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Thursday July 9th
Finally, another theme park day! (I apologise for the lack of rollercoaster content). I started the day again with breakfast in the Hilton executive lounge. And I enjoyed Eggs Royale with a view of the Nishi-Shinjuku skyscrapers. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...93b74abbf.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...27e104a36.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a43ab4e3e.jpegMy first park of the day was Joypolis. I wouldn’t normally have made my way here, but Thunder Dolphin was closed (at Tokyo Dome City Attractions) and this park does have one rollercoaster, so it met the criteria for my trip report. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b2926e205.jpegGekion Live Coaster - I am not sure how describe this other than “quirky”. It is a spinning coaster, but it actually starts as an interactive game! Each of the four riders has to press each of their three buttons to the rhyme of JPOP music. And after each round one is crowned the winner. After I think three rounds? The actual coaster part starts. A voice announces in English “are you ready?”. We proceed through some mist and then are launched. There was one fun inversion - I liked the hang time on it. In the end I think I rode this four times? The queues were always quite short, less than 10 minutes and sometimes walk on. So I never bought a priority pass. I started to get better at the game part of the ride and eventually one it on my penultimate ride! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...550f356e9.jpegThere were a few fun non-coaster rides that I did. Spicy Taxi, was a “driving simulator”/quiz. I was not good at the quiz part of it! But I rode by myself, and so never felt competitively threatened. Wild Wing - a kind of flying simulator that reminded me of Voletarium at Europa Park. Surprisingly fun. Murder Lodge - a horror themed attraction. Surprisingly scary - especially wearing the headphones that had an ASMR like effect that was terrifying. After one final ride on Gekion, I left early to proceed to my next amusement park! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f5c322cd.jpegTokyo DisneySea was stunning. It was evident the massive budget Disney parks have for theming, and here it was money well spent. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4ba4bfab1.jpegMy first ride was Tower of Terror. I usually don’t like drop towers, but this ride was quite fun and not scary at all. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d1332921.jpegI rode the “DisneySea Electric Railway” to my next ride. The train reminds me of the Chicago L and other elevated city railways in the USA. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5194e5e4.jpegNemo & Friends SeaRider was another simulator ride like Wild Wing. Though this time underwater/marine based! It had a sweet story based on Finding Nemo. There were lots of popcorn booths around the park, and they all had very long queues. That was due to each having a unique flavour, I remember seeing ones like Garlic Shrimp. I had a Chilli flavoured popcorn, which I liked. And also a churro, which had a soy sugar topping! https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c208e7e05.jpegJourney to the Center of the Earth was my favourite ride. And also the best dark ride that I’ve been on. The attention to detail and scenery in the ride was incredible. And the last section was very fun too. Unfortunately I only got to ride this once as the attraction closed early. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4ddede6d9.jpegIndiana Jones Adventure was also a fun dark ride, but I definitely preferred Journey to the Center of the Earth. On one occasion I sat in the front row, at the “drivers seat”. Instead of a normal safety rail I got to hold onto a steering wheel. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...039de90bc.jpegFlounder's Flying Fish Coaster, was unfortunately closed that day. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...585ba3e4a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f46b575a.jpegLastly the one coaster I got to ride at DisneySea was Raging Spirits. Although a steel coaster it was definitely in the style of a wooden one. Like Gekion, it had just a single inversion. The scariest part of this ride was there was no storage for loose items. We were expected to keep caps/small bags and other such items next to our feet on the floor. Thankfully none of my items fell off the rid https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1e5c8cc9c.jpegI left the park just as it was closing. There were swarms of people! I took the Disney monorail to Resort Gateway station. And then changed to the Keiyō line. Both trains were standing room only! And then I took the Marunouchi Line back to my hotel from Tokyo Station. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...146b4e002.jpegAstonishingly despite visiting two parks I only rode 2 rollercoasters! That leaves my coaster tally at just 30! |
All looks great fun! :tu:
Snookered yourself naming the thread, unfortunately - but still you did a lot of extra non-rollercoaster rides, that has to make up for it a little. |
Originally Posted by WiSK
(Post 37192463)
All looks great fun! :tu:
Snookered yourself naming the thread, unfortunately - but still you did a lot of extra non-rollercoaster rides, that has to make up for it a little. |
Originally Posted by Jetsetpensioner
(Post 37200389)
That is true! Maybe I will keep this TR going until I reach 80 coasters. Still have some more park reports coming soon.
