Fukuhara Sansou is a picturesque destination that left a lasting impression, despite our brief visit to Obihiro. Its tranquil ambiance and aesthetics evoked memories of my seven and a half years living in Japan, transporting me back to cherished moments and experiences from that time.
Tag: Japan
The Symmetric Chaos of Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park, situated in Sapporo, Japan, is an awe-inspiring public park renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The park, envisioned by the globally acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi, represents a harmonious fusion of contemporary sculpture and landscape design.
Mascots Inc.
When it comes to mascots, Japan takes it to a whole new level. Whether it’s for corporate branding, sports teams, or even public services, it appears that there is a mascot for nearly every aspect of life in Japan. This phenomenon has become deeply rooted in Japanese culture, captivating both residents and tourists with its widespread appeal.
McDonald’s Japan
In 1971, a businessman named Den Fujita opened the very first McDonald’s outlet in Japan, in Tokyo’s fashionable Ginza district. Over the years, the burger chain grew to more than 3,000 outlets nationwide and became one of the most recognized and trusted brands among Japanese consumers.
Sakura at Matsumae Koen
After visiting the cherry blossoms in Fort Goryokaku, another good place to see them in Hokkaido is the Matsumae Park. Nestled to the west of Cape Shirakami in Hokkaido, Matsumae unfolds a tale steeped in history and natural splendor. Once a pivotal castle town during the Edo Period, its strategic significance as Japan’s northernmost point was unrivaled. Matsumae Castle, also known as Fukushima Castle, stood as a beacon of strength, guarding the untamed frontier of Hokkaido and flourishing amidst the ebb and flow of economic prosperity.
Sakura in Fort Goryokaku
Considered as one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom spots, there are about more than a thousand cherry trees planted along the moats of Fort Goryokaku. But what made Goryokaku special though is its shape.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival begun just as a celebration of the Chinese New Year in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown by the resident Chinese merchants. It has expanded in 1994 to be a winter staple event throughout the city taking place in the first 15 days of the Chinese lunar new year.
“No Shopping”
It was my first time to use the LCC airline Jetstar internationally. During checking in, the lady at the counter asked me to weigh my handcarry bags. They only allow 7kg, mine weighed 6.5kg. Then, the lady asked me not to shop anymore as it might exceed the allowed weight. The funny thing is that she wrote “No Shopping” on my boarding pass.
Bits & Pieces: The Cement of Hokkaido
It was on our way when we saw a restaurant called “The Cement of Hokkaido”. For a restaurant with a name like that, it doesn’t sound appetizing.
Ue O Muite Aruko! (My Japan Journey Ends 2009-2017)
Kyu Sakamoto’s 1961 song “Ue O Muite Aruko” means “Let’s look up and walk” and is a song with lyrics about sadness and isolation. I think this is my farewell song for Japan, as I still need to look up and continue walking even if it’s sad to leave. The song was about encouraging people not to look back at the sad past of World War 2 and its aftermath, but to be positive and have hope for the future. Of course, that will not be the case for me. Japan will always be a big part of my past and contributed a lot on my present and future.
Cosmos in Engaru
From mid-August to late September, the Niji-no Hiroba in Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park, Monbetsu, Hokkaido becomes one of the largest cosmos garden park in Japan. Planted in about 10 hectares of land are about 10 million cosmos flowers. There are 16 types of cosmos in the park including the Tetra Versailles Red Cosmos and Double Click Cosmos.
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
The Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is a national government park in Sapporo, Hokkaido and the only national park in Hokkaido. The park is massive a it covers 396.7 hectares of hilly land. The park is popular in spring and autumn for the flower garden, large playground and waterfalls; and in winter for different outdoor activities.
Amoj In Wanderland 