Cheerful smiles

Hello, how are you?

I apologize that I haven't posted so long time.

I'll keep sending spirit from Otaru by this blog.

I'll show you some cheerful smiles today :)

They are staffs of rickshaw ☆

She is Chiaki-chan :-)

The 2nd appearance on my blog!!

Thanks Chaki-chan☆

He is Yohei-san :-)

He looks shy...but actually NO!! :-P

He is funny and has lots of stories.

When you come to Otaru and find him, please talk to him★

He will give you interesting information☆

Postbox got a cap!

Hello, it begun to heavy snow in Otaru again! I worked at JR Otaru station's tourist information yesterday, many trains were affected by heavy snow and avalanche. When I went out from Otaru station, I found a cute thing...

She was standing on the left side at the entrance.

Now, JR Otaru station is in remodeling construction.

That's why, there are fences and walls around station for the construction.

This postbox looks like nestling against the fence:)

And please look at next picture well...

She looks like wearing a cap made from snow:) Is it warm or cold??:-P

The Doll's Festival

Hello★

Do you know what day tomorrow in Japan??

Tomorrow will be "The doll's festival"!!

There are many Japanese dolls in Otaru now.

Because we are having a event named "Otaru Hina Meguri" (Tour dolls).

Lots of shops, restaurant museum...etc display Japanese dolls.

I'll give you information about "The doll's festival".

We call "The doll's festival" as "Hina-Matsuri" in Japanese.

The origin of "Hina-Marsuri" ascend to about 1,000 years ago.

Making dolls by Origami (the Japanese art of folding paper into attractive shapes.) was popular among peeress and children in those days and theu floated these dolls to hte waters making a wish for children's peace and health in the beginning of March.

This story triggered the birth of "Hina-Matsuri".

About 500～600　years ago, the date March 3rd has been established as "Hina-Matsuri" day and "Girl's Festival dolls" become common.

"Hina-Matsuri" was only in tokyo's custom about 400 years ago but 150 years ago, it spread to the whole country.

This event "Otaru Hina Meguri" in Otaru have stareted since 2008.

Local people in Otaru hope that we can tell our traditional culture and local lofe with "Hina-Matsuri".

In Canal Plaza

Warm day today☆

Hi, how are ya?? I don't need jacket today coz...

Umm...sorry, this picture is not clear...but 9 degrees!!!

The snow starts melting.

Watery ground

If you come to Otaru, boots might be better to put on...

Memories of Otaru Snow Light Path

Hello, it's been a long time...How are you? I'm soooo sorry, I haven't posted so long time... We had a event named "Otaru Snow Light Path" (Otaru Yukiakari no Michi) from 4th to 13th of February. I've made really lots of memories at this event and I've got many beautiful pictures. I'll show you some of them today.

After passing through the gate at JR Otaru station, some floating glass candles had been waited for three of us :)

Me(left), Ms.Yoshida(middle) and Ms. Kasahara(right).

Thank you for taking this photo Mr.Onodera :)

We saw many snow statues at this event.

I got these photo at the top of Mt. Tengu.

Tengu means "Japanese long-nosed goblin" in Japanese.

Tengu might live at Mt. Tengu...

A big Tengu's snow statue! A little bit scary...:(

Lots of light at Mt. Tengu.

Night view from the Mt. Tengu

This view is the one of three biggest views in Hokkaido!

On the other day, we visited Asarigawa onsen area. (Otaru's hotspring area.)

This area had romantic mood with snow candles and so many tourists enjoyed taking pictures.

Wow!! We found a FOX!!

He looks he is waitng for food from tourists in front of the cafe. We had a talk with the master of the cafe at Asarigawa hotspring area. He said this fox lives around this cafe, so if you come to this cafe, you might see him. I joined this event as a volunteer staff as well. I sold message candles and wax balls.

With my friend "Tomo-chan". (right)

She also joined as a volunteer staff with me.

She is holding message candles and I'm holding wax ball in this photo.

Scene of volunteers.

We said loudly "Welcome to Otaru snow light path!! We have official goods!! Would you like handmade wax ball!! We're selling message candles for 100 JPY each!!" .

I got sore throat... :-O

After volunteer activity, I enjoyed bowl of rice topped with sashimi with Tomo-chan.

Ummm...Yummy!! I was satisfied!!

I apologize for not posting in real time.

We look forward to seeing you at this event next year!!

Watch your head, please!

Hello☆

How are you??

When you stroll in Otaru, please watch your head! Because...↓↓

　　

Some dangers on roofs. (These photos are Canal plaza's.)

In the daytime, the temperature rises and then, snows start to melt gradually.

There are many signboards saying "Caution! Snow falls!!"

So, please watch not only step but also head when you enjoy sightseeing in Hokkaido.

Snowboarding @ ONZE

Hi★

There are three ski resorts in Otaru.

Mt.Tengu ski resort, Asarigawa hot spring ski resort and Snow cruise ONZE.

I went to last one, ONZE to snowboard.

ONZE opens earliest every year in Otaru because they can make artificial snow.

That's why, Otaru people can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and winter activity even if it's at the beginning of November.

I went there by pick-up bus ↓↓

This bus runs anout every two hours from Sapporo.

Lodge

Hire goods

Ski run

View from a ski lift

Lovely landscape from the top of the mountain↑↑

I felt strange cause I enjoyed snowboarding but there was beautiful view of sea.

This ski resort is not so big one but it's good unknown spot for tourist to see beautiful view!! :)