Konichiwa Tokyo Once Again!

Never cross in my mind that I will be back to Tokyo once again after a year (My Blogpost: Tokyo After 5 Years) - and this time around, it's my third visit! Another of my family annual trip and as usual, they chosen Japan instead of other country. No wonder people said, "Once Went Japan, Almost Every Year Feels Like Going Back Japan!"

Imagine came to Japan for the 5th time, this is my first and initial experience of wearing Yukata, the traditional Japanese garment. And it's absolutely free of charge.

Basically, we just solely focus the city of Tokyo without going any outskirt towns within our 8 days and 7 nights trip there. Some of the popular attractions like Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa I went for the third time. I posted few of my photos in Instagram, so do follow me there!

Just a short and brief post here and I have the feelings that I will be back Tokyo again. 

9D7N Hokkaido, Japan (2016) Itinerary & Travel Expenses of RM2,490 Per Pax

Just when last month I was sweating like hell in scorching hot country of Sri Lanka, now I'm shivering in this kind of cold weather.

#1: Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!❄❄❄

Alright, I'm not in the holiday mood currently but I just came back from the beautiful northernmost of Japan's main island, Hokkaido. Thanks to AirAsia once again as I managed to buy the return airfare for only RM248 per pax when they announced the new route flying directly from Kuala Lumpur to New Chitose International Airport (CTX) last year and instantly I bought for my mom too.

Instead of just mommy and I, later on the group has been expanded up to 11 people. It's was very challenging task cause instead of hiring professional and experienced tour guide or even sign up with any local ground tour arrangement, I decided to take the lead to plan the whole trip; from hotel reservation, car rental, drafting itinerary and budget planning to the place I've never been before. But I glad by end of the trip, the whole journey went well and everyone enjoyed this trip. My aunties said I should become tour guide, not an accountant. Guess I am in the wrong field all this while?

Right after I came back from Hokkaido, few of my friends eventually asking me about this trip. Hence, I decided to share a brief and basic travel guide based on my own first hand experience covering Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Toya (brief stopby), Hakodate and Noboribetsu.

[Bear in mind the exchange rate I changed was 100 yen = RM3.02]

Day 1: 5th April 2016
The flight from Kuala Lumpur to CTS departed at 11.35 pm and the flight duration took about 7 and half hours.

#2: AirAsia X Big Breakfast - It was exceptionally big that both mommy and I can't finish them.

Note: The food is served in two session; one hour after the flight take off and three hours before landing.

Day 2: 6th April 2016 
Once we arrived at the New Chitose International Airport (CTX) around 8.10 am (Japan is 1 hour ahead of Malaysia), we decided to venture around the airport first before heading to Sapporo City because it was still early and the hotel check-in time was at 2pm. Plus, our flight depart from CTX on the last day was quite early and we worry we might have not sufficient time to stroll around. There are plenty of things to do, see, eat and shop in CTX; such as Doraemon Waku Waku Park, Royce's Chocolate World, Pokemon and Hello Kitty Store. Majority of these stores are situated at the Domestic Terminal Building Passage which not far away from the international arrival hall.


#3: Doraemon Waku Waku Park, Royce's Chocolate World, Pokemon and Hello Kitty Store at Domestic Terminal Building Passage 

Don't forget to dine in at Hokkaido Ramen Dojyo which houses a collection of piping hot and delicious big bowl of ramen from 10 best ramen restaurants around Hokkaido. The most popular one would be Ebisoba Ichigen, situated just right from the entrance for its sapid shrimp based broth. Unfortunately it was pretty packed and because it couldn't fit in 11 of us, we chosen to dine restaurant next to it and turned out to be good as well.

#4: Hokkaido Ramen Dojyo houses a collection of piping hot and delicious big bowl of ramen

How To Get To Sapporo From New Chitose International Airport:

To travel in the most economical way, there are two mode of transportation; either via JR trains or Chuo bus. Because the latter one takes more an hour to reach Sapporo, we opted for JR train which cost 1,070 yen (approx. to RM32) with addition of 520 yen (approx. to RM16) for seats reservation. The ride takes about 37 minutes for JR rapid trains.

