Tokyo (June 1 - 2, 2023)
Sapporo (June 2 - 4, 2023)
Globetrotters: Philip Zaharie, Ariana Mîndru
31st May 2023 - TIMIȘOARA - BUCHAREST - ISTANBUL
We boarded the evening TAROM flight RO608, which took us Bucharest. After a brief pitstop, it was time to head to the crossroads of two continents: Istanbul. Turkish Airlines flight TK1046 soared above the Balkans and soon enough, the iconic spires of Istanbul's mosques came into sight. During our 3h 30m layover, the scents from airport eateries wafted through the air. Though it was just a brief pause in our voyage, it served as a reminder of the vibrant and varied tapestries of life that reside in every corner of our planet.
1st June 2023 - ISTANBUL - TOKYO HANEDA
Our trip continued as Turkish Airlines flight TK198 ascended, leaving behind the Turkish horizon and charting a course to the Land of the Rising Sun. The flight to Tokyo is long, but the promise of what awaited at our destination fueled our spirits.
Tokyo, the metropolis where the past and the present blend seamlessly, greeted us at 7.30 pm. Haneda Airport was abuzz with activity, but the organization and efficiency for which Japan is renowned were evident. The neon lights of the city, visible from the tarmac, hinted at the vibrancy that Tokyo holds.
We opted for the train transfer to our hotel, allowing us to experience a snippet of Tokyo's famed rail system. The rhythm of the city, with its bustling intersections and swift-moving crowds, is a world apart from the European cities we left behind, yet there's an underlying order to its seeming chaos.
Our lodging for the night was the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Hotel. Again. The moment we entered, the hospitality that Japan is celebrated for enveloped us. Our room provided a panoramic view of Tokyo's cityscape, an intricate mesh of tradition and innovation.
As the lights of Tokyo glittered beneath the night sky, we took a moment to reflect. From Timișoara to Tokyo, the world might seem vast, but days like these remind us of the interconnected lattice that binds us all, inviting us to explore, learn, and appreciate.
2nd June 2023 - From Metropolis to Mountain Peaks: Tokyo to Sapporo
Morning in Tokyo arrived with the vibrancy that this city is famed for. With the first light casting its glow upon the sprawling urban landscape, we set out from our hotel, eager to embrace the day ahead.
By 9 am, we were navigating our way to Haneda airport via train. Tokyo's rail system, efficient and punctual, allowed us a seamless transfer, making the experience rather delightful.
Once at Haneda, we boarded ANA All Nippon Airways flight NH4723, destined for Sapporo. As the plane soared above, the view below shifted from the dense urban clusters of Tokyo to the expansive vistas of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. It was fascinating to watch as the urban tapestry gave way to vast landscapes and mountains.
By 2.20 pm, we found ourselves on the land of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, carries a fascinating history, from its foundation in the 19th century to its hosting of the 1972 Winter Olympics.
A train ride of approximately an hour transported us closer to the heart of Sapporo.
Our first stop was the iconic Odori Park. This long, green stretch acts as a buffer between the north and south of Sapporo and is renowned for its seasonal flower displays. With each step, the park revealed bursts of colors and fragrances, a refreshing change from the metropolis we'd just left.
Adjacent to Odori Park stands the 3 Sapporo TV Tower. Even though we didn't ascend the tower, it stood as an impressive structure against the city backdrop. Its lights at dusk provide a scenic illumination to Odori Park.
We then meandered to Hokkaido University in Sapporo. The campus, sprawling with wide pathways and lined with trees, carries a sense of academia and history. Founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, it stands as a symbol of Japan's modernization efforts during the Meiji period.
As day transitioned to evening, we headed towards Mt. Moiwa, one of Sapporo's mountains. The Peak Observation Deck offered panoramic views of the city as it glittered under the cloak of twilight. The sight of Sapporo, with its grid-like streets and distant mountains, set against the backdrop of the fading sun, was truly captivating.
Our resting place for the night was the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo hotel. With its warm ambiance and attentive service, it was the perfect place to conclude our eventful day. With our heads filled with memories of the day, we drifted into a peaceful sleep, eagerly anticipating the adventures of the next day.
3rd June 2023 - A Day of Diversity: From Hell Valley to Otaru's Night Lights
Morning light streamed through our windows, a gentle reminder of the day’s agenda. By 10 am, we were aboard a train, chugging our way from Sapporo to the famed hot spring town of Noboribetsu.
