Hakodate, a daylight view...
Elevator operators and guides
At the top of the tower
Surprise! Landfall after six days at sea. Our first Japanese stop, in Hakodate, was delightful. Situated on the northernmost Japanese island, Hokkaido, this city is 260 kilometers from Sapporo, but only 3 kilometers from Russia (you know, the Russia to which we were refused entrance). As a result of missing Petropavlosk, Regent Seven Seas Cruises arranged for an extra day and overnight in Hakodate. The passengers and crew were truly ready for some time on land!
After several downpours, being fingerprinted, and having our eyes scanned…the Japanese customs officials finally welcomed us with open arms. We boarded a bus for an evening off the ship with 14 other Regent guests. The first stop was on top of Mt. Hakodate, which although only 1100 feet tall, yielded what is hailed as one of the top three most beautiful night views in the world. We were not disappointed. It was a clear, crisp evening, and we arrived at exactly the right time to view the city below. It was fabulous! We were treated to the shimmering lights of Hakodate, and the bays which literally twinkled with the reflection of city lights and the many boats with their lights shining like stars. We especially were amazed at the lights on squid fishing boats drawing their prey to the surface.
A Kaiseki traditional 11-course meal followed at the Kira Restaurant. We were served by kimono-clad waitresses who bowed every time they served us. Hakodate is known for its cold water fish and agriculture. The menu consisted of items grown right in the city (or nearby). We had tuna, yellow fin, salmon, sashimi, parma ham and melons (very expensive here), shrimp stuffed potato dumplings, miso soup, rice, beef tenderloin, eggplant, crab and much tofu, with touches of wasabi on many dishes. The Japanese are quick to say they not have “intoxicated” milk like the Chinese and, therefore, we should feel free to eat everything. (Today’s paper, however, stated that Japanese crackers were tainted with milk from China, so…we are being careful to watch what we eat!)
Early on day two, we began our Virtuoso shore excursion. For those of you not familiar with Virtuoso, it is an organization of the top travel agencies in the world. Because Cruise Specialists belongs (and was a founding member), each segment of this cruise we are treated to their special shore excursion. This one began with a visit to Goryokaku Castle (originally from the Shogun era of the feudal lords in the mid 1800s). Unfortunately, the fortress and castle were destroyed, but it has been turned into a gorgeous, lush park surrounded by Japan’s famous cherry blossom trees and a water-filled moat. The star-shaped outline was viewable from the enclosed viewing platform high atop the Goryokaku Tower which sits just outside the moat.
Our coach next ventured up the narrow, winding roads to the top of Mt. Hakodate, for a daytime view of the city. Although spectacular, it did not hold a candle to the night time view. A luncheon at the Kokusai Hotel followed, with just six courses!
Following lunch, we returned to the Mariner arriving just in time for sail away, and a performance by the Japanese Taiko Drum corps. Their performance took place on the dock where we were fortunate to be invited to the Weiricks’ suite right above the drummers. It was an energetic performance given as the lines were released from the pier…and we were off to Sendai, tomorrow’s port of call.
After several downpours, being fingerprinted, and having our eyes scanned…the Japanese customs officials finally welcomed us with open arms. We boarded a bus for an evening off the ship with 14 other Regent guests. The first stop was on top of Mt. Hakodate, which although only 1100 feet tall, yielded what is hailed as one of the top three most beautiful night views in the world. We were not disappointed. It was a clear, crisp evening, and we arrived at exactly the right time to view the city below. It was fabulous! We were treated to the shimmering lights of Hakodate, and the bays which literally twinkled with the reflection of city lights and the many boats with their lights shining like stars. We especially were amazed at the lights on squid fishing boats drawing their prey to the surface.
A Kaiseki traditional 11-course meal followed at the Kira Restaurant. We were served by kimono-clad waitresses who bowed every time they served us. Hakodate is known for its cold water fish and agriculture. The menu consisted of items grown right in the city (or nearby). We had tuna, yellow fin, salmon, sashimi, parma ham and melons (very expensive here), shrimp stuffed potato dumplings, miso soup, rice, beef tenderloin, eggplant, crab and much tofu, with touches of wasabi on many dishes. The Japanese are quick to say they not have “intoxicated” milk like the Chinese and, therefore, we should feel free to eat everything. (Today’s paper, however, stated that Japanese crackers were tainted with milk from China, so…we are being careful to watch what we eat!)
Early on day two, we began our Virtuoso shore excursion. For those of you not familiar with Virtuoso, it is an organization of the top travel agencies in the world. Because Cruise Specialists belongs (and was a founding member), each segment of this cruise we are treated to their special shore excursion. This one began with a visit to Goryokaku Castle (originally from the Shogun era of the feudal lords in the mid 1800s). Unfortunately, the fortress and castle were destroyed, but it has been turned into a gorgeous, lush park surrounded by Japan’s famous cherry blossom trees and a water-filled moat. The star-shaped outline was viewable from the enclosed viewing platform high atop the Goryokaku Tower which sits just outside the moat.
Our coach next ventured up the narrow, winding roads to the top of Mt. Hakodate, for a daytime view of the city. Although spectacular, it did not hold a candle to the night time view. A luncheon at the Kokusai Hotel followed, with just six courses!
Following lunch, we returned to the Mariner arriving just in time for sail away, and a performance by the Japanese Taiko Drum corps. Their performance took place on the dock where we were fortunate to be invited to the Weiricks’ suite right above the drummers. It was an energetic performance given as the lines were released from the pier…and we were off to Sendai, tomorrow’s port of call.
No comments:
Post a Comment