What Traveling Solo Taught Me

To make a long story short, I booked a ticket in early January for a summer trip to Sapporo. I was so excited that within two months I finished planning. Google was my best friend at the time. I searched places to visit and how to get there, where to live, and how much money I’ll need to survive. Two months prior to my trip I had secured an apartment to live in.

BUT as my trip neared, I became terrified.

I had never been to anywhere alone. I had taken flights alone, but have had friends or family meet me in the country so my trip to Sapporo was my first real solo travel. I can’t speak Japanese, did not know anyone there, and have never been there. Let’s just say that I almost convinced myself not to get on that flight.

But I did and it was one of the best decisions thus far.

This photo was taken on my second day. It was so embarrassing setting up a tripod on a park bench.
But I made it through my embarrassment & realized no one was really watching me.

It’s been almost a year after my first solo trip. A month-long solo trip to be exact. I had been wanting to draft this blog since I got back, but felt embarrass to confess. I posted my trip endlessly via instagram throughout the month and shown only the brave (or trying to be brave) side of me.

Let me tell you, I’d do it again in a heart beat and here are three reasons why:

IT’S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK

I was exhausted this time last year. I was in a toxic relationship and work was stressful. My dreams were not being fulfilled regardless of how hard I’ve worked. I felt hopeless. I felt as if I was sinking and regardless of how hard I tried to pull myself up to stand, I just couldn’t.

Not everyone can get on a flight to simply breathe or to take a break from a stressful life. Even if you can’t travel by plane, I think it’s important for you to take yourself out of the situation. There are other ways like taking a drive to the nearby beach, going on a hike, or just simply getting yourself comfort food. The main point is that you get to be somewhere else, even if it’s just for a short while, to be away from the situation.

I was able to step out of my situation and saw clearly that I was holding on to things that were hurting me and I needed to let go.

If I did not get on that plane, I would not have been able to see this view:

View from the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower. Left photo shows Odori Park.

BEING ALONE IN PUBLIC IS OKAY

I have never been alone in public before. Being a girl meant it is scary to go to places alone. A girl should never be alone because there is a higher chance of being raped, kidnapped, or taken advantage of.

When I told people that I was going solo to Japan, they said… “that’s so dangerous, why would you go alone?” They made me doubt myself. I started to think of all the wrong things that could happen. Like I said, I almost convinced myself not to go anymore.

The fear and doubt gradually went away as the trip went on.

I spent many hours just sitting at Odori Park (see photos above) reflecting on life, planning for my goals, and observing those around me. I’d come there to read a book or even write on my journal. Being at a different place gave me the time I needed to breathe and to fully see my realities. It also taught me the most important lesson I’ve learned – it’s okay to be alone (especially in public).

Trust yourself that you know what to do if ever a danger arrives. Also, you are smart enough to know how to avoid dangerous situation.

You are capable of being alone and only you can do the things you want to do. Doesn’t it suck not being able to try that new boba shop because all of your friends are working?

Sapporo Clock Tower

THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF

Here are some of the things I’ve learned about myself:

  • Ice cream is definitely my comfort food. I knew that I like ice cream, but the trip made me realize that I loooove ice cream. I had a soft-serve almost everyday for an entire month. (Hokkaido has the best dairy products).
  • Museums are not boring. Museums are a great place to see how things have changed overtime. I was reminded that though things can be rough now, it will get better overtime. Just look at how our phones transformed from flip phone to touch screen. Life might be hard and complicated now, but later much easier to manage because of all the lessons learned and not wanting history to repeat itself.
  • Time is never wasted. I used to think that if you weren’t doing something productive, it was time wasted. I got lost majority of the time. Despite the map on my phone, I got off at the wrong train station, got in a bus heading to the opposite direction, and walked into a building I have no idea about. But the unplanned paths had led me to amazing places and experiences – a small park with a river running through, a shopping center with the best pancakes, and a small alley with the tastiest ramen. Unexpected things happen and special circumstances occur – there are many things beyond your control and it’s okay.
  • I am obsessed with penguins! The only reason I used to justify my visits to many zoos and aquariums on my trip was “there’s a penguin there.” I even traveled 3-4 hours to go to Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe to see the Penguin Parade.

