Suzuran Hillside National Park, Takino - Sapporo

Spent a day at Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park. A nice 25-27 degrees, perfect for outdoors and beautiful tulips on display. 

Dad's come prepared, plenty activities for kids and it's fitting for dad' to spend some quality healthy time with their kids.

This was our second time but it's worthwhile mentioning that the facilities are nice and clean. Toilets, waiting rooms, resting places etc. oh I forgot, I am in Japan that's standard. 

It's only a half hour bus/subway away, so go for a visit. It's different from your everyday touristy type thing, more of the local Sapporian family weekend place...

Enjoy the pics...

Sapporo Snow Festival 2014 - Susukino & Odori

Some more pics of Snow Festival 2014 at Susukino, after that we made our way to Odori again. 

Today was the final day before they tear it all down. Again it was very crowded being a public holiday today, and of course very cold :)

Enjoy the pics...

Christmas in Sapporo, Hokkaido

It definitely feels like Christmas in Sapporo. It's -5 degrees celsius with heavy snow, it's all lit up and there is plenty of people about, couples, families and tourists all enjoying themselves down  at Odori Park. A wonderful illumination display, people are queuing up to snap photos, nobody cares about the snow, it's all part of the Christmas feel. 

Meanwhile, back home in Sydney it was 42 degrees celsius, it's been crazy hot lately. I am used to Christmas at the beach, yep BBQs at the beach!

Definitely different to what I am used to but enjoying the change. Some nice pics of Sapporo Factory and Odori as we head off to Tokyo for the New Year.

Mount Moiwa - Sapporo

A quick trip to mount Moiwa with my friend Leo from Sydney. A short tram ride from Odori (¥170), until I decided to get off 3 stops too early, we walked the rest but got there eventually. A shuttle bus picks you from the tram station but we decided to walk up to the rope way since we were in the mood.

Up the top the views were spectacular, would have been better if it was a clear sunny day but it was nice nonetheless. 

A few pics from the top observatory, enjoy...

Noribetsu Hell Valley - Hokkaido

Visiting Hell Valley and Oyunuma at Noribetsu with my friend Leo from Sydney. We stayed one night at an onsen hotel and it was a very relaxing experience, many tourists and great sunny weather. We trekked thru the area and it was quite peaceful, no one around as everyone were either in tour buses or cars. I would recommend trekking as it was very enjoyable, enjoy the pics...