Going to Sapporo
Today we drive from Hakodate to our last stop, Sapporo, before flying home. But first we take a few stops.
Ostrich Ranch EGG (ダチョウ牧場EGG)
At Ostrich Ranch EGG, you can feed the ostriches, learn about them from the staff, and even purchase ostrich-related products like ostrich egg dorayaki. It’s a great place to break up the drive between Lake Tōya and Sapporo,
Otaru
Otaru (小樽) is a charming port city located on the west coast of Hokkaido, just a short drive or train ride from Sapporo. We decide to hit it before getting into Sapporo, instead of driving back out another day. Known for its beautiful canal, historic buildings, and delicious seafood. Our first stop though is the Sugi Bee Garden (スギ蜂園, Sugi Hachien). Sugi Bee Garden is a well-known shop in Japan that specializes in a wide variety of flavored honey. We first discovered it in our first week in the Nagano area. They give out lots of samples and we bought a small bottle of their yuzu honey. As we slowly get addicted during our trip, it’s only natural that I buy a very very large bottle to take home. We take a walk around the famous Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り) where we find venice-style glass, cute stores selling matcha colored snoopy in a Japanese doll style, and lots of cardboard cutouts for photos.
After a stop at our favorite restaurant, Kura Sushi, we head into Sapporo and check-in.
Easter Island and Moai Statues
The next day, we go to Easter Island to see the famous Moai statues, without leaving Japan. Makomanai Takino Cemetery (真駒内滝野霊園), located in Sapporo, is famous for its fascinating and unexpected Moai statues, which are replicas of the iconic statues from Easter Island.
I always wanted a picture with it, now I don’t have to make the obscure flights to Easter Island for it!
Makomanai Takino Cemetery is also home to the Atama Daibutsu (Hill of the Buddha), a stunning 13.5-meter tall Buddha statue partially covered by a beautiful hill designed by architect Tadao Ando. To get there we walk past the shadeless, hot area, then end up in a cool man-buit cave, a respite from the heat. Inside this cave, we look up at the majestic Buddha, who towers out of the cave hole to the outside. It’s so cool and peaceful in here. I take a meditation nap on the comfy lounge chairs they provide while facing the Buddha.
Golden Buddha
With another Buddha just a short drive away, we must collect it as well. This Buddha being golden means it’s even more important to collect, since Papa Bear has developed a taste for gold since Kanazawa. The Nanzō-in Temple (南蔵院) has a reclining Buddha statue known for its impressive size. We take a short photo stop. No napping here.
Salmon Museum #2
When we first landed in Hokkaido we visited the very impressive Chitose Salmon Museum. There’s a free little one in a park in Sapporo, and being animal lovers, we visit this one too.
Nighttime in Sapporo
Satisfied with our day, we head back to Sapporo for some nightlife. Tanukikoji Shopping Street (狸小路商店街, Tanukikoji Shōtengai) is a covered arcade that stretches for about seven blocks, making it one of the largest and most popular shopping streets in the city. We visit and enjoy all the photo ops.
