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Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Page 5

Day 13 - Friday, 28 October 2016

New airport day

From Kyoto to Osaka to Sapporo by plane

Now I am in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, near Russia and North Korea, famed for its bears, beer and potatoes.
I am writing both updates at once this evening, so chronologically this may not make sense, buy in the interests of symmetry, I must do 2 updates per day, otherwise the apple cart will be upset and I may never recover.

To go to Kansai airport, the airport in the Ocean that is sinking and therefore has another identical one along side it they will move to and then add more rocks to the one that has sunk, you must first go from Kyoto to Osaka on a train. This train then goes to the airport that is nowhere near Osaka, as is the Japanese tradition.
The train ticket was surprisingly cheap, but I almost missed out on cheap. I was going to take a bus that was about $30, but then I saw a deal for foreign passport holders to buy an ICOCA card and a $15 Haruka express train ticket to the airport, for $25. However if you already have an ICOCA card, I have 2, you can just get the $15 ticket. So that was the greatest deal ever.

It is about a 90 minute ride, at first very fast, then it does a lap around Osaka very slowly. Still its faster than the bus and half the price.

Once at Kansai airport, its kind of like 1/2 a new airport day. Because whilst I have been here twice before, I have never flown domestically. It turns out the domestic terminal is awesome, with about 73 restaurants to choose from, or you can have a convenience store $2 sandwich like I did.
My flight today was Jetstar, and about 2 hours, and completely uneventful. Left on time, arrived on time, I got row 2, they accepted my bags, no questions about carry on, just like a regular flight. Except for the lung cancer. My plane was full of lung cancer sufferers. It must have been. Bits of lung were being hacked up all over the place. I thought people might die. But thats just Japanese smokers who cant smoke for a period of time. They need more smoke to soothe their angry cancerous lungs.

Once you arrive in Sapporo, you are of course, nowhere near Sapporo, as is the Japanese tradition of placing airports in other cities. Instead you are in Chitose.
I bought my awesome value East South Hokkaido JR East Tokyo region including non JR lines for select location for use on 6 days of customer choice within a 14 day period pass, and got on the train to Sapporo.
This takes just over 30 minutes, no smoking here either, so lung expulsion continued. Then I just had a 40 minute walk to my hotel in the freezing air dragging my suitcase almost getting run over as I looked at what appears to be an awesome city, more on that shortly.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - My regular morning coffee at Starbucks was differnt today in Kyoto, I got a picture and a message. I have no idea what it says, but the cat she drew s

My regular morning coffee at Starbucks was differnt today in Kyoto, I got a picture and a message. I have no idea what it says, but the cat she drew seems to love me.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The view down into Kyoto station from the top of the Isetan store is as great as ever.

The view down into Kyoto station from the top of the Isetan store is as great as ever.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Cloudy and smoggy sky today. I have taken this photo before on a previous trip, its the only place on the roof you can get around the darkly tinted gl

Cloudy and smoggy sky today. I have taken this photo before on a previous trip, its the only place on the roof you can get around the darkly tinted glass to take a decent photo. Japan hates you to enjoy a view.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Time for breakfast. What better breakfast can there be than shrimp filled deep fried patty with creamy potato salad?

Time for breakfast. What better breakfast can there be than shrimp filled deep fried patty with creamy potato salad?


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - This is my limited express grand rapid airport special service Haruka.

This is my limited express grand rapid airport special service Haruka.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Proof that I went through Osaka, the Umeda sky building. See previous trip reports for views from the roof.

Proof that I went through Osaka, the Umeda sky building. See previous trip reports for views from the roof.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Japan preventing me from experiencing the view again by erecting a wall between the train and the ocean on the bridge that goes across to Kansai.

Japan preventing me from experiencing the view again by erecting a wall between the train and the ocean on the bridge that goes across to Kansai.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Jetstar check in, no line.

Jetstar check in, no line.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I should have had this for lunch. A lot of vegetables.

I should have had this for lunch. A lot of vegetables.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - One of many restaurant streets in the domestic terminal. I dont understand where all the people were from because there are not that many flights, per

One of many restaurant streets in the domestic terminal. I dont understand where all the people were from because there are not that many flights, perhaps people come out to the airport island just to eat at the slightly more expensive restaurants?


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I had an hour to kill and steps to get, so I walked into the international check in area. Not very busy here.

I had an hour to kill and steps to get, so I walked into the international check in area. Not very busy here.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - My plane, A320, quiet.

