New Year at Hokkaido

2013 was a blast.

January - Took a cruise to Phuket.
June - JENESYS2.0 Japan Trip
June - Taiwan Graduation Trip
September - Japan Vacation Trip
December - Another Japan Vacation Trip.

It is my second time experience with snowfall in foreign country.
And the third time to Japan in a single year.

For a person who have never been to a foreign country for a proper vacation on a proper commercialized plane, I really went all out to go out of the country as many as possible. So much of complaining as a poor kid heh.

The previous snow experience was in Shandong, China. It was 2005, the JC Exchange Trip with the students in Shandong High School. It was a really unforgettable moment of my life. I remember that the locals over there said that the snowfall that time was one of the heaviest since 40 years. However, after been to Hokkaido, the snowfall was really not comparable. The one in Hokkaido is really thick and deep snow everywhere. And I could really just literally do a snow spa.

I could really make a large snowman! It was really fun. But while snow-noobies like us were enjoying the snow, most Japanese really prefer hide themselves in the shelter. The snow city in Sapporo is truly amazing sight. Just by looking at it, you will feel so calm and peaceful.

The other purpose of this trip is basically a foodhunt. To hunt down the more famous food you can find in Hokkaido. The butter corn ramen, the Hokkaido milk ramen, the various seafood sushi and especially in winter, the snow crab! Too bad I'm not a fan of seafood, but most of the food found over there is still as nice as all the Japanese food you can find in Singapore.

 

We visited both the bustling city of Sapporo and the quiet small town in Biei. The town is so small and the people are so friendly. Is totally like a typical town setting in some RPG that you can explore by walking around. However, due to the heavy snowfall, it was advised to stay indoor. We took a bus ride to the neighbouring area of Biei, Shirogane. We stayed one night in the Onsen Inn. It is my first time staying in Japanese Traditional Style Hotel. The room was really typically Japanese. Futon, Tatami, Sliding Doors, etc... It was so cosy. The Futon (Japanese Style Floor Mattress) was unexpectedly comfortable and warm. I could just go into my dreamland immediately. So comfy~

We went back the Kyoto to get a feel of the Japanese New Year... and it was so so so so chaotic!!! The night of new year's eve, there are already so many people crowding outside the various shrine and temple! 30 mins before 12am. A huge batch of police has to be deployed to seal off parts of the road so that people can make their way to their destinations to pray for their new year resolution.

In the end, we could not really have the feel of the real atmosphere of the Japanese New Year at that exact moment. We leave it till the next morning. Surprisingly, it seemed like the queue has not been stopping everywhere. In every shrine or temple you see in Kyoto, there was a literal long queue. No joking.

The last 2 days in Kyoto was to continue the food hunt. Cliff wanted to hunt for the legendary looking Omu Rice. Ever since I shared with him the video I found, he decided to look for the shop. When we finally found the shop, it was rather a small shop. And could only have only 8 people at a time. It was a bar and open kitchen and customers can gladly chat with the chef and the bartender. It was a really great concept. The service was great. However, due to the location of the place. It was located along the street of high class and pricey bar and restaurants. Hence, the food there was damn expensive. But trust me. The food really comes with a justifiable price. It was a heavenly food. Kichikichi. Look for this name.

So that was my third time in Japan in just 6 months! I was damn amazed with myself. Japan, really a pleasant country to visit for holiday. It is the culture I like to be in. The culturely good service in every shops and eateries just brightened up your day. You definitely can't find that in Singapore in every corner. While you may find good services in some small shops, still cannot beat Japan. Really just want to visit Japan every year...