Thank you for reading this far. I’m grateful for you and I hope you find yourself traveling solo and learning about yourself as well.

CHECK OUT MY HOKKAIDO BLOGS:

Solo travel to Otaru, Japan

A “late” post would be an understatement. It has been six months since my solo travel to Otaru and I have been in denial that I’m back to my reality. I’m half kidding. The first time I heard of Otaru was in a famous Filipino romantic comedy movie called Kita Kita that came out in…

by Amy

Summer in Noboribetsu, Japan

We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani is one of mine! This post will highlight my experience and adventure in Noboribetsu.

by Amy

The Day I Became a Flower in Noboribetsu, Japan

COVID-19 ruined many of our travel plans. We just need to wait it out – watch Netflix, eat, and exercise at the comfort of our OWN home. I’ve done every single one of those every day for a week now so to change things up, I’m going to share a travel story: MY FUNNY TRAVEL…

by Amy

Day Trip to Asahikawa, Japan

Asahikawa is in Hokkaido, Japan. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. It is beautiful, mesmerizing, and definitely worth visiting! I spent more than a month in Hokkaido, and Asahikawa is one of the cities I visited. Many people automatically think about Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka when it comes to Japan, but Japan has so…

by Amy

Hakodate’s Relaxing Nature

When you’re in Hakodate, you can’t ignore the beauty of Mother Nature. Trees are everywhere. Although it is a city, the trees sway freely and the fresh air will soothe your soul. After spending the entire day learning about Hakodate’s rich history and culture, don’t forget to sit, watch the leaves of the trees dance…

by Amy

Absorb the History and Culture of Hakodate, Japan

A city filled with culture, local identity, and picturesque views. Hakodate lies in the southernmost part of Hokkaido. It is Hokkaido’s third largest city and a must to visit. Unlike other places I’ve visited, Hakodate was spontaneous. I booked a hotel, packed my backpack, got in the express train from Sapporo Station, and stayed there…

by Amy

Hakodate’s Relaxing Nature

When you’re in Hakodate, you can’t ignore the beauty of Mother Nature. Trees are everywhere. Although it is a city, the trees sway freely and the fresh air will soothe your soul. After spending the entire day learning about Hakodate’s rich history and culture, don’t forget to sit, watch the leaves of the trees dance along with the wind or simply close your eyes and breathe. Hakodate is where you will see how the past intertwines with the present and how nature can coincide with modernization.

Feel free to scroll and look at the pictures if you are not in the reading mood. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Motomachi

Motomachi is filled with steep slopes where you can find many historical buildings that have contributed to Hakodate’s rich history. There you will find many different churches.

If you haven’t seen these churches, please visit Absorb the History of Hakodate, Japan.

Motomachi Park

I found this park by accident. I had just come from Hakodateyama and had no other plans or places to go. I was simply walking when I heard children laughing and running around. I headed to that direction and found this gem.

Hakodateyama

The Hakodate Ropeway is within walking distance from the Motomachi churches. At the observation deck, you will see an amazing view – trust me! If you don’t… then here’s my proof:

Flower Picnic Cafe

After walking around the streets of Motomachi, I became thirsty and my feet were killing me. It was hooooot outside! I visited in the middle of summer. I wanted to find a place to sit, preferably in an air-conditioned room , and sip some cold drink. Fortunately, as I walked down an unknown street, a nice lady was handing out flyers to the Flower Cafe, encouraging passersby to come in and check out their store.

I have never been to a flower cafe. I ordered a cupcake with an ice tea (I’m sorry I actually forgot the name of the drink). The icing on the cupcake made me not want to eat it – it was so beautiful!

