Archive for the ‘Abashiri’ Category

The Hokkaido 30-word Challenge

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

We went to a number of places in Hokkaido. These are my impressions of them…in less than 30 words.

New Chitose

Shopping galore at the Rera Outlet! Pick up your car at the many car rental companies there but good luck navigating to the highway.

Sapporo

Sapporo Biergarten: all the beer and barbecued lamb you'll ever need

Sapporo Biergarten: all the beer and barbecued lamb you'll ever need

Ramen Alley just behind my hotel. The Fender ’68 reissue Jap Strats that i almost bought. Crazy, reckless cyclists. Genghis Khan style barbecue lamb and beer at the Sapporo Biergarten.

Sounkyo Spa

Main pedestrian thoroughfare in Sounkyo Spa. The shop selling the best ramen we ate in Hokkaido is at the foot of this path.

Main pedestrian thoroughfare in Sounkyo Spa. The shop selling the best ramen is at the foot of this path.

Superb service and meals at Hotel Northern Lodge. Surprisingly, the best ramen of the trip. Tiring climb up Mt Kurodake. Rain, rain and more rain.

Monbetsu

In Monbetsu, we caught a glimpse of a blue-collar fishing port unlikely to feature in any holiday itinerary.

In Monbetsu, we caught a glimpse of a blue-collar fishing port unlikely to feature in any holiday itinerary.

Where is everyone?! A working fishing port. Grey and overcast. First sight of Sea of Okhotsk. Russian fisherman. Off the tourist trail.

Yubetsu

We didn't expect to see so much farmland in northern Hokkaido.

We didn't expect to see so much farmland in northern Hokkaido.

The Northern Fox. When we drove through the towns of northern Hokkaido, we hardly saw anyone in the streets. Surprising though, undulating farmlands can be found just inland.

Abashiri

Ralse Plaza, Abashiri, where we had our lunch.

Ralse Plaza, Abashiri, where we had our lunch.

We were quite surprised by the size of this city. It’s clearly an important port and boasts a famous Meiji-era prison which we didn’t visit. Lunch was again ramen.

Lake Akan

Our sumptuous dinner at Hotel Gozensui. You can\'t go wrong with their Japanese dinners.

Our sumptuous dinner at Hotel Gozensui. You can't go wrong with their Japanese dinners.

Friendly service and great food (dinner) at Hotel Gozensui. Canoeing in Lake Akan with our friendly guide. Marimo and Koi sightings in the lake.

Furano

Furano is famous for its lavender fields...and also skiing in winter.

Furano is famous for its lavender fields...and also skiing in winter.

[caption id="attachment_253" align="alignright" width="150" caption="This DIY farm at Furano conducts fun, hands-on workshops on cream, butter and ice-cream-making."]This DIY farm at Furano conducts fun, hands-on workshops on cream, butter and ice-cream-making.[/caption]Great fun making our own butter at a DIY farm. Look out for the beautiful lavender fields outside town. Superb boutique hotel – Natalux Hotel.

Kushiro

If there's one reason to go to Hokkaido, this is it.

If there's one reason to go to Hokkaido, this is it.

Two words: Robatayaki and sashimi. The best, freshest sashimi in the world is sold at the Washo Market!! Oh and by the way, delicious oyster ramen near Route Inn Kushiro.
Washo Market at Kushiro. Remember this place if you go to Kushiro.

Washo Market at Kushiro. Remember this place if you go to Kushiro.

[caption id="attachment_243" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Katte-don: buy a bowl of rice and pick your own sashimi...heavenly."]Katte-don: buy a bowl of rice and pick your own sashimi...heavenly.[/caption]
Another must-try: the place with the blue-striped rooftop sells charcoal-grilled seafood (Robatayaki).

Another must-try: the place with the blue-striped rooftop sells charcoal-grilled seafood (Robatayaki).

[caption id="attachment_248" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Seagull eyeing this man's catch at the Kushiro River."]Seagull eyeing this man's catch at the Kushiro River.[/caption]

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Posted in Abashiri, DIY Farm, Driving in Hokkaido, Furano, Kushiro, Monbetsu, New Chitose, Sapporo, Sounkyo Gorge, Washo Market, Yubetsu | No Comments »