Shing's Adventures...

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Japan 2026 ✈ Part 7: Akita • Sea of Japan Coast

6 weeks. Countless train rides. Thousands of kilometers. One unforgettable journey across Japan. It has been hubby's bucket list to slow-travel all around Japan, and we are glad to finally make this a reality. From vibrant cities to quiet countryside, snow-covered mountains to coastal towns, ancient temples to modern skylines — we are grateful for the opportunity to experience and see so many different parts of this country. We were also fortunate to experience the cherry blossom season this time around. Arigato gozaimasu, Japan, for the wonderful experiences and memories, and for showing us again what a unique country you are, with amazing culture and people.

6-Weeks Around Japan
24 Feb - 2 Mar 2026: Tokyo
2-3 Mar 2026: Hakone
3-5 Mar 2026: Nagoya, Nakasendo Trail
5-8 Mar 2026: Kyoto, Uji
8-12 Mar 2026: Osaka
12-17 Mar 2026: Sapporo, Niseko, Hakodate
17-18 Mar 2026: Akita
18-22 Mar 2026: Sendai, Ginzan Onsen
22-25 Mar 2026: Kanazawa, Shirakawago
25- 29 Mar 2026: Hiroshima
29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026: Kokura, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki
4-6 Apr 2026: Beppu
6-7 Apr 2026: Fukuoka

17 Mar 2026 (Tues): Hakodate - Akita

We are traveling from Hakodate to Akita, which should take about 5 hours. However, we chose to take the 10.5 hours longer route on the Gono scenic line to travel along the coastline of the Sea of Japan between Akita and Aomori.

We got to the station so early at 6.35am that there weren't anybody at the station yet. Train #1 was a short 20 min train ride from Hakodate station to Shin-Hakodate station.

Easu transfer at Shin-Hakodate station to the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

Train #2 was a 1-hour bullet train ride from Shin-Hakodate to Shin-Aomori station. All the trains and Shinkansen we traveled on today were included in our JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass.

We were also able to select the last row seats for free which allowed us to place our bags behind our seats. This train was very empty.

Leaving Hokkaido on the Hayabusa Shinkansen and traveling through Seikan Tunnel, the world's deepest railroad tunnel below sea level. The Seikan Tunnel which was completed in 1988, is one is Japan's most remarkable engineering achievements.

Arrived Shin-Aomori at 8.35am and had about 35 min to transfer to our next train. It was nice that they had enclosed waiting area coz it was still cold outside.

Train #3 was a 30-min train ride from Shin-Aomori to Hirosaki Station at 9.10am. We were able to reserve seats in the last row for this train as well. It was still snowy in this part of Japan.

43 min transfer at Hirosaki station before hopping on train #4. Had egg sandwich for early lunch.

We actually wanted to take the The Resort Shirakami, a special sightseeing train for the Gono scenic line but it wasn't operating on the day we were traveling so l had to manually map our route on the regular trains and piece them together. Our goal for the day was to make sure we do not miss any of the train else we'd be stranded coz the trains do not run frequently.

Train #4 was a 2-hour train ride from Hirosaki station to Fukaura station at 10.20am. The train was pretty empty and the other passengers were mostly older people. I think we were the only foreigners on the train.

This JR Gono Line is a famous 147.2-km railway running along the Sea of Japan coast between Aomori and Akita.

Renowned as one of Japan's most spectacular coastal train journeys, it provides up-close views of rugged cliffs, the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, and Mt. Iwaki. It was cloudy so we didn't get a clear view of Mt. Iwaki but a Japanese lady who was sitting across me kindly explained to me that Mt. Iwaki is frequently referred to Tsugaru Fuji due to its striking resemblance to Mt Fuji.

This train ride was memorable not because of the scenery, but because of this very nice 80-year old Japanese obachan, Keiko-san, whom I met on the train. She was sitting across me and was taking photos of the scenery when she struck up a conversation with me...in English.

