Business Jaunt to Date City and Soubetsu Town !

by Kazu

I visited Sobetsu Town to discuss the most appropriate procedure to rebuild the slope of the mountain made of the dehydrated debris of the wastewater form the abolished sulfur mine. I had worked on this matter since  last November but the way to the goal may be long.

The still-growing volcano Mt. Showashinzan could be seen on our way to Date City. We were lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful landscape around the Eruption Bay and Lake Toya on that day. 

 Usually, we have lunch in a pastoral Italian Restaurant "Bokka" in Date City to buy their own Yogurt my wife loved but after buying two packs of Yogurt we headed to a buckwheat noodle bar in the residential area of the city on that day.  Deep-fried octopus was the chef's signature lunch set of the bar.  

 

Autumn in Niseko 2026 !

by Kazu

Takahashi Ranch in Niseko seemed to have expanded their business at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupri because the inbound tourists increased so much to take photos on their premises where it kindly provided them with so nice photo spot and some items against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei.

This cultivating tractor gave the image of pastoral area and their daily work on the agricultural field surrounded by mountains. I am not sure if the tourists imagine the lives in the pastoral area actually or not but the ranch had created competitive and beautiful collaboration of nature and their products that made the visitors so happy.

Besides, we have to try the new lines of frappuccino made of so sweet sweet potato  beniharuka in Starbucks Coffee chain as soon as possible to savor the seasonal taste amply. My favorite seasonal frappuccino is peach, strawberry and mango&orange but the sweet potato frappuccino must be irresistible. 
 

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.