My plane, A320, quiet.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - There is the bridge back to naturally occurring land masses. Photo timed to capture taking off plane. Note the smog. Maybe Hokkaido has less smog.

There is the bridge back to naturally occurring land masses. Photo timed to capture taking off plane. Note the smog. Maybe Hokkaido has less smog.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now I am in Hokkaido, new airport! Arrival hall is bland.

Now I am in Hokkaido, new airport! Arrival hall is bland.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - And here is my huge hotel room, it is one of 3 APA hotels within 2 blocks of each other. This one is Susukino Ekimae Minami.

And here is my huge hotel room, it is one of 3 APA hotels within 2 blocks of each other. This one is Susukino Ekimae Minami.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Another view of my huge room, theres enough room between my bed and the window that has no view for another bed.

Another view of my huge room, theres enough room between my bed and the window that has no view for another bed.


Wheely good time

Riding the ferris wheel in Sapporo

The city area of Sapporo is huge.
I am surprised by how huge and colorful it is. Like I said above, I walked the length of it to get to my hotel which is in the true city centre of Susukino.
I dont really know where to start looking and eating, and eating some more and then walking around and looking because everywhere is colored lights and lots and lots of people.
Halloween parties seem to already be going on, with girls dressed like whores with tails and devils trident spears giggling as they fall over in their stupid heels whilst crossing the street.
Salary men in their 50's fill halls of electronic games busy trying to convince the ninja school girl gang to lift their skirts after defeating the evil tortoise creatures.
Covered shopping streets are actually full of people, and restaurants, cooking things I have not seen before, and trying to set me on fire, see below.

I am here in Sapporo for 5 nights, my longest stay in any city on this trip, my hotel room is great and I think I have made the right choice as far as evening activities and things to do by devoting so much time here.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Before heading off into the night I stopped by night temple to wonder why it exists.

Before heading off into the night I stopped by night temple to wonder why it exists.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Photo number 400! Already! Start of the neon streets.

Photo number 400! Already! Start of the neon streets.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Impressively lit corner.

Impressively lit corner.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - More neon, the trees look nice, daylight will reveal if I need to pass out from amazing color shock.

More neon, the trees look nice, daylight will reveal if I need to pass out from amazing color shock.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Covered shopping street, look at all the people, wearing coats. Despite it being 3 degrees, I didnt actually feel cold. There was no wind to speak of.

Covered shopping street, look at all the people, wearing coats. Despite it being 3 degrees, I didnt actually feel cold. There was no wind to speak of.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Proof I was in Sapporo.

Proof I was in Sapporo.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Dangerous dinner. I am sitting very close to the blow torch action. Multiple times I checked my eyebrows to see if I still had eyebrows.

Dangerous dinner. I am sitting very close to the blow torch action. Multiple times I checked my eyebrows to see if I still had eyebrows.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The picture doesnt do the meal justice, it was very nice, but probably very bad for healthy. It is not curry so much as soup, but it has hamburger, sp

The picture doesnt do the meal justice, it was very nice, but probably very bad for healthy. It is not curry so much as soup, but it has hamburger, spam, brocoli, carrot, tomato, onions and cheese melted onto the top of it.
Basically its like the hamburger hot plate you get in a lot of places, put in some kind of soup, with cheese on top and then blow torched.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Nightclub. Great name. Not sure where they think the booty is going to come from though. The most booty of anyone nearby belongs to me.

Nightclub. Great name. Not sure where they think the booty is going to come from though. The most booty of anyone nearby belongs to me.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The store in the background is a card trading, hobby, robot model, manga shop. So they have a stage area with seating out the front for all the shows

The store in the background is a card trading, hobby, robot model, manga shop. So they have a stage area with seating out the front for all the shows they put on. Nerds.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Dance dance revolution is old hat, its Super DJ Battle now. A crowd has formed to watch these guys ghost fade the decks.

Dance dance revolution is old hat, its Super DJ Battle now. A crowd has formed to watch these guys ghost fade the decks.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Time to resurrect an old tradition, and go on a ferris wheel, nice view.

Time to resurrect an old tradition, and go on a ferris wheel, nice view.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - They had absolutely zero customers beside me, and the attendents on the roof of the building were asleep at their posts, and then really confused that

They had absolutely zero customers beside me, and the attendents on the roof of the building were asleep at their posts, and then really confused that a middle aged angry white guy wants to ride the ferris wheel on his own.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - That lit up corner is still lit up when viewed from the ferris wheel.

That lit up corner is still lit up when viewed from the ferris wheel.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Proof I rode the ferris wheel on my own.

Proof I rode the ferris wheel on my own.


There are currently 1 comments - click to add

mother on 2016-10-28 said:

We liked Sapporo too. you will be there long enough to explore some of the Hokkaido countryside. You might even get some snow according to NHK. The words on your cup say Daibido san (David san).


Day 14 - Saturday, 29 October 2016

No smog yes people

Hiking Mount Moiwa in Sapporo

It is cold, and incredibly windy. Things are blowing down the street, I hope the wind stops soon.
Because of the wind, a small mountain was the order of the day, the main tourist mountain in Sapporo is Moiwa, it is not high, but there are still 2 ropeways / cable cars, except due to high wind they arent running.
Not that I would have taken them anyway, not only did I plan to walk up the mountain, I also walked to the mountain from my hotel, and back again.
My plan was to go to the cable car station and surely there would be a path from there to the top. Wrong. I spent well over an hour going up and down and around on paths that did not go to the top. I had to regroup and use google. Turns out I am nowhere near the start of the path.
Around the base of the mountain I trekked, in the ferocious wind. Still there was another false start, I was sure the Tori gate tunnel would go up the mountain, wrong again.
But I was determined, and a little further around I saw a bunch of people in hiking gear, and then it was just over an hour to the top on a great path with excellent views to be had nearly the whole way.

The top was very cold, some of the selfies I took on my phone give me horrific red nostrils, eye sockets, lips and ears. My ears were frozen brittle. Other people had ear muffs.
There was no snow yet, it is forecast, and whilst I was walking to the mountain early this morning there was a very brief flurry. Flurry being the official term for small amount of snow.
I also went without my backpack, and without gloves. Foolish on both counts. Hands became blocks of ice, and I could have used a drink. However not to worry, where theres a ropeway to the top, theres a multi level restaurant, and no fewer than 30 vending machines serving hot and cold beverages.

Everyone, and I do mean everyone as there were lots of people going up and down this path, has bear bells, ringing non stop. Hours later I still have ringing in my frozen ears.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The walk through the city streets to the mountain was over an hour, assuming I went to the path. I turned that into over 2 hours by going to the wrong

The walk through the city streets to the mountain was over an hour, assuming I went to the path. I turned that into over 2 hours by going to the wrong start point.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Not sure if thats the top or not! Seemed higher when I went around the back later and climbed up the proper path.

Not sure if thats the top or not! Seemed higher when I went around the back later and climbed up the proper path.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - No cable car, too windy. Suck it lazy tourists.

No cable car, too windy. Suck it lazy tourists.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The wrong path. It showed promise, but theres no way up from the cable car station, just a number of loops to signs that warn its an environmental pro

The wrong path. It showed promise, but theres no way up from the cable car station, just a number of loops to signs that warn its an environmental protection area and you must stay to the paths.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - It may have been the wrong path but it does have a good view.

It may have been the wrong path but it does have a good view.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Annnnnd peak color has been achieved.

Annnnnd peak color has been achieved.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - One of my wrong paths took me to this. Note theres no view from here, there would be if you were allowed up the steps, but a security rope prevents th

One of my wrong paths took me to this. Note theres no view from here, there would be if you were allowed up the steps, but a security rope prevents this.
My theory is theres no one here to collect a fee to allow you to appreciate the view. Buddhists love to collect a fee for everything. Those orange beggars robes dont pay for themselves.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Nice tree.

Nice tree.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - <a href=https://lostorwhat.com/japan6/c-423.jpg>Link to Hi Resolution 3000x2000 version</a> I came back down the wrong path via a graveyard. What a vi

Link to Hi Resolution 3000x2000 version
I came back down the wrong path via a graveyard. What a view these dead folks have!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - My next mistake, I was sure this would be the way. Why else would it be here? Wrong again. Theres a river blocking me from getting to the proper path

My next mistake, I was sure this would be the way. Why else would it be here? Wrong again. Theres a river blocking me from getting to the proper path at the top of here. Back down again....


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The torii gates actually take you to here, but like I said, dont keep trying to go up and around it, theres no way!

The torii gates actually take you to here, but like I said, dont keep trying to go up and around it, theres no way!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Finally I am on the right path, with hundreds of people and their ensemble of bear bells.