First of all, I was very impressed with how good she looked and how mobile she was for someone who's 80. Secondly, I was impressed with her ability to speak in English. Even though she wasn't fluent and had to pause to think of the words to say, at least her English was better than my Japanese.

She said that she lives alone in Aomori and decided to do a day trip by herself to see the coastal scenery. Coincidentally, she was traveling the same route as us. Btw, she was really just enjoying the scenery (without taking any photos). She said her husband and her had driven along this scenic coastal route for a few times before but this was her first time taking a train. She doesn't drive far anymore now that her husband had passed away. She has 2 daughters and said that I looked like one of her daughters.

I asked how I should address her and she took out a notebook and pen from her handbag and wrote her name...Tamakuma Keiko. So cute. Yes we can plan to see all the sights and find the best photo spots for the gram, but unexpected encounter like this is what makes travel special.

Arrived Fukaura at 12.44pm. Fukaura was not a place that we had planned to visit. We were just 'stuck' here for 2 hours as this was the train's last stop. We had to switch to another train to continue along the route, and the only train for the day leaves at 2.42pm. We had done our homework beforehand and knew that this was a very small town with an old-fashioned train station. We had our backpacks with us and noticed another Japanese who just left his bag in the station (without locking), so we decided to do the same before heading out to explore the town. Yes we trust the safety in Japan.

The town was very quiet and empty. There was a Family Mart close to the station.

Fukaura Oiwa Rock and Ebisu shrine are also close to the station.

Climbed up Oiwa rocks for a view of the Sea of Japan and Fukaura town.

There were hardly anyone in the town we felt like we had the entire Fukaura to ourselves.

Train #5 was a 1.5 hour train ride from from Fukaura to Higashi-Noshiro station at 2.40pm. Keiko-san also hopped on the same train leaving Fukaura. It was so nice of her to give me some Japanese snacks to try.

Continued our journey along the coast to Akita.

Train #6 was a 1-hour train ride from Higashi-Noshiro Station to Akita Station at 4.20pm. We had only 3 min transit at Higashi-Noshiro station so I bid goodbye to her on the train as she was continuing on a different train back to Aomori. Since our transit was tight, she even made sure to see that we got on our train in time as she waved goodbye. So glad I got to meet such a nice and kind lady.

After traveling for 10.5 hours on 6 different trains, we finally made it to Akita at 5.22pm. Successfully completed our scenic train ride day with no delays or missed train.

Our hotel was conveniently located right next to Akita station.

Booked this for 1 night stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Akita for 8,000 IHG points.

Walked to the supermarket next to the train station to grab dinner at 6.45pm. Good timing as the staff was putting the discounted price tags.

18 Mar 2026 (Wed): Akita - Sendai

Finally a not-so-early start for the day. Went up the hotel's restaurant at 9.30am to enjoy our complimentary buffet breakfast, which I chose as my Diamond welcome amenity. The restaurant had good views of the snowy mountains.

The buffet options were pretty good and they also served Inaniwa udon, which is a premium, thin, and flat hand-stretched udon noodle from Akita Prefecture.

After spending 1 night in Akita, it was time to continue to our next destination. Checked out at 11am and walked to the Akita train station which was conveniently located within 4-min walk from our hotel.

Next stop...Sendai.

Japan 2026 ✈ Part 6: Hokkaido - Sapporo • Niseko • Hakodate

12 Mar 2026 (Thurs): Osaka - Sapporo

I kept revisiting the same places in Japan that it took me 6 trips to finally make it to Hokkaido. Our flight departed Osaka on time at 11.45am. After a quick 1hr 45min flight, we arrived snowy Sapporo at 1.30pm. Booked this JAL flight for 11,000 British Avios miles + $0 per pax.

After collecting our bags, we walked out of the airport to catch the bus to Sapporo, and was surprised by the long line of people waiting for the bus. We found out later (when almost everyone on the bus got off at Sapporo Dome) that there was a huge influx of people in Sapporo that weekend because of Arashi's farewell concert on Mar 13-15. I had no idea about this at all so l guess I got lucky booking our flights and hotels early.

