Day 1: Autumn with Wendy & Lin :)

Despite reminding ourselves not to take any red eye flight, we were on it again. :))) We arrived in Haneda Airport at 6am...we definitely needed some perk-me-up.

It was to the car rental company to pick up our car after breakfast, officially starting our momijigari vacay to Nikko. The drive was approximately 3 hours. The timing was perfect and we arrived on time for traditional soba lunch at Santate Soba Nagahataan. 

Santate Soba Nagahataan is one of the most famous soba restaurants in Nikko. This place serves nothing but buckwheat soba, so if you are one who loves variety, you need to manage your expectation when visiting. :)

As for dessert, we had kiwis! :D

Details of Santate Soba Nagahataan:

365-1 Nagahata

Nikko 321-1108 

Tochigi Prefecture

T: +81 288-27-2488

Day 4 & 5: Element Stay

If you like an experience of staying in a barn, check out Element Furano. It's a standalone amongst the fields. We did a one nite stay here.

Guests get to emjoy freshly prepared breakfast at Element. :) 

A restful nite ensures a day of stamina for the fun ahead. :)

Details of Element:
Japan, 〒071-0734 Hokkaido, Sorachi District, Nakafurano, Nakafurano 
Shikauchinojo
T: +81 167-44-3051
W: https://www.elementfurano.com/about-us-english

Day 4: Breakfast at Rinyu Morning Market (鱗友朝市)

The morning shower isn't keeping us away from Rinyu Morning Market. This market is possibly one of the smallest we had been to. 

We picked up more dried seafood products such as dried shrimps and anchovies here. :)

But the ultimate goal of coming here was to have seafood breakfast! :D There are only 3 restaurants in this little market. 

This was what we came for :)))

I'm so not used to having tempuras for breakfast...it feels weird...but I guess we now have all the energy needed to start our 4th day adventure. :)))

Details ofRinyu Morning Market:
3-10-15 Ironai, Otaru 047-0031 Hokkaido

Day 3: Morning Moments Around Jozankei Onsen

Rise and shine to traditional Japanese breakfast spread at Ryokan Club Jyozankei. :) Every item was exquisite you can't help wondering how much effort goes into preparing them. We ate with a grateful heart. :)

We took it slow this morning and explored Jozankei Onsei a bit (Club Jyozankei is one of the ryokans here). :) It's the season of hydrangeas and we are thrilled to be surrounded by them. :D

There's a small park where we could soak our feets. :D

Happy feets and we are ready for our next stop, Otaru. :D