Finally I am on the right path, with hundreds of people and their ensemble of bear bells.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The path varied between steps, leaves, rocks and mud. There was a lot of mud in places. At the bottom there was a boot cleaning station to remove said

The path varied between steps, leaves, rocks and mud. There was a lot of mud in places. At the bottom there was a boot cleaning station to remove said mud.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The path up goes past 100 of these stations of stone temple things. I read that theres 100 of them, I didnt count.

The path up goes past 100 of these stations of stone temple things. I read that theres 100 of them, I didnt count.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - And now I am at the summit. Heres the temple. Theres also a 3 storey restaurant, tv towers, bus parking and the ropeway station.

And now I am at the summit. Heres the temple. Theres also a 3 storey restaurant, tv towers, bus parking and the ropeway station.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Great views are to be had in all directions from the roof of the restaurant building.

Great views are to be had in all directions from the roof of the restaurant building.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Sapporo below. Seems much bigger than 2.7 million people.

Sapporo below. Seems much bigger than 2.7 million people.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Very little smog.

Very little smog.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - More Sapporo, and the middle cable car station about 1/3 of the way down, with more car parking. I never saw this on the way up, the walking path goes

More Sapporo, and the middle cable car station about 1/3 of the way down, with more car parking. I never saw this on the way up, the walking path goes up a different valley entirely.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Off in the distance is more mountains, further away from Sapporo. The mountain on the right is a ski resort, hence the snow, which I assume has been a

Off in the distance is more mountains, further away from Sapporo. The mountain on the right is a ski resort, hence the snow, which I assume has been artificially made. More research required.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Do I look cold? The glare was ridiculous, I couldnt open my eyes for the selfie.

Do I look cold? The glare was ridiculous, I couldnt open my eyes for the selfie.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - This one turned out better. Patented stance ACTIVATE.

This one turned out better. Patented stance ACTIVATE.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Time to step into the restaurant area and have a can of hot chocolate from the vending machine before running back down. On the way down a woman ran i

Time to step into the restaurant area and have a can of hot chocolate from the vending machine before running back down.
On the way down a woman ran in front of me, I let her get some distance ahead, and she would slow right down and look back over her shoulder frightened.
I would try to pass her and she would speed up and take dangerous risks. I didnt get it, so I just follower her all the way down.
At the bottom I went to use the boot cleaning station along side her, as there was brushes and buckets for multiple people, and she ran off after cleaning only one of her boots.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - For the walk back to my hotel I followed a different tram line. Nice light at this time of day.

For the walk back to my hotel I followed a different tram line. Nice light at this time of day.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - And then I arrived at the 'Girls Cafe and Slot' faux rock mountain building. Now to clean the mud off my pants that got there because I cleaned the mu

And then I arrived at the 'Girls Cafe and Slot' faux rock mountain building.
Now to clean the mud off my pants that got there because I cleaned the mud off my boots with a brush that sprayed wet mud onto my pants.


So happy to give information please sit

The underground heated shopping streets of Sapporo

I had some administrative requirements to take care of.
First of all, I needed to book 3 train tickets for the next 3 legs of my journey so that I dont miss out on seats and have to stand or walk back to Tokyo.
First Sapporo to Hakodate, then Hakodate to Sendai, then Sendai to Ueno in Tokyo.
I searched online and wrote down dates, times, departure and arrival station name and number of train and waltzed into the station office with my special east south something something Hokkaido pass and handed the pass and my requested routings to the man who sits behind the purpose built ticket booking touch screen.
20 seconds later he handed me 3 tickets. And in broken English told me that everybody including Japanese speakers should just do what I do, because job make very easy thank you much.

I was thrilled with cheap praise from Mr Ticket man. As I left I spotted a tourist information centre for food and tourist information for Sapporo and surrounds for tourists visiting tourist attractions and related tourist locations including Onsen and Shrines.
Unfortunately, it is near on impossible to find information on local buses in Japan, and I needed information, so in I went.

There were 3 girls in pink nurses uniforms, asleep. I stand at the mark on the floor as instructed by many signs for about a minute whilst they sleep sitting up. Eventually one of them frightens herself awake, and invites me over, she is super excited! 'So happy to give information please sit!'
I started explaining where I want to go, which was met with not possible, wrong season, runs for 3 weeks in summer only. But I had read of another route that goes within 2km of the special 3 week only bus. This took some real explaining using google maps, and before too long all 3 pink nurse uniformed tourist information girls were crowded around my phone in fierce debate.
Eventually a bus timetable was produced, highlighter marks were added, and warnings about walk very far from bus stop were given, as well as last light warnings and walking on the road warnings. So tomorrow we will see if they were helpful or not, weather permitting.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Train ticket offices helpfully provide a selection of magnification glasses so you can read the timetable / ticket.

