Hokkaido - Noboribetsu Day 7 and 8

    This is the last leg of our trip. We took a public coach from Esta Mall in Sapporo to Noboribetsu. It was convenient as our stop was the last - Dai-ichi Takimotokan. We were here about a decade ago. Thankfully, things have no changed much and the resort was just as welcoming. 

     Takimotokan has a long history. This is evident in the multiple postcards and photos on the walls leading to the dinning hall and onsen. It boasts of several baths, fed by the hot springs in the Hell Valley vicinity, as well as an indoor swimming pool and water slide for the kids.

This time round, we chose the Japanese-styled family suite, comprising of a large living/ sleeping space (think tatami mats), sitting room, foyer area, and attached bath and toilet. The little one had a field day with the available space.

Enjoying our snow crab
tempura and buffet dinner

Breakfast and buffet dinner were served at the large communal dining hall. Despite being a buffet, the quality of food here didn't disappoint. Of special note was the marbled panfried beef served every evening. I can't remember another time where we went back for serving after serving. 

    Our days here were spent exploring the nearby town and surrounding Hell Valley area. The whole area boasts numerous hot springs and reeked of sulphur. Our nights were spent at the resort's onsen baths. Just two words - relaxing and invigorating.

    The last night, the cousin-in-law and I decided to brave the cold to witness the Onihanabi. This was a ceremony to welcome summer and ward of evil. Participants dressed in demon costumes carried fireworks as others beat out a stead rhythm on ancient drums. I found it ironic that "demons" were used to drive out evil. 

    After the ceremony, we decided to check out the night scene at Hell's Valley. The night scene was truely different from the day. It's worth spending some time if one happens to be there.

    Unfortunately, our time here was limited. It had been a good break. Soon it'd be back to the daily grind. Till the next vacation...