Otaru, My Favourite Spot in Hokkaido

I've been to Hokkaido twice.

The first time I went was during end of winter and the second one, during the autumn a year later. 

Both seasons have their own distinctive sense of beauty and charm, therefore it's hard for me to justify which is the best season to visit Hokkaido.

Among few of the top destinations I went in Hokkaido, Otaru has always been my favourite spot.
Twice I went to Hokkaido, twice I went to Otaru as well. Hence I decided to combine and simplify my two visits into a single post instead.  

HOW TO GET TO OTARU FROM SAPPORO STATION
Otaru is situated on the northwest of Sapporo and it takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train along JR Hakodate Main Line. The first train leaves as early around 6am and the last train is at 10pm. Hence, it's possible just to do a day trip without considering to stay one more night, unless you feel like want to. 

When I went Hokkaido for the very first time in 2016, there was a special discount ticket limited to visitors from overseas which is known as Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass. Unfortunately, this handy pass has been discontinued.

So at this moment, you can only purchase the JR train tickets from Sapporo station and a single trip costs 640 yen for non-reserved ticket. In case you want reserve a seat, there will be additional fee of 520 yen. If you want to know more about the timetable for the rapid and local train, you could refer to Sapporo Station West Ticket Gate JR.

#1: Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass has been discontinued and currently, one way trip from Sapporo to Otaru costs 640 yen for non-reserved ticket.

#2: Reach Otaru Station. So, what's next? 

WHAT TO DO & SEE IN OTARU

There are plenty of things to do and see in Otaru itself. Not forgetting, there are even a long list of food awaiting to satisfy the tastebuds. Most of Otaru's attractions are located 20 to 30 minutes walk from Otaru Station. Once you exit from the train station, just head to the north and you will come across the popular Otaru Canal. However, this charming canal is always our final sighting after done with all the sightseeing, shopping and eating activities - you know, save the best for the last. 

Railway track of Temiya Line - While walking halfway from Otaru Station, we came across this railway track of the former narrow gauge railroad linking Minami-Otaru Station and Temiya Station. Since it is no longer operated, we can walk on it and even take hundred of photos on this preserved tracks. This track will lead you to the Sakaimachi Shopping Street. Did I hear shopping?

#3: Railway track of Temiya Line

Sakaimachi Shopping Street - a preserved street in Otaru where the whole street is converted and lined up with countless of souvenir stores, glassmakers and artcraft shops, seafood restaurants and cafes on both left and right of the lane. 

#4: Sakaimachi Shopping Street

Otaru is well-known for glassmakers and music boxes. Eventhough I'm not fancy any of them, but all these glassware and music boxes are so adorable and exquisite until I can't help myself from keep taking photos of them. However, do take note that there are few shops don't allow phototaking within the shop - so do respect and obey the sign.

#5: Glasswares


#6: Music boxes and glassarts

Don't forget to visit Otaru Music Box Museum at the end of Sakaimachi Shopping Street. You will find yourself immerse in the beautiful and enchanting melody of the music boxes. Right in front of the museum is the Otaru Steam Clock, which is one of the oldest steam clocks in the world. For your information, the steam clock will chime at every 15 minutes. 

#7: Music Box Museum and Otaru Steam Clock in front

Marchen Square is a spacious meeting point, especially for those tourists who join tours. When I was there for the first time, it was relatively quiet and not packed with many tourists. But it turned out differently on my second visit. If you reach this spot, it indicates that you have completed your Sakaimachi Shopping Street walk. 

#8: Marchen Square

Last but not least, a visit to Otaru is incomplete without visit the prominent Otaru Canal like I mentioned earlier. I prefer to visit here before the sunset time and wait until the night for photo opportunity. Plus during this hour too, the crowd is getting less due to those tourists who join package tour had left earlier. 

