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Roundtrip Ticket to Buenos Aires for Under $100

January 13, 2019 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

How do you get a roundtrip ticket to Buenos Aires for under $100?  Let me tell you how.  I was in desperate need of a retreat from the impending cold of January.  I had been to Argentina twice before (along with Uruguay) and greatly enjoyed them both.  I researched Google Flights and found flights to be about $1100US to Buenos Aires – I knew I could do much better with points.  Google Flights is a great tool for research but you cannot book on the site.

Google Flights

After finding flights on United’s website for only 30,000 points each way, I knew I had my “ticket to sunny skies”.  We had some Chase points through use of the Chase Sapphire and Chase Ink and they are so easy to transfer to partner airlines (including United).  I called Chase and because I am an authorized user on my husband’s card, they quickly transferred 48,000 points to my personal United account.  I had accrued the other 12k points through the United MileagePlus Shopping portal.   It really is the easiest way (apart from sign-up bonuses) to accrue airline and hotel points.

United’s website

I personally like to call the airlines to be sure there are no partner flights I missed online and found a decent flight in the Miles Saver category for 30k each way – quite a good deal.  January/February is high season in Argentina/Uruguay because it is their summer. The usual price in points is 60-70k each way.  I booked the round-trip ticket to Argentina for $94.73 in taxes and fees and 60,000 points.  I even found some business class seats for 60k one-way but decided to save points for another trip.

Less than $100 to Buenos Aires!

So why are you complaining about that cold, snowy weather?  Book a roundtrip ticket now to Buenos Aires for less than $100 and you’ll be soaking up the sun in no time!

Shopping in Buenos Aires

 

Filed Under: South America, Travel Tips, United Airlines

Review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport

June 22, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

LUxx Lounge

Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

This is my review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport.  We passed through Frankfurt the other day on a connection from Baltimore to Dubrovnik.  I was really dreading the long layover but the departure was delayed so much, that we only had a couple of hours to spend at the lounge.  I am an American Express Platinum card holder, and as such, have access to all Priority Pass Lounges including Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport.

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Ellie Relaxing at Luxx

Ellie relaxing at Luxx Lounge

The Luxx Lounge is located airside in Terminal 1 between B and C.  First off, I would rather relax airside but the only other Priority Pass lounge is in a different terminal which airport staff advised against.  I have been to several lounges around the world and would rate it as ok.  The best part was the receptionist who helped my daughter leave a love note for her daddy, who happened to be coming through the next day.  The lounge is very boring for kids but thank goodness for iPads.

bar at Luxx Lounge

Drinks at Luxx Lounge

The lounge is split into three main areas. The front area that is supposed to be quiet (one guy obviously didn’t read or care about the no cell phone signs).  The middle area has the food and two tables for seating.  The third part is in the rear with more comfy seats.  There aren’t enough receptacles in the back room so we sat in the front quiet area.  Another thing I disliked was that there are only two toilets – one each for men and women. It is certainly not enough for the amount of customers they have coming though.  Later on I found out that if the showers are not occupied (which they were frequently), you can use any of the toilets in the shower rooms.  They have two shower rooms which you need to request a key from the staff.

SNacks at Luxx Lounge

Snacks at Luxx Lounge

The food was ok.  We arrived after breakfast and before lunch.  There were a few pastries and some fresh fruit but not much else to eat.  Later there were lots of frankfurters, rolls, a small crudités selection and some more fruit.   Maybe they have more selection in the evening.

If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and have a drink between flights – it’s a great place.

Filed Under: Europe, Europe, Germany, Travel Tips

Review of Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Spain

May 27, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

ELlie at Hilton Diagonal Mar

Ellie at Hilton Diagonal Mar

Here is my review of the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Spain …

I am currently on a three week trip through Europe with my husband and 5-year old daughter.  We decided to include a cruise out of Barcelona as part of our family vacation.  We are staying with friends on the back end of the cruise but we didn’t have any accommodation on the front end.  Our favorite is Airbnb but we had been staying in Airbnb’s most of the way.  We have been saving many of our Hilton points and thought this would be a good time to redeem them.

BEach Barcelona

Beach Barcelona Style

We checked the Hilton.com site to see which properties were available for points and there was only one – the Hilton Diagonal Mar.  We were shocked at the number of points they wanted per night (373,000 points for 3 nights) as we paid half that much in London.  I do know that (it was a weekend) and Barcelona is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe – and the world for that matter.  I also know that the Diagonal Mar has a very cool pool and is blocks from the beach.  It is much more of a resort property than London Tower Bridge where we stayed recently.

