Hokkaido - Feb. 21-28, 2020 (Part 1)
Tokyo to Hokkaido (North Island of Japan) via Bullet Train (Shinkansen) . . . Barely time to down my new, favorite brew, Hitachino —discovered in bottle-form Christmas 2019 in San Francisco, first opportunity to have on tap/draft— at Tokyo Station before racing for train Bullet Train (Shinkansen) for Hokkaido Just broke 150 mph Hokkaido arrival near Hakodate . . . and snow (a bit) Japanese-style hotel in Hakodate Hybrid Japanese-style room (raised bed rather than futons on tatami mats) overlooking train station and harbor Hokkaido is famous for two things in particular, fantastically fresh and delicious Seafood (including Tuna, Salmon, Sea Urchin, Mackerel, Squid, Scallops, Abalone, Surf Clam, “Hairy” Crab and Snow/King Crab), and world-class Skiing. “Crab-Walk” in Hakodate Morning Market— Snow/King Crab giants Treasure box of prime, fresh Uni (Sea Urchin Roe) up close and personal On t...