The Photo Spot beside Hirafu Slope !

by Kazu

This is one of the most popular photo spot beside Hirafu Slope in Kutcha/Niseko area other than the one on the premises of Takahashi Ranch. On the Mt. Yotei side in Hotel Skye premises, another photo spot was arranged but that is in front of the restaurant "Kumo" in the hotel.  

So the people taking photos must be observed by the guests of the restaurant at meal times. Even now, some areas are developed and changing. Swallowing many tourists from other area of Japan and other countries, Kutchan/Niseko area will have to solve the new problems and conflicts forever. 

We do not use the accommodations in the area in winter because the staying cost splurge in winter and sometimes they require over consecutive three-night stay. Heavy snowfall also discourage us to visit there because my wife do not enjoy skiing nor snowboarding in cold temperature.

 

The Cheese waiting for their turn !

by Kazu

Experimentally, unmanned bus is carrying the tourists in the area of Kutchan and Niseko Area for free of charge but it must be tough to use the system in winter season with heavy snowfalls. 

Taking off the heavy snow from the railway is so tough in unmanned station and the mountain course may be abolished after the railway for bullet train is built from Hakodate to Sapporo through Oshamanbe, Muroran, Tomakomai, Chitose, Eniwa and Kitahiroshima.

Some accommodations provides the guests with the transportation service from their facility and Kutchan/Niseko but I am not sure if the service is available to this unmanned station in winter.  

 

Hirafu Train Station at the bottom of the valley !

by Kazy

Some families were enjoying downhill bicycle ride on the downhill ski course of Mt. Niseko Annupri in the afternoon on that day. I recognized the number and ratio of the Caucasians increased so much  . 

A the bottom of Hirafu Valley, unmanned train station was breathing so calmly and waiting for the arrival of the new comers. Some houses are near the station and abolished Japanese inn was in front of the station.

A red  post was in front of the entrance and a snow shooter was having long rest in the station. It must work hard in winter. It may be tough to use the station in winter ski season but the station has to function even in the heavy snowfall. 

 

Before the Dinner in Meli Melo in Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

A sic and beautiful butterfly was having a rest in front of Hotel Setsu Niseko in the afternoon. The beautiful shape of the wing and contrast of black and pale blue can not be made naturally, I think.   

Evolution theory can't explain enough to make such beautiful design. For what purpose the contrast and colors were created? To leave their genes ? To avoid attacks by other species ? The genius designer of the nature must be omnipotent.    

The sunlight from the west horizon colored Mt. Yotei and cloud like a white wig orange and pale pink before our dinner. I walked around Hirafu Slope and recognized new buildings under construction there. I felt something complex watching the beautiful landscape.   

 

The Birthday Service of Meli Melo in Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

The starter of the course dinner in Restaurant Meli Melo of Hotel Setsu Niseko was the mixture of smoked and chopped radish called "Iburigakko" and cream cheese filled in the wafers. Cold green pea potage followed.      

Steamed cauliflower topped with  shredded mimolette cheese was more tasteful than I had expected. The sauteed pork loin sourced locally was served with grilled petit tomato, onion and potato.    

The grilled chicken thigh was also so tasteful and had thick texture. It was so appealing to our tongue.This is the special birthday dessert plate that wrapped up the dinner. We really appreciate their hospitality and kindness. Particularly the manager Ms. Tamoto works wonder  every time we stay there.

 

The Course Dinner of Meli Melo in Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

We rarely use Restaurant Meli Melo in Hotel Setsu Niseko for dinner but we tried the dinner course in that evening. Of course, we have breakfast in the restaurant whenever we stay there but as each room is equipped with Miele kitchen appliances including IH and microwave oven, we can select and savor the culinary delights sourced locally.     

To be honest, I think the grade of the cuisine to be savored in the area got much higher than before and they use and coordinate the veggies, meats, dairy foods and seafood so nicely  but we can enjoy what we want to savor the food on the occasion and place. 

Nevertheless, we were so satisfied with the quality and taste of the dishes of the dinner course in the restaurant on that day. Everything was sourced in the area, I think. Different from the room dinner, the course dinner in the restaurant was photogenic.

 

Restaurant Mandriano run by Takahashi Ranch !

 

by Kazu

The pastoral Italian ristorante Mandriano run by Takahashi Ranch provides the visitors with genuine tasteful top-quality cheese made in the ranch. To control of the quality of dishes must be tough to make the most of the genuine quality of the ingredients but the staff seemed to be well-trained and learned a lot.    

The photo spot on the northern side of the ranch is so well designed with sunflower, hay roll, used old tractor to cultivate the field and scarecrow. Many visitors were enjoying the landscape and recording happy memories on the spot.

Fortunately, the visitors taking photos seemed to be paying attention to others and disciplined, so far. I hope no arrogant visitors would not come here and other places in Hokkaido at all, if possible.