HIlton Diagonal Mar

Our Room at the Diagonal Mar

Soaking tub with a view

Nice soaking tub with a view

We decided to go ahead and use points. – it was either that or pay €300-400 per night. So here we are on the last night and there are no regrets. There were a few fumbles at check-in but the staff has really gone out of their way to make everything great.  We got a room on the 10th floor – a decent size room with a shower and a bath (my daughter was really happy as all of the Airbnb’s only had showers).  The room was very quiet and the beds were very comfortable.

Poolside at Purobeach

Poolside at Purobeach

POolside at Dark

Purobeach Poolside at Dark

The pool is located on the very hip Purobeach lounge area on the 2nd floor.  There are very nice sun beds, lots of chairs and umbrellas and two pools – the main one deep enough for laps and a baby pool as well.  There is poolside food and drink service and we were  pleasantly greeted with complimentary fruit and bottled water.  We had a delicious lunch – a fantastic grilled goat cheese salad and a decent sized burger for my daughter.  It was a bit pricey but feeling hungry and tired, it was worth it.

COol Purobeach Lounge Area

Cool Purobeach Lounge Area

Grab a BIte or Enjoy a Drink

Grab a Bite or Enjoy a Drink

PUrobeach Massage Cabana

Purobeach Massage Cabana

Also in the lounge area is a bar, a very comfy area for dining and relaxing in comfort.  There is also a massage cabana, although I wouldn’t want a massage to club music, which is played throughout the area so bring your headset if you’re not a fan.

GYm at Diagonal Mar

Gym at Diagonal Mar

We worked out each morning in the decent-sized gym.  It’s filled with hand weights, several cardio machines, several weight machines and it’s open 24 hours.  There is also a sauna in each restroom, but disappointingly, they were both being repaired.

INdigo Restaurant at Diagonal Mar

Indigo Restaurant at Diagonal Mar

BReakfast on the Patio at Indigo

Fun During Breakfast on the Patio at Indigo

Each morning we ate at the breakfast buffet in the 1st floor restaurant Indigo.  They have a comprehensive breakfast buffet with both American and European options.  There is also a nice terrace on which you can enjoy your meal.

making Friends at the Executive Lounge Diagonal Mar

Making Friends at the Executive Lounge Diagonal Mar

SUper staffer Senor Rosso

One of our Super Staff Senor Rosso

EXecutive Lounge

Hors d’Oeuvres at Executive Lounge

We were fortunate in that we had access to the 15th floor for the Executive Lounge.  The lounge has complimentary continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvres with open bar from 6-8pm.  It is open to gold (if you have the right room I understand) and diamond members.  The lounge was one of the greatest parts of our stay.  We met some really great people and enjoyed having a relaxing drink and light meal with a beautiful view.

The first night we arrived at 8pm (we were told it was open til 10) and found that they were putting all the food away.  I was quite upset at the misinformation at check-in and the staff went out of their way to get us some food.  Every night they had a different selection of tapas type foods and a decent selection of salads, fruits, etc.  It was just the perfect light dinner.

llevant Beach near Hilton Diagonal Mar

LLevant Beach Near Hilton Diagonal Mar

bambu Club at LLevant

Bambu Club at LLevant Beach

The others are fast asleep now after a long day at the beach.  Oh yes – Llevant beach is just a couple of blocks away.  There is everything you need – public restrooms, some showers, restaurants and even a few play areas scattered down the beach.  The water was cold but the sun was warm and — who cares we’re in Spain!

View of Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

View of Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

Playground at Diagonal Mar Center

Playground at Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

One of the favorite things for my daughter was the proximity to the Diagonal Mar Shopping Center.  It has one of the coolest playgrounds I have seen in the world!  Every night we went there and if the beach hadn’t worn her out, the playground put the finishing touch.

Good night, or as they say “buenas noches”, from the Hilton Diagonal Mar Hotel in Barcelona.  Our stay was just what the doctor ordered. If you need a little R&R, this might be just what you are looking for too!

Filed Under: Hilton, Spain

My Family got FREE Hotel Stays in London & Spain!

