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Okinawa, Japan

April 3, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

My 5-year old daughter and I recently returned from a 6-week trip through Asia.  Our final stay in Japan was a trip to the Island of Okinawa.  Okinawa is the southernmost part of Japan, comprised of a few dozen small islands, stretching about a thousand kilometers all the way to Taiwan.  The Okinawa Region consists of three major island groups – the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands.

Map of Okinawa

Map of Okinawa

My husband was stationed in Okinawa for a couple of years and thought that we would enjoy a visit to the main island.  We were fortunate that some friends just recently moved there so we had a place to stay and people to show us the Okinawa island life.  You never know where your friends might be moving and keeping in touch on Facebook is a great way to keep track.

We flew from Tokyo (NAR) to Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) on Jet Star, a low cost airline.  There are a couple of them including Vanilla and Peach but be aware that some of those airlines actually depart from another part of the airport.  I didn’t like Tokyo Airport, it was a bit difficult to navigate and you had to take a bus to another terminal or walk through long walkways.

Jet Star

Jet Star

The flight to Okinawa took about 3 hours – more than I imagined.  Jet Star was just fine.  We paid ¥40900 (about $350 RT for two of us) which also included my payment for two 35k bags.  It is cheaper if you pay in advance for bags and the ticket in general (we bought tickets last minute).  Your carry on can’t be more than 7 pounds – they combined our two and we had no problem.  Legroom is very small but the flight attendants were nice and very attentive.  Don’t expect any free food or drink  – so remember to grab something in the airport. I bought a hot tea for ¥250, not bad.

jet Star Little Legroom

Jet Star – Not Much Legroom

Naha Airport is very small and manageable. Naha is the capital and largest city in Okinawa.  Our friends live about an hour north at one of the US bases and there was a bit of rush hour traffic. It was really easy for me to have access to the base because I have a retired military spouse ID.  There are 17 US Military Bases on Okinawa.

NAHA AIrport

NAHA Airport Okinawa

We were so used to being cold in Japan but in Okinawa it was in the 60’s (in February)! They say that’s winter weather – in summer it is unbearably hot and humid. The best time to visit Okinawa is Spring and Fall.

Our hosts did a fantastic job of organizing lots of activities on the island.  On Friday we drove an hour north to Nago, the second largest city on the island. You can take the expressway (as we did) or the back roads.  We stopped for a photo op at the south end of Nago, there is a really nice vista next to the Lawson and Blue Seal.

BEautiful Okinawa

Beautiful Okinawa

Our extraordinary hosts in Okinawa

With our Extraordinary Hosts in Okinawa

Ocean Park is a beautiful area with an amazing aboretum including animal topiaries and beautiful flowers everywhere.  If that’s not enough there is also a planetarium, an aquarium, an Okinawan Village and Cultural Center.

Ocean Park

Map of Ocean Park

landscape at Ocean Park

Beautiful Landscape at Ocean Park

Topiary at Ocean Park

One of the Many Topiaries at Ocean Park

beautiful gardens at ocean Park

Ellie Enjoying Beautiful Gardens at Ocean Park

Our favorite attraction was the Okinawa Aquarium and Dolphin Show.  Children under 6 are free, adults are ¥1850, high schoolers pay ¥1250, elementary and junior high students pay ¥610 and there are also free admission days throughout the year.  It’s touted as one of the best aquariums in the world – it is definitely worth the visit.  The dolphin show is located just outside along the shoreline. It was a fantastic show and even featured a pilot whale. That was the best part of the day!

Okinawa Aquarium

Okinawa Aquarium

DOlphin Show Okinawa Aquarium

Dolphin Show at Okinawa Aquarium

OKinawa Aquarium Show

Fantastic Show at Okinawa Aquarium

View from Aquarium Cafe

View from Aquarium Cafe

TOuch Area of Okinawa Aquarium

At the PLEASE Touch Area of Aquarium

OKinawa Aquarium tour

Ellie at Okinawa Aquarium

SHark Okinawa Aquarium

Shark at Okinawa Aquarium

ENjoying the View

Enjoying the View

Time at Okinawa Aquarium

Family Time at Okinawa Aquarium

Some things to note: they had free electric wheelchairs for use that can be taken throughout the vast grounds.  Also, there is a cafe where you sit and eat in front of a massive aquarium.  If you want to be in the front row, however, you have to reserve a table.  The food is ok – you eat there for the scenery.  Oh and if you get hot after your day at the aquarium, head down to Emerald Beach.  I would recommend planning a very long day at Ocean Park, there is so much for all ages.  We got stuck in rush hour leaving – stay off the roads between 4-7 on Friday and Saturday.

Our friends took us to the local mall, the Aeon Okinawa Rycom.  On a hot day in Okinawa it’s a great place to be.  It has a huge food court with lots of different cuisines at very reasonable prices.  We had some local Okinawan food, then on the way out we had a gelato – fantastic. Try the local favorite beni-imo (local purple sweet potato). The mall also a rather large fish tank (mini aquarium), inside near the main entrance.

AQuarium at Rycom Mall

Aquarium at Rycom Mall

RYcom Mall Food Vendor

One of Food Court Vendors at Rycom

Our hosts arranged for a day at the Valley of Gangala and Okinawa World. The tour guide gave us individual bottles of iced jasmine tea with straps for our tour (a nice touch). For the first part our guide took us through the Valley of Gangala for a walk through the subtropical forest. Hundreds of thousands of years ago the valley was a limestone cave.  There’s a little cafe and you can rent the whole area for cave weddings, parties, concerts, etc.

GAngala Cave

Gangala Valley Reception Cave

The Valley of Gangala is very important for historical reasons.  They found the oldest remains in Japan here (now called Minotagawa) – who was about 20,000 years old.  It represents the very beginning of people living in the Okinawa area. After the remains were found they did excavations to figure where he might have lived. They looked in this cave and the oldest remains in Asia were found here.

Gangala valley

Our hostess in the Gangala Valley

There is some walking involved on the tour but less than a kilometer and only a few steps. Be sure to wear good walking shoes as the rocks and wood can be slippery. I wasn’t sure what to expect but my daughter and I both enjoyed the tour. It’s always nice to be out in nature.

Nature in the Gangala Valley

Enjoying Nature in the Gangala Valle

After that we were on our own to tour Okinawa World. It’s a cultural center that’s a little bit tourist trap but also a great place to learn about the Okinawa way of life. In the Habu Museum Park you can learn all about some of the creatures found on the island. The Habu snake is a deadly snake that is famous around Okinawa. They have a 20-minute Habu show that is pretty educational and entertaining. We even got our photo taken for free with a large boa constrictor. 😳

Habu Show Okinawa Village

Habu Show at Okinawa World

WIth Boa Okinawa World

Getting Friendly with Boa at Okinawa World

ELlie at Okinawa World.

Ellie at Okinawa World

We had a bite to eat at the cafe next door – it wasn’t bad – average size pizza for ¥1000. After a walk through the village we opted to do a native art called Bingata. It’s an ancient form of art incorporating the cultures brought in by China and Southeast Asia – with the tropical nature of Okinawa.

Laurie Doing Bingata

Laurie Doing Bingata

Ellie Doing Bingata

Ellie Doing Bingata

Bingata

Bingata Art Form of Okinawa

There are two primary methods in bingata-making: “Katazome” and “Tsutsugaki”. We used the katazome method and created our own pieces. Ellie made a small bag and I made a tea towel. It’s a very relaxing but lengthy process. We painted our pieces but then took them home protected by newspaper and plastic bags, you have to finish the drying and final part at home.

Our final day we spent at the Southeast Botanical Gardens. I was worried that my daughter would find it boring, but it was quite the opposite.  There is a nice little tram that will take you through the park for a couple of dollars.  It moves quite slowly so you can even snap some photos and plan where you want to spend time.  The gardens are not too large but it is quite hilly for a park.

