GPGT/AMA/LIVE Update - Hokkaido 10-16 January 2018

[DarkStarer]

Ate my chicken on the way as I headed for Tanukikoji. Had to get some tidbits from Donki.

In the background you see Kani Honke. This is a really popular (and expensive) restaurant specializing in crabs. A meal here can easily cost upwards of ¥10000. Almost had it for my birthday.

Fully booked on a Monday night.

They keep their crabs in a pond.

Saw a gyoza place as I walked further down. Mental note to come back if I can retrace my steps and if I have sufficient money left.

It's quite packed, and with locals I think.

I ate at the crab place. If you 1 person, I'm pretty sure you can walk in and ask if there is any space. Booking is full but walk-in might not.

it is actually quite value for money. I ate a set that was only around 6k yen. about 70sgd(?) for solid crab meal. the crab was very fresh and flavourful.

 

[kosongice]

Reached Tanukikoji. Didn't take much pictures here the previous time because I was live-streaming.

Basically it's a massive shopping arcade with a shyt ton of tax-free drugstores, souvenir shops and restaurants. Super popular with tourists and especially tour groups. Locals visit, but they don't go so ga-ga.

Sign says "High Class Fresh Fruits" but the store lady not very high class ah. Took a picture from a distance away and she immediately pointed at me and told me to stop.

 

[kosongice]

After some shopping at Donki, I decided to head to Susukino, the night life and red light district of Sapporo.

After deliberating for a while, I decided to forgo the gyoza, scallops and oysters (Gotsubo) and instead head for the Ramen Alley. Part of the reason I've held this off for so long was because of how overrated I knew it would be.

There's several shops inside the alley, but come here liao might as well just enter the famous one that Anthony Bourdain visited. It was empty when I went in, but eventually more people visited midway through my meal.

The chef didn't allow pictures of him preparing the ramen, or anything behind the counter for the matter.

Sapporo butter corn ramen. I picked miso soup base, "osusume" from the chef.

Also added an egg. Quite flavorful but ain't molten.

My verdict? It was a rather solid bowl of ramen, but not unlike most you can get in any regular shop I suppose. Would not deliberately travel all the way there just for it. It makes a really heart and soul warming meal on a cold winter night. The addition of butter gives the soup a nice sheen and richness.

Made my way back to the hotel to pack my stuff. Snow was still falling heavily.

 

[kosongice]

The excellent hotel staff at MYSTAYS Sapporo Station. Missing the tall guy that assisted me so much with directions and recommendations.

Stuff I bought. This is considered tame compared to our maiden trip in 2016. But for a guy on a relatively tight budget, these ate up quite a significant portion of my money.

Packed halfway got craving for sweet and carbonated drink. I've been having coffee, tea and fruit juice mainly. So I went to Lawson's opposite the road wanting to get a Coke. Bought this instead because it caught my eye and I didn't bring enough for both a Coke and this. Super refreshing.

 

[kosongice]

Woke up this morning to perfect weather. Neither snow nor rain. KNS my last day then like that.

Flight's at 1310, and I have to be there 2 hours prior. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the airport from Sapporo Station, and I'll have to leave super early if I were to make the timing.

Decided to screw the 2-hour rule and take the 1050 train. All the main shopping malls open at around 10, and I'll have about 40 minutes to browse for one last time.

Was up super early this morning, at around 6. Had the front desk give me a morning call at 7 for good measure.

Breakfast at MOS Burger because it's really good and super near the hotel. Also, it opens at 7, when most other shops start at 8-10.

Gave a thank you note to the impeccable front desk.

One last look at the place I call home for the past 6 nights.

 

[FireEmblem]

Reached Tanukikoji. Didn't take much pictures here the previous time because I was live-streaming.

Basically it's a massive shopping arcade with a shyt ton of tax-free drugstores, souvenir shops and restaurants. Super popular with tourists and especially tour groups. Locals visit, but they don't go so ga-ga.

Sign says "High Class Fresh Fruits" but the store lady not very high class ah. Took a picture from a distance away and she immediately pointed at me and told me to stop.

Just warn u first, japan got very strict anti female harrassment law. This includes taking.photo.in public. If.any female does not.think.well of u.taking.their.photo, they can easily call the cops to get u arrested. Have such cases in their news before where guys arrested just based on the female call to police. If is female ask u not to take as.she might be interpretting u taking her photo.instead of.the shop better dun continue.

 

[fritolay]

********. Too many stalking cases but nothing done even until death of victim

Just warn u first, japan got very strict anti woman harrassment law. This includes taking.photo.in public. If.any female does not.think.well of u.taking.their.photo, they can easily call the cops to get u arrested. Have such cases in their news before where guys arrested just based on the female call to police

 

[Sen]

Think I saw someone post same thing here also. ahss I think.

