Technically, we didn't really do much over there, but it was more of the experience that really mattered. I love how we learnt so much more about each other in the family, and how we had so many opportunities to bond together:)
The trip started out slow, and many of my personal expectations were not met(like how I thought the salmon sashimi there would be the melt-in-your-mouth kind, but alas, the japanese use the best parts of the fish as grilled salmon...), but ultimately, when I looked back at what we have done, I feel very blessed at being able to take part in all the wonderful experiences in Hokkaido and Tokyo.
On to the recap!
While waiting to board the plane at Changi Airport
Our first photo at the Narita Airport in Japan. We're off to Hokkaido!:D
The moment we touched down at Hokkaido, we were met with really cold weather that dropped to -10 near our last few days in Hokkaido. It was freezing, but the cold weather was a good change from the humid and hot weather in Singapore.
The thick and burdensome winter clothes that we had to wear.
White, unblemished snow was everywhere, and I just wanted to dance on the snow-covered walkways:)
Our first Yakiniku meal in Hokkaido.
Tatami-style. I really like the pretty bed covers, but the pillows that were made with beans and straws were a little too hard. We got used to them though.
The view outside our hotel.
When I was in Hokkaido, I experienced a lot of my firsts - First time celebrating a white christmas, first time going to a hot spring without wearing any clothes, first time wearing a yukata...and many many more.
I was so happy to finally be able to wear a flowery japanese yukata:D
Family photo! My mum and I went on the trip with my uncle david, aunty jacqueline and my two cousins, yi jun and yi ling:) My uncle is the main photographer during the trip, and hence he is hardly in the photos, except a few.
At this point in time, I am putting out a disclaimer, I will probably not go through every single detail about the trip, and I am just going to highlight the more memorable parts of the trip;)
Japan's Panasonic Tower and the snowy playground with the breath-taking fairy lights.
A magical moment happened when we were about to exit the place, and that was when I looked up to see that the lights on the trees were out, and all of a sudden, I heard someone counting down in japanese. Three, two, one...and the fairy lights came on again. I was stunned by the picturesque moment, as it was really beautiful:)
The tour group leader told the whole group to dress up in our yukatas for dinner:)
Japanese Hotpot, or what they call "Nabe".
Edo Wonderland! It snowed crazily while we were there, and we watched two period theatre plays that were really entertaining even though the performers spoke in japanese most of the time.
My Kawaii Mum;)
One of the two performances where the local performers requested for an impromptu actor from the audience. So one of the guys from our tour group went up to take the role of the general:) It was funny how the local performers made self-reflexive jokes and posed for pictures during the performance:D
The skyline(?) of Hokkaido at night.
Our short trip to the fish market where we bought fresh scallops and huge crab legs, we tried the fresh sashimi there too.
Some historical place. I have no idea what is the history behind the place, all I remember of that particular day was the snowball fight we had. We were running all over the place trying to hit each other with the snow. haha, childish, but extremely fun;) And it was really nice lying and sitting on top of the snow:D Oh, and it was our first proper attempt at making a snowman!
We ended our group journey with a trip to a japanese shrine and garden. the walk was nice, and we just took the time to talk to each other about the most random of things.
For me now, Japan is more than just the country of MUJI, Uniqlo, Hello Kitty, Manga...to me, there is a certain charm about this particular nation that makes me want to travel back there to discover more sights, and to experience more moments. I miss the cold weather, the onsen, the snow...
Some random photos:
Sharon, this photo is for you:)
One of my personal fave photos-
Pager-alarm system in the food courts (we will receive pagers that will beep when our food is ready for collection;)) -
Imagine my surprise when I saw the movie posters for one of the jap dramas that I watch (Nodame Cantabile) ! I was so happy when I found out I could watch a few japanese tv dramas live in the hotel rooms:D -
Alright. this is it for Part One. Part Two will just be a few more photos and a few notes here and there:)
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