AdBlock

Showing posts with label Hakodate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hakodate. Show all posts

Wednesday, 5 September 2018

Day 5 (Hakodate)



Refer to below links for more Hokkaido summer trip blogs:

1. Our Pre Wedding Photoshooting Memories: Pre Wedding Photoshooting Blog
2. Executive Summary: Executive Summary Blog
3. Day 1 & 2 (Furano): Day 1&2 (Furano) Blog
4. Day 3 (Furano & Biei): Day 3 (Furano & Biei) Blog
5. Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo): Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo) Blog
6. Day 5 (Hakodate): Day 5 (Hakodate) Blog
7. Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu): Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu) Blog
8. Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport): Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport) Blog
9. Top Foods in Hokkaido: Top Foods in Hokkaido Blog
10. Top Dessert in Hokkaido: Top Dessert in Hokkaido



Itinerary Summary:

Day 5 (Hakodate):
Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market → Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse → Motamachi Hachiman Zaka Slope→ Hakodate Orthodox Church → Hakodate Episcopal Church → Mt. Hakodate Ropeway 


As soon as we have finished our pre wedding photoshoot, we have travelled all the way to Hokkaido southern top called Hakodate. The car journey took us around 5 hours, which was a very long ride. Hakodate is a quaint neighbourhood perfect for leisure strolling. It is facing the bay area as well and has a famous red brick warehouse buildings that are good for sightseeing and shopping. Most importantly. there are many tourists and travel agencies come to Hakodate for Mt. Hakodate night view which has been awarded Michelin 3 Stars! For those seafood lovers, be sure you come to Hakodate! You get the freshest yet cheapest seafood in Hokkaido! 👍😍

Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market

Map Code: 86072374*58
Operating Hours: 5am - 2pm
Average Time Spent: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Seafoods, Local market
Suits: Sightseeing, Foodies, Seafood Lovers, Culture
Personal Star Rating: ★★★★★  (Must Go)
Description & Tips:
👉 A local market which sells a wide varieties of seafood and local specialties.
👉 Famous for big raw seafood bowl, with an affordable price and generous amount of seafood provided for diners.
👉 In the middle of the market, there is one pond for us to catch live squid. The live squid just freshly caught will be cut into thin slices by the professional chef beside, and they will serve you the freshest sashimi on the spot! Not only you can enjoy the fun to catch live squid, you can taste the squid which is just freshly cut and served as well, double the fun!
👉 Take note that the morning market will close around noon time. Hence, it sure is a good thing to become the early bird to enjoy the market to the fullest!


Whole area of morning market

Self catch squid and live squid tasting


Luxury & fresh seafood don!




We are holding the real live snow crab on hands! It is heavy!

It directly melts the moment we put inside mouth, followed by sweet juices which spurt out to our mouth!

Shop's owner only cut the melon into slices and you can see the juices overflowing already!



Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Map Code: 86041644*74
Operating Hours: 9.30am - 7pm
Average Time Spent: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Pretty scenery, buildings, bayfront, souvenir shops, cafes
Suits: Sightseeing, Shopping, Romantic
Personal Star Rating: ★★★★★  (Must Go)
Description & Tips:
👉 A row of red brick warehouse buildings in front of bay area. It was storehouse back then but now transforms into shopping stores which house a number of specialty shops that sell clothes, jewelries, cafes and etcetera.
👉 There is an ice cream booth that sells rose shaped ice cream as well! May try it as I think it is insta worthy! We not managed to try the rose shaped ice cream but will surely recommend to try because rose shaped ice cream is so cuteee right.
👉 Strolling in the surrounding of the warehouse area is like the feeling in Europe western country. The pace is slow and relaxing, together with the wind from the bay area, many photo spots opportunities right here!
👉 Good news for those Starbucks lovers, there is a Starbucks shop directly opposite the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse! Starbucks on the bay, a good idea! Plus I saw some Hokkaido or Hakodate limited edition Starbucks's mugs over there as well!


Purposely buy this for prewedding shooting purpose, but no chance to use.
At last we use it to take few shots here..

Here's the outcome..


Must take photo with Starbucks Coffee building around the world!

Whole row of red brick warehouse with the exception of one of the warehouse which is
shy of it's red color and covers itself with green color, but that's what makes it unique among the rest?

Red brick is always girl's favorite photo spot

Honey, I think I have distorted the wall.. Oops, I should have cut down on ice cream intake..