Our favorite spots were the pond where you could feed the fish and a small “zoo” area.  They had a nice petting area where you can get in the caged area with rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks.  The coolest part was when we got in the cage with monkeys and a capybara.  You can buy animal food and feed them by hand – lots of fun!   We were actually in the gardens on the last day of the light festival.  Later that night my hosts brought my daughter back that night to see it all lit up, she said it was very cool.

Southeast Botanical GARDENS

Our Extraordinary Hosts at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Ellie & I Southeast Botanical Gardens

Ellie & I Southeast Botanical Gardens

TRam at Botanical Gardens

Riding Tram at Botanical Gardens

Ellie at Botanical Gardens

Ellie at Botanical Gardens

Ellie & I feeding Bunnies

Ellie & I Feeding Bunnies

Ellie Loves Feeding Animals

Ellie Loves Feeding Animals

I Got a Monkey on my Back

I Got a Monkey on my Back

Ellie Feeding a Capybara

Ellie Feeding a Capybara

Petting Zoo at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Petting Zoo at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Feeding Monkey at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Feeding Monkey at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Okinawa is very different from the rest of mainland Japan. It was annexed by Japan in the late 1800’s but it is more historically and culturally related to China and other Southeast Asian counties.  This combination creates a unique destination that should be on your bucket list.

 

 

Filed Under: Japan, Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Japanese Trains

March 19, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

FRiends Met on Shinkansen

Friends We Met on the Shinkansen

My 5-year old daughter and I recently took a 3-week trip through Japan.  We had a lot of experience using the trains in Japan during our travels. Here is some good information we learned about Japanese trains.

Train in Japan

Meeting Other Families on the Train

Japan Trains

A Great Time to Make Friends

Everyone takes the trains in Japan.  From the family going to the zoo – to the daily commuter – Japanese trains are very safe and punctual.  It is a massive network of routes and much more complicated than NYC.  You might have to take 3 different trains, as we did, to get to the other side of a big city like Tokyo.

Laurie & Ellie on Japanese Train

Laurie & Ellie on Japanese Train

Here are some travel tips for Japanese trains:

  1.  Tokyo is the largest city in the world by area – remember that at peak travel times. Rush hour can be very very crazy especially in the direction of Tokyo.  There are even times when some push others like sardines into train cars.
  2. You can eat on local trains but the Japanese don’t.
  3. Don’t expect young people or anyone to give up their seat for those who need it (as they should).
  4. Selling Food on the ShinkansenOn the Shinkansen they do have someone walking up and down selling everything from hot rice bowls to ice cream and coffee, cash only. They may have limited selection so grab something in the station if possible.
  5. A few train stations did not have elevators or escalators so be prepared to ask for help if you need – I did find a few gentlemen.
    Toilet on the Shinkansen

    A Toilet on the Shinkansen

    Sink on Shinkansen

    Sink on Shinkansen has Everything

  6. Generally there are nice bathrooms on trains – especially on the Shinkansen. On all other trains don’t expect soap or dryers/towels. Bring hand sanitizer!
  7. The Shinkansen and a few other trains have electrical outlets – bring a charger and splitter if have more than one device.

    Boarding the Shonkansen

    Ellie Boarding the Shinkansen

  8. Buy a Japan Rail (JR) Pass if you plan to travel between multiple cities or plan to take several trains.  The Shinkansen trains are somewhat costly and a rail pass will cover those as well.
  9. Until recently you had to buy the JR Pass outside of Japan.  They just changed the rule so that it will be cheaper to buy it outside but you can still buy it in Japan.  It is, however, only open to non-residents of Japan.
  10. You may have a JR Pass but you might also need a reservation, particularly during peak times. Also, you might have to pay a supplemental fee depending on the demand.
  11. SApporo Train Station

    Sapporo Train Station

    Kids under 6 travel FREE on trains in Japan – but you may have to pay a reservation fee if it is a very popular time.  They can, however, always sit on your lap for free.