#9: Otaru Canal during end of winter time


#10: Enjoy the sunny day in Otaru Canal


#11: Otaru Canal during the autumn time


#12: Otaru Canal during night time

WHAT TO EAT IN OTARU

When comes to food in Otaru, there are few in the list you shouldn't miss out. So, it's best to visit Otaru with an empty stomach or else, you will miss out the best food of Otaru. And where is the best spot for food hunting? None other than in Sakaimachi Shopping Street itself. 

My family and I began our food adventures with fresh seafood. There is abundant of fresh seafood shops you will bump into when start strolling along the street. Japan is well-known for fresh seafood so whenever shops you pick, it will never go wrong. 

#13: Abundance of fresh seafood shops

There are two well-known pastry shops which originated in Otaru, namely LeTAO and Kitakaro. 

LeTAO is famed for its masterpiece Fromage Double, a double layered cheesecake. Just one bite and you will experience the cheesecake melts like snow. The upper layer is creamy and milky no-bake cheesecake whereas the lower layer is soft and rich baked cheesecake. Apparently there are few LeTao shops in Otaru but I would recommend the one located end of the Sakaimachi Shopping Street which is the main shop. Here, you can enjoy great view of the street and port while satisfy your sweet tooth craving.


#14: LeTAO Fromage Double cake

#15: Paradise for the sweet tooth craving


#16: LeTAO main shop at the end of Sakaimachi Shopping Street

LeTAO main shop
Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture.

As for Kitakaro, it is popular for its legendary soft custard cream puff. Another one that will instantly melt in your mouth with a single bite. It's best to consume immediately once you purchase it to enjoy its freshness and crispiness.

#17: Kitakaro's soft custard cream puff


#18

Kitakaro 
Address: 7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture.

Another one which I found that many people didn't mention about it but I personally found this dessert to be outstanding and unique - the 8 layers of colourful soft ice-cream. Previously the one in Nakano of Tokyo, Daily Chico which is hype for its unbelievable 7 layers of soft ice-cream but not until I found another one with extra layer which I think it's worth to share with. For the price of 580 yen (approx. to RM21), I think it's best to share with friends cause eating alone it's not fun at all. 

#19: From the bottom: Green tea, lemon pop, lavender, melon, milk, chocolate, vanilla lavender swirl and chocolate vanilla swirl. 

#20: The shop


#21: Video of the rainbow ice-cream

And that's conclude what I did, saw and ate in Otaru.

This small but serene seaport town has definitely capture my heart and I don't mind going back for the third time, if I have the chance to go Hokkaido again. 

#22: DT 💗autumn more

EXTRA TIPS

Do you know that you can stop at JR Minami Otaru Station instead of JR Otaru Station? The first one is more nearer to the Music Box Museum, which is at the end of the Sakaimachi Street.

Perhaps you could get off from JR Minami Otaru Station first, stroll along Sakaimachi Shopping Street and end your visit at Otaru Canal and then get to JR Otaru Station.

My Previous Post on Hokkaido:

• 9D7N Hokkaido (2016) Itinerary & Travel Expenses for RM2,490 Per Pax

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Qatar Airways, My Favourite Getaway to Europe

It all started when my friend and I planning to see the Northern Lights, or known as aurora borealis. After browsing few airlines, we spotted Qatar Airways is having promo, whereby fly-in Stockholm and fly-out Oslo for RM2,780 which consider to be reasonable and affordable cause both of these cities are well-known to be comparatively expensive to fly in and out. Without thinking any longer, instantly we click book and that's goes our "Duo Trip to Hunt for Aurora Lights". 

It's my maiden experience to fly with Qatar Airways and to be frank, I didn't expect to have any high expectations for this particular airline. Most of the traveller would recommend to fly with either Emirates or Etihad Airways in case you're planning for your trip to Europe but since I flew with these two prestigious airlines before, I'm more eagerly to try something new. You know like they said "Never Try, Never Know", right? 

Well, everything went well and smooth on our flying day - pretty fast and convenient counter check-in, immigration clearance and now, let's get ready for boarding. 