May 26, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

HIlton LOndon Towere Bridge

Hilton London Tower Bridge

My family got free hotels stays in London and Spain on our 3-week trip through Europe.  As many of you know I am all about FREE!  All three of us flew here free (just paid taxes), and we also got two different hotel stays free!  We spent 3 nights in London and we didn’t pay a dime in lodging.  Now we are having an amazing, FREE 3-night stay in Barcelona!

FRee Food at Executive Lounge

Free Food at Executive Lounge

View from Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

View from Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

EXecutive Lounge at London Tower Bridge

Family Time at Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

My husband travels sometimes on business and he is very loyal to the Hilton brand.  In doing so, he has built up a decent amount of points and Diamond level status (the highest) with them as well.  It really has been very good for our travels. Every time we stay in a Hilton we get free breakfast and depending on the hotel, free “dinner” at the executive lounge.  During this current trip we were able to stay at the Hilton London Tower Bridge completely free and with free breakfast and “dinner”.  In the executive lounges they offer heavy hors d’oeuvres which is more than enough for a decent meal.  They also offer open bar FREE as well.

EXecutive Lounge at Hilton Diagonal Mr

Executive Lounge at Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

We are currently staying at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona which also has the same free breakfast and heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Executive Lounge.  This evening we had a lovely time on the 15th floor open air Executive Lounge with another couple from Germany.  The Lounge gives us the chance to mingle with people from all over the world and have some good FREE food.  What more can you ask for?

poolside at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

Relaxing Poolside at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

So if you haven’t been reading my blog posts – you should!  My family and I flew for free here to Europe, we are staying FREE part of the way and also getting some FREE meals.  Are you paying attention?

 

Filed Under: Europe, Hilton

$749 for Airfare from Eastcoast U.S. & 9 Nights in China

May 7, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Great time in China

Ellie & I had a great time in China

No you aren’t seeing things – Travelzoo is offering an amazing deal of $749 for Airfare from Eastcoast U.S. & 9 Nights in China.  I recently returned from Asia and this is a really good deal!  Airfare alone to China is typically more than $1000.  This deal can be even cheaper if you travel from the West Coast – for as little as $599 all inclusive.

The package includes 5 cities in China and stays in 4-star hotels.  It’s a really great package that includes many meals, tours, airfare and accommodations. The only things aren’t included are the tour guide & driver fees of $100 and visa fees of about $200.  So for $1000 or less you can see many of the popular sights in China – what are you waiting for?????

Things to note – this cost is for double occupancy and there is a single supplement charge of $500.  Also, part of the tour is stopping in local businesses and shops but you aren’t obligated to buy anything.

China has some great shopping malls

China has some great shopping malls

Filed Under: Asia, china

Free Stopover in Doha, Qatar

May 6, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Qatar Airlines and Qatar Tourism Authority are offering a free stopover in Doha, Qatar for transiting passengers.  This can be quite a value depending on the type of ticket you purchase.  You can choose from one of three options:  a two-night stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel (first night is free, second is $50); one free night in a 5-star hotel for business and first class passengers; or 1 free night stay in a 4-star hotel for economy passengers.  You can even apply directly through the site for a free visa to use for this promotion.

So if you are planning a trip and you will cross over the Middle East – why not stop and enjoy a free stay!  I’m all about free!  Check on this link for more information.  Don’t wait because the offer is only good from 7 May to 30 September.

If you can’t spend the night at least take advantage of a FREE city tour during your layover – click here for more details.  I’ve been to the Middle East but not to Doha, if you go, let me know about your experience.

Qatar Airlines Website

Qatar Airlines Website

Filed Under: Asia, Travel Tips

Jet Blue Giving Away FREE One-Way Flights

April 13, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Captain Ellie and 1st Officer Laurie

Captain Ellie and 1st Officer Laurie on Jet Blue

According to one of my favorite go to travel blogs, “The Points Guy”, Jet Blue is giving away FREE one-way flights if you owe the IRS.  They are giving away 1000 one-way tickets in a contest for those who owe money to the Feds.  You have until April 25th and you can enter once per day.  All you have to do to enter the giveaway is fill out the entry form.  If you win you have to prove you owe money to the IRS.

personal Service with Jet Blue

Personal Service with Jet Blue

I have won several things including an all expense paid trip to England, and I know that you can’t win if you don’t enter!  This could be the best use of two minutes ever! Jet Blue flies to great destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica and all over the US.  We had a great experience flying Jet Blue to Cuba.

Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

Fly Jet Blue to Cuba & Enjoy Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

Filed Under: Caribbean, Cuba, Travel Tips, United States

6-Week Asia Trip – Nagano, Japan Area and the Snow Monkeys

February 26, 2017 by Laurie Deppa 1 Comment

Ellie Boarding the Shinkansen

Ellie boarding the Shinkansen

snow Monkeys

Snow Monkeys

We are on a 6-week trip through Asia and this post is about our stay in the Nagano, Japan area and visiting the infamous snow monkeys.

SIgn for Snow Monkey Park

Sign for Snow Monkey Park

I had heard about snow monkeys in Japan but wasn’t sure where they lived. There are other locations in Japan but we wanted Monkey Park near Nagano. Our host in Tokyo arranged for us to stay at an authentic ryokan very close to Monkey Park.  Monkey Park is about 2 hours from Tokyo.

Ellie on the Shinkansen

Ellie on the Shinkansen

very Nice Trains in Japan

Very Nice Trains in Japan

I thought we could stop on the train from Sapporo to Kyoto but if you take the Shinkansen (best) – all trains go through Tokyo.  We took the Shinkansen with our JR (Japan Rail) Pass and Ellie was free because she is 5.  So again it was a really long day (but worth it). The total train time was about 10 hours from Sapporo and we got a late start. I recommend you get an early start as it took us a total of 5 trains.

SCenery from the Shinkansen

Scenery from the Shinkansen

Beautiful Views from the Japanese Train

Beautiful Views from the Japanese Train

ENjoying the Scenery in Japan

Enjoying the Scenery in Japan

Our first train was to Oomiya, then we changed trains to Tokyo for a total of almost 7 plus hours. From Tokyo it took about 90 minutes to Nagano. We then changed trains to the local Nagano Detenecu Line (not covered by the JR pass) which took about 30 minutes. We got in so late that there was only one local train to the last station. I had asked three people if the train we were on went to Yudanaka but they didn’t tell me we had to transfer.  So make sure that you are on the train that WILL stop in Yudanaka.  We ended up taking a taxi instead of transferring again which would have meant almost another hour.

Ryokan Minshuku Miyama

Ryokan Minshuku Miyama

The area was blanketed in white – it was a little hard to see in the dark but the snow provided some beautiful scenery nonetheless.  Our Ryokan hosts at “Minshuku Miyama” had to direct the cab driver on arrival – thank goodness I had their phone number.  Normally the owner will pick you up for free at the local train station but we were too late.  We barely made it to the ryokan before the 10pm check-in deadline.

VIew from Room in our Ryokan

View from Room in our Ryokan

The owners greeted us and asked if we needed anything.  Ellie was “done” and crashed in minutes.  I was famished and accepted a pot of hot water to prepare a noodle bowl and hot tea.  The onsen (hot natural springs bath) was closed – quite a disappointment after such a long day. The toilet and shower were separate. The toilet was just outside our room and the shower in the onsen area was closed as well, another disappointment. There was a sign stating bathing hours but they didn’t seem to honor the sign. The next day I tried to shower at 10am and they said it wasn’t open til 12. Then they said onsen was only open 5-9pm, very frustrating. The onsen is the main reason why I chose to stay there.

TYpical Beds in Ryokan

Typical Beds in Ryokan

PRetty View from Ryokan

Pretty View from Ryokan

We slept on the traditional tatami mat with very warm comforters (and our own personal heating unit). The room was a good size with extra mats and pillows (to which I helped myself). I find one futon mat a little hard mysel but in some places you might not have more than one.  The place was rather quiet and we slept hard.

Japanese Breakfast at Ryokan

Japanese Breakfast at Ryokan

Enza Cafe at Monkey Park

ENza Cafe

Enza Cafe

In the morning they prepared a breakfast for me (Ellie wasn’t feeling well).  I really wasn’t up to fish and vegetables so I just ate the egg and ham.  A bit later we decided to go see the monkeys – that was why we came all this way.  (I figured out later that the scenery is another great reason to visit.). The gracious host drove us to the entrance to the park, where you must go on by foot.  There’s Inza Cafe just at the entrance to the park and Ellie decided she was ready to eat.  It’s a nice little place – they have everything from a quick hot chocolate to a full Japanese meal.  I had vegetable tempura that was quite good, Ellie just wanted some comfort food.