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Friday July 4th.
Can't believe I'm almost 2 weeks behind on my trip report! I got up early today to get to my next amusement park, which was a bit of a way out from Tokyo. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...791905815.jpegHad breakfast again in the executive lounge. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1474e33f3.jpegI took the Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku station to Fujikyu (Fuji-Q) Highland station. Although I bought my ticket the day before I got a seat on the 9:30am rather than 8:30am service. I liked the train. It was surprisingly busy. Many tourists onboard who didn’t reserve a seat (thinking they could just sit in unoccupied ones). All the seats were reserved. So they had a rude shock that they would be standing for the entire journey to Mount Fuji. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2aad574f2.jpegI drank a ginger ale on the train, and tried to book my Fuji-Q Highland ticket/passport for the day (which I somehow managed to achieve). The rail journey became quite scenic as it went deeper into the mountains. As we got closer to the park I could start to see some of the rides from the train window. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c13b757b3.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...556b8c567.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1084a3aee.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c9bf35074.jpegThe park uses facial recognition to enter the rides, so I set that up as I entered the park. (Greeted with a view of Eejanaika). https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c48a2cd0c.jpegMy first rides were not coasters, surprisingly! I started with Sky Cycle, a ride in which one cycles along a coaster like track around a short course. I liked it, but of course very gentle. Next I bought a priority pass for what I thought was one of the rollercoasters. It was actually for a water rapids ride, with a lift hill and descent similar to a log flume! As I ascended I was facing backwards which was cool. But I was very nervous that the raft could slip over the slide edge so not the most enjoyable attraction! After this I began a long journey of trying to find a mobile charging station. There were no charging ports available on the train. And most of the chargespot stations didn’t have any spare power banks. At one point an attendant sent me outside the park - where there was meant to be a charging station in a restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b83fa6294.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f2872fd34.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14dff49c6.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1bef275fe.jpegI managed to eventually rent a power bank outside Zokkon, my next ride and first rollercoaster. This was my first experience on a “motorcycle” style rollercoaster ride. I bought a priority pass but there was still a very long wait to get on the ride, about half an hour. In fact I wouldn’t have saved any time had I just stood in the regular line. The ride itself was fun. For safety we were instructed to always hold onto the handle bars and lean forward (which I did). It was a multi launch coaster and also had music playing throughout the course. So it was a fun ride. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...78f7c1cbf.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12ba42754.jpeg RIP Do-Dodonpa. Gone too soon but not forgotten. My second rollercoaster, Takabisha I was quite nervous to ride! So I took a break by visiting Thomasland. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6ad6f11ad.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...504591216.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9732235c3.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...47484c2f3.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8caf33ce4.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ab7d283b.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ee00bce32.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...08748d64f.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc9c29345.jpegEventually I braved the ride. But I chose to stand in the regular queue in case I chickened out. At many points I did want to leave the queue. Eventually we were strapped in one the train. I was relived to be in the second row so I wouldn’t see the vertical lift hill (which was terrifying me). We proceeded through the dark tunnel and accelerated. And went through half the course powered by the launch. And then we started the vertical lift hill. The train climbed up it really slowly. And even though we were “sitting”, we were essentially lying down with our knees elevated due to the angle. I was physically shaking as we went up! And then at the top the hill we paused, looking down at the beyond vertical drop. The drop was fine, and not scary at all for me. And I enjoyed the rest of the course. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...801a15a97.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9cc3b19ca.jpegBraving Takabisha, I felt ready to take on Eejanaika. But as I got to the ride entrance, the priority pass machines were and covered in wrap and turned off. And I proceeded to the queue entry, but the staff turned me away, saying it the queue was closed. This was despite it being before 4pm and the park closing at 5pm! Two other guests were allowed to enter the queue anyway (which the staff said were because they had bought priority passes, which I would have happily done if I could). I asked if I could go on as a single rider, and fill in the inevitable gaps that would occur on the train. But they wouldn’t entertain that idea. Quite ridiculous, as at better run venues like Europa Park, the queues close at the park closing time. I started to understand why coaster enthusiasts hate how Fuji-Q is run even calling it “Fuji-Queue”. Adding insult to injury Fujiyama was closed the entire day. And I got no views of Mount Fuji unfortunately due to cloud cover. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...acbbeed98.jpegSo I went back to Takabisha, but the queue for that was also closed. And same for Zokkon. So I spent the last hour reriding Naruto X Boruto Ninja Voltage 3D Shooting Ride. A dark ride/shooting game, which at least got better the more that I did it. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abe446a34.jpegSince I didn’t brave Eejanaika I bought this "I'm chicken" cap as a souvenir. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...69deee81b.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ab9f0c530.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b0c76ad6.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f3a204561.jpeg I then took the slow Fuji Excursion train back to Tokyo. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...61082f78d.jpeg For dinner I ate at the hotel buffet. It was not bad but didn't seem worth the price, and the food quality was underwhelming. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4b5eaef22.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...960f19360.jpeg |
