Odori - illumination

Not much snow this year yet but Odori in full swing, beautifully illuminated for Christmas. It's been a bit disappointed for powder seeking skiers so far but good for the locals. 

Shakotan - Hokkaido

Shakotan is a place worth visiting west of Hokkaido, just a 2hr drive from Sapporo. We rented a car and it was a comfortable drive passing by Otaru.

The views are breathtaking with some nice seafood as the attraction, uni (sea urchin) is a specialty in the area.

After all the sightseeing and walking you can have a dip in many of the onsens around with a sunset view, which is what this area is known for.

Enjoy the pics

Takao-san, Hachijoji, Tokyo

July is very hot in Tokyo so getting out of the crowded city may not be a bad idea. 

I jumped on the train this morning and started to Google a few places, and decided to just go trekking! Somewhere not too far, but far enough to feel like your away from the city. 

About a 50 minute train ride on the Chuo line rapid train and get off at Takao (most trains terminate here), change to Keio line and one stop and get off at Takaoguchi.

Now you at the foot of the mountain you can trek up to Mt Takao by 6 different trails which vary from 70-90 minutes, or take a cable car or chair lift.

I decided to chair lift it up and trek down. The view of Tokyo was pretty nice. Now in winter you are suppose to see Mt Fuji, so my chances was very slim in July. 

Trekking down was more fun than the chair lift, I would recommend to trek up as well but I was a bit tight for time.

Enjoy the photos everyone and leave some comments...

Tokyo Tower And Roppongi

Tokyo by night, the old Tokyo tower day and night still looking marvelous since the new Sky Tree was built. Still a favorite for the romantics, lovely lighting..

Roppongi lights up at night as usual, attractive lights and fun night life...