Beautiful Walk through Snow

Beautiful Walk through Snow

We then walked 30 minutes up to the monkeys.  It actually didn’t feel as cold as Tokyo – very strange.  We were either getting used to it or the snow provided a kind of barrier – maybe both.  It’s mostly a flat path and a rather easy walk with proper shoes for walking in snow.  There is one place you have to walk up stairs but not bad.  Do be careful on the path as it can be very slippery when snowy.

Ellie at Monkey Park

Ellie at Monkey Park

Ellie Watching Monkeys

Ellie Having Fun Watching Monkeys

Mommas and Their Babies at Monkey Park

monkeys at Monkey Park

Monkeys at Monkey Park

Monkey Checking Monkey

Baby Monkey at Monkey Park

Baby Monkey at Monkey Park

The entry fee into Jigokudani (Snow) Monkey Park is 800 yen.  From the ticket booth it’s just a short distance to the area where the monkeys are found.  You can walk down to the stream area where we found tons of monkeys in the snow and just a few in the actual hot spring.  As we learned the macaque (snow) monkeys are matriarchal.  Only the most senior females and their babies are allowed in the hot water.  The others must sit around and watch or face being ostracized if they disobey the rules.  It really is a very cool experience – it feels like being in the cage with the monkeys at the zoo.

Common Room at Minshuku Miyama

Ladies Dressing Room at Ryokan Minshuku Miyama

Onsen at Minshuku Miyama

Ellie and I decided to go in the onsen and we had the entire place to ourselves. We undressed in the locker area, scrubbed til we were clean as a whistle and then soaked in the outdoor bath. It was very pretty with a view of the snow and mountains. The water was nice and hot – maybe 41/42C.

Japanese Meal at Minshuku Miyama

They offered to prepare meals at an extra cost.  For dinner I had soup with beef and noodles in a great broth, marinated daikon, pork, cabbage with mayo, peppers with meat, vegetables with a spicy sauce, smoked fish, plus rice and green tea.  It was like Japanese tapas.  There were six other guests for dinner but most were Japanese who didn’t speak English.

Beautiful Countryside Near Snow Monkeys

The next morning our hosts gave us a ride to the train station.  I found out at checkout that they didn’t take credit cards and had to go to an ATM.  Make sure you verify methods of payment before you go to a ryokan.

I am really glad that we got the opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, it was an interesting experience.  Most of all we were very happy to see the snow monkeys and we recommend that you do the same.

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Travel Tips

6-Week Asia Trip – Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

February 17, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Ellie at Sapporo Snow Festival

Ellie at Sapporo Snow Festival

On our current 6-week trip to Asia I was told we must see the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan.  In the previous post we explained the logistics part of our trip.  In this post we will show you what a beautiful and interesting city we found in Sapporo.  I think it’s a nice sized city that is easily walkable and filled with plenty to do.

JR Tower & Sapporo Station

JR Tower & Sapporo Station

The beautiful JR Tower and Sapporo Stellar Place Shopping Mall provides a great backdrop for arrival into the Sapporo Train Station.  Plan for a day here, put your bags in a locker and enjoy some fantastic shopping and dining.  If it’s a nice viewing day pop up to the top of the JR Tower for great views of the city.

Upon our arrival in Sapporo, we headed straight for our hotel (the APA Sapporo Susukina-Ekimae) and then out for a bite.  There was a  little noodle shop around the corner from our hotel – that fit the bill for a quick and delicious meal.  My husband who lived in Japan for years, said we should visit noodle shops, as they are popular and usually good.  The place was filled with what seemed like locals, who showed us how “it works”.  We placed our order at a kiosk by the entrance and took a receipt to a table.  My daughter enjoyed the fried chicken pieces and some noodles in savory broth.  It was quick and hit the spot.

We then took a brief stroll and ended up at a shopping mall – in search of warm pants.  I figured that there should be some good warm pants for sale in Hokkaido, home to beautiful snowy winters.  I was right – and all on sale for that matter!