I was happily standing in line waiting for the bus and completely forgotten that I was supposed to pick up our JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass at the airport. Luckily I remembered just in time for me to run back into the airport to collect them from the JR office and came back as it was our turn to board the bus...phew what an unexpected workout. Bought this pass on JR's website for 30,640 yen ($200) per pax.

The bus ride from Chitose airport to Sapporo took approximately 1.5 hours and cost 1,300 yen ($8.25) per pax.

Arrived Sapporo at 4.10pm and walked about 8 minutes to get to our hotel.

Our hotel for 3 nights in Sapporo - Wyndham Garden Sapporo Odori.

Booked this stay for 6,750 Wyndham points / night. This hotel was conveniently located in Sapporo city center, within walking distance to Susukino/Odori (for dining and shopping). This was yet another black' room. All the basic amenities were provided in the room.

This was the only hotel (of all the hotels we stayed in Japan in this trip) that didn't have microwave. They do provide free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and soft serve ice cream in the lobby from 6am to 5pm.

After dropping our bags in the hotel, we headed out to Ichiran for early dinner at 5pm. Always glad to find Ichiran with no lines. The decor at this Ichiran is more special than the ones we've visited elsewhere, and they even had a big sign with date for photo.

This Ichiran was conveniently located in the same building as Surugaya game store, which was hubby's main stop for the day. Stopped by Daiichi Susukino Supermarket to grab some food for breakfast and lunch on the next day since we don't get free breakfast at this hotel.

It was still cold in Sapporo and snow was still piling up on the sides of the streets.

Hubby enjoyed wearing all the different hotel pajamas...lol!

13 Mar 2026 (Fri): Sapporo

After chilling in the hotel all morning, we ventured out at 12pm, braving the 0°C weather and snow.

Took photos around Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and Odori Park.

We had planned to take the bus to Sapporo Beer Museum but ended up walking 30 min there. Passed by this mall with Sapporo beer can lift...pretty cool!

Glad that weather was beautiful but it wasn't fun walking through slushy dirty snow. Luckily we wore our waterproof boots.

Still winter wonderland here in March.

When in Sapporo, of course we've gotta visit the Sapporo Beer Museum.

The exhibition spaces were free to visit without a reservation. The facility features a range of historic items dating throughout the history of Sapporo Beer and grouped by era.

There was paid beer tastings but the line was too long so we didn't want to wait.

Finished our visit in about an hour and left at 2pm. Missed the bus by a few minutes so we decided to walk back to the hotel.

Walked back to the city center for more video game shopping at Mandarake before returning to our hotel for some hot chocolate and 'soft cream'.

Walked back to the supermarket at 7.30pm and saw the staff putting on discount stickers on the bentos at 7.40pm. Managed to snag some discounted bentos for dinner which we were able to heat up with the microwave in the supermarket before taking them back to the hotel to enjoy with some beers.

14 Mar 2026 (Sat): Otaru

Today we are taking a day trip to Otaru. Walked to the bus stop close to our hotel to take the 9.12am Chuo bus from Sapporo to Otaru. The bus drivers here are so professional, all dressed up in suit, hat and gloves. Wear masks sumore. Of course they were driving very safely too.

The 1 hour bus ride took us through the coast with view of the sea and snowy mountains, and cost 730 yen ($4.65) per pax.

Arrived Otaru at 10.05am and our first stop in Otaru was The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum.

Admission to the museum was free. The museum is housed in a historic building completed as the Japan Bank Otaru Branch in 1912, featuring Renaissance-style architecture. The museum houses exhibits about the history and operations of Japan Bank.

After spending about an hour in the museum, we left the museum at 11.20am and walked to Otaru Canal for a quick photo. Spotted an Otaru police riding a cool motorbike. Honestly, there wasn't much to see in Otaru. It may have been nicer if it was snowing but not quite worth the trip imo.

Walked back to Otaru bus terminal to catch the 12pm bus back to Sapporo.