Love this beautiful building

I believe I can fly.. Smell the air of freedom during traveling




Love pretty night view


Motamachi Hachiman Zaka Slope

Map Code: 86041131*14 (Note: Or may park car in parking space near Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and explore this area by foot, is walk-able distance!)
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Average Time Spent: 1 hour
Highlights: Pretty scenery, buildings, churches
Suits: Sightseeing, Romantic
Personal Star Rating: ★★★★  (Recommended)
Description & Tips:
👉 A hilly path or so called slope that links you through the little neighborhood area to the bay or port area.
👉 This famous slope is selected as Top.1 'Slope in Japan You Would Want to Visit for Sightseeing'.
👉 Go all the way to the top of the slope and take photo with the beautiful port view as background. Depends on the luck, most of the time you are required to queue. But you get people to help you take the photos as well, which is a good thing too!
👉 Surrounding of Motamachi area has a lot of little neighbourhood houses for you to leisurely strolling and taking photos with. There is even a small shrine for you to visit. The weather in Hakodate around the bay makes it breezy and comfortable enough to walk and have a look on the beautiful traditional Japan cafes and houses.


We left our footsteps here!

If I can slide down the road with this slope..

Most famous photo spot of Hachiman Zaka Slope



Beautiful neighbourhood

Small but well maintained shrine in the middle of neighbourhood


Overseas feeling, Harry Potter book?
Can spot many unique buildings in the neighborhood when strolling..



Hakodate Church 

Map Code: 86040206*41 (Note: Or may park car in parking space near Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and explore this area by foot, is walk-able distance!)
Operating Hours: 10am - 4pm
Average Time Spent: 1.5 hour
Highlights: Pretty scenery, buildings, churches
Suits: Sightseeing, Romantic
Personal Star Rating: ★★★  (Worth to Visit)
Description & Tips:
👉 In the vicinity of Motamachi Hachiman Zaka Slope, there is signboard that leads you to few churches for sightseeing. Hakodate Orthodox Church is the Japan's 1st Russian church. This beautiful church also has bells that will ring at 5pm on every Saturday and Sunday. We walk around the Motamachi area and able to hear the bell ringing. This certainly makes this town to be beautiful and romantic. On top of this, the sound of bell is chosen as one of the 100 Best Soundscapes in Japan!



Perfect photo spot with this tree


Feel so Europe here..



Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

Map Code: 86041004*55
Operating Hours: 10am - 10pm, exception 10am - 9pm from mid October to late April
Average Time Spent: 2 hours
Highlights: Pretty scenery, night view
Suits: Sightseeing, Romantic
Personal Star Rating: ★★★★★  (Must Go)
Description & Tips:

👉 Awarded as the Michelin Green Guide 3 Stars! Beautiful in day and especially night time!
👉 Ride the ropeway from the base of Mt. Hakodate to the top of the mountain for the magnificent observatory for night view.
👉 From the mountain, you can view Hakodate bay and neighbourhood areas. You can see airplanes flying through and touching Hokkaido as well! 
👉 The shape of the bay area makes it looks like Chanel (branded bag) shape, with two big C and buildings in the middle.
👉 The view keeps on changing from season to season. Everyday the view will change as well because it depends on the light that comes out from each houses and buildings.
👉 Come around evening time and stay till sunset and night falls, so you get to see day and night view from Mt. Hakodate. The later you come especially around evening/sunset time, there will be tons of travel buses that unload visitors and so on. You need to be early to book a good place to see the Chanel night view, else you can only manage to see crowds. Don't say I do not warn you, the place is crazily crowded!
👉 This is the most famous landmark attraction in Hakodate, so be prepared to queue everywhere!
👉 Remember to visit the souvenir shop inside as you get many Hakodate special limited edition snacks and souvenirs, most of them packed nicely with the Chanel night view as packaging!



Beautiful sunset on the mountain

Day view (most front view, we are early worms!)

Night view (most front view, have been standing here enduring the cold winds for 2 hours!)

Million dollar view memories







Refer to below links for more Hokkaido summer trip blogs:

1. Our Pre Wedding Photoshooting Memories: Pre Wedding Photoshooting Blog
2. Executive Summary: Executive Summary Blog
3. Day 1 & 2 (Furano): Day 1&2 (Furano) Blog
4. Day 3 (Furano & Biei): Day 3 (Furano & Biei) Blog
5. Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo): Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo) Blog
6. Day 5 (Hakodate): Day 5 (Hakodate) Blog
7. Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu): Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu) Blog
8. Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport): Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport) Blog
9. Top Foods in Hokkaido: Top Foods in Hokkaido Blog
10. Top Dessert in Hokkaido: Top Dessert in Hokkaido





⭐Follow me below:




