From visiting major modern cosmopolitan cities such as the stunning neon street lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo, to world heritage destinations packed with rich traditions and culture such as Kyoto, or the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, Hokkaido, there is so much to see and do in every city/town in Japan. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several Japan travel itineraries below for you to rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan again.

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

The Japanese ryokans are some of the best places to experience Japanese hospitality at its best. Those traditional Japanese inns are often small in size, they are family-run establishments, just like a boutique spa hotel. All you have to do is relax, enjoy and use be.

In this indulgent itinerary from Scott Dunn, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Explore Japan’s gorgeous natural wonders from waterfalls to cherry blossoms

Japan has gorgeous natural wonders, thanks to its varied topography and geography. They are the perfect setting for a great outdoors adventure, as well as a travel photographer’s haven. Travel out and beyond the buzzing metropolis, discover the remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains. They are waiting for you to explore them!

Veer off the beaten track and venture down some of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails in Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Japan itinerary. One of the trails that guests will get to experience is the Nakasendo Trail. Lined with traditional villages and beautiful mountains, this trail follows the ancient road that samurai used to take while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you are a Japan cherry blossom fan, you would know that March and April are the best times to visit this iconic world famous spectacle of pastel pink as the cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura in Japan. This special itinerary from Scott Dunn will take you through some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including stops at Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island. Plus, thanks to Scott Dunn’s intrepid travel experts, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms at lesser-known parks and viewing points only the locals are privy to.

Time to start planning for your Japan’s cherry blossom season in March and April 2023!

美味しい! Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights

Food lovers, we know how Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights are! Japan is a food haven for foodies!

Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink.

In Scott Dunn’s Hidden Gem Food Tour, you’ll get to enjoy delicious snacks — such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and yakitori — and dine just like the locals do.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima 

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea.

There, guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post Rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan with Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Thanks to foodie influencer Keropokman for inviting me to join #jalanhuat to Clementi, part of jalanjalan.me ground up initiative and movement supporting local businesses, curated by residents. Being a Clementi/West Coast resident, I thought I would know most of the places in my neighbourhood. Never did I realise that I have been missing out on some hidden gems in my own local neighbourhood! 

Now let me bring you on my #jalanhuat foodie adventure to Clementi, for a #jalaneat, #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando fun time!

The Cheese House Singapore

First and foremost, I am not the biggest cheese lover. It took me a bit longer than most other people to appreciate cheese, thanks to my friend Chef Keith for his cheese platter selections whenever we dine at his home. When I visited The Cheese House, I was blown away by their selection of farmhouse and artisan cheese on offer. 

During my visit to The Cheese House Singapore, I learnt a lot more about cheese, their production and selection of farmhouse and artisan cheese in their shop. I also learnt how to create my own cheese platter using the world’s best cheese from traditional farms, along with artisanal pairings to make a cheese platter.

If you are a cheese lover in Singapore, you definitely have to check out The Cheese House Singapore for their farmhouse and artisan cheese selections.

Address: Newest Mall #01-68, 1 West Coast Drive 

Website: https://www.thecheesehouse.sg/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecheesehousesingapore/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheesehouse_sg/ 

Igokochi Dining Bar

Are you a Japanese food lover? If yes, do you love an omakase meal? For the folks staying in the Western part of Singapore, you can enjoy an omakase meal in the neighbourhood of West Coast/Clementi! Introducing Igokochi Dining Bar, they offers a range of authentic Japanese dining experiences, including delicious omakase meals tailor-made to your tastes using seasonal ingredients. They offer the highest quality ingredients at affordable prices. 

Not just omakase, Igokochi Dining Bar has sushi on their menu too. Oh yes, they also have an Izakaya menu too and a nice cosy bar with Japanese whisky (Nikka – my favourite), Sake etc. I am missing Japanese cuisine since I can’t travel to Japan during this period and Igokochi Dining Bar is likely to be my hangout for Japanese cuisine and drinking place. Oh yes, it’s near my home too!  