July 5th
I slept in that morning and I had my final breakfast at the Hilton Tokyo lounge. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...72bf0810d.jpegI had already sent my suitcase to my next hotel via Yamato. So I had the challenge of fitting all my other clothing in a single backpack! Meanwhile the front desk called my room as I’d already gone past check out time. I took the Yamanote line from Shinjuku to Shinaagawa. And then changed to Keikyu train to Haneda - which was surprisingly busy! But the escalator and then cross platform interchange was very convenient. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...470b5fb47.jpegI arrived at JAL’s domestic checkin. I had no luggage so proceeded through security which was virtually empty. Once I was airside I struggled to find the JAL lounges! I even asked JAL staff who sent me in different directions, one who tried to send me to a credit card lounge. Eventually I returned landside and found the JAL first class checkin. And from there went through the security into the lounge precinct. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...daa19c33a.jpegThe Diamond Premier lounge was not bad. The furnishings inside were beautiful, and I was able to get a seat looking onto the tarmac. The food offerings were limited but good quality for domestic. I particularly liked the caramel popcorn. I also enjoyed the massage chair, which was in a private room separated from the rest of the lounge. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fda7f6b55.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d5d9fb60.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23d12a9a7.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29e62973a.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8d857706a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...628eb914f.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2f3296cbe.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c36b1ec9a.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...55c06691d.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da818e958.jpegBoarding the plane, I was surprised to see the A350 domestic F cabin had all the window shades down, creating a rather dimly lit environment. I also was impressed that JAL could board a full A350 in just 20 minutes! Many European airlines struggle to board an A319 in that time. The leather seating was very comfortable. Though on such a short flight, with meal service included the recline seemed almost unnecessary. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7b4a31bf7.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...80f094b94.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4eed54087.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...224bf5d17.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e0d293af.jpegAfter takeoff I enjoyed looking back at Haneda from the air. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57152f7cd.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9dc67df48.jpegA meal was served at 4pm, not sure whether to call it lunch or dinner? It was cold but very refreshing in the summer humidity. There were deep fried prawns and chicken, and a “Chinese cold noodle” dish. Dessert was a biscuit sandwich, that while small was very tasty. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3bf618e45.jpegtook a photo of the JAL crane logo onboard, and one of the flight attendants thanked me for doing so! As we approached CTS I also had a nice view of the airport runways. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...663108c9a.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e379c0965.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a8e9dd988.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b8ae8222f.jpegAnd after landing the aerobridge was connected to the plane quite quickly. At the airport train station there were long queues for the ticket machines. So I instead just used my suica and obtained an unreserved seat. Since the train was crowded I transferred at Shin-Sapporo and continued on the Tozai subway line. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...49c27dcac.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6b47583a.jpeg I was staying at the Sosei Hotel, part of Accor’s MGallery collection. I experienced some culture shock in the check in process. It was a long process. Initially I handed my passport to the front desk agent. She offered me a welcome drink (icy and with crushed strawberries inside) and a refrigerated Lindt chocolate. She added “you have a delivery”, which I confirmed was my luggage and that was brought up to my room. The hotel didn’t have an executive lounge but instead the bar offered afternoon tea and later canapés in the late afternoon/early evening. I had a ginger ale and prawn cocktail. The bartender asked me why I had come to Sapporo and I told him “to escape the heat in Tokyo”. He exclaimed “me too!”. He also asked if I was doing anything this evening, to which I asked him for suggestions. “Don’t ask me, I just arrived!” He eventually suggested I go to the local park, and sit on the bench. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ba5322368.jpegMy room felt quite quirky, particularly the furniture. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f593d057c.jpegI then went to the nearest 7-eleven to pick up some onigiri for dinner. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f07dd0d7.jpeg |
What an absolutely wonderful TR! I'm really enjoying this one.