💗 Author: Ng Mei Lian/ Adrian Yeoh Aun Hong
👉 Date: 22/7/2018 ~ 29/7/2018

Thursday, 9 August 2018

Hokkaido Summer Travel Blog (July 2018)


Executive Summary

(8D5N for RM3.5k All Inclusive)






Refer to below links for more Hokkaido summer trip blogs:

1. Our Pre Wedding Photoshooting Memories: Pre Wedding Photoshooting Blog
2. Executive Summary: Executive Summary Blog
3. Day 1 & 2 (Furano): Day 1&2 (Furano) Blog
4. Day 3 (Furano & Biei): Day 3 (Furano & Biei) Blog
5. Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo): Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo) Blog
6. Day 5 (Hakodate): Day 5 (Hakodate) Blog
7. Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu): Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu) Blog
8. Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport): Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport) Blog
9. Top Foods in Hokkaido: Top Foods in Hokkaido Blog
10. Top Dessert in Hokkaido: Top Dessert in Hokkaido






1. Flight 🛪
Airline Company: AirAsia
Flight Route: Kuala Lumpur Airport - Shin Chitose Airport
Return Flight Price (2 pax): ~RM2221 (inclusive of 40kg luggage and meal on board)

2. Ground Transportation 
Transportation Mode: Car
Car Rental Company: World Net Rent A Car
Car Rental Duration: 5.5 days (23/7 11.30am to 28/7 7.30pm)
Car Rental Price (2 pax): 16600 JPY
⭐Tips:

  • Various car rental companies can be found online, such as Toyota (higher price but most famous), Tocoo, Nissan etcetera. May check across sites and you may get your preferred car with the reasonable price.
  • Car rental company usually will release online booking 3 months ahead. Early booking can secure you cheaper rates and reduce the booking procedure time in airport. Please bear in mind that car rental is popular especially on summer season!
  • Remember to get yourself ETC highway toll card if possible. It will save the road toll for those heavy users who drive from one place to another. For us, we were unable to get the card and burn a big hole in our pockets. Trust me, the highway fares in Hokkaido are really expensive, no joke! Of course, if you are traveling in just the vicinity of one city, then can skip this.
  • May need to top up additional money to upgrade collision waiver insurance etcetera. Car rental personnel will discuss and finalize the price with you after top up and you need to pay money on the spot. However, this is optional and they won't force you do so. Is completely up to you!

3. Accommodation 🏡
As we traveled from one place to another, we had the chance to stay in hotels at different location.

a) Furano
Hotel Name: Furusato Furano
Booking Website: Agoda
Stay Duration: 1 night
Hotel Price (2 pax): 6510 JPY

b) Otaru/Sapporo
Hotel Name: Hotel C-Stage Otaru
Booking Website: Agoda
Stay Duration: 1 night
Hotel Price (2 pax): 6800 JPY

c) Hakodate
Hotel Name: Hakodate Onuma Prince Hotel
Booking Website: Agoda
Stay Duration: 2 nights
Hotel Price (2 pax): 18112 JPY

d) Noribetsu
Hotel Name: Noribetsu Manseikaku
Booking Website: Booking.com
Stay Duration: 1 night
Hotel Price (2 pax): 14106 JPY

Accommodation Price (2 pax): 45528 JPY

⭐Tips:
  • We had booked Airbnb previously, however received cancellation email from Airbnb one month before traveling, due to the Airbnb host is not valid host and not able to rent the room. 
  • Take note Airbnb is not really welcomed in Japan. Those house owners would need to apply for business license from government in order to become a valid Airbnb host. This law has been strictly enforced starting June 2018. So remember to check with the house owner first before proceeding to book just for the peace of mind.


4. Area of Interest with Stars Rating (Only for Summer, may varies according to season)


Hokkaido is a very big island for visitors to explore. We not managed to visit all parts of Hokkaido, however had visited those areas which are famous and a must for first time traveler. Each of the location has attractions different from one another, which means you will have different feeling when visit from one place to another. Each of them really unique and has it's own charm! To further assist on how to decide your itinerary, I will further break down the above Hokkaido google map into several famous locations, together with the highlights and specialties for the area! Besides that, I have listed down the attractions for each area and the star ratings on it! Refer the star ratings guideline below (Note: Ratings based on personal preference, not a representative for all)