Address: Newest Mall #01-98/99, 1 West Coast Drive

Website: https://www.igokochi.com.sg/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igokochisg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igokochisg/ 

簡單。| Simple café

For cafe lovers who love Taiwanese design, industrial space setting with a minimalist style, you will love 簡單。| Simple café at Newest Mall. Personally, I am a big fan of such cafes, it’s really nice to discover them in Singapore, best of all, they are located in my Clementi neighbourhood, within walking distance to my home.

They have a nice selection of signature sweet treats such as their Vanilla & Lemon filled donuts, Berry, Satsuma, Bagel (Cream Cheese) and Mont Blanc. If you are a pastries and cakes lover, you have to visit them and check them out! Do check out their iced uji matcha and hot Osmanthus oolong from Alishan as well! 

Address: Newest Mall #01-87, 1 West Coast Drive 

Website: https://shop.pickupp.io/shops/467 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simple.cafesg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple.cafesg/ 

Gelato Labo / Glass Roasters 

Would you like to have delicious gelato and signature brew coffee together? At Gelato Labo and Glass Roasters at 108 Faber Drive, now you can! Rejoice for those living in the western part of Singapore! You will be spoilt for choices with the new and inventive gelato flavours on offer at Gelato Labo, the rustic design and setting at Glass Roasters gives you a vibe that is not commonly seen in Singapore.  

I just recently began to learn and discover more about gelato and pair it with my love for coffee, I reckon this would be a lovely chic space for me to relax and enjoy with gelato and coffee. 

Address: 108 Faber Drive 

Website: https://www.gelatolabo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gelatolabo | https://www.facebook.com/glassroasters 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gelatolabo/ | https://www.instagram.com/glassroasters/ 

So much more to #jalanhuat, #jalaneat, #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando in the heartlands!

I would like to thank foodie influencer Keropokman for the invitation to join him on the #jalanhuat to Clementi, exploring and discovering my local neighbourhood food gems that I might have missed out even though I am staying in the Clementi neighbourhood. Thanks to this #jalanhuat adventure, I got to learn more about jalanjalan.me ground up initiative and movement supporting local businesses, curated by residents.  

As a local explorer, photographer myself who had done a fair bit of walking, eating and exploring different neighbourhoods in Singapore, I realised that I have a lot more hidden gems to discover in Singapore! 

Since we still can’t travel out of Singapore due to the ongoing global pandemic situation, let’s take this time to learn, understand and know more about our home ground, Singapore. Not only can we take this opportunity to be a local tourist, enjoy and have fun, we are also supporting our local businesses too!  

Good things must share! Since there are many more hidden food gems in other neighbourhoods in Singapore that you can go out, explore and discover as you embark on your own SingapoRediscovers #jalanhuat adventure to #jalaneat,  #jalanshop, #jalansee and #jalando, not just in Clementi, in other neighbourhoods in Singapore such as Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, Chong Pang, Jalan Besar etc etc?  

Remember to Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On! Sharing is Caring! Who doesn’t want to know where are the nice and delicious food places to visit in Singapore? 

For more information on Jalan Jalan Me ground up initiative and movement, please visit 

Website: jalanjalan.me 

IG: @jalanjalanme 

FB: @jalanjalanmesg 

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7-Eleven has put together an array of goodies inspired by the Japanese Sakura season, right down to the packaging, refreshing fruit-flavoured drinks that would sure be able to cater to all tastebuds. There would be also be Japanese beers and snacks to satisfy the travel wanderlust inside you!

Check out the goodies Exclusive to 7-Eleven below:

NESCAFÉ Smoovlatte Sakura Soufflé 268ml 

(Trial Price: 2 for $3 / Usual Price: $1.90 each)

Savour the fresh, floral blend of Arabica coffee with the delicate vanilla-cream flavour of soufflé pancakes in this limited-edition beverage, now available for a limited time exclusively at 7-Eleven!

YANWEE Fruit Milk 220g (Strawberry/Banana/Honeydew/Durian)

(Trial Price: 2 for $3.80 / Usual Price: $2.20 each)

This rich and creamy milk range comes in a variety of tempting fruity flavours. In handy, conveniently sized bottles, they’re great for a breakfast on the go or in your kids’ lunchboxes!

