Explore Hokkaido Otaru - Kutchan - Day 2

Good morning Otaru where we started the day with a appetizing breakfast at Pizzeria Gabbiano. Thanks to Adam, a young Russian whom helped me on my plan data.  We found out that his dad is operating this restaurant.

One for the record at Smile Hotel before we check out. We decided to spend some time in Otaru before we set for our next destination. Smile Hotel is a simple hotel where you could easily book it through the internet.

The morning was slightly moist and cold, we were greeted by  a scene of some political campaigning for a local election.

There we were roaming around Otaru tracing for the places of interest.

Otaru don't seem busy though it's a city and a port it is located north west of Sapporo with a population in a region of  about 130,000 peoples.

The Tourist Information center with a temperature indicator showing the coldness of the morning at 5.9°C

The famous steam clock of Otaru and the time was 11am. A clock powered by steam and built by the well known Canadian steam clock maker Raymond Saunders. It whistles with its steam on the hour.

Picking our noses into nook and corners that excite us.

The Temiya Line (手宮線, Temiya-sen) was a local freight narrow gauge railroad in Otaru, Hokkaidō, Japan, connecting Minami-Otaru Station and Temiya Station. The line was a state-owned enterprise, originally established in the late 19th century to transport coal and marine products, and closed in 1985.

There were tourists taking rickshaw tour to visit places of interest like the the canal area.

While we move around with our sets of small wheels.

Towards the far end of the fringe of the canal on the northern part we found this park called Unga Park where you can see several warehouse or godowns.

A beauty scene from the fringe of that canal with a hill behind the background. This is there the boat cruise made a U-turn here in its cruise.

Finding our loop back to the centre area where the busy spot is while enjoying sea side atmosphere.

We were glad to step into this shop for a delicious fresh seafood lunch.

What a satisfying lunch with a reasonable price. Oshi desu ne.

Our next destination is Kutchan and it is about 60km away from Otaru, the train fare was 1,070¥ cutting through mountainous land and partly covered with snow along the route.

By 5.10pm we have made our way to Kutchan which was still cold and peaceful. Kutchan is popular for its potato cultivation, noodle making and snow skiing.

A ride from the train station searching for the hostel that we were supposed to put up. The atmosphere was cold and peaceful.  Fortunately it was not too far away from the station as it was chilling cold.

After checking in to our accommodation at Tabi-tsumugi Backpackers we came out to the town again to buy our dinner at 7-11 convenience store where we met a Brommie from Canada. I guess he is the only Brompton owner living in Kutchan. We had a lot to exchange and were happy to have met each other. I hope one day Ian will visit Kuala Lumpur.

Ian carrying his skiing gears and on a Brompton. I wish Ian a happy married life and all the best in his understanding in Niseko.

We were the only guests in the entire hostel and a simple meal for the evening before we call it a night.

Tabi-tsumugi Backpackers is a small but nice and clean lodging in a peaceful surrounding. The operator is Joe who is helpful and friendly. Our next adventure will be riding around Mount Yotei and looking forward for tomorrow's activity. Good night and the tatami mat awaiting for us a comfortable sleep.