#5: JR Rapid train costs 1,070 yen and the ride takes about 37 minutes 

To know more about the exact train timetable, route and fare from starting point to the end, you can refer to Hyperdia.

We stayed in Hotel Sunroute Sapporo - 5 minutes walk from JR Sapporo Station and less than 3 minutes walk to Subway Sapporo Station. Besides that, there are 4 convenience stores nearby (two Lawson, a 7-Eleven and Seicomart), surrounded by various shopping and entertainment complex like Esta, Daimaru, Paso, Stellar Place and more. For the price of RM321 per night for a triple room inclusive breakfast, this hotel is worth every dollar spent.

#6: Hotel Sunroute Sapporo. Although it was relatively small, but the most importantly each of us got our own single bed instead of sharing. 


#7: Japanese and Western cuisines. After been to Japan quite few times, this is the first time I had breakfast provided by the hotel. I love their curry soup mixed with rice. Oishi!

Did sightseeing on the first day whereby we visited the iconic Clock Tower, passby Sapporo TV Tower and shopping at Sapporo Factory. All of these are 15-20 minutes walk from our hotel, to be precise on the south exit of JR Sapporo Station.

1. Clock Tower - Admission Fee: 200 yen. Opening Hours: 8.45 am to 7 pm
2. Sapporo TV Tower - Amission Fee: 720 yen. Opening Hours: 9 am to 9.30 pm
3. Sapporo Factory - a large shopping and entertainment complex. Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm

Day 3: 7th April 2016
Otaru, a charming port town lies northwest on Sapporo is a popular tourist spot to be visited all round year, regardless any season. When one way trip from Sapporo to Otaru costs 640 yen (approx. to RM19) and in total cost 1,280 yen (approx. to RM38) for return trip, I would suggest to buy Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass, a  special discount ticket that allow you for unlimited ride for one day on both JR trains and all the Sapporo city subway lines. For the price of 1,700 yen (approx. to RM51), this handy pass is only limited to visitors from overseas with temporary status visit. So don't forget to bring along and show your passport when purchasing it at New Chitose International Airport Station JR or Sapporo Station West Ticket Gate JR.


#9: Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass, for the price of 1,700 yen consists of two different tickets, Sapporo-Otaru JR Round Ticket and Sapporo Subway One Day card. Both could be used on separate days.


Upon arriving JR Otaru Station, we walked straightly to Sakaimachidori Shopping Street where the whole street is lined with countless of souvenir stores, glassmakers and artcraft shops, seafood restaurants and cafes on both left and right of the lane.


#10: What to do and see in Otaru? Walk on the railway track of Former Ironai Station, take a photo of Otaru steam clock, visit any glassmakers and artcraft shop and enjoy the nostalgic tunes at Otaru Music Box Museum

#11: What to eat in Otaru? 

• LeTao for the Fromage Double, a double layered cheesecake (There are plenty of LeTao outlets along Sakaimachidori Shopping Street and the main one is situated nearby Otaru Music Box Museum)
• Kitakaro for the soft custard cream puff
• 8 layers of colourful soft ice-cream for 580 yen (approx. to RM18)

#12: Stroll along the Otaru Canal before leaving this charming port town.

Day 4: 8th April 2016
Kicked off our morning by visiting the Nijo Morning Market for fresh local produce and seafood such as huge Alaskan King Crab, Hokkaido Red King Crab, sea urchins, scallops and more.

#13: Fresh local produce and seafood at Nijo Morning Market

#14: Besides sea urchins and scallops,we had Alaskan King Crab weighted 1kg for our breakfast. It's super fresh and juicy. 

How To Get To Nijo Morning Market:

Odori Subway Station - Exit 34

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm

Right after that, we proceeded to Shiroi Koibito Park, a European style cookie factory. The company's signature product is the Shiroi Koibito cookie which consists of two thin butter cookies and a layer of white chocolate in between. It is among one of the most popular confectioneries from Hokkaido and widely sold around Japan. The park houses of a free area with a shop, cafe and restaurant and a paid area of 600 yen (approx. to RM18) where visitors can observe the cookie production process in the factory.

#15: It's like fairy tales in Shiroi Koibito Park. Every spot of this place is Instagram worthy photos.