Made it back to Sapporo at 1pm and decided to try Miso Ramen before leaving since Sapporo is world-famous as the birthplace of Miso Ramen. Honestly, we still prefer Ichiran's tonkotsu ramen.

15 Mar 2026 (Sun): Sapporeo - Niseko

After 3 nights in Sapporo, it was time to continue our journey.

Started our day early at 8am with another multi-transit travel morning...4 hours of travel via metro → train 1 → train 2 → bus.

First part of the train ride to Otaru was a similar route as the one we traveled by bus yesterday.

Quick transit in Otaru station to connect to the train to Kutchan station.

2nd part of the train ride took us through snowy sceneries along the way.

The trains were pretty empty so we were able to move around both sides to take photos. Started using our 6-days JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass today, which covered the 2 long JR train rides.

After arriving at Kutchan station, we had about 30 min to wait for the Niseko Village free shuttle bus so hubby watched our bags at the station while I walked to Coop supermarket next to the station to grab some food. I didn't end up buying anything coz the line at the cashier was way too long and I didn't want to miss the bus. It felt like the entire town came out on Sunday for grocery shopping.

Saw Mt. Yotei on our way to the hotel but it was a cloudy day so we couldn't see the full mountain.

Arrived Hilton Niseko at 12pm but had to wait to check in as our room wasn't ready yet.

We decided to have lunch at Ezo Pub in the hotel while we wait. I ordered the gyudon set lunch and hubby ordered burger.

The total cost for this meal was 6,750 yen ($42.50) but we were able to use my Hilton Surpass CC $50 credit to cover this meal. Got 2 free drinks with the welcome drink voucher I received as a Hilton Gold member.

As promised by the hotel front desk, I received a WhatsApp message at 2pm notifying us that our room is ready for check in. I booked the Twin Deluxe Room for 65,000 Hilton points / night and received a complimentary upgrade to this room with Mt. Yotei view. The hotel feels dated but the view is the main reason why we chose to stay here. Mt. Yotei is famously nicknamed "Ezo Fuji" for its pristine, near-perfect conical shape that closely resembles Mount Fuji.

As part of my Hilton Gold status benefit (thanks to my Hilton Surpass CC), we received welcome amenities such as fruits, Hokkaido snacks, and a Moet champagne. Also received welcome drink ticket for 2. Thanks Hilton!

Walked out of the hotel at 5.45pm to visit Niseko Village, which was conveniently located next to the hotel. This hotel offers ski-in/ski-out convenience located directly at the foot of Mt. Annupuri. Guests have immediate access to the slopes right outside the hotel, with the main gondola just steps away.

All the skiers and snowboarders had left for the day so it was quiet and peaceful to walk around. It was so quiet that I spotted a fox and for a moment I was nervous that it would attack me.

After 20 days in Japan, we finally stayed at a hotel that had a gym so we decided to workout. This was also the one and only time we used the gym for our 6-weeks trip.

Dinner was bentos we got from the supermarket in Kutchan. Btw we were really chillaxing in Niseko just enjoying the hotel and didn't do much.

16 Mar 2026 (Mon): Niseko - Hakodate

Woke up at 5.30am to use the onsen in the hotel.

They had both indoor and outdoor onsens, with views of Mt. Yotei.

Came back to the room to continue enjoying the view of Mt. Yotei from the comforts of our bed.

Perfect view of Mt. Yotei from our room. Thanks to the check-in staff for giving us this room with a better view.

Complimentary buffet breakfast at Melt restaurant thanks to my Hilton Gold status. This buffet breakfast was one of the main reasons why I chose this hotel instead of Green Leaf even though both are under Hilton.

I was very impressed with the food options and they even had ice cream.

It was also very nice for them to give us Bye Bye Cookies and a goodbye card to Clements sama.

After a relaxing short stay, we checked out at 10am as we had to catch the 10.30am shuttle bus back to Kutchan station. We still hadn't used our welcome drink vouchers yet so we got sparkling wine from the lobby bar while waiting for the bus.