NAMYANG Sparkling Milk 350ml (Original/Strawberry)

(Trial Price: 2 for $3.90 / Usual Price: $2.20 each)

A refreshing drink with a fizzy finish – available in two flavours, you’ll love the combo of its sweet milky taste and invigorating bubbles. Made in Korea.

VITASOY Melon 375ml

(Trial Price: 2 for $2.50 / Usual Price: $1.40 each)

This melon flavoured soy drink is naturally low in fat and non-dairy. With just the right level of sweetness, both kids and adults alike will love this deliciously smooth, fruity-flavoured treat.

ASAHI Mogitate Strong Grapefruit 350ml

(Trial Price: 2 for $12.90 / Usual Price: $6.90 each)

Chuhai is a uniquely Japanese drink made with shochu, a white liquor, mixed with soda. To ensure the fruitiest of flavours, this refreshing citrus cooler contains the juice from only fresh grapefruit harvested within 24 hours!

7-PREMIUM Salty Potato Snack 42g

(Usual Price: $2.50)

These lightly salted crunchy wedges made from premium potatoes are the perfect partner to your favourite soda or even something stronger! Sourced directly from 7-Eleven Japan, they are exclusively available at our stores island-wide.

KIRIN Ichiban Haru Sakura 500ml

(Trial Price: 2 for $10 / Usual Price: $5.30 each)

Brewed from only the first press of genuine malt for a crisp, delicious flavour. Comes in a limited-edition cherry blossom design can. Light and refreshing, you’ll be transported to Japan when you crack open this can!

7-PREMIUM Strong Vodka and Yuzu 350ml

(Trial Price: 2 for $11 / Usual Price: $5.90 each)

Taste the slight tartness and sweetness of yuzu in each and every sip. With 9% alcohol content, this fruity cocktail packs a punch. Kanpai!

NESCAFÉ Iced Caffé Latte 500ml

(Trial Price: 2 for $4 / Usual Price: $2.50 each)

Enjoy this expertly crafted blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, paired with just the right amount of milk to make the perfect iced caffé latte. A caffeine boost that’s ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up!

For more promotions and updates, visit 7-Eleven Singapore Facebook Page!

Take note! These promotions are valid for a limited time only! Please check in-stores for final promotional price! 

Do share Springtime Fun with 7-Eleven Exclusive Drinks and Snacks with your loved ones, family, relatives and friends, especially those travel wanderlusts who love Japan and spring season. Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On, Sharing is Caring!

* Information and picture courtesy of 7-Eleven Singapore and Media Outreach

The post Springtime Fun with 7-Eleven Exclusive Drinks and Snacks! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Hypebeast@Uni is featuring original prints by leading visual proponents Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Steven Harrington, Shen Jingdong and up-and-coming Dutch doodle artist Stijn Valentijn, the contemporary art will be for sale while diners eat – with 10 percent of all income going to the Children’s Society of Singapore.

A collaboration between Pop art gallery simpleArte by iCare.4u and specialist sea urchin restaurant Uni Gallery at The Plaza on Beach Road, offering diners an opportunity to tap into the “hypebeast” movement with a series of collectible pop prints showcasing some of thew world’s best-known contemporary artists. 

For those who love Japanese food and especially sea urchin, you have to check out Uni Gallery by OosterBay. It’s a sashimi restaurant for its exquisite focus on sea urchin dishes. Uni Gallery with its specialist take on Japanese cuisine makes it an obvious choice and location to showcase the extraordinary artworks by world-known artists. 

As for simpleArte, they are at the forefront bringing pop art to Singapore. “Hypebeast” is a movement based on street fashion that has proven to be a powerful force in contemporary culture. 

“This collaboration provides a platform in which popular art, street culture and food can align and be accessible to the general public,” said Jason Ong, owner of Uni Gallery. “It’s also helping to provide support to children in need.” 

“Hypebeast@Uni will offer diners the chance to experience modern street art first-hand as simpleArte brings an artistic perspective to the movement often characterized by high priced sneakers and urban streetwear,“ said Glen Tay, curator at simpleArte. 

“You can buy a ‘Hypebeast’ t-shirt, get the insanely priced sneakers … and now you can also own a piece of iconic, limited-edition print from the same movement,” said Tay. “‘Hypebeast’ is the most contemporary of all street culture right now, and our artists are among the frontrunners.”

Featured artists like Takashi Murakami have been lauded around the world for their work – his most expensive piece to date sold for US$13,500,000 at Sotheby’s New York auction in 2008. Steven Harrington is the leader of a contemporary Californian psychedelic-pop aesthetic, while Chiho Aoshima has worked with legendary Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. Shen Jingdong is a leading contemporary artist in China while Stijn Valentijn describes himself as ‘a part time student of neuro sciences and full time visual artist’.

“We support modern culture in all its forms, and given that the art is so fresh and contemporary, we felt it was a great chance to connect our food with this movement. “We are bringing the best of the world’s artists from the ‘hypebeast’ movement right to your table,” said Ong of Uni Gallery. 

The art pieces will be displayed in the main dining area and private dining rooms at Uni Gallery. They will be refreshed every time a sale is made, guests can look forward to new limited editions in a series of four shows. This inaugural showcase will feature iconic artworks pieces by the featured artists Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Steven Harrington, Shen Jingdong and up-and-coming Dutch doodle artist Stijn Valentijn.

At the media event, we had an exclusive media-only interaction with Dutch artist Stijn Valentijn via Zoom. This was a very interesting, interactive and fun experience as we learnt and understood more from the artist himself via Zoom on his artworks, inspirations and styles.

Hypebeast@Uni would definitely interest contemporary arts and pop culture lovers in Singapore. With an awesome pairing of delicious Japanese food and drinks, all these makes up a lovely and wonderful combination of arts, food and pop culture coming together. This would make a great outing and gathering for fellow friends who are also into arts, food and pop culture. Do check out Hypebeast@Uni, enjoy and have a fun evening of contemporary arts and pop culture enjoyment along with delicious Japanese food and drinks!

Oh yes, for those are fans of Old Master Q, it’s in the next instalment coming soon in April! Hypebeast@Uni forms part of an ongoing series for 2021, don’t miss it!

For more information on Hypebeast@Uni

Uni Gallery 

Address: 7500A Beach Rd, B1-310 The Plaza, Singapore 199591 

Tel: 9838 8209

Website: www.unigallery.sg 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unigallerysg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unigallerysg/

Enquiries: enquiry@oosterbay.com

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday

Lunch : 11.30am to 2.45pm (last order)

Dinner : 6pm to 10pm(last order)

Drinks : Till 10:30 pm

simpleArte by iCare.4U (Gallery) 

Address: 237 Pandan Loop, Westech Building  Unit 04-06, Singapore 128424

Website: http://www.simplearte.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplearteasia/

Contact: glen@abouticare.com

The post Hypebeast@Uni – Arts, Food and Pop Culture comes together appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Yes, in the comfort of your home kitchen, with the help of modern technology apps such as Zoom or Skype, we can learn from the locals in Japan on authentic Japanese cooking! Being a huge travel fan of Japan and Japanese cuisine (check out my Japan travel photography collection!), I started to look at airKitchen online cooking classes that are currently available.

I am a big fan of Japanese ramen, there are quite a number of different varieties and styles of Japanese ramen and I always wanted to learn how to cook ramen. Looking through the online classes, I discovered

• Online ramen noodle from scratch class (veggie/non veggie option) by Nahoko
• Online private vegan ramen and gyoza course by Rina
• Online lesson all handmade dumplings and miso soup ramen by Miki

Maybe I should sign up for all three ramen online cooking classes?

Of course, there are other Japanese cuisines that I would love to learn and cook too! Do visit airKitchen LIVE Online Cooking Class and check them out!

For all fellow travel wanderlusts and foodies, we would love to travel again once COVID-19 is under control with the vaccine available and international travel opening up again for us travelers. When you visit Japan, remember to sign up for the airKitchen authentic cooking class  in Japan!

During this COVID-19 situation, we can still learn Japanese cooking with airKitchen LIVE Online Cooking Class, thanks to technology such as Zoom and Skype!

Do Pay It Forward and Pass It On, share this wonderful Japanese cooking experience with airKitchen live online cooking class with your fellow travelers, foodies, your family, loved ones, relatives and friends!

頂きます (Itadakimasu) !

Thank you! Have a fun authentic Japanese cooking and おしい (Oshi) experience!

The post Learn Japanese Cooking with airKitchen LIVE Online Cooking Class! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photo courtesy of airKitchen

From my travel photography, articles and photographs, you can view that I am a big fan of Japan travel and of course, their delicious Japanese food! You can view my Japan travel photographs on Flickr! Currently, I have a dedicated Hokkaido food photo album and I am going to expand my Japanese food photography adventures on my next visit to other parts of Japan!

I was recently introduced to airKitchen, I visited their website and I am very excited to know about them and what they do! Travelers from all over the world can book an authentic cooking class by Japanese hosts in their homes! I can learn to cook homemade Japanese food, make new friends with the local Japanese and have a meal with the Japanese food that I learned to prepare and cook!

How does it work? Visit airKitchen website, search by destinations that you are traveling to or search by your favourite Japanese food! Next up, follow the steps below

Step 1: Book

Step 2: Cook

Step 3: Enjoy your meal!

Photo courtesy of airKitchen

Yes, on my next trip to Japan for another travel photography adventure, I am going to book a ramen cooking class! I can finally learn how to make, prepare, cook and eat authentic Japanese ramen via airKitchen! In my future Japan travel photography adventures, I would plan authentic cooking classes in Japan with airKitchen!

For all fellow travelers and foodies around the world, if you love Japanese food, do visit airKitchen and check out their authentic cooking classes that you can book, cook and enjoy with local Japanese people! Remember to Pay It Forward and Pass It On!

頂きます (Itadakimasu) !

Thank you and have a nice Japanese meal!

The post Join an Authentic Cooking Class in Japan with airKitchen! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

My Hokkaido 2016 photography adventure began in the early morning of Thursday 20^th October. I was taking Scoot TZ 216 to Sapporo (Hokkaido) New Chitose via Taipei, departure at 0615hrs. Scoot currently fly to Sapporo (Hokkaido) three times a week with their Dreamliner 787. This is an travel route worth considering for those who wish to fly to Hokkaido on a budget.

The Scoot flight schedule was as follows

TZ 216

0615hrs – 1045hrs Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport)

1155hrs – 1700hrs Sapporo, Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)

During my flight from Singapore to Taipei, the flight encountered some gusty cross winds and a bit of heavy air traffic at Taoyuan, causing the plane to be slightly delayed in their arrival timing. The transit procedure wasn’t too difficult, just like any other transit procedure at international airports. After another round of hand carry baggage security check, I was back at the departure gate to board my next leg of flight from Taipei to Sapporo.

Overall, the flight from Singapore to Sapporo via Taipei was pretty smooth with the usual turbulence along the flight route. I did manage to capture the sunset at Hokkaido from my seat prior to the plane landing at New Chitose Airport.

Upon landing at New Chitose Airport, night time has arrived in Hokkaido. After clearing immigration, my friend, Kato san, who is also my Hokkaido Photo Guide for Days 4 to 7, picked me from the airport and gave me a lift to Otaru where I based myself for the next 4 nights

While driving along the highway from New Chitose Airport to Otaru, snow rain fell on the highway, winter season kind of arrived early for Hokkaido and my friend Kato san said, “The snow welcomes you back to Hokkaido!” This is really awesome but I am not prepared for early Hokkaido winter! The snow rain was pretty heavy at some stage and Kato san had to drive more slowly and carefully!

Upon reaching Otaru, we went for dinner together and I chose ramen for a cold chilly autumn night. My first Hokkaido meal, was simply amazing, authentic ramen in Japan! I had a good chat and catch up with Kato san, he also passed me some brochures and tourism information for the areas that I wanted to explore on my own during my first 3 days in Hokkaido.

My hotel was Dormy Inn Premium Otaru, right in front of JR Otaru station, very ideal location, they have onsen too! After checking in and settling down, I immediately head towards the onsen! I missed the onsen experience in Hokkaido, it was really amazing, soothing and relaxing, allowing me to have a good sleep on my first night in Hokkaido!

Hokkaido Autumn 2016 Day 0

Hokkaido Autumn 2016

The post Hokkaido 2016 Photography Adventure Day 0 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Tokachi

Another first time for me, taking a hot air balloon ride! Once the hot air balloon ride was ready for boarding, we split into two groups to go up the hot air balloon ride. While one group was in the air, we took photographs of them from the ground up and vice versa, we helped each other to take photographs when we either up in the air or on the ground! When we were up in the air on the hot air balloon, the weather wasn’t that clear due to the misty autumn/winter weather conditions. Up in the air, while we had a bird’s eye view of the Tokachi area, the cold autumn/winter wind was upon our face and it was quite difficult to face the direction where the cold chilly winds was blowing from!

If you are keen to go on the hot air balloon ride or other outdoor activities in the Tokachi region, here are the contact details of the company running the outdoor activities

Tokachi Nature Center

Minami 12-1-12, Tokachigawa onsen

Otofuke, Hokkaido 〒080-0263 Japan

Tel: 0155-32-6116

Fax: 0155-32-6117

Email: infotnc@nature-tokachi.co.jp

After our hot air balloon ride, we returned back to our hotel Kangetsuen for breakfast and checked out from the hotel. Our travel schedule on the fourth day was to go up the mountain range in Central Hokkaido. It was a bit of a long traveling journey on the road, however, we were blessed with many awesome and gorgeous clear deep blue skies and landscapes!

The Sounkyo area is a real gem in Hokkaido’s tourism and I love this place! If there are hidden gems in landscape photography around the world, they have to visit Sounkyo!

Mikuni Touge Pass (三国峠）

While traveling uphill from one area to another area, we were entering from autumn season into winter season! Such is the natural and wonderful beauty of Hokkaido four seasons! I was amazed and went into landscape photography heaven, so beautiful and words can’t do enough justice to the natural landscape beauty of Hokkaido.

I really hope that my landscape photographs that I am sharing will tell the whole world about the hidden natural landscape beauty and gems of Hokkaido!

Stopping by Mikuni Touge Pass, there was a rest point and lookout point. We had a pit stop and we were blown away, our eyes and camera glued to the clear deep blue skyline and the mountain range. It’s so beautiful!

We continued our road trip, surrounded by snow and the mountain range, arriving at our hotel, Sounkyo Kankou Hotel (Sounkyo Onsen). Firstly, we dropped off our luggage and had lunch at Sounkyo Kankou Hotel. During our lunch, Mr. Nakajima-san of Sounkyo Tourist Association was there to visit us and host us for the afternoon! We were also very honoured and happy that a Master Landscape Photographer, Mr. Koetsu Ichinetsu Sensei will be hosting us and showing us around various locations in the Sounkyo area! Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei showed us his collection of landscape photography works and they were so amazing, so beautiful, a highly experienced Master Landscape Photographer, the Best of the Best Landscape Photographers.

Mt. Kuro-dake （黒岳）

The expectations were building up towards our next destination, Mt Kuro-dake, towering 1,984m in height, in the Sounkyo region. We were so amazed and blown away by the beauty of our surroundings and landscapes. After our wonderful lunch at Sounkyo Kankou Hotel, we eagerly traveled to the base of Mt. Kuro-dake, for our ropeway ride up to the middle of Mt. Kuro-dake, part of Daisetsuzan National Park. While waiting for turn to board, Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei brought us to a rest area at the base station and we were treated to some of his awesome and breathe-taking Hokkaido landscapes photographs printed and on display! Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei is truly a Master of Master Landscape Photographers!

Soon, it was time to board for the ropeway journey up the mountain! The photographers soon glued themselves to the glass panel, eagerly waiting to see what the landscapes would be like and getting our cameras ready for action! As the journey up Mt. Kuro-dake began, I was blown away again by the charm, aura and beauty of the landscapes of Mt. Kuro-dake and her surroundings. It is so grand, beautiful and magnificent and I am running out of words to describe them!

I started to visualize how it would be like during Autumn season while taking the ropeway up to Mt. Kuro-dake and I make a promise that I MUST return to Hokkaido during the Autumn season to photograph the bright colours and beauty of Sounkyo.

Upon reaching the mid way point station of Mt. Kuro-dake, we disembarked from the cabin and walked up to the rooftop of the station. We had a bird’s eye view from Mt. Kuro-dake of the landscapes and mountain range of Sounkyo. Our cameras went into crazy action mode, capturing as many different frames, angles and perspectives. It’s a dream come true for landscape/travel photographers to record and share the beauty and charm of Sounkyo.

After taking many photographs at the rooftop, we went down and started trekking a short distance to watch people skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Kuro-dake. We had fun too, taking photographs and playing with snow! Due to time and schedule constraints, we could not explore uphill further.

Waterfall of Meteor （流星の滝）/ Waterfall of Ginga　（銀河の滝）

We began our descent down Mt. Kuro-dake, enjoying our last few minutes’ view of the landscapes and surroundings. Next, we were heading to two famous waterfalls in the Kamikawa region, they are the Waterfall of Meteor （流星の滝）/ Waterfall of Ginga　（銀河の滝）. The Waterfall of Meteor is the female waterfall at 120m in height while the Waterfall of Ginga is the male waterfall at 80m in height. Both the waterfalls were close to fully frozen and it was a very interesting landscape sight. I am sure both waterfalls will be really beautiful during summer season!

Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei was very kind and helpful, sharing his vast local knowledge experience, photography experience and expertise with us, the band of photographers. He was showing us where to stand and how to compose/capture various views and perspectives of the two waterfalls! It was a very humbling experience (especially for me) when Mr. Ichinetsu used our cameras to shoot in order for us to learn and have a better perspective on how to compose landscape photography in Hokkaido!

Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei style of mentoring/sharing his hands-on photography experience strikes a deep chord with me on how I should and can adopt to mentor/share my photography experiences with my photographer friends and my student/disciple under my care!

Daisetsu-Asahigaoka　（大雪高原旭が丘）

After our photography adventure at the two waterfalls, we returned to our limousine mini bus and traveled towards our last official photography destination of the Hokkaido Photographers Invitation Program. This magnificent destination, the Daisetsu-Asahigaoka, is where I got some of my most memorable (and probably my best) landscape photographs of the whole travel adventure. The vast land, covered with snow on the fields, the white clouds moving in the background and the sunset rays shining through the horizon. It was like in heaven and indeed it was due to the altitude of the area.

I am now in a winter dreamland, a paradise on Earth. I always have a soft spot for traveling to Japan and Hokkaido really took my heart, mind and soul and planted it there. I really wanted to continue photographing many of the beautiful and magnificent landscapes in the Kamikawa and Sounkyo regions.

While we were immersing ourselves into the Daisetsu-Asahigaoka gorgeous and magnificent landscape, Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei was just as enthusiastic and energetic as us! Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei was leading us to various spots around there and sharing with us tips, angles, perspectives, composing and framing the landscape photography shots! The Landscape Photography Master was walking pretty fast on the snow covered ground, leading us to various spots and we had a fun time chasing after him, rather awkwardly because we were not used to running on snow covered grounds! We ran and we left our footprints, our hearts, mind and soul at the Daisetsu-Asahigaoka（大雪高原旭が丘).

As the Hokkaido sun sets over the Daisetsu-Asahigaoka horizon, we packed our gears and waved goodbye. This was the last official photography destination on the Hokkaido Photographers Invitation Program and we left with heavy hearts for she stole our photography hearts! It was an omen that Daisetsu-Asahigaoka was sending out to us, the band of photographers that we had to return one day, we must return one day!

Ice Pavilion（アイスパビリオン）

On our way back to our hotel, we had a stop at the Ice Pavilion and had some fun inside there! We were treated to a temperature of -41 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature ever recorded in Hokkaido! We also had a chance to play on the ice/snow playground that they created! There was so much fun sliding down the ice slope/slide!

Do check out their website for more information and details!