Reached Tanukikoji. Didn't take much pictures here the previous time because I was live-streaming.

Sign says "High Class Fresh Fruits" but the store lady not very high class ah. Took a picture from a distance away and she immediately pointed at me and told me to stop.

 

[Sen]

Thank you KSI in advance !

Stuff I bought. This is considered tame compared to our maiden trip in 2016. But for a guy on a relatively tight budget, these ate up quite a significant portion of my money.

 

[Sen]

Japan many many BTSS ...

Just warn u first, japan got very strict anti female harrassment law. This includes taking.photo.in public. If.any female does not.think.well of u.taking.their.photo, they can easily call the cops to get u arrested. Have such cases in their news before where guys arrested just based on the female call to police. If is female ask u not to take as.she might be interpretting u taking her photo.instead of.the shop better dun continue.

 

[pikafunk3]

Japan many many BTSS ...

you jelly or not?

ksi win you.

he eat ramen IN JAPAN leh.

yours is prepared by pinoy , prc and malaysian in sg

 

[kosongice]

After breakfast it's off to send a postcard!

A bakery near the back exit of my hotel. Didn't have time to properly check it out.

Waiting for the post office to open.

Wanted to buy the fruits flavour, but ultimately ran out of money.

 

[Gixxerfied]

The instant ramen u got eat there?

Tried once, not nice..

 

[kosongice]

Had enough money for one last drink. It's either Starbucks (which I haven't and wanted to try) or Karin. Went back for my 初恋.

I then made my way to the airport. New Chitose Airport is in itself a shopping and food haven, but I had only ¥300 left to my name and could literally not afford to be distracted.

Some jokers exceeding their luggage weight and holding up the line.

Reached Tokyo Narita Airport and found the perfect answer to my hunger (haven't eat since MOS Burger at about 720), thirst and ¥300.

¥140 each. Might as well exhaust whatever I have and got 2.

 

[kosongice]

Bought some daifuku in the morning at Daimaru. Wanted to buy fron the shop with the super juicy strawberry, but the shop only sells them on weekends.

Rice crackers served shortly after boarding.

Dinner served on board. Had a choice between fried chicken or this tomato seafood stew. "Osusume" from the cabin attendant is the latter. Last time using "osusume" liao. ):

Last time I was on an ANA flight, they served a really delicious bun. It seems to be replaced by this. Some apple custard pastry which I initially thought was a ham and cheese Danish.

 

[kosongice]

1. fat*******x
2. wheewhee
3. [SG]Revolution
4. Ilovegreenbeansoup
5. reds79
6. Lemon Porter
7. apeape
8. Beh-hawk
9. Wishdom
10. Delsamor
11. ash like snow

And the winners are:

Disclaimer: Goodie bag is small, and contents aren't in abundance. Don't expect too much ah, then later KPKB start thread bash me ah. ):

Winners kindly comment here or PM me on how you wish to collect your goodie bag.

1. fat*******x
2. wheewhee
3. [SG]Revolution
4. Ilovegreenbeansoup
5. reds79

-----

UPDATE 15 January 2018:


I'm doing a mini-giveaway. Nothing fanciful, don't expect an entire box of cookies or chocolates, but it's definitely bigger than a one-item thing. Also, I won't be giving out standard fare like Shiroi-Koibito (白色恋人) or the overrated Tokyo Banana (I'm in Hokkaido hello).

As per my previous giveaway (which Sen won and is hence disqualified), you have to agree with the following:

1. Item (food) is perishable due to ingredients used. I won't be giving out something that spoils the next day, but don't expect canned food longevity.

2. No dietary restrictions.

3. Willing to do one of the following:

(i) meet-up for me to pass the goodie bag to you
(ii) provide me a location and recipient to drop off the item

Kindly note that I will NOT be sending anything out by mail (siao ah free one still wanna waste my postage fees).

2 winners, to be assigned a number based on order of reply; and randomly selected.

As the items are small and perishable, there will be no re-draws should a person fail to collect the item or reply within 2 days after the results are out. They will then go to my neighbour or stomach.

To qualify, reply anything with #KosongIceHokkaidoGiveaway

I will search this thread for the tag and only include those that have it in their replies.

Contest ends 16 January 2018, at 2359, Singapore Time. My clock, not yours.

 

[nexusRAGER]

KSI back liao ah?

 

[Lemon Porter]

Welcome back to rainy Singapore and gxgx to the winners!

Lemonade in the Lemon World 🍋 HardwareZone Forums app

 

[Sen]

I also went there jiak before leh. u dunno meh. lol

you jelly or not?

ksi win you.

he eat ramen IN JAPAN leh.

yours is prepared by pinoy , prc and malaysian in sg

 

[souldude]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Almost real time update somehow makes for a better read than post trip reports. Bravo for the effort.