Thundercat 60 Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Well, it hadn't snowed in two days so Mrs. BM and I decided to take a day trip to Otaru. We started the day off rather slowly and caught the train from Hirafu station at about 10:45 (taxi from lower Hirafu was about 1500Â¥). The trip took about 2 hours to Otaru and we were treated to some great views along the way. Outside of Hirafu 'station' Getting around Otaru doesn't really require proficiency at reading a map. Thank goodness because we are useless when it comes to finding directions. Most important first stop was lunch! Awesome sushi and donburi. The best omiyage in all of Japan and we just happened to stumble across the factory in Otaru. I was bery berrrry HaPpY! Steam powered clock outside of a music box shop. Scared the crap out of everyone waiting at the intersection to cross the street! Oopaidou! I've used that oyagi-gag too much already! Usually I hate pictures of Engrish signs but couldn't resist taking one of this gem. Canal on the way to Otaru beer hall (mandatory stop for any beer lover!) Inside. Beer! All in all I would say that this is a good place to spend the afternoon. We left at 4:50 and the return trip home was much quicker (only 80 mins). Next time I think I'll bring the board along and try to hit up the little ski hill at the top of the road! (you can see it in the distance of this last pic. Enjoy!) Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Very nice, thanks a bundle for sharing What is that omiyage btw? Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 They are called Marusei Butter (Bata-) Sandwich (Sando). Here is a link to a good picture of them. https://www.rokkatei-eshop.com/eshop/items.do?scat=89&c=10049 Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted December 31, 2009 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted December 31, 2009 Here's that last pic BM, it wasn't displaying due to the "10 images per post" limit. I have now changed that to 15 images per post. Link to post Share on other sites
stemik 14 Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 looks like you had a fun day. thanks for sharing Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted December 31, 2009 Author Share Posted December 31, 2009 Thanks SJF! I thought I was doing something wrong Link to post Share on other sites
John_Janelle 0 Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 This is a really interesting post. Great Pics. Thanks for sharing these. John. Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Otaru is a wonderful place to visit. They have fabulous seafood (as mentioned) but the place is also known for glassware (watched an artisan make a minature swan in glass when we were there). An easy day trip from Kutchan by train - we caught the bus from Hirafu to the station, cost a lot less than the taxi fare! Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Yep! Bus is much cheaper... but we were super lazy that morning. Only made the train by about 1 minute even with the taxi ride. The glassware is fantastic there. We did a little glass blowing workshop at a place called K's Glass. There are also tons of shops selling locally made goods. I was really interested in buying something but was afraid that it would be broken before I got it home (I'm clumsy as hell!) Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Yep, K's is where we saw the work. Fab little items (I didn't buy any because I knew the fate would be the same as your thoughts) Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 BM...you have kids, right? How did the youngsters find Otaru? We had intended on going, but another family we know went and the kids hated it (parents loved it)...just wondering what you might have done differently to appeal to the kids interests. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Well, Mrs. BM is the only child I have to deal with. No kids with us. I think spending a little time at the glassblowing place I mentioned would be interesting for the kids. Probably the best way to keeps the kids interested is by letting them wonder off on their own Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Very interesting BM - ta Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Drop the kids off at the cinema to watch a movie and then maybe hit the ten-pin bowling and video arcade. That should keep em occupied for a bit Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Or we could just tie them to a tree somewhere and pick them up on the way home Thanks for the advice. hmmm...not sure why I thought you were traveling with kids BM... Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 I mentioned before travelling with a crew... but we are all (mostly) adults on this one! Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 That would most likely be it. Having four of the blighters, with a Sister In Law with TEN - I forget not everyone is tagging kids around Although you can hardly classify the older two as kids anymore. Both spent NYE at the Irish Bar, one home at 1am the other home at 2.30am!! [Mamabear DID wait up for them though] Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 BM, that beer hall is great - my only complaint is there is too much head. Nice pics Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 was my thoughts exactly!! I love the look of that beer hall, just wish there were a few round my way like that. Far too much head....dunno what the Japanese are thinking taking up half the glass with foam! Link to post Share on other sites
JA2340 16 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Makes more profit, fill half of the glass with carbon dioxide! Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 yeah I gather that but as a consumer I'm aghast at the level of foam Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 The lunch looks great. I want to eat it now ! Bit strange and funny about the association with oppai and marimo I love pic diary . It's so good ... Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts