Sapporo - Part 1

Guess what?!?  Our downstairs neighbor let us borrow her memory card reader, so we are able to upload a few more recent photos.  So let's start with the vacation to end all Japan vacations --- our February trip to Sapporo!

We had originally planned to visit Sapporo during their ice festival.  During this time, they create large ice sculptures in a park in downtown Sapporo.  Well, the timing didn't quite work out for us then.  So we went during the President's Day 96.  This was a fantastic vacation!

Sapporo is in the northern-most island of Japan (Hokkaido).   We were pleasantly greeted my tons of snow when we arrived and took the train into downtown Sapporo.

Our first task upon arrival at the Sapporo Grand Hotel was to find crab for dinner. Hokkaido is known for it's shellfish - especially crab and uni (sea urchin).  The concierge suggested a local restaurant to us where we could try king crab and hairy crab.

Hairy crab -- delicious!!!  (and definitely hairy!)

 The restaurant was delightful.  We had 2 different kinds of crab, wonderful sashimi, fried fish and ice cream for dessert.  We quickly learned the Hokkaido was also known for their dairy products.  When we were ready to leave, we got up from the floor (and from behind our little privacy wall) and received some VERY surprised looks from the locals at the table next to us.  I don't think they realized there were some crazy Caucasians sitting next to them.  They recovered quickly and were all smiles and the "I Love You" sign with their hands.  Strange, but flattering nonetheless!

We were also looking forward to drinking the local beer, Sapporo Classic.  I can't say enough good things about this draft.  It's my favorite in Japan!  Don't get too excited though, it's only sold in Hokkaido!

On our first full day in Sapporo, we woke up early to get breakfast at Nijo Fish Market.  Unlike the markets in Tokyo or Okinawa, Sapporo is famous for shellfish and salmon. 

Nijo Market's fresh crab for sale.  

Here's Joe, excitedly waiting for his don (bowl) of breakfast.

My breakfast of champions: (from top to bottom) salmon, salmon roe and uni (urchin).  WOW it was good.  I don't usually like roe or uni, but the icy cold waters of Hokkaido make it delightful. 

The restaurant we ate our breakfast at had this sign.  We did not loose, we ate the Sea Urchin!

After breakfast in the cold, we needed to warm up.  Fortunately the city planners in Sapporo constructed some underground walkways that were not only warm, but very clean!

After walking around awhile, it was time for lunch.  Joe had been dreaming about this lunch for a long time, Miso Ramen.

Menu at the little ramen shop.

Miso ramen.  We should have shared!  It was so big and so delicious!

So after walking around the city more, we had our sights set on the Sapporo Brewery.

Sapporo Beer Museum

There was so much snow!  We were so happy!

One of the exhibits at the beer museum.  Joe loved this one especially.

The Japanese love these photo-op signs.  We couldn't resist.  Though, you could tell we were Americans, because the fist photo we took was behind the beer glass.  Oops!

 After the museum, we had a beer tasting.  Sapporo Classic was the clear winner again!  We then headed to the Bier Garten for genghis khan (and more Sapporo Classic).  Genghis khan is a lamb dish, cooked at your table on the pan below.

Genghis Khan cooking surface.

You load it up with lamb and vegetables and let it cook.  It was delicious!

Needless to say, we had a great time!