Sounkyo Kankou Hotel (Sounkyo Onsen)

Returning back to our hotel, we rested and changed to the yukata, getting ready for our dinner. The hotel owner, Mr. Morita Shigenori, General Manager, Mdm. Chida Tamami and Chief of Reserved Seat Mr. Yasuhito Toda, hosted us to a grand and sumptuous Japanese Kaiseki Dinner. We were touched by the warm Japanese hospitality and we learned so much more about Japanese traditions and cuisines!

One of Hokkaido’s most iconic dishes is their snow crab. This was my maiden experience eating a Hokkaido snow crab in my lifetime till date and I confessed that I don’t know how to cut open and eat it properly. I was struggling and a bit lost, Dennis helped me out by telling me how to cut it and dip in the sauce. I must be a slow learner in eating crabs and Mdm. Chida Tamami saw that I was lost in the world of Hokkaido crabs. Mdm. Chida Tamami decided to take good care of me and showed me how to cut open the snow crab and how to eat it properly, with translation help from Moe-san, sat beside me. Mdm. Chida Tamami was such a great host with heartwarming Japanese hospitality!

It was a lively and fun dinner, accompanied by the sumptuous Japanese cuisines. Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei was sharing with us his photography equipment and experiences; we were amazed by his vintage Linhoff film camera. Being a photography buff and film SLR user many years ago, I could not resist asking Mr. Ichinetsu for permission to touch and feel his Linhoff film camera! It was a priceless nostalgic photography experience! Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei was also sharing with us about his thoughts when he was the group during the afternoon; we were very humbled and honoured by his warmth, hospitality, and enthusiasm. That was something about Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei that got me even more in awe of this Master Landscape Photographer; he is 75 years old and still going strong!

During the dinner, Mr. Morita Shigenori shared with us that Sounkyo Kankou Hotel is expanding their outdoor onsen and it is scheduled to open in Fall 2015, around end of August 2015! I am excited and hope to be able to enjoy at their outdoor onsen when it opens in Fall 2015!

It kind of fits nicely to my plan (hopefully it can come true!) to visit Hokkaido during autumn in mid October 2015 and Sounkyo/Kamikawa (and visit the new outdoor Sounkyo Onsen) are inside my travel schedule agenda!

All good things must come to an end; Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei had to leave early from the dinner because he had to prepare for another visit the following morning. Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei shook hands and hug with each of us before making his leave. A true master photographer that commands so much respect among the community and his humility, priceless and a great example to learn and follow. I had a light-hearted moment with Mr. Ichinetsu Sensei when he touched my belly in a friendly way (yes, I had too much good food in Hokkaido). I promised myself to slim down my tummy before I return to Hokkaido in the near future!

Our Last Photo Shoot Outing

After our dinner ended, we the band of photographers decided to head out and check out Sounkyo night sky and go for night photography/star trail photography. We walked to the ropeway base station of Mt. Kuro-dake and spent some time there photographing the night landscapes and star trails. While our works couldn’t match up to the ones we managed to capture at Lake Akan on our second night in Hokkaido, all of us had a fun time to bond and take photographs together for one final night together in Hokkaido.

Upon returning back to Sounkyo Kankou Hotel, we sat together and rested with hot beverages from the drinks vending machine in the hotel lobby. The hot beverages warmed us up from the cold chilly Hokkaido winter night. We, this particular band of photographers, were able to bond very well, having pretty good chemistry and teamwork during the whole Hokkaido Photographers Invitation Program. I am very happy to be traveling and photographing with them for this whole program.

After a while, we went back to our rooms and headed to the onsen, to enjoy and relax from an exciting Day 4 of the Hokkaido Photographer Invitation Program. As I sat and relax inside the onsen, reflecting back on my Hokkaido trip, it was very amazing and it wasn’t a dream, I am in Hokkaido and I managed to photograph and share some of Hokkaido’s finest beauty in the Central and Eastern regions. Personally, I felt that I got my best landscape shot of my Hokkaido Photographer Invitation Program on Day 4 here in Kamikawa/Sounkyo region.

An amazing day and a great finale to mark the end of Day 4 in Hokkaido! Now I will let my photographs do the talking instead.

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