Right from the moment we stepped into the cabin, we're warm welcomed with its vibrant red and dark purple colour scheme seats. Each seat is prepared with a cute little cushion and warm blanket for each and every passenger. I found that the legroom space consider to be pretty spacious and as usual, I always pre-assigned for the window seat to enjoy the aerial view.
 

Entertainment and USB ports? Of course, Qatar Airways offers all these so you don't get bore during  the long hour journey.





As for the in-flight meal, we're served with the following:
Appertiser
Wasabi potato salad with carrots and peas

Main Course (Choose one out of three options)
Baked fish fillet with tomato sauce, gratin potato and buttered vegetables

Dessert 
Banana crumble cake

My verdict? Can I have more? Seriously, I never had the most delicious in-flight meals ever to the extend that I almost lick my cutlery. Even my friend have the same thought as mine too, just that she hasn't reach the licking part yet.


Aerial view of reaching Doha city


Hamad International Airport with giant canary yellow teddy bear behind - it's the iconic of the airport



The other reason why I love to fly with Qatar Airways is because it's principal airport is less crowded, has plenty of seats and more comfortable than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two latter airports are so packed and overcrowded making me feel so uncomfortable while I was transit there.


Continue with another flight from Doha to Stockholm 


Forgot to take pic of the menu of the second meal they served but again, super extremely delicious


After 13 hours and 30 minutes of flight time with 2 hours and 30 minutes of transit, finally we reach the land of Ikea, H&M, Candy Crush and more. 

If I have another chance to fly to Europe again, definitely I will choose Qatar Airways but then because I love to experience something new, probably not in the nearest future unless another super great deal offer. If talking about long-haul journey with premium airlines, so far I flew with Emirates (twice), Etihad, Qatar Airways and Thai Airways to Europe and British Airways to New Zealand, I personally think that Qatar Airways is at least twice better than the rest. And currently, I'm looking forward to fly with Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and more for another journey to Europe.

So how about you? Have any of you have any of your favourite airline to fly with? Feel free to share your flying experience and I love to hear it.

It's short and brief post cause I'm currently for another adventures again. Follow my Instagram to find out where I'm heading to. 

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London (2016): The Harry Potter Studio Tour London

"Miss Diana, can we go to Harry Potter Studio in London?"

This is what my two students requested when we went to London two years ago for International Girl Guides and Girl Scouts camp held in Leicestershire. Although I'm not big fan of this series of fantasy novels but I watched all the eight fantasy films instead. Plus, I thought it wasn't a bad idea after all to include this as one of my London itineraries since we had three days to explore and discover London before entering into the camp site. 

PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE 

From what I research, the tickets are not available for sale on the spot, hence you need to purchase in advance and pre-book the desired time and date you intend to visit. For more details about the latest admission fee, availability of date and time, you can check out Warner Bros. Studio Tour website here. I would advise to book at least 2 months in advance because it's so popular that it might sold out quickly. 

#1: Purchase your tickets in advance cause they are not available for sale on the spot

Once you receive your booking confirmation via email, don't forget to print it out and bring along for the trip in order to print out the actual tickets from the kiosk nearby the main entrance. 

HOW TO GET HERE FROM LONDON

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is situated quite distance away from London city. It takes at least 45 minutes to an hour from London itself to reach here via train. The Studio Tour's nearest railway station is Watford Junction which departing from London Euston. From Watford Junction, look for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle buses which located on the left side of the train station. 

#2: Shuttle bus from Watford Junction

Single trip for shuttle bus cost £2.00 while a return trip cost £2.50. Bear in mind that to ready your cash as credit and debit cards are not acceptable.  

Hence, it is advisable to plan your journey ahead due it's long journey to travel all the way from central London to Harry Potter Studio Tour. Even if you arrive the studio earlier, you are allowed to enter and you can utilise your time for more photo opportunity instead. But in the case you are late, there might be denied entry. 

#3: After the long journey, finally we arrived.