After checking out of Hilton Niseko, we took the free shuttle bus back to Kutchan station to continue our train journey to Hakodate. The bus also made stops at Hirafu, Ritz Carlton, Hinode Hills (Hilton), and Green Leaf Niseko (Hilton). I actually had booked Green Leaf also but glad I chose Hilton, especially after seeing how small Green Leaf was.

Back in Kutchan station for the 3rd time within 24 hours...lol! We returned to Kutchan station again the day before because I suddenly realized that we were supposed to reserve seats for one of the trains we were getting on today, and there weren't any seats available to select online. Thankfully, the staff at the Kutchan train station was able to help us secure our seats.

Snowy sceneries on the train ride from Kutchan to Oshamambe.

The 1st train from Kutchan to Oshamambe was free seating but the 2nd train required seat reservation (which I didn't know until the day before).

Quick transfer of train at Oshamambe station, which felt like in the middle of nowhere.

Even though we had to sit separately, I am just glad we were able to snag the last empty seats the day before. Apparently, the train from Oshamambe to Hakodate was exceptionally full on that day because a lot of Arashi fans were leaving Sapporo back to Tokyo after watching their concert (the train we hopped on at Oshamambe originated from Sapporo). Note to self for future trip planning...check for any big events.

Sat next to an Arashi fan for this train ride.

Arrived Hakodate at 4.15pm after traveling for 5.5 hours and walked 5 minutes to our hotel for 1 night in Hakodate - Comfort Hotel Hakodate.

Booked this stay for $43/night using my CapitalOne travel credit. The double room was quite small but it was good enough for us coz we were only gonna be here for a night. This hotel was value for me coz it was close to the train station and had free breakfast.

Hakodate is Hokkaido's third-largest city and is famous for its night views from Mt. Hakodate. After dropping our bags in the hotel, we headed out at 5pm to take the Hakodate city tram to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway station.

Arrived Mt. Hakodate ropeway station at 5.15pm. Bought our roundtrip tickets for 1,800 yen ($11.30) per pax at the ticket machine.

Seemed like everyone had the same idea of going up the mountains ofr sunset. Stood in line for about 20 min before getting on the ropeway at 5.40pm. Sunset was at 5.45pm but it was cloudy.

It felt like every tourists in Hakodate had the same idea of seeing sunset + night views from Mt. Hakodate...oh my goodness so many people!!

Our timing turned out pretty good as we were able to see both day and night views.

It was pretty cold out on the observatory so we didn't stay outside for long. Found a good spot indoor to see the night views before heading down the ropeway at 6.20pm. Hubby lost his ticket (which was needed to go downhill) but thankfully had the receipt and the staff gave us another ticket to go downhill.

Decided to go for a 30 minute Hakodate 'night walk' from Mt. Hakodate ropeway to Max Valu (Aeon) supermarket for dinner. The streets were so quiet.

We've been enjoying hunting for discounted bentos at supermarkets wherever we go. Not only are the prices good, the quality of the food is good too!

This AEON thoughtfully set up a dining area on the second floor. You can eat on the second floor immediately after shopping on the first floor. There is also a microwave oven. Ice and hot water, and sencha are all free. There is also a charging area and free WIF!!

17 Mar 2026 (Tues): Hakodate - Akita

Another early start for the day as we had a very long travel day today hopping on 6 different trains. Glad that this Comfort hotel started serving breakfast at 5.30am so we were able to have our free breakfast at 5.55am.

Checked out of the hotel at 6.30am and walked to Hakodate station. Next stop...Akita!

~ I Am Who I Am ~

I am who I am; Learning to be a better person in life; coz there is never an end in learning. Striving to improve; coz everyday is an opportunity to make things better. Pushing the limits to bring out the best in me; coz I believe that the sky’s the limit. Learn & explore as much as possible in life; coz life is meant to be an adventure filled with new experiences. Life doesn’t hold tryouts; I may be disappointed if I fail but I’m doomed if I don’t try. Always have a goal to aim for; make it achievable yet challenging keep it fresh and varied, and most importantly enjoy every moment of it! Live life, love life! =)