Spring Has Come !

by Kazu

Why cherry blossoms are blooming so nicely without stretching their green leaves. That may be their consideration and cooperation to please and inspire the people who got over the cold and stark winter.  

The blooming cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the rising sun looked divine, majestic and like a deity spreading its wings. Err is human, God divine. So beautiful, so beautiful.  

On our way back to my hometown Kitami City, we dropped by Arte Piazza open-air museum featuring the art works made by Mr. Kan Yasuda. It was pity that there was no kinder garden on the premises any more but it was still the place of comfort and inspiration for the citizens and tourists. 

 

Cherry Blossoms Blooming along Yoichi River !

by Kazu

The both bank of the east and west of Yoichi River were planted many cherry trees decades ago and the cherry blossoms blooming beautifully now were showing the fruit of the efforts.

Each cherry blossom looked so strong and likely to bear delicious cherry fruit. Countless cherry blossoms were overwhelming and energizing for us. As it was April 30, not a holiday, very few people were strolling around the banks.

The blossoms were blooming as if they were burning flames of lives that were eager to spread their gene. The shining blue sky and the pale pink and white cherry blossoms were so inspiring and charged our batteries so much. 

 

Buckweat Noodle Bar Naritaya in Niki Town !

by Kazu

We dropped by the buckwheat noodle bar and auberge "Naritaya" in Niki to have lunch for the first time this year. My wife chose the cold buckwheat noodle topped with deep-fried aubergine, grated Daikon radish and chopped reek. 

The owner and chef of the bar also makes wine in their friend's winery. The labels of the bottles were designed by our common friend illustrator who also creates the children's picture books "Obake no Maaru", The Ghost Maaru that is loved so many kids and adults. 

On the both bankof Yoichi River, so many cherry trees were expressing their beauty of blooming blossoms.Their colors of pink were comparatively stronger than the ones in Niseko. 

 

Cherry Blossoms Blooming around the Museum!

by Kazu

The pale pink cherry blossoms blooming so high made fabulous contrast with the blue sky and white clouds floating over them. A small cafe is in the museum where the citizens are reading books and relaxing.

Some small vineyards were also there  around the Memorial Museum of the Autor Arishima Takeo in Niseko Town. Taking care of the grapevine seemed to be so tough for me because the heavy snowfall may damage them. 

The adjacent town "Niki" and Yoichi" produce so nice and delicious fruit such as grape, apple, cherry, pear, fig, plum, peach, black currant, blueberry  and gooseberry. Awarded whiskey Nikka "Taketsuru" and "Yoichi" also welcome the guests from all over the world.  

 

The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum in Niseko !

by Kazu

The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum also has so nice open space with beautiful cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei to stroll around. The famous author who established agricultural community in this area took root in the town decades ago.

He wanted to build the self-sufficient community based on the efficient agricultural system. The gorgeous landscape with a small creek that was nurturing huge in-land salmon "Itoh" seemed to be alluring many tourists and citizens.   

Some farmers were selling their produces near the museum and a small shrine was on the hillside beside the road. The design of the museum was so fantastic that it seemed to have costed millions of dollars decades ago. 

 

Breakfast in Meli Melo, Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

Other than the beefsteak rice bowl, the restaurant "Meli Melo" in Hotel Setsu Niseko provided the guest with the sandwich plate on that day. In case of fewer guests, such selected breakfast is much better than buffet style for the guests and chefs.   

I am not an aficionado of espresso and cafe latte but one of the staff from Italy Fernando kindly made so refreshing and inspiring cafe as usual. I was very happy to see him and have the privilege to have his coffee. 

Niseko Town has some fabulous and cozy park in its area. This park with the great landscape of Mt. Yotei and ample parking lot is located beside the road from the National Route to the train station of the town. Day camping facility is available and beautiful cherry blossoms welcomed us on that day.

 

Relaxation in Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

We make a point of staying in Hotel Setsu Niseko on my wife's birthday every year. A compliment birthday cake for my wife was waiting for us every year. We really appreciate the hospitality of the hotel staff headed by the Manager Ms. Tamoto.  

The relaxation room in front of the hot spring spa in the hotel was decorated in so relaxing and sophisticated way but it must be tough to keep the shelves and items clean, spic and span.

I've never seen many people are chatting in this area but some people are waiting for their partner or family, drinking the fruit water. No automatic massage machine in the room because so nice relaxation and aesthetic room is on the same floor.