I'm a big fan of rollercoasters myself, so this report has made me green with envy! |
I’ve returned to my normal life, which meant I’ve been a bit less active in my posting. I promise I will keep adding to the trip report, there is more to come!
July 6 I enjoyed breakfast at MGallery Sosei. Though unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the buffet! I enjoyed miso soup, a ramen egg and rice. Also had an omelette from the egg station. And there was some garlic naan, which I did not expect but was nonetheless delicious. There were made to order hot drinks (a step up from Hilton), so I enjoyed a sencha tea, which looked exceptionally vibrant! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2d4f44a4d.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...10be59575.jpegAround noon I went to Sapporo station. And had a short day trip to Otaru. So I could have a window view I reserved a U seat. Though at the ticket reservation machine the next train was full, so I booked the train after. There were some really pretty sea views on the second half of the train journey. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...64e854e78.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b1d582926.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1db8ceba6.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a72994611.jpegI briefly walked around Otaru, enjoying glimpses of the canal and port. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f590c4f09.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cdbf8a7fb.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23617e2c0.jpegThere also was a decommissioned rail line, which people could walk along. Was cool to photograph along the track, without any worry of an incoming train! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d7e97d014.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8fc1d3b2d.jpegI got back to the hotel in time for the afternoon tea. There was a surprisingly nice range of cakes and small desserts. I particularly liked the madeleines. And during the service I added to this trip report (and yet was falling behind and still haven’t caught up!) Immediately following afternoon tea, the bar served savoury bites for the happy hour. I particulatly liked the freshly made pizza. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...acff1ca33.jpegAt dusk I decided to follow the previous day’s advice of the hotel bartender to walk to the park and sit on a bench. It was a pleasant walk, though when I reached the park it appeared to be closed for the day. So I ended up returning to the hotel, picking up some onigiri balls from 7-Eleven for supper. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73fd59fc1.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ddeb77cc6.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8302c5c57.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3787ffff1.jpeg |
Originally Posted by WJB
(Post 37236804)
What an absolutely wonderful TR! I'm really enjoying this one.
I'm a big fan of rollercoasters myself, so this report has made me green with envy! |
And now some very belated updates to my trip report! Was swamped over the last few months so unfortunately did not have time to write here.
I will keep adding the missing days (and rollercoasters) from my journey in July. And I also will write about a rollercoaster interlude from Halloween. I can also promise that I will have new adventures (and more rollercoasters!) from January 8 (2026). While I still have not reached 80 rollercoasters, it is definitely my intention to keep writing until I have reached at least 80 unique rollercoasters, so this thread will not be going away any time soon! Anyway, continuing from where I left off! July 7th, Sapporo. I decided that I wanted to take another train trip around Hokkaido, this time seeing the mountains. After a nice breakfast (I only photographed the matcha latte that I had to sip quickly so I wouldn’t miss my train)! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6808e255d.jpegI walked to Sapporo station. Even up north in Hokkaido I underestimated just how hot it would be. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...71f1d9ab1.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...06f6b1059.jpegI took the “lilac express” limited express to Asahikawa. I sat in the green car, which was empty apart from two Japanese businessmen who were also travelling to Asahikawa. Did not have any photos of the train aside from this very blurry shot! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5a82a820f.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...16d0dac0d.jpegFor the remainder of the journey I switched to a small two carriage diesel train that took me to Furano. It was beautifully painted with Lavender art covering the exterior. The views from the train on this leg were very pretty. almost surreal in with the lush saturated colours of nature. I was surprised by the lack of mountains except in the distant horizon. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5c54553d.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b8ee75863.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d455ea62f.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6bd4c9a38.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8e2f9d82.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...284a7a6ea.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8c8e0d785.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...132c9b1ba.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb1b5b110.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d45cdd5c7.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...653c68f1f.jpegAs we approached Furano I could see lavender farms to the right side of the train. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...84ee0737a.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b359c831.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c7e4a5b96.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a0aa74438.jpeg |
