2023 Hokkaido Trip Day 11: The final leg

 On the final leg of our trip, we decided to go around the tourist attractions near the city, which will stretch from Sapporo Station to Odori Park (or the whole Tanukikoji Shopping Street) . There were so much things to see that it didn't feel like you've walked far. .. that's the whole stretch of Odori Park to Sapporo Station. All in all, you can practically just walk above and underground. 

First stop was Odori Park ( it is kind of walking distance from our hotel at Tanukikoji 6) 

 we decided to skip breakfast since we want to taste  

Toukibi 

Jaga Butter (Jagaimo with butter). 

Finding the toukibi wagon wasn't that hard. it was nice to have a view of the park while enjoying toukibi and  buttered potato 

Tip: You must eat the toukibi corn while its piping hot  ( they are worthwhile - one of the sweetest corn that I've eaten and also eating the Jaga Butter is heavenly @ 400yen.)  

from afar , you can see the clock tower from Odori Park, but it's still a long the way to get there (and there will be a lot of detours BUT just follow to that direction and you will not be lost)   

we worked our way to go to Sapporo Govt building (which is under renovation) stroll the surrounding park near to the government building. 

We managed to find our way to the Sapporo Clock Tower 

and  then sapporo city hall but was closed on Sundays. (Note: Do check if the govt buildings are open on weekends. Too bad they were close. I should have gone to Sapporo Community Plaza though.)  

 

and  then finally we reach the TV Tower (you can go up until the shops, if you do not want to pay for the view) 

Note: THere is a nearby donguri bakery (350m away from the TV Tower) so you can rest your feet and have a snack ( had another pudding) or buy your dinner. 

Must try: pudding, curry bread, melon pan

Afterwards, we walked towards Nijo market (which was at Tanukikoji 1) 

🍽️ We ate at Donbe Kaisen Don, where we ordered: 

1. Seafood six color bowl (海鮮六色丼)

2. Asaichi don

Note: As with any restaurants in japan, there is self service drink station. 

After lunch and shopping, it was off to Mega donki & Kobushiya  @ Tanukikoji Street until 4PM.  

💡 Tip: Go around 2PM in Mega Donki (there is no crowd and can easily buy your stuff) 

Then it was time to bade goodbye to Sapporo. We checked out and left for CTS at 4PM, 5hrs before our flight time. The bus came at 1606.  We went there early in case we can secure an earlier flight (original flight at 9, and wanted 7pm flight) . We were on a lookout to see if any of our luggage exceeded 23kg (i think we were still ok) 

and it was off to find the counter for us to do our check in. as we had connecting international flights, we chose to go to this counter. 

Then it was off to go to the gates. But first, security checks.  

Unfortunately, we managed to get on an earlier flight but the flight bumped from 0730 to 0800PM.

we reached HND T2 almost 10PM (most of the shops are already closed). Once reached CTS, we head directly to the shuttle bus (you won't be neeeding to pick up your bags anymore as they will directly shipped it to the country of your destination) , we ask the counter specifically for that , and they said NO need to get the bags from the carousel. So you can just head straight to take the bus transfer (free shuttle bus, it runs at 4mins interval on peak hours, and 8 mins interval on off peak timings)

Note: When you land in HND T2 domestic terminal (there will be 2 exits, 1 to pick up your luggage, the other is the fast exit, when you only have your hand carry). 

At 1050PM, we still managed to go and see what HND T3 has to offer. (albeit everything was almost closing at 11PM), and proceeded to go immigration at 1120PM. 

To check in for the international flight, you just need to scan your passport and do face verification (along with your boarding pass), then it is off to security. 

Of course we had to drop by duty free to buy some souvenirs from Tokyo before resting at the gate. 

We still have a few hrs before our flight back. they boarded us at 0010 and left Tokyo at 0055, and reach our destination at 0620 AM.   

With that all good things mustc come to an end. This caps our 2023 Japan Trip!