#16: A paid area of 600 yen (approx. to RM18) where visitors can observe the cookie production process in the factory. 

How To Get To Nijo Morning Market:
Miyanosawa Station on Tozai Subway Line - Exit 5. Turn right after come out from station and walk until reach traffic light and turn right again. It takes about 10-15 minutes walk from subway station.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Day 5: 9th April 2016
To get to Hakodate which lies in the south of Hokkaido, we decided to do self-drive trip from Sapporo instead of taking public bus and trains. One trip via JR train could cost 5,720 yen (approx. to RM173) whereas for the Chuo Bus cost 4,680 yen (approx. to RM141). Since we are travelled in a big group of family, hence the wise choice would be rent two cars as it save a lot rather than taking JR train and bus. In total, each of us only paid 7,560 yen (approx. to RM228) for the car rental fee of three days, toll, parking fee and gasoline.

#17: We rented two vehicles from Toyota Rent A Car.

Talking about car rentals booking, I would personally recommend to rent from Toyota or Nissan as they have English speaking staffs to guide and assist during the car pick-up and in the case of emergencies. On top of that, they offer both Hokkaido Expressway Pass and ETC card, a special service that allow unlimited use of Hokkaido's expressways through the ETC system on flat rate for the rental fee of 324 yen each (approx. to RM10).

#18: Hokkaido Expressway Pass or ETC Card for the rental fee of 324 yen 

For a Malaysian who intend to drive around Japan, applicants should apply for International Driving Permit (IDP) at any Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) offices. Don't forget to bring along the original identification card, valid driving license, two passport size colour photos and RM150 for the processing fee. The application form could be downloaded here.

#19: International Driving Permit (IDP)

Regarding the GPS navigation system, the destinations are not based on English road name but rely on "MAPCODE" and "TELEPHONE NUMBER". Thank goodness that Toyota Rent A Car gave us a full list of the mapcode for popular tourist attractions around Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Furano, Biei and more. All I need to do is to search for our hotels' telephone number. As for the driver seat, no worry it's just the same as ours - on the right side.

Straightly after the car pick-up, we drove all the way and did short brief at Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake situated in southwestern part of Hokkaido to have a lunch break and souvenirs hunting before continue to drive for another 4 hours to Hakodate.

#19: What a bliss to have our lunch with the amazing view of Lake Toya

#20: Lake Toya speciality - Wakasaimo, Japanese style sweet buns which resembles a sweet potato

Finally after drove for almost four hours, we reached Hakodate and we stayed in Comfort Hotel Hakodate. I booked this hotel through Booking.com and the amount paid upon check-in. A double room inclusive breakfast costs 6,000 yen per night (approx. to RM180). Although the rooms were slightly smaller comparing to the one in Sapporo, but the plus point would be for its unbeatable location - close to JR Hakodate Station, Bus Station and Hakodate Morning Market Square is just two blocks away.

#21: Comfort Hotel Hakodate - 6,000 yen per night inclusive breakfast 

Another advantage of staying in this hotel is one of the famous local burger chain outlet, Lucky Pierrot Hamburger is only situated right behind our hotel. Lucky Pierrot Hamburger is only available in Hakodate so when you are going to Hakodate, don't ever miss this out.


#22: The most recommended would be the Chinese Chicken Burger and Shrimp Burger but I can say almost all their burgers are taste so good.

For night activity, Mount Hakodate offers the most amazing and mesmering night view. It was awarded the highest rating of three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan". If you are driving, you can drive up and there is a free parking besides Mount Hakodate Ropeway in Motomachi District. However, cause we doubt any more free parking space available as this is one hot and popular tourist spot, we decided to take the ropeway connection shuttle bus (240 yen for one way).

#23: Mount Hakodate, worth taking time out to see for its night scenery. 

#24: Mount Hakodate Ropeway - Return trip cost 1,280 yen (approx. to RM38). Visitors can enjoy the view along the six minutes ride up to the mountain.

How To Get To Mount Hakodate Ropeway:
Ropeway Connection Shuttle Bus #4 at the Bus Station nearby JR Hakodate Station. The bus starts to operate at 6.05 pm and departs every 30 minutes. The last bus from JR station is at 9.05 pm and from Ropeway is 9.20 pm. A single fare costs 240 yen. 