The cafe was definitely instagrammable. It had a picnic style dining area upstairs. I definitely had my much needed rest and also quenched my thirst.

Fort Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park’s history can be found in Absorb the History of Hakodate, Japan.

Cape Tachimachi

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.

Barry finlay

Cape Tachimachi is at the edge of Hakodate. It is difficult to get there by train and I was fortunate to have a friend that showed me around some areas of Hakodate.

and last but not the least…

Morning Market

  • Fun Fact: every sewage/canal covering in Japan is designed according to its location
  • This came as a set with Miso Soup. It was sooo good!
  • I have not seen crabs this big!

This market was soooo interesting! I saw huuuuge crabs (something I’ve only seen on tv). There are shops where you can choose your own seafood and have them cooked.

If you haven’t seen the historical sites in Hakodate, please visit:

What Traveling Solo Taught Me

To make a long story short, I booked a ticket in early January for a summer trip to Sapporo. I was so excited that within two months I finished planning. Google was my best friend at the time. I searched places to visit and how to get there, where to live, and how much money…

by Amy

I spent a month in Hokkaido. If you’d like to read or see more pictures of my trip, please visit…

Absorb the History and Culture of Hakodate, Japan

A city filled with culture, local identity, and picturesque views. Hakodate lies in the southernmost part of Hokkaido. It is Hokkaido’s third largest city and a must to visit. Unlike other places I’ve visited, Hakodate was spontaneous. I booked a hotel, packed my backpack, got in the express train from Sapporo Station, and stayed there for four days. I knew nothing about the city except for the star-shaped park a friend told me about. The places you are about to see are what I saw as I walked with no direction and places a friend kindly brought me to.

If there are too many words, feel free to skip through them. I don’t mind! But definitely look at the photos!

Because this post is about history and culture, I have included information on some of the sites I visited according to the signs available there. These information are written within a yellow box. Please note that the information were copied verbatim from the signs so that I can share with you its history most accurately.

Fort Goryokaku Park

This photo was taken at Goryokaku Tower (August 2019)

Goryokaku was unlike any other parks I’ve visited. I visited A LOT of parks in Hokkaido. The architecture was fascinating. What’s even more fascinating is that the structure remained despite how many years. Plus, where else would you be able to find a star-shaped fort turned into park?

Goryokaku History

Fort Goryokaku was built to guard Hakodate Magistrate’s Office at the end of Edo period when Hakodate port was opened to international trade. Takeda Ayasuburo, a scholar or Dutch studies and lecturer of School of Various Arts subordinated to the magistrate’s office, modeled this fort after medieval European fortified cities. With its five bastions pentagonally located, the fort came to be known as Goryokaku. Inside Goryokaku was built the magistrate’s office in the traditional Japanese style as well as 20 other buildings and structures appertaining to it. 

The construction started in 1857 and was completed in 1864, when the magistrate’s function was transferred here to serve as the administrative center of Ezo region. After the Meiji Restoration, it continued to be used as an administrative office by the new Meiji government.

In 1868, Goryokaku was occupied by the forces of soldiers headed by Enomoto Takeaki who were loyal to the old shogunate regime. As a result, the fort became the stage of the Battle of Hakodate that ended in May of the following year.  

After the battle, however, most buildings inside the fort were dismantled by the Development Commission in 1871. It has been open to public as a recreation area since Taisho period.

Its earthworks being intact, Goryokaku is important for the study of old Japanese fort structure. It is also of high historical value as an example of early adoption of Western technologies and, therefore, Goryokaku was designated as a Special National Historic Site, the only one in Hokkaido.

Former Magistrate’s Office

Inside Fort Goryokaku is the Former Magistrate’s Office. It is possible to go inside, but with an admission fee. Due to time constraints, I opted out of going in. It might have been a great idea to see what it looks like inside.

Also, I spent some time walking around the park. I would highly recommend you take your time.

Goryokaku Tower

If you would like to see Goryokaku Park above, the perfect place to do it is at Goryokaku Tower. It has an observation deck that provides not only the view of Goryokaku Park, but also of Hakodate city. There you can learn about Goryokaku and Hakodate’s history.