Train ticket offices helpfully provide a selection of magnification glasses so you can read the timetable / ticket.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Here is my bus timetable. It is an A3 sheet of paper that will disintegrate if breathed on. I have taken a high resolution photo for when that happens

Here is my bus timetable. It is an A3 sheet of paper that will disintegrate if breathed on. I have taken a high resolution photo for when that happens.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - My first ever usage of Tourist Information seems to have worked, in that I at least got a timetable, and also I gave its bored staff something to actu

My first ever usage of Tourist Information seems to have worked, in that I at least got a timetable, and also I gave its bored staff something to actually do.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Dinner tonight was a new kind of Omurice. For the uninitiated, its a rice filled omelette. But it usually comes with curry or similar sauce on it. Thi

Dinner tonight was a new kind of Omurice. For the uninitiated, its a rice filled omelette. But it usually comes with curry or similar sauce on it. This time I am having it instead of pasta, in cherry tomato and eggplant tomato sauce. It was actually delicious.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The Sapporo station. It is small on top, but trust me, it is huuuuuuge underneath.

The Sapporo station. It is small on top, but trust me, it is huuuuuuge underneath.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The second in my series of what I am calling 'Leaves of the night, so color, so wonder'.

The second in my series of what I am calling 'Leaves of the night, so color, so wonder'.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The Sapporo Eifel tower, proudly sponsored by Panasonic.

The Sapporo Eifel tower, proudly sponsored by Panasonic.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now for some shopping tunnels. Sapporo gets really cold in winter. From what I have worked out theres no need to go outside. A quick drawing on google

Now for some shopping tunnels. Sapporo gets really cold in winter. From what I have worked out theres no need to go outside. A quick drawing on google maps reveals there are 3.8km of connected underground tunnels lined with shops and restaurants.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - More tunnel. Look at all the people!

More tunnel. Look at all the people!


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

mother on 2016-10-29 said:

Tunnels very handy when the wind chill factor adds to the lovely cold weather. Wonder if you will get any snow.


David on 2016-10-29 said:

You literally loaded the page in the 10 seconds it takes me to upload the photos.
I am confident as soon as you load it again it will be fine.


adriana on 2016-10-29 said:

All photos except last one are only thumbnails, but can enlarge. Have you found the long underground passage with shops from the main station all the way to the snow festival park yet?


Day 15 - Sunday, 30 October 2016

Terrible sign failure

Hiking Mount Soranuma near Sapporo by bus

I thought there might be a bit of snow. Turns out there was endless snow.
I thought it might be cold on top of a mountain, turns out it was absolutely freezing.
I thought my boots would struggle in ice, and I was absolutely right.

Nearby Sapporo are a series of mountains that used to be volcanoes that are now lakes on a plateu area between peaks.
Getting there was hard to work out without the help of the information desk in the main station the night before.
Once I got on the bus, which came at the time my piece of paper suggested, I was concerned that no one else on the bus seemed to be in climbing gear.
Perhaps the 2km walk to the trail head had frightened them all away apart from the 3 weeks of the year the bus goes the two extra stops.
Anyway, its not a long bus ride, and knowing the right stop to get off at is easy, the last one.
4 others got off at this stop, a group of 2 boys and 2 girls perhaps in their early 20's. They had jackets on, but other than that woolen mittens, sneakers, jeans.
One of them asks me if I intend to climb, he speaks great English, yes I intend to climb. He asks if I know the way to the trail. I said I believe its 2km up the road to the quarry and starts from the car park there.
He then asked me if my boots and gloves are ok for climbing, and if I have enough supplies. I said my boots are old but waterproof, gloves are not great, and I have pocari sweat to drink. I was looking at him in his sneakers and jeans. He said they also intend to climb.

So we headed off up the road, and they walked at a snails pace, so I waved goodbye and charged off, should not have done that!

Once at the quarry I had no idea which way to go. There were cars parked there, perhaps quarry workers? I could see a tractor working up a cliff. I settled on the only dirt road which seemed open and without big warning signs and followed that. I assumed the other roads were for quarry machinery. So wrong.
It soon became impassable for cars, with big trees fallen over the road, and then rivers that had washed away the road I needed to get across on slippery fallen logs. There was so much snow! I was enjoying myself.
However after about an hour up this road, which did not seem to be going up, just around, it became very impassable, I turned back, frustrated.