Day 6: 10th April 2016
We only spent a night in Hakodate and going to leave this beautiful city on the next day. So before leaving, we visited Hakodate Morning Market Square, drove up to Motomachi District for few popular attractions and took lunch at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

#25: Hakodate Morning Market Square for fresh local products and seafood. 

#26: Buildings and popular attractions within Motomachi District - Roman Catholic Church, Russian Orthodox Church and Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward 

#27: The historical area of Motomachi District somehow reminds me of Kitano-cho, Kobe for its western-style houses

#27: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse used to be a warehouse but now it has been developed into a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. 

Our final and last destination would be Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort before driving back to Sapporo. As I want to experience something new, something unique and something different from my past visit to Japan, I decided to extra splurge staying in Daiichin Takimotokan Hotel for omotenashi - traditional Japanese hospitality where we slept on tatami style, enjoyed wide array of Japanese and western style of dinner and breakfast buffet and soaking nakedly in hot spring baths and public pools (onsen). That's the awkward moment I won't forget for the rest of my life. Although it was pricey, but I glad when I saw my family members enjoyed staying in this huge and grand hotel.


#28: Daiichi Takimotokan Hotel - I never expected the hotel to be so huge and grand. Although it's pricey but highly recommended to stay when visit Noboribetsu.

Day 7: 11th April 2016
How we wish to spend more time in this hotel but it's time to bid goodbye. We intended to visit the Hell Valley (Jigokudani) which displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity but because of the heavy snowfalls which we never expected it to be as it was early of spring, we have to cancel the plan. Luckily the room I stayed last night is overlooking the Hell Valley. However, we managed to catch the penguin parade at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe.

#29: Hell Valley view from my room

#30: Penguin parade at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe - Admission Fee: 2,200 yen (approx. to RM66) for a group of 10 people or more. 


#31: Returning our car to one of Toyota Rent A Car offices nearby Sapporo Station. This one is located at Sapporo East Station office. 

Note: Don't forget to fill up the gasoline tank when returning the car.

Day 8: 12th April 2016
Since it was our last day before leaving Hokkaido on the next day, my family members decided to shop till drop at Tanukikoji Shopping Street which consists of seven long blocks of building selling everything ranging from clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, drugstores to restaurants, cafes and night clubs. There is even a souvenir shop selling halal snacks and confectioneries.

#32: Kinotoya Confectionery - well-known for its baked cheese tart. Only found in Hokkaido (New Chitose International Airport, JR Sapporo Station, underground walkway)

#33: My family and I spent almost half our day at Tanukikoji Shopping Street. So many things to see and shop here. Shopaholic mode on!

Talking about Japan tax free shopping, look out for the shops with the sign as below. If you purchase 5,000 yen or more on consumable goods such as food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics and etc, you will be exempted from paying 8% Japanese consumption tax. But do bear in mind, the Japanese will seal all your goods in a bag and you are not allowed to open until you leave Japan. However, you can request them to pack in different bag as long as you didn't open any of these bags while still in Japan.

#34: Japan tax-free shop when customers can be exempted from paying the 8% Japanese consumption tax

#35: Just when we thought we done with Tanukikoji Shopping Street, we're absolutely wrong. There is long underground walkway starting from Sapporo Station to Susukino Station houses countless of shops, restaurants and cafe. Japan, just take all my money! 

Day 9: 13th April 2016
It's the last day of our trip and it's time to lug our heavy luggages to the JR Sapporo Station. From there, we took the JR local train to New Chitose International Airport. The earliest train starts at 6.02 am but the ride took longer time than the JR Rapid train although the fares are the same.


#36: Single fare from JR Sapporo Station to New Chitose International Airport costs 1,070 yen and additional of 520 yen for seats reservation.

#37: Starbucks new drink - Cantaloupe Melon and Cream Frappucino. I guess this is only available in Japan. 

And the following are the details of travel expenses breakdown throughout my 9 days and 7 nights trip around Hokkaido (excluded my return airfare between Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and shopping expenses).

