An enjoyable honeymoon in Japan - Hakodate, Hokkaido

(Above) Us sharing a romantic winter moment in Sapporo, Hokkaido with the Sapporo TV tower in the background

We just got back from our close to 2 weeks honeymoon in Japan. Japan was an interesting experience, customised to our interests - sightseeing,shopping and makan. Of all the areas in Japan we visited - Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Sapporo in Hokkaido and Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Maihama in Tokyo, we thought that the people were more gracious and friendly in Hokkaido as compared to Tokyo though the people in Ikebukuro were equally friendly.

Things that struck us was that the Japanese sales people are really good in their customer service, not once did we get any look of dismay or frustration when we tried things and walked out without purchasing. When we did purchase, they asked about what the purchases were for, if it was for presents, they would ask how they could wrap it up for us, gave us extra designed plastic bags to choose to provide to recipients. When they did not have what we wanted, they apologized profusely. One thing we had to get used to was that even in the small shops, after we made our purchases, the sales people would personally see us to the shop entrance and wish us a good day etc. Another thing is that the Japanese are perfectionists in their design and packaging, from their gifts, cakes, even their packed disposable chopsticks come with a toothpick for digging out the food from your teeth after meal. Just in their nature to think to the smallest detail.
(Above) Toothpick packaged with a pair of disposable chopsticks

Along the way, we saw many humourous english signages which just got us giggling about what they meant. Some samples of what we saw..enjoy.

Weather wise, Hokkaido was naturally cold with Sapporo the coldest with temperatures falling to -2 degrees celcius but the snow scenery made up for it. Tokyo was much warmer and manytimes, we just wore a t shirt and jacket over and we were warm.

(Above) Sapporo winter from our hotel suite on the 20th floor

Well, we will try to put up shots of our trip to Japan in the next few postings for our family and friends. Cheers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.

Eugin and Gayle