Day 438: January 13, 2023
Friday – Flight back to Sapporo
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| One last look at the view from Mr. Toshi's house before heading to the airport |
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| Sky Gate Bridge going to Kansai International Airport |
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| Thank you so much Kameyama family for being amazing hosts! |
Today marked the end of our vacation with our Japanese family in Kumatori (熊取町) in Osaka Prefecture. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, Mr. Toshi and his family kindly drove us to Kansai International Airport for our flight back to Hokkaido.
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| It's boarding time! |
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| It's a bittersweet time for us. We'd surely miss out on family in Osaka but then again, we are still in Japan. |
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| Farewell for now Osaka! |
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| Hello again snowy, Hokkaido! |
We boarded flight MM107 at 11:15 AM, and by 1:10 in the afternoon, we touched down at New Chitose Airport in Chitose City (千歳市). As expected, we were greeted by Hokkaido’s signature vast white landscape—snow stretching as far as the eye could see.
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| New Chitose Airport |
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| Thankfully they still have the store-exclusive New Chitose Airport Pilot Pikachu and CA Pikachu |
Before heading out of the airport, my daughter had one special request—to visit the Pokemon Store at New Chitose Airport. I couldn’t say no; truth be told, I was just as eager to visit it again.
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| Waiting for the subway going to Susukino Station |
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| Susukino's famed Nikka Whiskey Billboard |
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| Our hotel is just a few blocks away |
After indulging our inner fans, we finally made our way to Chitose Airport Station, caught the train to Sapporo Station, and from there, transferred to the Namboku Line. Our final destination was Susukino Station located in the heart of Sapporo City (札幌市). From there, our hotel for the night is just a few blocks away.
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| Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino |
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| Our home the night - Room 613 |
We took a brief walk through the city to reach Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino and checked into Room 613. The first thing we all did was crash on the bed for a much-needed nap!
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| We saw a familiar sign - 2nd Street... Time to check what it offers |
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| 2nd Street Tanukikoji has a good selection of winter clothing |
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| Dinner at Katsuya |
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| They serve one of the best tonkatsu. |
Feeling refreshed after our rest, we ventured out again, strolling to Second Street in Tanukikoji Shopping Street to browse through its many shops. By the time we were done window shopping, it was already dinner time, so we decided to try Katsuya for some delicious tonkatsu. The meal was beyond our expectations—crispy and satisfying, a perfect end to a day of travel.
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| The colorful neon lights of Susukino District at night |
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| Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino |
As we made our way back to the hotel, the neon lights of the Susukino District lit up the night, casting a vibrant glow over the streets. Though I was tempted to explore more of the lively area, fatigue got the best of us. We headed back to our room at Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino and called it a night.
Reflecting on the past week, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. Winter break is almost over, but we’re leaving with cherished memories. Looking forward to seeing what the last two days of our holiday will bring. Until then!
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 63
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 63
Japan Diaries 4: Day 434
Japan Diaries 4: Day 435
Japan Diaries 4: Day 436
Japan Diaries 4: Day 437
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