⭐Star Rating Guideline:
  • Must Go (★★★★★)
  • Recommended (★★★★)
  • Worth to Visit (★★★)
  • Can Skip if Time Constraint (★★)
  • Not Recommended (★)

a) Furano 
Highlights: Lavender, colorful flowers, pretty scenery, village, relaxing
Suits: Nature lovers
  • Farm Tomita (★★★★★)
  • Haystack Biei (★★★)
  • Roller Coaster Road (★★)
  • Mild Seven Hill (★★)
  • Zerebu Hill (★★)
  • Blue Pond Biei (★★)
  • Shikisai No Oka (★★★★★)
  • Hinode Park (★★★★★)
  • Ningle Terrace (★★★★)


b) Otaru
Highlights: Shopping, desserts, specialty shops for souvenirs/ omiyageee
Suits: Shoppers, Dessert lovers
  • Otaru Canal (★★★)
  • Otaru Old Town (★★★★★)
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street (★★★★★)
  • Otaru Music Box Museum (★★★★★)
  • Old Temiya Railway Track (★★)

c) Sapporo
Highlights: City life, summer festival, shopping
Suits: Shoppers, City tourists
  • Shiroi Koboito Park/ White Chocolate Factory (★★★★)
  • Former Hokkaido Government Office (★★)

d) Hakodate
Highlights: Seafood (cheapest across Hokkaido), church, sightseeing, night view (rated 3 Michelin Stars! Top 3 must see night view in the world!)
Suits: Sightseeing tourists, Seafood lovers, Romantic
  • Hakodate Morning Market (★★★★★)
  • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (★★★★★)
  • Motamachi Hachiman Zaka Slope (★★★★)
  • Hakodate Orthodox Church (★★★)
  • Hakodate Episcopal Church (★★)
  • Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (★★★★★)

e) Noribetsu & vicinity (Lake Toya)
Highlights: Natural hot spring, valley, fireworks
Suits: Tourists who seek for relaxation & pampering holidays
  • Shikotsu Toya Silo Observatory (★★★)
  • Lake Toya (★★)
  • Jigokudani Hell Valley (★★★★)
  • Onsen Hotel (★★★★★)

f) Chitose
Highlights: Airport fulls of Hello Kitty & Doraemon & Teddy Bears themes
Suits: Anyone (p/s: You must come to airport for your return flights, haha 😂), bonus for those who loves the cute characters
  • Airport Smile Road (★★★★)


5. Itinerary & Cost Breakdown
I have tidied up and compiled the itinerary and detail cost breakdown for our 8D5N Hokkaido summer pre wedding trip (Yeah! You heard it right! We chose Hokkaido as our pre wedding location and at the same time can travel as well! 😍). As you can see below, Day 2 and Day 3 have been used as the pre wedding photoshooting. So our real Hokkaido journey started from Day 4 onwards! Since Hokkaido is very big and places of interest are scattered around the whole island, we (actually only my bf 😋) drove crazily from one place to another (big love & thanks to him 😘, must be a tiring journey.. 😩) and had the chance to be in different parts of Hokkaido, as all of them gave us different kind of feeling and experience! 👍

Total Price: ~RM6.9k for 2 people (inclusive of flight, car rental, hotels, foods, expenses in Hokkaido, souvenirs etcetera!)
Thus, RM3.5k per pax all inclusive for 8D5N Hokkaido summer trip accomplished!



That's all about the sharing of Hokkaido travel guide. Please let me know if you have any doubts and I am happy to help you! Follow me in Facebook and Instagram to get updated on new blog posts and photos too! Xoxo 💗




(Notes: My website contains some affiliate links and advertisement which are not scam, they are safe to click and at no cost to you, it gives me a little bit of commission for me to keep on maintaining the website. Your support is my biggest motivation!)




Refer to below links for more Hokkaido summer trip blogs:

1. Our Pre Wedding Photoshooting Memories: Pre Wedding Photoshooting Blog
2. Executive Summary: Executive Summary Blog
3. Day 1 & 2 (Furano): Day 1&2 (Furano) Blog
4. Day 3 (Furano & Biei): Day 3 (Furano & Biei) Blog
5. Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo): Day 4 (Otaru & Sapporo) Blog
6. Day 5 (Hakodate): Day 5 (Hakodate) Blog
7. Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu): Day 6 (Lake Toya & Noribetsu) Blog
8. Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport): Day 7 & 8 (Noribetsu & Otaru & Airport) Blog
9. Top Foods in Hokkaido: Top Foods in Hokkaido Blog
10. Top Dessert in Hokkaido: Top Dessert in Hokkaido




⭐Follow me below:
📌Instagram: melon_journey
📌Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelonJourneyBlog/



💗 Author: Ng Mei Lian/ Adrian Yeoh Aun Hong
👉 Date: 22/7/2018 ~ 29/7/2018