#4: Since we arrived earlier, we took the opportunity for photoshooting here and there


#5: Now get ready to explore the wonders of the wizarding world

The studio tour started by queuing on the line before we're escorted into a room. Even while on the queue, be sure to check your left because you will spot....

#6: The cupboard under the stairs - Harry Potter's first bedroom 

Right after we were escorted into a room, there is a short introduction video right in  front of Hogwart School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's door. At first, we thought it's just merely part of the design for the studio tour but not until the door opened itself...

#7: Hogwart School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's door

#8: The Great Hall of Hogwarts - This is where professors and students gather for dine and congregate. 

Frankly speaking, my jaw was literally dropping when stepping into The Great Hall. I don't think it's just happened to me, probably my two students too. We felt like we're like somehow inside the movie itself. Features with all the original sets, costumes and props from the movie, the studio is completely stunning and amazing. The guided tour ended at The Great Hall and from there, we're allow to roam around at our own pace. 

#9: Hufflepuff House 


#10: Ravenclaw House 


#11: Slytherin House


#12: Gryffindor House - Can you guess who are in this house? 


#13: Rubeus Hagrid costume


#14: Professor Dumbledor along with Professor McGonagall and Professonal Snape


#15: Yule Ball Ice Sculpture from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 


#16: The common room for Gryffindor

#17: The Hogwart's clock pendulum as featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

#18: Statue staircase


#19: Professor Dumbledor's office


#20: Professor Snape's costume and the portions classroom


#21: Hagrid's hut 


#22: The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets


#23: The game of Quidditch costumes and props 


#24: Ministry of Magic Atrium

#25: Umbridge's office - Decorated completely in pink with ornate furnishing and cat plates on the wall 

#26: Shades of pink


#27: Platform 9 3/4 - One of the popular shooting spot


#28: Red Hogwarts Railways 

Right after we went through The Great Hall and The Big Room which houses variety of original sets, costumes and props, we came into The Backlot, home to several of outdoor exhibits such as the Knight Bus, Privet Drive Houses, Hogwarts Bridge and The Potter House from Godrick's Hollow. Here, visitors are allowed to enjoy their food and drinks at the cafeteria serving cakes, sandwiches and hot food. However, I found the choice of the food is relatively limited and when seeing the price, obviously be ready for the pricey price tag. Anyhow, don't forget to purchase a cup of Butterbeer, the drink that features in the Harry Potter books and films. 

#29: The Knight bus, the triple decker bus that carry Harry to the Leaky Cauldron


#30: Hogwart's Bridge as seen in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban


#31: Room of flying letters

We then proceeded into the second indoor studio houses creature effects and art department.


#32: A life-size model of Dobby


#33: Diagon Alley set


#34: Giant replica of Hogwart's Castle to end the tour

Just like any rest of the rides and attractions of theme parks, you will come across a gift shop when exiting. Harry Potter Studio Tour is part of that too. The struggle is real and trust me, it's not easy to control the shopaholic addiction inside of us. We spent like almost an hour inside the gift shop hunting for these souvenirs to bring back home until one of my students eventually said, "Shut up and just take all my money!". What to expect inside this gift shop; hoodie and T-shirt with the respective houses, wizard wands, books, cups, soft toys, keychains, magnets and more. We were totally spoiled by the choices but at the same time, we were dilemma with the exchange currency. 

#35: Gift shop that will make you go gaga! 

#36: A t-shirt cost me almost £23 (approx. to RM128) whereas for keychains and magnets cost around £7-10 each.

For almost four hours, my students and I were enirely immersed in this magical of witchcrafting and wizarding world of Harry Potter. Each and every details from all the 8 movies can be seen and experienced here. We really wish we could stay more longer but thinking of the long journey going back to central London, it's best for us to leave earlier. All-in-all, this studio tour is worth to visit and absolutely a memorable experience ever, especially for die-hard Potterhead fans. 

Date Visited: 28th July 2016

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