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The live fish in the aquarium was definitely not as exciting as the seafood on display.
Squid fishing was a popular attraction with tourists. They will prepare and serve your fresh catch up sashimi style.
Hakodate is famous for squid and at Begirama you can opt for a squid ink base for your soup curry in addition to their standard and coconut flavours. The recommended Hakodate special is served with deep fried whole squid, grilled scallops, crunchy vegetables and seaweed in a squid ink curry broth. Flavours reminded me of the sea. Modern looking restaurant with minimalist decor, professional kitchen and skater looking crew. Must visit again.
These were the strangest fish I have ever seen. Don't what they are . Wonder how they taste.
You can get Hakodate seafood and souvenirs here. Check out the variety of Ika meshi - squid stuffed with flavoured rice.
Not as well known as the Morning market. The seafood market in the Kanimori warehouses has cheap takeaway sushi and seafood bowls.
The Nanae gondola is the longest in Japan and there are spectacular views from the top. The PEAK cafe at the top was quite popular with non skiers who were there for the snaps.
When you are in Hakodate, you just have to try Shio ramen the city is known for. Shinano is a small brightly lit shop conveniently located just across the station which specialises in the the salt based stock made with chicken and pork bones. Went for the recommended bowl and a serve of gyoza with Sapporo classic. The soup was flavourful and because it was so clear you could see a fair amount of oil on top. Make sure you let it cool because it retains a lot of heat.
Stunning day at Nanae ski resort. Everyone took out their phones for a snap.
The katsu curry set at Sanroku Cafe in Hakodate Nanae. This was pretty nice. It was made to oder. Had a bit of furikake on the rice and a larger portion of curry. The cafe had a very retro ski lodge diner vibe.
Wasn't much but I did find some powder! Top of the 4 person lift on the side of the Challenge course.
If you are after some snowboard gear in Sapporo be sure to check out Mojane an Indy snowboard shop at 2F location in Tanuki Koji. They carry some 👌 gear both International and local, and the owner was really helpful with advice. Picked up a nice Home Mountain board bag from there when they didnt have the right one at Burton.
Finally got to try Ikinari steak on this trip. The Jaoanese sizzling steak chain is located near Tanuki Koji. The steak comes perfectly seared but still underdone in the middle and is sliced up so you can grill each piece to your liking before eating. Ikinari add a sauce and some mustard which brings out the taste of each succulent piece. It’s really good value with the largest Wild Steak at 300g and vegetables costing only 2300 Yen. Seems popular with snow trippers looking to reset their taste buds from ramen and sushi and get that needed protein.
One of the best soup curries I have had. Ordered the chicken thigh and vegetables with a heat level of 7 out of 10. The spice profile was very exotic, with a bigger punch than other restaurants. Probably my favourite soup curry so far. The place was pretty cozy with an underground feel. Jazz, skateboarding posters. I got in just before it opened for lunch and the place packed out quickly.
Located in Tanuki Koji, Sapporo's shopping street. Ramen Zero serves miso and shoyu ramen with a signature massive piece of grilled spare rib which is so big it wont fit in your bowl. Its so good! The juicy fatty slab of meat just melts in your mouth with every bite. The soup tasted quite nice and had a layer of hot hot oil on the surface, so be careful when attacking the noodles.
As a guest you can get free tickets for the resort shuttle to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.
The OMO3 Wax Bar. This was such a great set up. All kinds of wax, brushes and a digital waxing iron. Wish I had this at home.
The hotel had a gondola that used to work in the Kokusai Ski Resort. It's got a kotatsu table so you can chill there. Which would have been nice except there are very bright neon lights next to it.