This was the best I could do to selfie with the entire Fort Goryokaku

Inside you will also find a souvenir shop and various restaurants. There is an Atrium – a glass-walled plaza to relax and eat. My favorite part was of course: Milkissimo (gelato)!

From the observatory, you can witness the city from bird’s eye view.

Hakodate City

Hakodate Minato Matsuri

Unexpectedly, I arrived during the Hakodate Minato Matsuri (Hakodate Port Festival). I arrived two days after their opening day, but was fortunate to have taken part in watching their parade. This festival is the largest summer event in Hakodate and is often held on the first week of August.

Motomachi

Here you will find the churches in Motomachi: Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, Russian Orthodox Church, and the Former Consulate Building. I put some workout in walking to these streets as many of the streets in Motomachi go on a steep slope.

Kanemori Red-Brick Warehouse

These red-brick warehouses were used for trading in the old days. It is directly across the bay. These buildings have been preserved and are now used for shops, entertainment, and restaurants. I was most fascinated to see Starbucks here (they had outdoor seating that overlooks the bay & it was so pretty!). It is possible to get here by local transportation.

Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine

The shrine was surrounded by such luscious green trees and woooow… the atmosphere was very peaceful I almost did not want to speak just to keep the silence. I did not know about this place until my wonderful friend brought me there.


Yamanoue Daijingu Shrine

Take the extra few steps. Unfortunately, this was also one of the sites I went to with my friend so I’m not sure if it it is possible to get here by train or street car.

A closer look of the sign from the photo on the right:

According to the shrine record, the origin of Yamanoue Daijingu (the Great Shrine of Yamanoue) is in the conception of the Holy Spirit of Ise Jingu Shrine by a trainee monk named Fujibo. Fujibo came to Hakodate about 600 years ago during the Quantizing years (at the beginning of the Muromachi Era) and set up a retreat on top of Shinmeisan Mountain in Kameda-Akaigawa Village.

Later the shrine was transferred to Shirisawabe Village (now Sumiyoshi-cho), and renamed Hakodate Shinmeigu Shrine. In 1682, the shrine was transferred again to the present location near the Yayoi Division of the Nishi Fire Deparment. The shrine was then renamed Yamanoue Daijingu from the town’s name Yamanoue and in 1876 it was officially designated as the town shrine.

The shrine’s 8th Shinto priest Sawabe Takuma (formerly named Yamamoto Takuma) at the end of Edo Period was originally from Tosa Clan and was related to Sakamoto Ryoma and Takeichi Hanpeita.

The shrine played not a small role in Hakodate history: During the Hakodate War it was used a living quarter of Matsudaira Sadaaki, the head of Kuwana Clan who fought with the Shogunate Army headed by Enomoto Takeaki.

My favorite part of this was the view on the way back down. I’ve heard before that it’s important not to look back if you want to continue moving forward… in this case, it was worth looking back… I mean, just look at that view!

Trappistine Convent

With my catholic faith, it was a great opportunity for me to be there. My friend took me there. During my month-long trip, I wanted to visit a church at lease once a week and I was not sure if Hakodate had any catholic churches so it felt like an alternative.

The Old Russian Consulate

The following information was pulled from the sign (see sign in the picture behind me). I want to share with you the story behind this old Russian Consulate.

Hakodate’s first Russian Consul Goshkevich took up his post in September 1858 as a result of the Japan and Russia Peace and Amity Treaty which was concluded in December 1854. The original Russian Consulate was established on the site of the current Russian Orthodox Church in Motomachi in 1860; however it was destroyed by a fire which stared in the adjacent English Consulate.

Work on the new Consulate commenced in 1903 at the present location but it wasn’t completed until 1906, due to the Russo-Japanese War. However, it was soon destroyed by the big fire of August 1907. Construction of the existing building was completed at the end of the flower year.

