天気：雪
It snowed in the night!!! This is officially the first time I’ve ever seen snow, and while it’s not much and probably going to be melted away by the end of the day, it’s something. Now, off to Jozankei…
8:21am 地下鉄
We’re on the subway now to 真駒内 (Makomanai)... After getting out of the hotel, we walked down a couple of blocks looking for “Cheese Please”. It was lightly snowing, and there was already a bit on the ground. It felt crunchy under my feet. We found an entrance to the subway; “Pole Town”. We got some breakfast from a bakery, found Cheese Please, and walked to the 薄野 (Susukino) station. Since everything was closed, we’re going to come back this way later. This train is going really fast and we’re only 2 stops away. We’ve just spotted a beautiful white mountain. I’m so excited; this area has heaps more snow!9:08am バス
We’re on the bus to Jozankei now, waiting for it to go. It’s snowing heavily now… Here we go…
12:20pm 湯の花We’ve just gotten out of the onsen and wow… no words to describe it. But, I guess since I couldn’t take photos, I’ll have to... Stepping back a bit, we got to Jozankei at about 10. The ride here was wonderful; so much to see. And the snow got heavier. We’re surrounded by mountains now. Got off the bus, and walked up a hill, passing the 湯の滝 (yu no taki – hot spring waterfalls), to the information centre. The lady there recommended this onsen to us 湯の花 (Yu no hana); it was very close by. Before getting here though, we had a snow ball fight and I made a snow angel in an open field; it was so much fun.
So the onsen… There were a number of facilities inside and out. Yes, that’s right, we were sitting in the snow, in an onsen; most amazing experience ever. The onsen was partially sheltered by a gazebo-type structure. With the face of a mountain, covered in pines and gnarled trees as a backdrop, and the snow and steam spiralling in an intimate dance, sitting in the onsen was magical.
1:01pm 湯の花
Just fini
shed lunch 豚丼 (tondon – rice covered with pork and veggies). I’m feeling so warm now… After sitting in the outside section, trying the waterfall cavern, and steam room, we went and enjoyed a massage from pounding water, and a bubble bath. We spent about an hour in there, going outside one last time to take in the view… We’re figuring out our next move now, it’s still snowing, but I’ve found that walking in the snow is quite pleasant. It makes the world look so calm. I think it’s because it falls so slowly, making time seem to slow down. So many people are just on the floor napping in this cafeteria, it’s so nice and warm and the floor is carpeted. I think I’ll lie down for a bit also…4:33pm バス
Finally on the bus back to Makomanai. It’s already dark and my hands are cold. After leaving the onsen, we walked around the town a bit, through the snow. The last thing we did was warm our feet up in the kappa friendship pool. It was very nice though, it smelt of rotten eggs. Then we all huddled together in a giggling pile, waiting for the bus to arrive. We’ll probably get back to Sapporo at about 6. We’re going to get to the German market again and get something to eat.
5:46pm 地下鉄
On the subway back to Susukino. The high school girls we met on the bus this morning were also on the return trip. One sat next to Katie, and they chatted. All the girls thought I was 格好いい (kakkoi – cool). One of them said イケメン (ikemen) which I later found out to mean hunk!!!
10:45pm ホテルJust about to go out to karaoke. We’re stocked up on heaps of munchies; cheese, crackers, biscuits. Free time karaoke is cheap here... After getting back to Susukino, we walked around Pole Town for a while, went to Cheese Please, and then went into a shopping mall. Before entering though, an unfortunate event occurred. Sonia and Katie had decided to go off separately, so we were going to meet back with them at the hotel. This reminded Eddy of the need for a key, and failing to find it immediately, he panicked a bit and rummaged through his bag, taking items out, and found it. So, we went on our merry way through the mall; everything was so expensive. We exited out onto the street, and then walked back to the hotel.
Eddy wanted to upload photos onto his laptop and asked Carly for a cord to borrow. The cord was easily found but, the camera wasn’t – we think he might have left it when he was looking
through his bag. Extremely panicky now, Eddy rushed back with Carly and I in tow, to try to find it. After a number of attempts, he was unsuccessful. I feel so bummed out about it; what a way to end a great day. So, disheartened, we came back to the room once more, to find that Sonia and Katie had already left for the German market. We soon followed. Ate dinner there (I got ravioli). Unfortunately, the portions were rather small, and left us feeling unsatisfied. Did some shopping, and walked over to the TV Tower. By this time, sleet was coming down heavily. We noticed a purikura machine in the lobby, but since it was occupied, we decided to go up the tower first; Sonia and Katie opted out. It was a little pricey I guess, but it was worth it.We were treated to an amazing view from the top; the lights were spectacular. I got some more pins from a machine – my goal to cover the front of my bag is getting there. I have 7 badges and pins so far. So yeah, got down, and had fun in the purikura machine. After that, we walked underground to Aurora Town (which connects the subways and Pole Town). Everything was shut though, except Makkas; everyone bought something. I was satisfied with a soft serve. Karaoke time…
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