07/07/09 - Hokkaido island - Hakodate
So todays trip. To head north and see how far we can get in the northern island. So grabbing lunch on teh way (I went for a bento box and very nice it was too with 4 separate compartments, meat and rice and some fish! I also went on a spending spree, deciding on some sweets, I'll try these, ooh and these and some of these... "kiss" sweets and grape flavours?
The problem wasn't waking up late but leaving late and so we were waiting around for trains between each stop, meaning by the time we went under the bridge, it was getting mid afternoon. In Hakodate there seemed to be something to do, whilst Sapporo (birth of japanese beer) was a 3 and a half hour ride. Doesn't sound like much, but as it has to be done in reverse, that's then 7 hours travel which i close to half day (or a full day if we wake up late). The problem of waking up early is the total lack of sleep (jetlag) and so we are otherwise exhausted for the day.
So we looked into the hostels and gave them a ring getting one booked up. We then made our way to the tram, hopping on and of and Karen tried at map reading. At the hostel/hotel we took off shoes and entered taking a good look around but otherwise having a small relax in the room before heading out nearly straight away. We had sunlight hours to burn. Once they've gone everything seems to close.
We were first distracted by the sound of the waves and headed out to look over the sea. Then walked around the harbour (a bit untouristy we felt) so circled back round to the main attractions. However we did find a nice park to take pictures and mosey through. Then onto the cable cars as the wires could be easily seen. This was our next trip, heading up for the 3 min jaunt, getting a great view of the city and surrounding area, as well as the sun breaking through clouds into mist, looking like some strange smoke and lights show.
Once we'd ran around up there (the view is the only thing to do there) we headed back. With more time, a walk up or down would have been better, but there were more things to see and we'd seen where. So we headed down to the churches, russian and japanese, and around the area which seemed a nice neighbourhood. Then running off to see if we could get to the museum of the northern people (seems some 'Aisu' are considered indigenous and before, secondary citizens in japan. I also realised in Shogun Total War, Hokkaido wasn't on the map - not considered part of japan?) it was nice, but nothing special.
Walking around we went in search of food, but instead found a funny little show going on. All the kids were dressed up (girls in Kimono, the boys, well didn't seem very dressed up at all) and went to each shop, doing a song and then being given some things. Reminded me of halloween, going and getting treats, but dressed nicely and at shops not homes. It was fun to watchand better to listen to. Five children of young age trying to sing together. Then we saw at least two of the boys do a victory sweet dance, at least until they saw the gaijin laughing at them.
Food was found in a semi-international restuarant (Karen doesn't seem to like the quaint cafe type japanese ones, ainly as they don't have english menu OR pictures) but we found some japanese style meals, I had a curry style meal with melted cheese on top, the required egg and a random frankfurter sausage added to the side? Karen went for a steak meal. What we found fun was a couple that came in after us had exactly the same, only vice versa. Another thing I found interesting was the steak was polished off quickly whilst us curry eaters needed a bit more time! Was good though.
Back to the hostel and a booking of a taxi for 6.30am meant we went for an early night. Tommorrow we were going to try and cover 2 locations as well as travel half of japan, that's doable right? Either way, this meant sleep was important and so bed...