Upon reaching Noboribetsu, a brief taxi ride whisked us away to Noboribetsu Jigokudani, also known as "Hell Valley". With its steaming vents, sulfurous streams, and otherworldly landscape, one might say it's nature's dramatic theater at its best. Born from the violent eruptions of Mount Kuttara some 20,000 years ago, the valley stands as a testament to the earth's volcanic vigor.
From the valley's geothermal wonders, we shifted our attention to the animal kingdom. Ascending via cable car, we reached Noboribetsu Bear Park, home to the Ussuri brown bear. Observing these magnificent creatures in their dedicated habitats offered us a glimpse into the wild side of Hokkaido. The park's elevation also granted us a majestic view of Lake Kuttara, a pristine caldera lake with waters so clear that it's counted among Japan’s clearest lakes. It was a sight to behold and one that imprinted on our memories.
Once back on ground level, a taxi conveyed us to Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, a cultural theme park that recreates the Edo-period. For about an hour, we wandered amidst samurai, geishas, and recreated period buildings, feeling as though we'd stepped back in time.
Our next destination was a special one: Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park. Dedicated to the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, it offered profound insights into their rich history, traditions, and culture. Their distinct connection to nature, portrayed through crafts, dances, and tales, provided a deep reflection on the value of preserving native cultures and histories.
By 5.30 pm, we were back on the train, the rhythmic motion providing a brief respite before our next adventure. A 7 pm arrival in Sapporo set the stage for our next escapade: Otaru. An additional hour on the train, and the historically rich port city of Otaru greeted us. Dinner was a delightful culinary exploration, after which the famed Otaru Canal beckoned. Lit up in the dark, the reflections off the water added a magical allure to the city's old warehouses and historic architecture.
Tired yet fulfilled, we boarded the train back to Sapporo, our day's adventures replaying in our minds. By 11.30 pm, the welcoming confines of our hotel greeted us, a fitting end to a day so rich in experiences.
4th June 2023 - History, Hurries, and High Skies: Sapporo to Warsaw
Our day commenced with a delve into Hokkaido’s rich past at the Historical Village of Hokkaido. This open-air museum, spanning across a vast expanse, beautifully reconstructs the developmental phases of Hokkaido from the 19th century to the early 20th. As we walked through replicas of old farmhouses, fishing villages, and mountain cabins, we couldn't help but admire the resilience and adaptability of the pioneers of this northern frontier.
Yet, as often happens with immersive attractions, time slipped away from us. The clock's hands moved faster than anticipated, leading us to opt for a taxi to hasten our way to the airport.
The whirlwind taxi ride culminated in our timely arrival at Sapporo New Chitose Airport, where we boarded Jetstar flight GK112 to Tokyo Narita.
Landing at Narita Airport at 5.15 pm, we were quickly on our way to Tokyo Station by train. The pulsating heart of Tokyo, with its neon-lit streets and hurried passersby, greeted us as we made our way to Hibiya Okuroji for dinner. Here, under a canopy of contemporary design, we indulged in a feast that was a delightful medley of flavors, celebrating both traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.
However, time had other plans for us. A miscalculated timing meant that we missed our scheduled train back to Narita Airport. But Tokyo, being the city of endless possibilities, offered a solution - a swift taxi ride through its iconic streets, back to the airport.
The day, filled with history, hurry, and delectable dining, reached its pinnacle as we boarded our LOT Polish Airlines overnight flight LO80, to Warsaw. The lights of Tokyo faded beneath us as the plane made its way to Poland.
5th June 2023 - WARSAW - BUDAPEST - TIMISOARA
In the morning we found ourselves touching down in Warsaw. Yet, even from the airport's windows, Warsaw's landscape hinted at stories of resilience and revival, waiting for another day's exploration.
Without further ado, we proceeded to board LOT Polish Airlines flight LO533, drawing us from the echoes of Poland to the heartbeats of Hungary.
By 9 am, the grandeur of Budapest unveiled itself. .
Yet, our ultimate destination for the day was calling us, and we set forth on a car transfer that would carry us from Budapest to Timișoara
Finally, the familiar sights and sounds of Timișoara welcomed us. By 1.30 pm, we were back in the embrace of home, our hearts full with memories and tales from lands both near and distant. The winding roads, the diverse cities, and the tapestries of histories we'd encountered on this trip served as a reminder of the ever-present allure of exploration.
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