kinako-anko
On the second day of October 20, 2018, I took a shuttle bus to the top of Mount Hakodate, which is currently closed for regular maintenance for a month. I wanted to arrive before the sun set, but unfortunately, I didn't make it in time. When I hurried to the observation deck, I was met with a huge crowd eager to enjoy the million-dollar night view of Hakodate. The observation deck was packed with tourists, both from overseas and Japan, making it a popular spot. I managed to take some photos while it was still light, and then I purchased some souvenirs from the shop inside the observation deck before going back up to capture the beautiful night view of Hakodate city as it gradually darkened. The crowd had thinned out by then, allowing me to take some amazing pictures of the night view. I took a break at the "Tea Lounge Regart" on the third floor of the observation deck. It's a cafeteria-style place where you can easily enjoy drinks and snacks while admiring the stunning night view of Hakodate through the windows. I ordered a "Drift Ice Draft" beer for 720 yen (tax included). It was a light blue beer inspired by the Okhotsk Sea and drift ice. Although I was tempted by the "Seafood Pizza" and "Crab and Sea Urchin Gratin," I had decided to have dinner at a revolving sushi restaurant near my hotel, so I settled for just a small bottle of beer. I couldn't secure a front-row seat at the observation deck, but I managed to get a table by the window at the Tea Lounge and enjoyed my drink. The "Drift Ice Draft" beer, made with water from the drift ice in the Okhotsk Sea and natural dye from gardenia seeds, had a refreshing taste, especially enjoyable while gazing at the magnificent night view. Afterward, I lined up for the shuttle bus back, enduring a long wait, and finally made it back to the ropeway station after a two-hour visit to Mount Hakodate. If I had known, I should have just taken a taxi from the beginning, but it would have cost around 5000 yen for the round trip and waiting time, which seemed unreasonable. Despite the time it took and the cold temperature at the summit (the lowest that day was 6°C), the effort of climbing was more than worth it. After getting off the ropeway, I visited the nearby "Motomachi Church Group," including Hakodate St. John's Church, Hakodate Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Motomachi Church, all beautifully lit up, enjoying the Western atmosphere. I strolled around the Bay Area and returned to the hotel after 7 pm. Now, let's have dinner at a revolving sushi restaurant and savor the seafood of Hakodate. Bon appétit!