After the Russian Revolution, it was used as the Soviet Consulate from 1925 until 1944, when Consul Zavaliev repatriated on September 30. In 1964, Hakodate City bought the building from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It served as a youth lodging and training centre, the Southern Hokkaido Youth House, until July 1996 and is currently not in use.

This building was designed by German architect Richard Seel. The two-storied main building is made of brick and the cusped gables used at the entrance gave it a Japanese Style

The end…

I hope you enjoyed my post. Thank you for making it this far. I appreciate you and the time you have given me. Have a wonderful day!

P.S. I took way too many pictures there and would love to share some of my favorites with you all. Here’s a slideshow of the rest of the photos I’ve chosen, but did not upload above. Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

If you’d like to see the nature side of Hakodate, please visit…

I spent a month in Hokkaido. If you’d like to read or see more pictures of my trip, check out…

Summer in Noboribetsu, Japan

We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani is one of mine! This post will highlight my experience and adventure in Noboribetsu.

We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan is definitely one of mine. It was such a great break from the city life. Standing across the valley, staring into the smoking valley with its lush green scenery, I knew that exploring the world would be something I’d want to do for the rest of my life. I spent two days there. I went to Jigokudani, also known as Hell’s Valley, and Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe.

Lodging

There are many hotels in Noboribetsu and near Jigokudani. I stayed at Noboribetsu Manseikaku in a single room with breakfast + dinner (both were buffets). They also have indoor and outdoor onsen. The outdoor onsen view was breathtaking. Tattoos are not allowed. Fortunately, the hotel sells tattoo cover ups (stickers to cover your tattoo), which I had to do.

For more information on the hotel, please visit:
https://noboribetsu.manseikakuhotels.com/en-us

Noboribetsu Manseikaku is a 10-15 minute walk to Jigokudani, and across the bus stop to go to the Marine Park Nixe. The hotel also coordinates a bus in the morning to go to Sapporo.

Spot all the demon statues

Throughout Noboribetsu, you can find different demon statutes, all with meanings to them. I was shocked to have seen such a tall demon statue on my way to the hotel. There are other tall demons standing and sitting on your walk to Jigokudani. But there are also small, cute demons for success in love, exams, and business.

By the way, I don’t think I found ALL of the demon statues. I didn’t know how many total were there. It would be a great little scavenger hunt of the place to spot them all.

JIGOKUDANI OR HELL’S VALLEY

Noboribetsu is famous for its hot springs, which come from Hell’s Valley. Above the valley are the Jigokudani-Oyunuma Walking trails. Be prepared to walk deep into the forest: wear sunscreen, bug repellant, and comfortable shoes; and bring a bottle of water.

If you have not seen my bee “attack” story, click here.

There are a few maps before entering any of the pathways so make sure to take a photo just in case.

OYUNUMA LAKE

After a hundred and more steps, I reached a part of the valley looking out to Oyunuma Lake.

I still had to walk towards the pond from the valley. To save some time, it is also possible to drive there. But a walk through the valley would definitely be a great experience. It’s almost like hiking. Well, I guess I’ll consider that a hike.

The walk back to my hotel was about 25-30 minute by foot (on my pace) along the road. It may have been shorter if I had walked through the valley again, but since it was almost dark I did not want to risk getting lost in the woods with no flashlight.

The trail to Oyunuma Foot Bath can also be accessed from the lake.

OYUNUMA BROOK NATURAL FOOT BATH

After my first failed attempt to go to the foot bath, I actually decided not to go anymore. However, after spending half the day at the Marine Park Nixe, I had some time to head there so I put on the direction on Google map and walked over from the hotel. When I got there, there were so many tourists with their shoes off and feet in the water. Do not worry about the water being dirty, the river flows. I had spent about 40 minutes there, with my foot on and off the hot water. Definitely relaxing!

