Day 880: March 30, 2024
Saturday – Spring Break Day 1 x Flight to Osaka
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| We're off to Osaka for our 5-day Spring Break Trip |
It was a crisp and beautiful day in Rumoi City, and from the moment I woke up, I could already feel the excitement of our 5-day spring break trip to Osaka. Today was finally departure day. We were flying out of New Chitose Airport in the afternoon, and for once, the long three-hour drive from Rumoi felt lighter, carried by the anticipation of what lay ahead. Instead of our usual routine, we decided to use the New Chitose Airport long-term parking, which immediately made the journey feel more relaxed and less rushed.
We left early, giving ourselves plenty of breathing room before our 5:35 PM flight. The first stop was the Shinshinotsu Roadside Station in the village of Shinshinotsu (新篠津村). It felt good to stretch our legs, take a short break, and collect another online stamp for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Small moments like these always make the journey feel complete, not just the destination.
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| Family Mart in the Yumai District of Chitose City |
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| We checked out what to buy for lunch |
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| Itadakimasu! |
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| Quick stop at the nearby Tsuruha |
After that, we stopped by a Family Mart in the Yumai District of Chitose City (千歳市) for lunch. Choosing what to eat and sitting down together for a simple meal felt grounding in the middle of a travel day, especially with the excitement of Osaka slowly building up. We then headed to the nearby Tsuruha to buy some medicine for Kai, a small but important errand that reminded me how every trip with family is shaped by care and responsibility.
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| 2nd Street Chitose |
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| We looked for pre-loved clothes for Ella. |
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| Seiyōken - Filming location for the TV drama "First Love." |
Since we still had plenty of time before our flight, we decided to visit 2nd Street Chitose. Browsing through the store felt unhurried and light, the kind of stop you make when you are not racing against the clock. We also made a brief stop at Seiyōken. Although the restaurant has already closed, standing there carried a quiet sense of nostalgia. Knowing it was a filming location for the drama First Love, and the setting for one of its most important scenes, made the moment feel strangely intimate. It was one of those pauses during a journey that do not last long, yet leave a lingering feeling, as if we had stepped briefly into a story before continuing on our own.
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| Next stop: Chitose Outlet Mall Rera |
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| This place looks like a haunted destination in most places |
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| I wouldn't be surprised if this place closes down in the near future. |
Since we still had plenty of time, we decided to drop by Chitose Outlet Mall Rera. Walking around the mall brought back memories of Rinku Premium Outlet in Osaka. While many shops were still empty, clearly affected by the pandemic, we took our time at ABC Mart looking for shoes for Ella. It was one of those quiet family moments that didn’t need to be rushed.
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| We proceeded to the "Long Term Parking" to leave Ruru for a few days |
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| We then rode the free shuttle to New Chitose Airport |
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| We took the mandatory family selfie with the HokkaidoLove |
Royce Chocolate World
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| This is our go-to place to buy omiyage. |
After buying Ella’s shoes, we finally made our way to New Chitose Airport. We parked Ruru at the affordable long-term parking area and took the shuttle to the terminal. Arriving with time to spare felt like a small victory. Before boarding, we wandered around the airport, picked up some Royce Chocolate as souvenirs, and visited the Royce Chocolate World, which is a mini museum located inside the airport. It was a pleasant way to pass the time, easing ourselves into travel mode.
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| The plane is here! Let's go! |
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| We're all excited to fly to Osaka |
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| It's time to board the plane |
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| Goodbye for now, Hokkaido |
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| Mr. Toshi came to pick us up at Kansai International Airport |
We boarded the Jetstar flight GK156 at 5:20 PM and landed at Kansai International Airport around 8 PM. Seeing Mr. Toshi waiting for us brought an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity. His drive to his home marked the true beginning of our Osaka trip.
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| Dinner at Kura Sushi Izumisano |
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| Yummy sushi! |
Before calling it a night, we had dinner at Kura Sushi Izumisano, a place that felt comfortably familiar from our past visits. Back at the house, Mr. Toshi and I stayed up late, sharing drinks and stories the way family does.
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| Home sweet home, the Kameyama residence |
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| Ella bonds with Yomo, the Kameyama family dog |
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| This would always be our favorite room in Japan |
We talked about life in Hokkaido and exchanged stories about Kai, laughing and reflecting until around 1 AM. By the time I finally went to bed, I felt tired but deeply grateful, knowing that spring break had started in the best possible way.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 126
Japan Diaries 4: Day 881
Shinshinotsu Roadside Station
10 Things to Do in Shinshinotsu
10 Things to Do in Chitose City
10 Things to Do in Kumatori
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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