Kokusai Ski Resort

If you are thinking of going to Kokusai Ski Resort by bus I recommend catching the bus from Keio Plaza Hotel instead of Sapporo JR Station.  The bus starts from Keio Plaza Hotel and usually full, they stop at Sapporo JR Station only to tell waiting passengers to wait for next bus.  

When you arrive at Keio Plaza Hotel make sure you go inside the hotel to line up and don't wait outside.  

Odori - illumination

Not much snow this year yet but Odori in full swing, beautifully illuminated for Christmas. It's been a bit disappointed for powder seeking skiers so far but good for the locals. 

Shakotan - Hokkaido

Shakotan is a place worth visiting west of Hokkaido, just a 2hr drive from Sapporo. We rented a car and it was a comfortable drive passing by Otaru.

The views are breathtaking with some nice seafood as the attraction, uni (sea urchin) is a specialty in the area.

After all the sightseeing and walking you can have a dip in many of the onsens around with a sunset view, which is what this area is known for.

Enjoy the pics

Takao-san, Hachijoji, Tokyo

July is very hot in Tokyo so getting out of the crowded city may not be a bad idea. 

I jumped on the train this morning and started to Google a few places, and decided to just go trekking! Somewhere not too far, but far enough to feel like your away from the city. 

About a 50 minute train ride on the Chuo line rapid train and get off at Takao (most trains terminate here), change to Keio line and one stop and get off at Takaoguchi.

Now you at the foot of the mountain you can trek up to Mt Takao by 6 different trails which vary from 70-90 minutes, or take a cable car or chair lift.

I decided to chair lift it up and trek down. The view of Tokyo was pretty nice. Now in winter you are suppose to see Mt Fuji, so my chances was very slim in July. 

Trekking down was more fun than the chair lift, I would recommend to trek up as well but I was a bit tight for time.

Enjoy the photos everyone and leave some comments...

Tokyo Tower And Roppongi

Tokyo by night, the old Tokyo tower day and night still looking marvelous since the new Sky Tree was built. Still a favorite for the romantics, lovely lighting..

Roppongi lights up at night as usual, attractive lights and fun night life...

Exploring Tokyo

Recently relocated to Tokyo, still do the odd trip back to Sapporo. 

Spent the weekend visiting places I haven't been in a while. Plenty of walking and great places to vist, Odaiba, Ueno, Tokyo Station, Akihabara etc..plenty of people and various options when it comes to food, even found a Pho restaurant but I think they lack a bit ingredients here, not so nice.... Sushi still the best..

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...