Oyunuma Natural Foot Bath Scenery:

MARINE PARK NIXE

Getting to Marine Park Nixe was easy. There is a bus stop across Noboribetsu Manseikaku and there will be signs. Otherwise, you can also ask the friendly people there. Most likely you will meet another tourist who has been there or will be heading there.

They have seals, turtles, penguins, dolphins etc. Their main attraction is the Penguin Parade. The only reason I went to the park! My love for penguins have made me travel across the ocean to see them up close and out of their cage lol. Not kidding. The penguins will walk on a carpet and you can watch them waddle through.

Penguin Parade at Marine Park Nixe:

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed it.

Here are also other photos I’ve taken there:

Have a wonderful day and be safe!

The Day I Became a Flower in Noboribetsu, Japan

COVID-19 ruined many of our travel plans. We just need to wait it out – watch Netflix, eat, and exercise at the comfort of our OWN home. I’ve done every single one of those every day for a week now so to change things up, I’m going to share a travel story:

MY FUNNY TRAVEL STORY IN NOBORIBETSU, JAPAN

August 6-8, 2019 — From Hakadote to Noboribetsu, I took the JR shinkansen for over three hours. From Noboribetsu Station, I took a bus to my hotel – Noboribetsu Manseikaku – for another 20 minutes just in time for check-in. Instead of staying in at the hotel, I didn’t want to waste any adventure time. I walked to Hell Valley for 30 minutes – it should have been 15, but I stopped at different spots to take pictures and stare at the amazing views. 

When I got to Hell Valley, I was mesmerized! It was just like the photos I saw on Google. UNBELIEVABLE. I spent some time taking photos and videos (and helping other tourists take their photos). From the valley, there were different walking trails through the forested hills above Noboribetsu that lead to other sightseeing areas: Oyunuma (sulfurous pond) and the Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath. 

I had spent a great amount walking on this trip (over 20 thousand steps each day). At this time, I was already on the second week of my Hokkaido summer trip and my feet has been s-o-r-e, sore. I thought that heading to the Natural Foot Bath was ideal: I could sit around, enjoy the scenery, and just reeeeeeeeelax. 

I followed the trail that pointed towards the Foot Bath, but little did I know, the trail had a lot of bees. Because I had dyed my hair blonde recently, with the sun shining on it, it seems to have attracted ALL the bees in the area. I have never been stung by a bee and I do not want to be stung by one ever so after hearing a bunch of bzzzz bzzz from this single bee, I walked faster. I did not want to make it obvious that I was terrified. There was a group behind me and I didn’t want to embarrass myself further. I heard them laugh, but I just kept on walking faster until I reached the stairs. It seems that my speed walking worked… for 5 seconds! The bee (not sure if it was the same one) started coming at me again. I heard bzzz bzzzz. I started to run. I went for the stairs taking two at a time when possible… then, another bee came. Then another. Now, three bees…. then four bees. 

I was even more terrified at this time, screaming and flying my arms around… still running. I could hear people laughing – at me or to each other I didn’t care. I wanted to get rid of the bees. I wanted them to leave me alone. I kept running and running for what seemed like eternity. I wasn’t even sure where I was anymore until I hit a spot with an amazing view. Then I realized, I was only running away from ONE BEE! ONE BEE! ONE! My panic had made me believe there were ten bees swarming me. 

When I had stopped running (I needed to! I was out of breathe) and just ducked and covered my ears for a few seconds, the bee left me alone. As I stood up, I heard running and screaming. The group that was trailing behind me was now being attacked. HA! 

I looked out to this amazing view and breathed a sigh of relief – no more bees! But I needed to walk further to get to the Foot Bath. At this point, I had given up. It was already getting dark and I wanted to get back down before the sun set. I didn’t want to go back where I came from and be swarmed by bees (or bee) again so I took a risk and went further hoping I’d find my way out of the mountain. I did. I found the Oyunuma Pond, took some pictures, and walked along the road instead of taking the shortcut of running through the forest attracting a single bee. 

Do you have any funny travel story? I’d love to hear about it! Xoxo, Amy.

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