Sunday, December 23, 2007

23 Dec 07 (Japan's Emperor's Birthday) - Day 7 (Noboribetsu)

Today is Japan's Emperor's Birthday and so is a public holiday. Woke up at the usual time of 6.20am, washed up, packed up, breakfast at “Crescent” Hall, returned to the room for final packing, headed to the lobby, checked out, boarded the coach and took a 30-40min ride to Lake Toya. Took pictures, bought souvenirs and took a gondola to Mount Usu to view Lake Toya and Mount Showa Shinzan.

Lake Toya

Mount Showa Shinzan

Swans near Mount Showa Shinzan

Ate lunch at a restaurant nearby, bought candy from shop, boarded coach and headed to Noboribetsu Bear Ranch where we saw duck race and big brown bears. Fed the bears and they were really big and tall. Bought souvenir coin and had no time to get other souvenirs. Headed to Noboribetsu Mahoroba Hotel for the night. Settled down, had dinner at 6.15am and again was Japanese course meal where we had to sit on tatami. Walked around the hotel and returned to the room to rest. Wanted to go to the hot spring but no courage to go alone. Sigh… Hope there will be a next time.

Many big bears

See how big and tall the bear is

No comments: