After a lovely train trip we arrived in Hakodate, at the southern end of the island of Hokkaido.
Starting out our investigation of Japan at the more rural end of it is proving to be a good decision. The north end of the country is certainly more relaxed and allows one to avoid the culture shock that certainly could have an effect on some.
We had read on line about keeping an eye out for individualized manhole covers here. Hakodate certainly delivered.And they helped to accentuate that squid was the animal associated to Hakodate. Going for a walk through the fish market in the morning was certainly worthwhile. Watching the merchants prep and price their wares was entertaining.Seeing the massive amount of roe, or caviar as some call it was impressive. There were literally kilos of it everywhere in the market.As well we got to watch the ingrained sense of survival as the crabs tried non-stop to attempt to escape from their doom.The saddest thing we saw was this large octopus in its display case. We have developed a bit of an obsessive love for these incredible creatures. Seeing one awaiting its demise certainly put a damper on our morning outing.The best part of Hakodate for us was our visit to Goryōkaku Park. An absolute bonanza of cherry blossoms.I wish I could adequately share the beauty of these trees.Everywhere you go in this former fortress that was constructed in 1855 as part of a civil war in Japan, you see hundreds of ancient trees sharing their beauty.One is hard pressed not to take hundreds of photos. Luckily for you I am showing some restraint and showing less than a dozen.I know there are cherry blossom events in many countries. But if you ever get the opportunity I highly recommend you take in the spectacle in Japan. The dates are whimsical, but it is worth it. The other must see in Hakodate is the Mt. Hakodate Observatory after sunset. This high point provides a great view of the city which becomes quite incredible as the sun disappears.The sunset, for us, was not as impressive as we hoped. But the waiting an hour in the cold wind and dropping temperatures was worth it, in my opinion, to see the city in its nighttime glory.The only sad part for me was that Karen got the best photograph of the night as we were waiting for the tram to descend off the mountain. Sometimes all the great equipment in the world can’t replace a a great eye and a bit of luck. I am just thrilled she was willing to spend the time time in the cold waiting for the light show.When it came time to depart Hakodate we boarded the rather demure local train to take us to the Shinkansen station.We departed Hakodate heading for Aomori on the Bullet Train, or Shinkansen as it is properly called. Wow is all I can say. I know it is a bit phallic looking, but that nose of the train is just pure science in action. The trip to the main island is about 60% in tunnels as it goes under mountains and the ocean for the majority of its trip so you get to focus on the incredible smoothness of the ride. To celebrate our arrival on the main island of Honshu, in Japan we treated ourselves to an incredible sashimi dinner served with local sake. Truly, life rarely gets much better.
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