Hokkaido Day 7

In the morning, we brought Yuanze and Yuanyi to Lake Toya to throw stones into the lake. This is what they like. They can keep themselves entertained for quite a long time. I discovered that, when they were happily throwing stones at Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. 

We then checked out of Hana Toya, and we went to a strawberry farm, that wasn't in our itinerary at first. My ex colleague happened to be at Hokkaido too, and he recommended this strawberry farm near Lake Toya. So off we went, and omg, we were so happy plucking strawberries and eating them on the spot. These strawberries were the sweetest I have ever tasted in my entire life. 

45 minutes, pick and eat as many as you want. $14 for each adult, $12 for pri sch kid, and $9.90 for 3 years old to 6 years old kid. Quite worth it, for the experience and for the eating of strawberries. And also thankful to our strong sg dollar, during that time was 1 sing dollar to 102 yen. When darling and I went to japan in 2015 for our honeymoon, it was 1 sing dollar to 70 yen. 

The tent where all the strawberries are. We can go to 3 different tents, tent 1, tent 2 and tent 3. 

Yuanze was more interested in hunting for big strawberries. 

Yuanyi was more interested in eating the strawberries. 

After the strawberry farm, we bid farewell to Xiaoyu and Yvan. Both of them are exploring other parts of Hokkaido, while the four of us are going to Sapporo. 

We realised that we have not gone to eat at a sushi conveyor belt restaurant, so I googled and found one at Noboribetsu. 

What a great find I tell you. The sushi were so fresh, so good, and the whole bill was around $45. So affordable. Thankful again for strong singapore dollar. 

And off we went to Sapporo! We chose Keio Plaza Sapporo hotel, because there is a toyota car rental office at the hotel, so return the car there, and we can check in immediately. Super convenient. 

Sapporo is solely for shopping, Yuanze went crazy at Pokemon Centre, darling and I went crazy at uniqlo.

Claw machines are practically everywhere in Japan. Yuanze was so happy to catch 2 cars, one for himself and one for Yuanyi. 

Hokkaido Day 6

It was raining on Day 6, which was unfortunate because we are going to Noboribetsu Marine Park. 

But it is ok, the rain is not going to dampen our spirits, we had lots of fun seeing the marine animals, especially the dolphins and the seals, and watching the penguin parade. 

If the temperature is too high, the ground will be hot and the penguin parade will be cancelled. So we are lucky that it rained. 

The castle is where the aquarium is housed at. So big!!

Yuanze is always very curious when it comes to nature and wildlife. He had lots of fun touching the marine animals in the touch pools. Whereas Yuanyi is more curious when it comes to food. 

After marine park, our next destination is Lake Toya, that is one hour drive away. 

We are staying in a very nice airbnb called Hana Toya, that is just right in front of Lake Toya. Pro tip: Hana Toya can be booked on booking.com as well, and do not ask me why, but the booking cost is cheaper on booking.com as compared to airbnb. 

During summer time, there is a fireworks display at lake toya at 845 pm. So I thought it will be super cool to see the fireworks from our airbnb, but lake toya is actually super biggggggg, the fireworks display was actually at the main visitor area, and our airbnb is 15 min drive away from the main visitor area. So the fireworks display is actually quite far from our airbnb, and what we can see is the size of a frisbee at most. Next time if I am going Lake Toya again during summer, I will book a hotel at the main visitor area. 

But first, let me share the photos of our amazing Hana Toya. The most expensive accommodation throughout the whole trip. 

Here it is! Hana Toya!

Hana Toya got 2 bedrooms. Each bedroom got ensuite toilet. This bedroom can sleep three people, or two adults and two kids. The sofa on the left can convert into a sofa bed. Xiaoyu and Yvan took this bedroom. 

The very well-equipped kitchen. Looks damn pro like masterchef kitchen. 

Got nespresso machine. 

Also got complimentary cup noodles. 

Bicycles for us to use. 

Super big tv with netflix and youtube. Yuanze and Yuanyi watch until very happy. 

Washing machine with dryer function. Washing liquid was provided for us too. 

Dining table

The other bedroom. Can sleep 4 adults. Two beds, and two tatami beds on the other side (the pic below). 

This two kids enjoying the time of their lives. 

The living room. 

Wide angle view, of the living room, dining table and the kitchen. 

Private onsen. How cool is that!

Darling cooking our dinner. 

Our dinner for the day! Udon with cabbage, mushrooms and crabsticks! All these bought at the convenience store that is 10 min walk from Hana Toya. I love japan's convenience stores. 

After dinner, the kids played around at the front porch. 

Playing ball with Yuanze while Yuanyi cycled. 

Really enjoyed staying at this airbnb. :)