Bath and Shower at APA hotel

Bath and Shower at APA Hotel

We headed back to the room for a good bath in the hotels deep soaking tub.  I am not a bath person but my daughter loved it.  I liked that I could take a shower right next to her while she bathed.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sculpture at Sapporo Snow Festival

Laurie & Ellie at Sapporo Snow Festival

Laurie & Ellie at Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

Snow Sculptures

Snow Sculptures

Laurie & Ellie in SApporo

Laurie & Ellie in Sapporo

ELlie at Sapporo Festival

Ellie at Sapporo Festival

 

Great Food at Sapporo Festival

Great Food at Festival

Fresh Seafood at Sapporo Festival

Fresh Seafood at Sapporo Snow Festival

step-by-Step SCulpture

Step-by-Step Development of a Sculpture

The next day we took a leisurely stroll a few blocks to Odori Park, host of the Sapporo Snow Festival.  The event is held for about a week every winter and draws visitors from across the globe (1-12 Feb this year).  For blocks there are snow sculptures, food tents, entertainment and more!  The sculptures go from amusing to absolutely amazing.  This year they had a massive Star Wars display, an Arc de Triomphe and many smaller, fun sculptures from Donald Duck to anime characters.

NIssin Slide at Snow Festival

Nissin Slide at Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

Making Friends at Sapporo Snow Festival

Ellie’s favorite was the Nissin slide – a sculpture of a Nissin Noodle Cup with a built in slide.  Some staff members were filming for a local TV news program and asked us to be on the segment.  Ellie and I ended up on the local news and Ellie was a big hit!  We are working on getting a copy of the reel, we’ll let you know when we get it!

Sapporo Station Mall

Dinner with our Australian friends at Sapporo Station Mall

Our Dinner at Sapporo Station Mall

After a long day at the festival we headed to the Sapporo Station Stellar Place Shopping Mall.  Some friends we met on the train invited us to join them for dinner.  We were looking for one place in particular but there was a 90-minute wait.  If you walk around the 6th floor you will find many restaurants offering a great variety of foods.  We had a wonderful dinner with our friends and ended the evening with some shopping on the lower levels.

We ran out of time but there is also world class skiing in many places around Sapporo as well.  If you are looking to visit Japan in the winter, we highly recommend that you plan a visit to Sapporo for the Snow Festival – there’s something for everyone!

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Travel Tips

6-Week Trip through Asia – Otaru, Japan

February 16, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Otaru Train Station

While we were staying in Sapporo recently, we opted for a day trip to Otaru, Japan.  We heard from several travelers that it was a great side trip and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is definitely worth seeing.  We were very fortunate in our timing as the festival would end on February 12 – just days after our stay.

SNow Sculptures in Otaru

Snow sculptures in Otaru

SNow Sculpture in Otaru

Snow Sculpture in Otaru

FUn in Otaru

Fun in Otaru

 

STreet Art in Otaru

Street Art in Otaru

Laurie & Ellie in Otaru

Laurie & Ellie in Otaru

From Sapporo it’s really quite easy to hop on a train with the JR Rail Pass. Twenty five minutes after leaving Sapporo Station we arrived at the small seaside town of Otaru. It didn’t seem like much at first as we followed the crowds down to the canal.  As we walked down there were snow sculptures scattered along the streets – some really ornate and creative.

OTaru Snow Figures

Otaru Snow figures

My daughter loved it in the daylight, even before they were all lit up.  By darkness the streets and canal area were jam-packed and almost impossible to see.  I would definitely recommend going during the day and getting out before the throngs of people arrive.

My favorite area was Sakaimachi Street.  There is lots of shopping – with many stores selling glass items, Japanese souvenirs, and seafood related items like dried squid.  There are also lots of good places to eat and even some places where you pick your seafood and they cook it.  I found the seafood to be a little expensive and small portions.

LeTao in Otaru

LeTao in Otaru

Our favorite stop was the chocolate shop LeTao.  They give out free samples and I was hooked at one bite.  It was probably the best chocolate I have ever had – and I have had a lot of good chocolate.   We also bought some ice cream and it was divine!

MUsic Box Museum

Music Box Museum

Inside Music Box museum

Inside Music Box Museum

If you are looking for something more cultural, check out the Music Box Museum, the Museum of Venetian Art, the Bank of Japan Museum or glass-making workshops.  My daughter loved the extensive collection at the Music Box Museum.

Our day trip to Otaru was so wonderful.   We highly recommend that you put it on your list for things to do in Hokkaido, Japan.  Two thumbs up from a mom and her five-year old!

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Travel Tips

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