deanrobi 2 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Question for Go Native or anyone else that can help me. After our stay at Niseko we are spending a few days in Otaru, I believe that we have two option to get there, we can either take the bus back to Chitose Airport with our package and then make our way by train or we can get dropped off in Kutchen and catch a train directly to Otaru. What is the preferred way? is it worth going directly from Kutchen and naybe seeing a bit more of the country side? thanks Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Kutchan to Otaru you can go by train. Thats the way Id go, especially if its snowing along the coast there. Watching snow falling on the ocean is pretty cool. If you have time and want a relaxing train ride, Id go by train. Link to post Share on other sites
neversummer 0 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 an hour and a half on the train V 3 hours to Chitose and then another hour plus back to Otaru.. The decision is yours. CB is correct in saying that the coastal route is very pretty when it is snowing. Link to post Share on other sites
BillTheBinMan 0 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 But.... what a waste of snow, pretty as it might be... Link to post Share on other sites
neversummer 0 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 There are buses that runs from Niseko to Otaru. Cheaper and a little quicker than the train. Check with your hotel front desk when you arrive for bus stop and schedule information. Chuo Bus does the route, but other companies may also. I'd say it's worth it going the coastal route. You 'll get to see the rugged sea cliffs and some small farming and fishing towns along the way. If you go back along the inland route, you'll never get to see that side of Hokkaido. Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 Okay, the Chuo bus schedule is here, but is in Japanese only. The bus starts in the Annupuri area, and heads past the Niseko View Plaza then heads out of town toward the coast. If you are at Higashiyama or Hirafu, you will have to find a way over to Annupuri or one of the bus stops along the route (View Plaza or Niseko town post office are probably the easiest other than Annupuri). The buses head out from the Annupuri ski area bus stop at 08:52, 13:32, and 15:52, and arrive at the Otaru station bus terminal at 10:55, 15:35, and 17:55 respectively. Cost is around 1600-yen per person. Link to post Share on other sites
foreversnow 5 Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 Thanks for that information E we have only ever caught the train but the bus might be fun this time and it seems quicker?? Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 Chuo are just ace. I was en-route to Niseko, got off bus to take a wazz and have some sake, got on the wrong bus, realized before we got out of the carpark and I stopped the bus and jumped out. Looked for some Aussies and I was fine. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 We did the trip Kutchan - Otaru a couple of years ago by train. It was an encghanting trip, follows the coast for quite a bit. I have pic here somewhere of some people surfing there with snow covering the "beach". If I can find it, I'll post it. Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 Yes I'd recommend that trip to people. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 However, Otaru is quite overrated IMHO and that canal is a joke Only thing decent about it is that german nomihoudai place. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 Mate it's the Venice of Japan!! Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 Originally Posted By: Go Native Mate it's the Venice of Japan!! Link to post Share on other sites
Greenroome 0 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 Originally Posted By: Creek Boy However, Otaru is quite overrated IMHO and that canal is a joke I'm glad to hear someone say that. I thought I'd missed the point. I found the tumble-down fishing shacks along the train tracks near Zenibako on the way from Otaru to Sapporo far more interesting. Otaru does have some damn fine cream and custard paffs though. Link to post Share on other sites
neversummer 0 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 Originally Posted By: Creek Boy However, Otaru is quite overrated IMHO and that canal is a joke Totally agree, although it is such a romantic city too Link to post Share on other sites
foreversnow 5 Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 I must admit as a tourist we had been told you HAVE TO go to Otaru the canals a spectacular. Sorry I didn't get it. Everyone was slipping and falling on the ice along the canal. I did however find the HUGE shopping centre much to Mr Snowhunters disgust. Did enjoy myself there though!! Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 We had the advantage of a local guide who happens to have been employed by JTB. He (and his wife) were great, showing us the places to see and not all on the beaten track. (His wife had been an exchange student here, stayed with friends of ours, and we were introduced by them) Handy to get a local guide. They seem to be better than the guide books, and less commercial. Have to agree that the canal was a bit OTT. However, there was a really nice glass shop/factory and some interesting back street glass workers to see. Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 I'm intrigued. Never been what have I been missing! Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Just go to the Otaru Beer hall and get eine grosse dunkles and some wurst and all will be good! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 so much glass you'll feel like a bull Link to post Share on other sites
Greenroome 0 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 That dunkel by Otaru Beer Company is an ace beer. I've drunk it many times in their Leibspeisse Bar under the Sapporo TV Tower where, I was recently told, you can do a two hour nomi hodai any time from 11am onwards for only 1800 yen. Requires further investigation. Haven't been to their Otaru brewery yet though. Must go. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 11am onwards? I'm there. Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Is it everyday? I think it's nomi and tabe-houdai! Have a look at the sign on the stairs up to the second-floor dining room at the back of the bar. Link to post Share on other sites
Greenroome 0 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm not sure about the details. I only heard it in passing. The dude was in the Otaru Beer Club though so it should be right. What's 'tabe' again? Link to post Share on other sites
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