
Background: In the past, the bigger vessels will unload goods into smaller ships and this canal was formally used by these smaller ships to transport the goods to warehouses located at the sides of the canal. After WWII, modern docking facilities has totally eliminated the need for this canal and there were plans were put in place by the government to landfill this canal. However, this plan was not fully executed in the end due to astounding rejection voices raised by the locals to retain this canal - which has proven to be the right decision. The canal was subsequently restored to what we see today.
Now: Scenic pictures portraying the beauty of Otaru Canal have been published in numerous travel guide books or introduced in travelogues all over the world. This high level of publicity has attracted millions of visitors to Otaru every year (which ironically only has a population of less than 150,000) - to witness the beauty of this canal at different times of the day.
At the end of Sakaimachi Street, you will notice a small canal (with a handful ducks waddling leisurely in it) on your right. Follow this canal which will eventually lead you to the famous landmark in Otaru.
The most popular photo-taking spot to capture the entire canal has got to be at Asakusabashi (浅草桥), therefore makes this place the most crowded location on this stretch of the canal. While strolling along the sides of the canal, you can find many artists showcasing their artworks portraying Otaru Canal in their very own style and perspective. A tourist information centre is also located on Asakusabashi whereby you can inquire information about other attractions in Otaru, or write and send a postcard back home.
You can never say you have been to Otaru if you have not been to this canal.
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Otaru Canal 小樽运河
- Location of Asakusabashi
View Otaru Canal in a larger map
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Commemorative stamps:
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| - From Tourist Information Centre at Asakusabashi - |
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| - From Tourist Information Centre located along Chuo dori - |
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Sakaimachi Street 堺町通り
Visited 14.07.2012
From Marchen intersection, walked along Sakaimachi Street to reach Otaru Canal.
Both sides of this street are lined with shops:
(1) Seafood - being close to the fishing port, seafood has got to be fresh here in Otaru. Stopped by one of the stalls to confirm my hypothesis. Picked an abalone and a scallop from the tanks placed outside the stall and the seafood were cooked right away on the hot grill. Scallop was pleasantly sweet and abalone meat had a firm yet chewy texture.
(2) Glasswares - there are several shops selling glasswares and Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子) is the most well-known among them all. Some shops provide hands on experience to make your very own glasswares that you can bring back home as souvenirs. Do note that prior reservations/booking may be required to attend these classes. Personally have not tried this before due to time constraints.
Kitaichi Glass: http://kitaichiglass.co.jp/
List of glassware shops that provide hands on experience: http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/seisakutaiken.html
(3) Sweets and confectionery - apart from Otaru's very own Ginnokane and LeTAO, other established names from other parts of Hokkaido have set up branches in Otaru as well.
- Rokkatei (六花亭): originated from Obihiro and some of their popular products include marseillan butter sand biscuits (raisins and cream sandwiched between two pieces of biscuits), chocolate biscuits sandwiched with white chocolate (雪やこんこ) and strawberries coated with white or milk chocolate.
- Kitakaro (北菓楼): originated from Sunagawa and is well-known for their Baumkuchen layered cake.
Both Rokkatei and Kitakaro is located side by side, along with LeTAO main shop.
View Otaru Sakaimachi in a larger map
From Marchen intersection, walked along Sakaimachi Street to reach Otaru Canal.
Both sides of this street are lined with shops:
(1) Seafood - being close to the fishing port, seafood has got to be fresh here in Otaru. Stopped by one of the stalls to confirm my hypothesis. Picked an abalone and a scallop from the tanks placed outside the stall and the seafood were cooked right away on the hot grill. Scallop was pleasantly sweet and abalone meat had a firm yet chewy texture.
(2) Glasswares - there are several shops selling glasswares and Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子) is the most well-known among them all. Some shops provide hands on experience to make your very own glasswares that you can bring back home as souvenirs. Do note that prior reservations/booking may be required to attend these classes. Personally have not tried this before due to time constraints.
Kitaichi Glass: http://kitaichiglass.co.jp/
List of glassware shops that provide hands on experience: http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/seisakutaiken.html
(3) Sweets and confectionery - apart from Otaru's very own Ginnokane and LeTAO, other established names from other parts of Hokkaido have set up branches in Otaru as well.
- Rokkatei (六花亭): originated from Obihiro and some of their popular products include marseillan butter sand biscuits (raisins and cream sandwiched between two pieces of biscuits), chocolate biscuits sandwiched with white chocolate (雪やこんこ) and strawberries coated with white or milk chocolate.
- Kitakaro (北菓楼): originated from Sunagawa and is well-known for their Baumkuchen layered cake.
Both Rokkatei and Kitakaro is located side by side, along with LeTAO main shop.
View Otaru Sakaimachi in a larger map
Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - LeTAO
Visited 14.07.2012
LeTAO is another famous confectionery with several shops located in Otaru. Particularly wanted to visit the main shop located at Marchen intersection. This building comprises of three levels: shop on its ground floor, cafe on the second floor and an observatory on the top floor.
No admission fee/minimum expenditure required in the shop to enter the observatory. Take the lift up to the third floor and climb the stairs to reach the highest point of the building. You can get a very good view of Marchen intersection, Sakaimachi Street and Ishikari Bay from the observatory.
Couldn't resist the temptation after seeing the delicious looking cheesecakes in the shop and decided to go for a second round of coffee/tea break in their cafe. Ordered a slice of Tropique Double Cheescake and a milk pudding to share. Was definitely impressed by their signature cheesecake - soft and creamy texture, unveiling rich flavours in every mouthful! Apart from their popular cheesecakes that have brought them fame, LeTAO has other products such as Royale Montagne (chocolate in a pyramid shape) and cheese flavoured langue de chat (named "Ironai“) that can be brought back home as souvenirs/gifts.
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LeTAO
http://www.letao.jp/global/en/index.html
< 5 mins from Minami-otaru JR Station
大きな地図で見る
LeTAO is another famous confectionery with several shops located in Otaru. Particularly wanted to visit the main shop located at Marchen intersection. This building comprises of three levels: shop on its ground floor, cafe on the second floor and an observatory on the top floor.
No admission fee/minimum expenditure required in the shop to enter the observatory. Take the lift up to the third floor and climb the stairs to reach the highest point of the building. You can get a very good view of Marchen intersection, Sakaimachi Street and Ishikari Bay from the observatory.
Couldn't resist the temptation after seeing the delicious looking cheesecakes in the shop and decided to go for a second round of coffee/tea break in their cafe. Ordered a slice of Tropique Double Cheescake and a milk pudding to share. Was definitely impressed by their signature cheesecake - soft and creamy texture, unveiling rich flavours in every mouthful! Apart from their popular cheesecakes that have brought them fame, LeTAO has other products such as Royale Montagne (chocolate in a pyramid shape) and cheese flavoured langue de chat (named "Ironai“) that can be brought back home as souvenirs/gifts.
======
LeTAO
http://www.letao.jp/global/en/index.html
< 5 mins from Minami-otaru JR Station
大きな地図で見る
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