About 3/4 of the way back to the car park, there was a fork in the road, I had previously taken the road that went up rather than the one that seemed to go down, now I took the fork that went down. So very wrong.
I followed this for over an hour in very heavy snow, and saw no one, crossed rivers where the road was washed away, climbed over huge fallen trees, until this became a raging waterfall.
I thought my day was over, I ran back to the car park. 3 hours had elapsed since I got off the bus, so frustrating.
Then I decided to ignore a huge warning sign and barrier... What a stupid sign. This was the entrance to the national park and main trail. Almost immediately I saw people coming down from the mountain and lakes in arctic survival gear with bear bells dinging.
Decision time, I knew what time the last bus was, I knew going down should be faster than going up, I knew there were 2 lakes to see, one before the 'summit' with huts to stay in and one after.
I decided to race the clock and turn back if I thought I would run out of time. I literally ran up whenever I could. It was very tiring, and at times blizzard like conditions, but generally I was not cold.
My shoelaces froze solid, as did the bottom of my pants, and eventually the ends of the fingers on my gloves. Only when I got to the second lake did I realise I was absolutely freezing! Time to head back down for the bus.

Unfortunately, my boots were not up to the task, the other people I saw coming down all had spikes coming out of their boots, so I slid down a lot of the way, gloves on the ice behind me, feet in front, and lowered my now wet ass onto the ice to stop!

When I got back to the lower lake, with the huts around it, there was the group I saw on the bus earlier, they must have been in the hut earlier when I ran past.
They were surprised to see me, I explained how I had been lost, but the funny thing was, they were now all in full on arctic survival gear, huge jackets, goggles, hats, hiking poles, big rubber boots, knee pads, and they had a guide with them!
It seems they met a guide at the quarry car park and were staying in the hut over night. I assume the guide provided all the gear.

Getting down was much slower than I thought it would be due to the ice and sliding. It never stopped snowing until I got back to the road, and then I had 15 minutes to run down the road to meet my bus, I made it by 2 minutes! Had I missed it, my options were to hike back up to the hut in the dark and join the guide and the bus gang, or walk at least 2 hours down the road to where it joins the freeway and presumably there are more regular buses.
So I was very glad I made the last bus. My shoes and pants defrosted and water ran down the aisle.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - To get to my subway station to take me to my bus I had to go through a park. No snow here, but very grey.

To get to my subway station to take me to my bus I had to go through a park. No snow here, but very grey.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I stayed on the subway to the last station, Makomanai. 20 minutes to wait for the bus so I had a seven eleven cookie, bought pocari sweat and calorie

I stayed on the subway to the last station, Makomanai. 20 minutes to wait for the bus so I had a seven eleven cookie, bought pocari sweat and calorie mate and then enjoyed a hot milk tea from the vending machine. It was snowing outside, I was excited.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I guess I am going up there somewhere.

I guess I am going up there somewhere.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The last bus stop is literally in the middle of nowhere. I dont understand why it stops here and doesnt go the 2 extra kilometres to the quarry.

The last bus stop is literally in the middle of nowhere. I dont understand why it stops here and doesnt go the 2 extra kilometres to the quarry.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now I charged up the road as snow fell, which never shows up in photos. I think the multi frame noise reduction feature on my camera actually hides it

Now I charged up the road as snow fell, which never shows up in photos. I think the multi frame noise reduction feature on my camera actually hides it from view.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Snow plus colored leaves. If the sun would shine it would look a lot better.

Snow plus colored leaves. If the sun would shine it would look a lot better.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The quarry car park, but which way to go?

The quarry car park, but which way to go?


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Surely not up there, they had warning signs and chains.

Surely not up there, they had warning signs and chains.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I settled on the one road without signs.

I settled on the one road without signs.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Random snow photo.

Random snow photo.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - A brief glimpse of sunlight, but it was still snowing.

A brief glimpse of sunlight, but it was still snowing.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Selfie time, I was not yet aware I was on the completely wrong path. So so wrong.

Selfie time, I was not yet aware I was on the completely wrong path. So so wrong.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Wheres the path gone? Further up here was logs and rivers, turn back.

Wheres the path gone? Further up here was logs and rivers, turn back.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now I thought this must surely be the right path?

Now I thought this must surely be the right path?


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - What kind of crap is this? The internet said this is a very popular route in a national park. They wouldnt expect you to wade through a river.

