Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 34

Weekend 34: June 25-26, 2022

Day 236: June 25, 2022

Saturday - Asahikawa x Biei

It's a beautiful morning here in Rumoi City. However, we won't spend our weekends here. Instead, we'll be going to Asahikawa City. It's all because Engan bus offered a "Bus Free Day".

Engan Bus - Bus Free Day

Off to Asahikawa City. Thank you Engan Bus for the free ride. 

We left Rumoi City on the first bus to Asahikawa City and luckily, we still got seats when we boarded at the Motokawacho bus stop which was one of the last bus stops in Rumoi.

Asahikawa Station going to Hotel Amanek

We dropped off our baggage at Hotel Amanek

Buying food at 711 won't be complete without buying its coffee

Upon arriving at the bus stop at Asahikawa JR Station, we immediately went to Hotel Amanek to drop off our baggage since check-in was still at 3PM. Before heading back to the station, we bought some snacks at 711 in front of our hotel.

We rode the Furano-Biei Norokko Train going to Biei

Furano-Biei Norokko Train arrives at Biei Station

I got the Biei Station eki stamp

From there, we rushed back to Asahikawa JR Station to catch the Furano-Biei Norokko Train going to Biei. Once we arrived at Biei, I didn't miss the opportunity to get the Biei Station eki stamp and the Biei Tourist Information Center stamp. 

Biei Station

Biei Manhole Cover

Masaka Shoten and the Biei Tourist Information Center

From there, we went to Masaka Shoten to rent a bike to tour the town. 

These are the places that we visited in Biei:


After returning the bike, we decided to head back to Asahikawa City and check in at Hotel Amanek. This is the second time that we booked Hotel Amanek. The first time was last May 14 - 15, 2022 which was my 28th weekend here in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher under the JET Programme. 

Hotel Amanek - Room 1602

Asahikawa Station as seen from our room in Hotel Amanek

We were given Room 1602. Compared to our last stay, this is by far the best room that we had as it has an amazing view of Asahikawa Station and the hills beyond.

Time for a haircut at Barber Plage

While my wife and daughter were resting, I headed out and had a haircut at Barber Plage near Hotel Amanek. 

The Saxophonist and his Cat

Asahikawa Shopping Park Festival

After my haircut, my family and I went to check out the Shopping Park Festival at Asahikawa Heiwa Shopping Street and also looked for a restaurant to eat dinner at. 

Good night Asahikawa City

Eventually, we settled for the takeout bento from 711 which we consumed at the dining area of our hotel. Before calling it a day, we took a dip at the onsen area at 17F. Overall, today was a great day. We visited one new town (Biei) as part of the #Hokkaido179 challenge. 

Day 237: June 26, 2022

Sunday - Last Day in Asahikawa 

Good morning everyone! We got up early today to pack up our stuff and also eat a buffet breakfast before our 10AM check-out. 

Our view from Hotel Amanek

Sweet shrimp and octopus sashimi

My breakfast for today

Ella's breakfast

Just like before, I went all-in on the sashimi as it has been something that I have been looking forward to since my wife booked the hotel 3 weeks ago. We wanted to go to Mega Don Quixote but we decided to head back home early and not risk not being able to get a seat on the last bus home. 

It's still Free Bus Day so our trip home is still free.

We have an amazing view of the vast ricefields of Fukagawa

It seems like it was a wise decision as we were one of the last to be allowed on the 10:20AM Engan Bus to Rumoi. 

Umbrella Academy Season 3

When we got home, we binge-watched the 3rd season of Umbrella Academy before calling it a day.  

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Location: Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2024 at 4:42 PM

    You should visit Shikisai no Oka and the Blue Pond of Biei.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 28, 2024 at 6:38 PM

      I have been to the Blue Pond of Biei a few times but the Shikisai no Oka is still a place to visit in the future.

      Delete

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