I walked briefly around Furano but even here it was too hot and sunny to be outside for long.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f5228d89c.jpegI sought refuge in a small cafe and enjoyed a strawberry soft serve made with local Hokkaido milk. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...468102a29.jpegI then remembered that Furano has a cheese factory, so ordered a taxi through didi to take me there. This was my first experience with a taxi in Japan, and was surprised to see the doors opening themselves, without any need for I or the driver to open or close them manually! https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f38f55abb.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30ec0544d.jpegI ordered two pieces of margarita pizza, made on the premises with their buffalo mozzarella. The ordering machine was cash only, and warned of an hour wait. I committed a faux pas by attempting to sit at a bench, that two Japanese ladies had already claimed as their own. The dining hall was otherwise full, so I waited until a table was vacated - careful to avoid any tables reserved with personal items. I had already booked my journey back to Sapporo, and became increasingly anxious about missing the train. Fortunately my pizza arrived in 50 minutes. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3e5221a6.jpeg Some more photos of the cheese factory buildings https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f90527d26.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...90db9924c.jpegThe train ride south from Furano passed even more dramatic mountain and valley scenery. With the scorching heat many of the windows were kept open, which blasted air as the train sped through tunnels! The train was just a single railcar, a contrast from the packed city trains in Tokyo. I then took a much more modern JR electric train onwards to Sapporo. Surprisingly the train did not have a green car, so I sat in a reserved ordinary car seat, which was perfectly pleasant. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d6cb1f4d7.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a689bfef8.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...31c9a62ed.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cfb00bccc.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...97ae118c9.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...db836682a.jpegI tried to walk back to the hotel without checking my phone, as I was almost out of battery. And despite getting slightly lost on the way I managed to eventually reach the hotel. I enjoyed some canapés in the “executive” happy hour in the hotel bar, although I forgot to take any photos! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...827de61e6.jpeg |
Originally Posted by Jetsetpensioner
(Post 37453738)
This was my first experience with a taxi in Japan, and was surprised to see the doors opening themselves, without any need for I or the driver to open or close them manually!
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Looking forward to more rollercoasters :cool:
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8 July 2025
I woke up from my last sleep in Sapporo. Today would be another long travel day. After breakfast at Sosei hotel, I ordered an uber to take me to Sapporo station. I know that I could have easily walked, but I was getting tired of walking in the summer heat. I learned my lesson from taking the rapid train to the airport without a reservation, and the lack of last minutes seats when booking in the reserved carriage to Otaru. So I booked a u-seat the day previously, but this meant I had a tight deadline to reach my train. I also proactively asked the hotel to courier my luggage to the next hotel via Ta-q-bin. I didn’t take any photos of the journey to the airport but it was largely unmemorable. Though the train was busy, so I was glad I reserved a seat. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3e6e4fad3.jpegLike at HND, JL offers a premium check in and private security screening leading directly into the diamond premier lounge for OWEs and domestic F passengers. Unlike last time at HND, I spotted this entry quickly! And asked at checkin to have boarding passes printed. Purely out of vanity, it humoured me to see boarding passes say “Japan Airlines First Class” despite flying domestically and paying a fraction of their long haul F fares! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f94b359b2.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c9821b5c.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2381301b.jpegThe lounge set up was very similar to HND, with a small selection of snacks including Onigiri and flavoured popcorn. And nice massage chairs, but partitioned rather than being in a seperate room. I liked spotting the different JAL aircraft from the windows overlooking the tarmac. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a98bd01ae.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74d19ebbb.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6219be10b.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...70ceb22ff.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...76f6be7c7.jpegLike my earlier JAL A350 flight, the entire F cabin had the window shades closed during boarding. I didn’t want to be impolite by being the first to open mine! But eventually other passengers slowly opened theirs. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7fc8f57eb.jpegJAL F branded wet towel. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ee30713e9.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ea41ff54.jpegI had this dish for lunch, considering it was a while ago I think it was a warm chicken dish? I always love the specially wrapped rice, which I have previously enjoyed on JAL long haul F! I always think the cuisine is one of the highlights of flying in JAL premium cabins. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...123f706e2.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ab1f6fcb0.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a63dc5bc1.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30e9d368a.jpegWe had stunning views of Tokyo during the landing into Haneda. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7cf4bdc18.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e4dad3e6.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a2d0a5b25.jpeg Shifting to views of the dockyards as we got closer to Haneda. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c56363c85.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7c05c80a3.jpeg Racing another plane due to the parallel landing setup, unfortunately we lost. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8523c19fc.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6cd07965f.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...592b0141e.jpeg |
I had a very brief visit to the JAL diamond premier lounge at HND. I can’t remember how long it was, but based on my photo timestamps likely only for 10 to 15 minutes!
