…Back again with a mini travel review for those who are too lazy to read long things…

Since this trip was a 5-day, 3-night tour, it will be a bit long, but trust me, I've tried to keep it short.

(Warning: This review may contain profanity. Readers under the age of 70 should be advised.)

We started our journey on June 2, 2018, with Thai AirAsia X from Don Mueang Airport to Japan. This flight was in economy class, and the atmosphere felt like riding a tour bus back to the provinces.

After a short nap, the morning sun in the Land of the Rising Sun greeted us at 8:40 AM local time. We quickly took care of personal matters at the Chitose Airport in Hokkaido before donning our tourist hats and hopping on the bus with lightning speed.

Our first stop was the Asahikawa Ramen Village, which houses approximately 8 ramen shops.

My friends and I randomly chose Shop No. 2... and let me tell you, it was an excellent choice. The ramen was absolutely delicious.

I chose a random dish from the menu, and since it was spicy, I went for it, even though I was worried it wouldn't be delicious.

The ramen here is not like the ramen in Thailand (of course, it's the original!). The broth is mild (and salty).

Needless to say, the authentic Japanese-style noodles are both chewy and delicious.

I tried the pork, and wow... the pork practically melts in your mouth. I completely forgot about the Thai pork after that!

However, if you eat here, you need to understand their customs. Since it's the original and they don't care about losing money (because they won't), you'll get a bowl of ramen that's almost overflowing. If you don't finish it, the chef will stand in front of you, clicking his tongue and looking thoughtful, wondering why it wasn't delicious or why you didn't finish it... Just stuff it in! Have some sympathy for him!

You can't order like you do in Thailand, such as asking for less noodles and more pork, less broth, etc.

Because the chef seems to have calculated the calories for the true health of the eater.

While the Japanese can do difficult things like reclaiming land from the sea and building bridges over the sea, they can't do simple things like giving you less noodles!

Now that you're here, don't forget to try the authentic Japanese recipe gyoza. I don't know about other restaurants, but here, the gyoza practically melts in your mouth when you bite into it. Some Thai gyoza are so hard they almost break your teeth. The marinated and well-made pork filling is like a taste of heaven... so good! It's worth the 400 yen, which is only about 100 baht.

The second place we were taken to was… Asahiyama Zoo (in the style of TV Champion).

This zoo is home to a wide variety of animals (why say it, it's a zoo!). The highlights here are the penguins, polar bears, wolves, and other exotic animals that we don't have in Thailand. The warm welcome here starts with a brochure in Thai! It's like being in Thailand and seeing a brochure in Chinese. I understand how Chinese tourists feel now, haha.

Upon arrival, we immediately headed to see the penguins.

This attraction allows visitors to get up close and personal with the penguins. The enclosure is separated by a low fence, but visitors are not allowed to touch the penguins. After enjoying watching and greeting them on land, the zoo provides an underwater tunnel where visitors can watch the penguins swim and show off. If you visit this attraction, don't miss it!

Today, Brother Bear seems to be in a bad mood. On top of that, it started to drizzle.

This forced us to cut our walk short and run for the car, as it had been raining for a while and showed no signs of stopping. We were already running late for our appointment! Damn rain!

Running back, I encountered a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. "Rocket!!!" I exclaimed, stopping for a quick photo before continuing through the rain.

The weather here is quite unpredictable, so if you're planning a visit, be sure to pack your lucky charm.

Now, for the highlight (or so I believe) of this place:

Aoiike: A Serene Oasis of Turquoise

Aoiike, also known as the "Blue Pond," is a captivating natural wonder that invites visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil beauty. Gazing upon the still, turquoise waters, one can't help but be mesmerized by the interplay of colors: the vibrant blue contrasting with the earthy hues of the surrounding dead trees and the verdant mountains that rise majestically in the background. The sky, ever-changing, adds another layer of dynamism to the scene.

The pond's color is influenced by sunlight, with brighter days revealing a more intense turquoise hue. On this particular day, however, the presence of clouds softened the color, lending it a greenish tinge.

Aoiike offers a sanctuary for those seeking respite and rejuvenation. The absence of distractions allows one to fully appreciate the serenity of the surroundings. While designated photo spots provide opportunities to capture memories, the true essence of the experience lies in simply observing and absorbing the natural ambiance.

For those who find solace in nature's embrace, Aoiike is a haven. However, those who lack an appreciation for the tranquility of the natural world might find the experience underwhelming. For the adventurous spirit who finds joy in exploring the wilderness, Aoiike presents an unforgettable encounter.

Day 2: A Dream Realized at the Otaru Music Box Museum

The second day's highlight was a visit to a place that seemed to materialize from a dream, a place where fantasy and reality intertwined. This magical destination was none other than the Otaru Music Box Museum.

Once you step into this store, it will take you a long time to get out. P.S. Prepare a lot of money if you are with a woman!

There are cute music boxes everywhere, and of course, there are many sounds to choose from. You have to try them out to see if it's the sound you like. Therefore, the sound of the music box will be heard throughout the store.

This is only a part, I couldn't take it all!

"Sapporo"

Sapporo in June still has some cold weather left due to the snow-capped mountains, making cool breezes blow throughout the day. The lowest temperature I encountered was 12 degrees Celsius.

This city is not as bustling as Tokyo because it is a small town in northern Japan. This makes it possible to stroll around the city in a relaxed and comfortable way, without the hustle and bustle of having to fight for every breath. However, one thing that is consistent throughout Japan, no matter which city you visit, is...

The discipline and love for their country. Their cities are extremely clean, with hardly any litter to be seen, even though there are hardly any trash cans in the city. The drivers are also very disciplined, and there is no reckless driving like we see back home. It is said that if you want to see the discipline of the people, look at the discipline on the roads...if it is true

If you ever get the chance to visit Japan, be sure to stop by here. You might not want to go home, just like me...

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P.S. Here's a picture of some 5A Wagyu beef. It's an incredibly cheap buffet, only about 1080 baht! You won't find this price in Thailand. Come and eat it!!!

#airplane ✈️#japan
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