What kind of crap is this? The internet said this is a very popular route in a national park. They wouldnt expect you to wade through a river.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now what? I spent 30 minutes climbing over this, and once on the other side decided to give up, I could find no path!

Now what? I spent 30 minutes climbing over this, and once on the other side decided to give up, I could find no path!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Now back at the car park, I am thinking if this is the path, I will be furious, 3 hours wasted.

Now back at the car park, I am thinking if this is the path, I will be furious, 3 hours wasted.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Yep, this is the path. What a stupid sign! There were no other signs of any kind showing a map or national park info or anything before the sign block

Yep, this is the path. What a stupid sign! There were no other signs of any kind showing a map or national park info or anything before the sign blocking that bridge.
Presumably that blockade is to prevent quarry equipment from driving over.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Foot steps, and every 10 minutes other people would come down, including a guided group of about 20. Some of them tried to tell me things, I just had

Foot steps, and every 10 minutes other people would come down, including a guided group of about 20. Some of them tried to tell me things, I just had to say sorry only English. No one tried English.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Further proof I was on the right path.

Further proof I was on the right path.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The path is to the right, see thats how its done. Theres a waterfall, AND a path.

The path is to the right, see thats how its done. Theres a waterfall, AND a path.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Lake number one happened suddenly. It was awesome, came up out of a canyon and there it was.

Lake number one happened suddenly. It was awesome, came up out of a canyon and there it was.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - More volcano crater lake.

More volcano crater lake.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The lake lodge. It wasnt too cold here, I would soon learn that this is the protected side of the mountain.

The lake lodge. It wasnt too cold here, I would soon learn that this is the protected side of the mountain.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Selfie time. I had a lot more snow on me at other points, especially on the summit when it was a white out. It was so cold up there I could not take a

Selfie time. I had a lot more snow on me at other points, especially on the summit when it was a white out. It was so cold up there I could not take any photos. I could not get my gloves off!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Up to the summit! It was all ice now, hard going. Not sure I have photographed the ice path well though. Whenever I was sliding about on ice I was con

Up to the summit! It was all ice now, hard going. Not sure I have photographed the ice path well though. Whenever I was sliding about on ice I was concerned for my safety rather than taking another ridiculous angry selfie.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - When I was on the summit it was snowing really very hard, I could not take a photo! I descended down the other side to lake number 2. Its very very co

When I was on the summit it was snowing really very hard, I could not take a photo! I descended down the other side to lake number 2. Its very very cold here. It took a lot of mental effort to take my gloves off to take this photo. The wind was absolutely howling too.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - And one more of the second lake, now for the perilous descent, mostly on my ass.

And one more of the second lake, now for the perilous descent, mostly on my ass.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - <a href=https://lostorwhat.com/japan6/c-477.jpg>Link to Hi Resolution 3000x2000 version</a> After what seemed to be forever, I am finally almost back

Link to Hi Resolution 3000x2000 version
After what seemed to be forever, I am finally almost back to the road.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I was so happy to make my bus with only minutes to spare!

I was so happy to make my bus with only minutes to spare!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The snow is finally clearing for sunset. Once I got back to Sapporo, which is only about 20km away, there was no evidence it had snowed at all. Very g

The snow is finally clearing for sunset. Once I got back to Sapporo, which is only about 20km away, there was no evidence it had snowed at all.
Very glad I did not give up and turn around after 2 failed attempts. Obviously I wish I had chosen the right path the first time, I wouldnt have been so rushed.
I blame Japan National Parks department for such a terrible terrible sign failure. The shame, they should have shame, very shame.


Pre halloween

Halloween and curry in Sapporo

Halloween is tomorrow, Monday, or was it Friday and Saturday? No its tomorrow, but theres about a million halloween people out posing for photos tonight.
I am a little disappointed in the quality of the costumes though, nearly everyone is a zombie, a wizard, a zombie wizard or perhaps those things plus also a witch. Usually in a miniskirt with angel wings regardless, because Victorias Secret I presume.

I did not stay out very long, over 50,000 steps today, enough to earn me another curry. It is also 1 degree, so I spent much of my time underground where there isnt much cool stuff to photograph.
Now just imagine for a moment, the top today was 4 Celsius, and currently its 1, in the city. It snowed in the city in the morning. This temperature and snow is not unusual for this time of year. Consider now that October is like April in Australia. Its only going to be colder for the next 5 months. December, January and February often have days where it goes below -20, and the city gets 6 metres of snow per year.
Consider that next time you complain that its only going to be 12 in Australia for a couple of days in July.

Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - I find this hotel name to be very amusing, but very fancy.

I find this hotel name to be very amusing, but very fancy.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - The original dumbo movie was on the disney channel when I left this evening, my only English channel except BBC which in prime time overdubs live Japa

The original dumbo movie was on the disney channel when I left this evening, my only English channel except BBC which in prime time overdubs live Japanese translation anyway. So to celebrate, I took a photo of dumbo, who is wearing a halloween hat.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Sapporo has big boss as well.

Sapporo has big boss as well.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - No truer sign.

No truer sign.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - This guy seemed particularly embarrassed as his friends took his photo, so it was great amusement to them all when I joined them for photo taking. Loo

This guy seemed particularly embarrassed as his friends took his photo, so it was great amusement to them all when I joined them for photo taking.
Look closely, he is carrying what appears to be a real flick knife!


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - Redundant photo of the ferris wheel I went on the other night. It occurs to me I only took photos whilst on it. Still, no one wants to see a ferris wh

Redundant photo of the ferris wheel I went on the other night. It occurs to me I only took photos whilst on it. Still, no one wants to see a ferris wheel.


Visiting 9 cities in Japan - Oct and Nov 2016 - No one wants to see my curry either, but I dont care. It was nice and spicy. I loved this shops touch screen ticket vending machine to order, it had E

No one wants to see my curry either, but I dont care. It was nice and spicy. I loved this shops touch screen ticket vending machine to order, it had English, and the ability to add side dishes and choose spiciness. I picked a side salad which as always has an ice cream scoop of ice cold mash potato.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

Mother on 2016-10-30 said:

It was minus 9 when we were there in January. Very nice.


mother on 2016-10-30 said:

The sign says the old bridge is closed cos it's rotten. No driving over it. Nice snow. Beautiful scenery. maybe you should consider getting some proper gear if you are going to tramp around in the snow. Crampons that strap onto your shoes are very cheap and so are decent gloves and maybe a beany.


Now there is a page 6, Go there.

Contents

Day 1 - Sunday, 16 October 2016
  Magpie attack!
  Landing gets you half way there
Day 2 - Monday, 17 October 2016
  Splashing about in tunnels
  Green motorbike birth place
Day 3 - Tuesday, 18 October 2016
  I saw it!
  Used and Organic
Day 4 - Wednesday, 19 October 2016
  Naga-no-yes
  Public convenience
Day 5 - Thursday, 20 October 2016
  Not too early for color
  Still just a station
Day 6 - Friday, 21 October 2016
  It happened again
  City in decline
Day 7 - Saturday, 22 October 2016
  Huge hotel room
  Places to eat
Day 8 - Sunday, 23 October 2016
  Volcanic gas panic
  Famous food and plenty of parking
Day 9 - Monday, 24 October 2016
  Castles gardens and tourists
  Its a real city
Day 10 - Tuesday, 25 October 2016
  Racing the rain that never was
  NO PHOTO Bigot
Day 11 - Wednesday, 26 October 2016
  Slow train to big city
  They actually finished one
Day 12 - Thursday, 27 October 2016
  Canyon mountain
  Repeat visits
Day 13 - Friday, 28 October 2016
  New airport day
  Wheely good time
Day 14 - Saturday, 29 October 2016
  No smog yes people
  So happy to give information please sit
Day 15 - Sunday, 30 October 2016
  Terrible sign failure
  Pre halloween
Day 16 - Monday, 31 October 2016
  Captives
  Baseball legend
Day 17 - Tuesday, 1 November 2016
  Dam it
  Flipping my own food
Day 18 - Wednesday, 2 November 2016
  Fight for your right for a view
  Running with the buses
Day 19 - Thursday, 3 November 2016
  Dull hysteria
  The final freeze
Day 20 - Friday, 4 November 2016
  Under the sea
  Nights of the warming lights
Day 21 - Saturday, 5 November 2016
  White flag
  Cheesey
Day 22 - Sunday, 6 November 2016
  Lets try that again
  Damp pants
Day 23 - Monday, 7 November 2016
  Last stop
  Tourists outnumber locals
Day 24 - Tuesday, 8 November 2016
  Glay
  So shiny
Day 25 - Wednesday, 9 November 2016
  Now they are rubbish
  Button security
Day 26 - Thursday, 10 November 2016
  For the sake of completeness
  The end