The Land of the Rising Sun beckons to our group of six Malaysians and three Thais. Japan lives up to its name as it gets bright even at 3am.
According to the Japan Tourism website, it does not rain in Hokkaido even though it is the raining season in June, but we were sorely disappointed as it rained three out of the nine days that we were there and it spoilt our holiday, to a certain extent.
Hokkaido, being the northernmost island and surrounded by seas, is a well-known destination for some of the finest seafood in the world. These can be found in most restaurants in Sapporo. The city also boasts some of Japan’s finest sushi; even the conveyor-belt type sushi with fresh toppings are served at affordable prices.
Unlike Osaka and Kyoto which have more history and culture respectively, tourists visit Hokkaido for the culinary experience, from simple ramen and soba meals to the more exotic snow crab, scallop and sea urchin.
Sea urchin, known locally as uni, is a delicacy in Japan, and is very expensive. Also, it may not suit most Malaysians’ palate. I am not a connoisseur of food so would not be able to describe the taste, but it’s soft and mushy and looks very much like caviar. A small bowl of salmon roe and sea urchin would set you back by about ¥4,536 (RM152). The two-mouthful cheesecake (¥410/RM15), the green tea and lavender ice cream as well as the milk are not to be missed.
Some of the hotels welcome you with a bottle of cold, fresh milk. There is also a place specially dedicated to ramen, known as Asahika-wa Ramen Village, where all the famous ramen are housed in one location for the best choice of the noodle. Ramen can be found in a variety of flavours such as shio (salt) and shoyu (soy sauce) but Sapporo ramen is traditionally miso-flavoured. Another ramen that originated in Sapporo is Soup Curry, with the standard dish containing fresh local vegetables, with chicken or seafood of one’s choice.
Of course, there are touristy sights in Hokkaido, too. Odori Park in the heart of the city of Sapporo, the capital, is well-known for its snow festival. As our visit was towards the end of spring, we were greeted by some very colourful flowers spread all over the park.
image: http://www1.star2.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/str2_chrishokkaido_ev_10_food.jpg
Tantalizing snacks and ice creams galore in Hokkaido, Japan.
Another park with a difference, which should not be missed, is Moerenuma Park, designed by the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi, which took more than 20 years to complete. Construction commenced in 1982 and the park had its grand opening only in 2005. The park was intended to be the base of “the Circular Greenbelt Concept” which combines the green spaces of Sapporo within a loop and the design is based on the whole park being a single sculpture.
Another noteworthy place to visit would be the Shiroi Koibito Park , an entertainment zone with a variety of attractions and home to the famous Hokkaido white chocolate and biscuits. This is a chocolate factory with a difference, as it also features a rose garden with a wide selection of roses and its landmark mechanical clock tower.
A trip to Sapporo would not be complete without visiting the JR Tower Observatory on the 38th Floor (Admission: ¥620/RM20) where one can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and with access to shopping and gourmet dining.
Another noteworthy place to visit would be the Shiroi Koibito Park , an entertainment zone with a variety of attractions and home to the famous Hokkaido white chocolate and biscuits. This is a chocolate factory with a difference, as it also features a rose garden with a wide selection of roses and its landmark mechanical clock tower.
A trip to Sapporo would not be complete without visiting the JR Tower Observatory on the 38th Floor (Admission: ¥620/RM20) where one can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and with access to shopping and gourmet dining.
Ningle Terrace is an artisan village with wooden cabins and magical little cottages surrounded by forest pine trees. One can find leather craft and candle craft here, all handmade by artisans who have their own themes.
Ningle Terrace
Jigokukani (or Hell Valley) is spectacular, and the visitor feels as though it’s hell they are experiencing with hot steam, sulphurous aroma and other volcanic activity.
Jigokukani (or Hell Valley)
No matter what the season and which place one chooses to visit, Japan should be on the travel bucket list of any keen traveller. Visit Japan for its culture, beautiful scenery, food and its people who are courteous, polite and give exceptional service without expectation of a tip!
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