  12. The JR Pass does not work on all trains – be sure you know whether the train is covered!
  13. Information Sent with JR Pass

    Information Sent with JR Pass

    If you order the JR Pass before departure they will send you a paper that you will exchange for the actual pass.  This must be done at one of the main train stations as I found out the hard way.  They also sent some handy guides and timetables.

  14. You can activate your JR Pass before the date you want to start using it, but once you pick dates – they can’t be changed.
  15. The JR Pass is for consecutive days of travel, unlike the Eurail Pass which is for actual days of travel.

    COastline Views on Train from Sapporo

    Coastline Views on Train from Sapporo

  16. Trains offer some beautiful sightseeing of the Japanese countryside.
  17. Sometimes trains have screens announcing the stops and usually verbally announce in English but one or two trains didn’t.  Also pay close attention as some stations sound alike – you will end up on other side of city.
Relaxing on the Japanese Train

Relaxing on the Japanese Train

I truly enjoy riding trains – particularly in a country like Japan where they’re so easy and reasonable to use, the views are amazing and traveling becomes more relaxing and memorable.

Filed Under: Japan, Travel Tips

Tips for Travel in Japan

March 18, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

ELlie in Kyoto

Ellie and Japanese Friends in Kyoto

I recently spent three weeks traveling throughout Japan with my 5-year old.  Here are some of my important travel tips for Japan:

  1.  Public bathrooms are usually nice but don’t often have paper towels or soap.  Be sure to always have some tissues, hand sanitizer, and/or wipes.

    Bathroom on Shinkansen

    Bathroom on Shinkansen

  2. Public transportation is very good and prompt in Japan.  If you take the metro carry a copy of the metro map written in both English and Japanese, in case you need to ask for help from a stranger.  Trains are very good.  Read my full post on trains in Japan.
  3. Japan is 13 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (one day ahead).
  4. Learn some basic Japanese words and phrases like “excuse me”, “thank you” – they go a long way and I didn’t find many people who spoke English.
  5. Notify your bank before travel – even your ATM card issuing bank. I would also get some local cash before you go for the first day or so. With the craziness of travel, it’s one less thing to worry about in the airport.  You can order most major currencies from your bank or AAA.
  6. Bring a little gift for someone who does something nice – the Japanese are quite formal.
  7. If in Kyoto hire one of the Good Samaritan student guides.  They are a group of volunteers students who give free tours in exchange for practicing English.  You are expected to pay for any costs – entry fees or meals associated with your time together.
  8. There are different ways to greet someone depending on the time of day – I found people to be very nice with a warm greeting in Japanese.
  9. Always be more polite – it’s better to err on the side of piling it on.
  10. You must visit an onsen – it’s a staple of Japanese culture. Be sure to get a wax or shave – there is no vanity!
    monkeying around in Onsen

    Monkeying Around in Onsen

    There are no bathing suits allowed and if you have tattoos you are not allowed. Kids are allowed, however, so just cover your tattoo with your kid.

  11. Japanese remove their shoes at home and in places like onsens.  Always take your shoes off upon entering a Japanese home. Japanese wear different slippers just for bathroom and others just for the kitchen.
  12. All the Japanese hotels in which I stayed provided kimono and slippers.
  13. Japan has the same electrical outlets as the US, you do not need adapter.
  14. Bring some dried fruit and nuts for train rides and long flights.  They did offer “Western” or “Asian” options for our meals inflight but my unpicky daughter didn’t like either.
  15. For all trips – bring a medical kit. My daughter got pretty sick and I was able to give her some quick comfort with meds from home. FYI, they don’t give ibuprofen to kids in Japan. However, the pharmacist was very helpful in getting us new meds when we ran out of ours from home.
  16. Be sure you have health insurance when traveling. My daughter and I both needed medical care in Japan.
    Japanese Hospital

    Japanese Hospital

    See my medical tips when traveling blog for more information.

