Hokkaido Trip (Yoichi-Otaru-Toya)

I woke up and went for a morning dip.

I could see Yoteizan (Ezo Fuji: Hokkaido Mt. Fuji) in front of me while dipping in an open-air bath.

Sun just sat on the summit of Yoteizan like Diamond Head.

I felt energy rising in me as if I were charging from these great nature.

First, I stopped at Nikka Whisky Factory in Yoichi.

I used to watch a morning TV drama series “Massan” which was based on the life of the founder of Nikka Whiskey, Mr. Masataka Taketsuru.

This place was used to shoot the drama so    it’s fun to walk around remembering stories.

These cute whiskey barrels are everywhere!

I wish we could stay here longer because we could try rare kind of Nikka Whiskey (I tried 20 years), and free whiskey: apple wine, Taketsuru Pure Malt and Super Nikka.

Seriously, I wanted to spend more time there to appreciate these drink.

Next, went to Otaru, famous as a canal city.

I  visited Otaru few times, therefore I decided to visit Old Aoyama Family’s Guest House.

This family made wealth with herrings.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take photos of breath taking rooms and furniture.

These are real and good craftsmen works. 

Imagine this is just an entrance…

After visiting Old Aoyama Guest House, I quickly returned to Otaru City Centre to eat a kaisendon (seafood bowl).

Before reaching hotel, quickly stopped by at Kyogoku Fukidashi Koen (Kyogoku Spring Source Park) to collect spring water.

I shall enjoy fresh spring water tonight.

I didn’t have a dessert at lunch so I enjoyed dairy farmer’s ice cream before heading to hotel.

Tonight’s hotel is the Windor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa!

I will post about this hotel later.