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		Japanese Yen	RM
Air Fares KL-New Chitose Airport (CTS)-KL via AirAsia Add Ons: Baggage, meals, seats selection Hotel Hotel Sunroute Sapporo – 5 nights Comfort Hotel Hakodate – 1 night Dai-ichi Takimotokan Noboribetsu – 1 night Transportation JR Rapid Train from CTS to Sapporo with seat Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass Bus shuttle to Mt Hakodate Ropeway (Return) JR Local Train from Sapporo to CTS Admission Fee Shiroi Koibito Park Mount Hakodate Ropeway Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe Car Rental Toyota Rent A Car – 2 cars Hokkaido Expressway Pass (ETC) Gasoline, Parking Fee Food & Drinks	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8	- - - 3,000 11,490 1,590 1,700 480 1,070 600 1,280 2,200 5,260 990 1,310 16,520	248 274 536 91 347 48 50 14 32 18 39 66 159 30 40 498
		TOTAL:	RM2,490

(The exchange rate by the time I changed 100 yen = RM3.02)

NOTE:

1. The add ons including 25 kg - 30 kg of luggage allowance, a meal for each flight and seat selections. 
2. Stayed for 5 nights. A triple bed room including breakfast. Bear in mind I booked this hotel 6 months in advanced before my trip. 
3. Stayed for a night. A standard double bed room including breakfast.
4. Stayed for a night. A standard Japanese style room including dinner and breakfast buffet.
5. Single fare costs 1,070 yen with addition of 520 yen for seats reservation.
6. Originally the admission fee is 2,400 yen but there is an offer for a big group of 10 people or more. 
7. Rented a P2 class car with 5 seaters (21,060 yen) and W1 class car with 7 seaters (32,400 yen) for three days. Besides the basic rate, the rental fee including insurance of 3,240 yen for each car. As for the English speaking GPS, it's free of charge.
8. Rental fee for Hokkaido Expressway Card or ETC is 324 yen each with additional charge of 5,100 yen for 3 days fixed rate toll.

If you are looking to buy Hokkaido omiyage (souvenirs), there are 25 must buy souvenirs (especially snacks and confectioneries) from Hokkaido. Check out the full list here.

#38: These are among the 25 must buy souvenirs from Hokkaido and they are not enough. Should brought huge luggages instead. 

Thanks to AirAsia for the incredibly cheap airfare. Looking forward for more new route. 

Ayubowan Sri Lanka (2016)

Once a year, go somewhere you've never been before. And so I did. I just came back from Sri Lanka, my third South Asia country, after Nepal and Bhutan. 

Originally it supposed to be another gathering trip with a group of friends which we had been travelled together to Cambodia, Myanmar and Nepal but because majority of them have their own plan and tight schedule, at the end only me and another of my girlfriend went ahead with our plan to Sri Lanka.

#1: Kandy, large city in central of Sri Lanka. It's our favourite city in Sri Lanka

Throughout our 8 days and 7 nights trip, both my friend and I didn't hire any driver like most travellers did. We took and experienced almost all the possible public transportation, such as taking the public buses from one city to another city which took 3-4 bus ride, notable scenic train rides, mini van and not forgeting, well-known tuk-tuk.

#2: Managed to climb up Sigiriya Lion Rock, a rock fortress which has approximately of 1,200 staircases

#3: Nuwara Eliya, the Little England of Sri Lanka. This photo is took in front one of the main attractions, the red bricks Post Office. 

#4: Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella 

#5: Sri Lankan crabs with Spicy Ceylon Speciality Sauce. The sauce itself is simply irresistible. A bowl of this cost less than RM25.

Throughout our trip, we encountered the power shortages problem frequently, in order word the entire area of Sri Lanka constantly blackout, including the airport as well. What an unlucky week when we were there!

However the more we explore the local transport, the more we tend to blend ourselves with the local easily, I can conclude that besides the Japanese, the Sri Lankan are probably the most friendly and helpful local I came across. They keep giving up their seats to us, whether on bus or trains. How thoughtful they were! I guess this is the beauty of travel independently.

#6: The friendly, thoughtful and helpful Sri Lankan

#7: Both of us have been bitten by travel bugs. Now looking forward for another trip.