  17. Bring along these items – a bungy cord (good for adding a bag or two to zip through train stations); if you’re not great with chopsticks bring a couple of forks as I found some places didn’t have any; bring a couple of your favorite tea bags – hot water is everywhere; a sewing kit which we used a couple of times.
  18. Download a currency conversion app for your smart phone, it helps you decide quickly if that souvenir is a good bargain.
  19. The cities we visited were Tokyo, Sapporo, Otaru, Nagano, Kyoto and Okinawa.  Remember that in January-February it will be cold and snowy in much of Japan.  Okinawa was not very cold then but you will have to fly there.
  20. Taxis are rather expensive in Japan and most drivers don’t speak English, have your hotel or home address printed in Japanese.
  21. Tokyo is the largest city in the world by area, it took me an hour by train from “my house” in Tokyo to the center of Tokyo.
  22. Build a few days into your trip to recover from the jet lag.  It took us almost a week to get back on our schedule from the 13-hour time difference.

Japan is a very beautiful, historical and interesting place.  Airfares from the DC area to Japan have been in the $500 R/T range lately (normally about $1000). You can also find reasonable accommodation if you know where to look.  You have no excuse…

beautiful, historical Kyoto

Beautiful, Historical Kyoto

 

Filed Under: Japan, Travel Tips

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

6-Week Trip Asia – Sapporo, Japan Part 1 – Logistics

February 11, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

My daughter and I are on a 6-week trip through Asia, three of those weeks are in Japan.  My husband said I should definitely take her to Sapporo,  for the infamous Sapporo Snow Festival.  I tried to find an Airbnb but being such late in the hour, there was nothing reasonable for just us two.

APA Sapporo Susukino - Ekimae Hotel

APA Sapporo Susukino – Ekimae Hotel

I thought I would give Hotels.com a try and lucked out.  I found the APA Sapporo Susukino – Ekimae Hotel – just blocks from the festival and perfectly located to other activities as well.  I got a refundable rate of $130 with breakfast, that is really good with such a large event in town.

Making friends on Japan Rail

Ellie making friends on Japan Rail

I had the JR Pass (Japan Rail) but I still had to pay a seat reservation fee for 2 of the trains (we had to take a total of 5 trains including the local).  UGH!  I also bought my daughter one because I didn’t want her on my lap (under six can always ride FREE if child stays on your lap).  Eight hours after leaving Tokyo we arrived in Sapporo.  At least we had some amazingly beautiful scenery along the way.  We also met a fantastic family from Australia and Ellie sat with them during part of the ride.

Sapporo Station

Sapporo Station

Riding in Japanese Taxi

Riding in Japanese Taxi

Very Clean Japanese Taxi

Very Clean Japanese Taxi

The Sapporo Station is in a very cool complex with a large shopping mall, an entire floor of restaurants and the JR Tower with a view of the city.  It’s a 10 minute taxi ride  – and about 1000 yen to the APA where we stayed.  Taxis are very safe, secure and immaculately clean.

APA Sapporo Susukino-Ekimae Lobby

APA Sapporo Susukino-Ekimae Lobby

Room at the APA

Room at the APA

Amenities at the APA

Amenities at the APA

Bathroom at the APA

Bathroom at the APA

The APA is a “business” hotel I am told.  The reception hardly spoke a word of English but we managed.  The hotel is old and worn, with dirty carpets in the halls but lots of room amenities. They supply kimonos, slippers, full size toiletries, razors, toothbrushes, etc. in the room.  There is also a water kettle, tea and a frig – and a flat screen of course.  I love the separate shower and really deep tub.  Ask for one of the non-smoking floors.  The bed wasn’t bad and I actually liked the pillows.

Breakfast Buffet at the APA

Breakfast Buffet at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

Breakfast at the APA

There is a restaurant in the lower level where we had our “free” breakfast.  It includes – all kinds of Japanese breakfast foods – fish, vegetables, rice, miso, etc.  I did have some of that the first day but the. switched to mostly yogurt and fruit.  It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

If you are looking for a decent hotel with a good location and amenities – look no further than the APA Hotel.  If you are looking for a very cool city with activities for the whole family – look no further than Sapporo.

Ellie in Sapporo

Ellie in Sapporo

Filed Under: Asia, Japan, Travel Tips

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