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...95f40846d.jpegMatcha Popcorn flavour. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...204afdde7.jpegSeeing the smoking room area in the lounge always amuses me, with the sign “for adult smokers only”. Though I wouldn’t know what it’s like in there, as I’ve never smoked! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bfdf63010.jpegMy second JAL (domestic) F flight that day was to ITM! This time it would be on a 767, an aircraft I have not flown on in over a decade! This time the F cabin had the window shades up, with the summer sun leaving a much brighter environment than boarding on the A350! And unlike the A350, the 767 had just a single row of F seating in a 2-1-2 configuration rather than 2-2-2. And white leather seats rather than black, and no individual IFE screen (though completely unnecessary on such a short flight!) There was just one other passenger in the F cabin, a senior Japanese businessman (likely in a c-suite somewhere…) He occupied the “throne” seat, but was asked to move before takeoff (perhaps for aircraft weight destribution). So instead he sat on the left side of the cabin. I was in 1K, right side window in hopes for a view of Mount Fuji. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c82521d5.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7d3752bec.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...314ec0e87.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f49a8ee89.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2418c946a.jpegThe drinks menu highlighted that the champagne was served at the Prince William and Catherine’s royal wedding, which was reason enough for me to drink it. If my meal looked familiar that is because it is the exact same dish I had on my previous HND flight to CTS, several days prior! Though the cold noodles were nicely refreshing during the summer heat! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5e50e078.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ca012aa8.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aff8fbace.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c70cb5b5c.jpegFrom the window I could see just the top of Mount Fuji, appearing surprisingly dark as if it were in shadow. The rest of the mountain was obscured by clouds. Not long after that we began our descent into Osaka Itami. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0d10a454f.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3ad74a45.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...45f852910.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...67abfe00a.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57962f98e.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...50593be3b.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e19737391.jpegDescending surprisingly close to nearby buildings. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4dc85fc5e.jpeg As we were prepared for landing the flight attendants swapped my glass for a plastic cup, so I could keep drinking. But I still had the glass bottle of the guava juice. So I tried to hold onto the bottle with one hand and film the landing with the other. Unfortunately this plan didn't work as the cup still fell onto the ground during landing. I apologised profusely at the FAs and they reciprocated the apologies! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...07b453206.jpegFrom Itami I had two options, wait for the direct limousine bus to Kyoto. Or go by rail, with two transfers. Yes, you can guess which I picked! I arrived at the monorail platform, and managed to get a seat for the short ride. Transferring at Hotarugaike station, I entered a Hankyu train which was standing room only. I thought the maroon livery made the trains rather pretty. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...afec926f1.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4e1a9deef.jpegArriving at Osaka Umeda station all I had to was walk across to Osaka Station, an easy transfer right? I ended up getting extremely lost, walking instead into the Hankyu department store!! And then considering it was peak hour/6pm I figured I would reserve a seat on a limited express train to Kyoto, rather than try to squeeze onto a packed local train. I booked the Haruka train in green car. But I still ended up getting even more lost trying to find the underground platform for Haruka. I spoke to station attendant asking if I could change to a later train but he said that I still had time. So I ran trying to find the platform, eventually reaching it miraculously before the train arrived. The train had very pretty Hello Kitty furnishings as well as exterior. And again the green car was almost empty! https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...89e6c42a1.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7fbd2745b.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dfdce132c.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12b479e62.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...544921922.jpegI walked to the doubletree hotel and checked in. I had booked a queen room. At the front desk I got the typical “thank you for your loyalty” spiel and was told I had been upgraded …to a twin room. I asked if I could be upgraded to something else, as the hotel was still showing that suites were available. The front desk agent refused, saying that they did not upgrade to suites. And so I declined the twin room, perceiving that to be downgrade to a queen bed. So I stuck to my queen room as I originally booked, and complained to the diamond desk line (which is a whole other story of things going sideways). Front desk called me later that evening, but insisted that the twin room was “an upgrade not a downgrade”, even with the smaller bed as it was a “premium” rather than standard room designation. She offered instead that if I vacated my room tomorrow by the morning checkout time (I think 11am), I could switch to a king room from that afternoon. While an upgrade, now it felt like being evicted during the day when I had paid for a multi-night stay. But I didn’t mind clearing the room, as I would be going to an amusement park the next day anyway. And I only had my backpack with me anyway, as I tracked Yamato Ta-Q-Bin luggage and saw it was in Tokyo, waiting at a logistics hub for its next movement. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...675ca4f94.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...696fd9c04.jpeg |
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