September itinerary in Japan Day 7 (Hokkaido Day 2)

(Saturday, October 2)

Table of contents

On this day, after having breakfast at Hakodate Morning Market, I moved to Tomakomai by Limited Express Hokuto No. 3 departing from JR Hakodate Station at 7:37. There were almost no passengers on the limited express Hokuto. Everyone, let’s get on the JR Hokkaido train more.

I went to Shiraoi’s Upopoy (National Ainu Museum) last year, so I didn’t go this time. However, it is a very good facility for learning Ainu culture, so if you haven’t been there, please do.

https://ainu-upopoy.jp/en/

https://edokagura.com/en/local-cuisine/516/

1. Tomakomai

I rented a bicycle at the Tomakomai Tourist Information Center (Tourist Association) next to JR Tomakomai Station and went around Tomakomai City. The rental cycle fee is very cheap at Yen 500 a day. First, on the itinerary, after having lunch at the sea station “Plat Minato Ichiba”, I went to the Tomakomai City Science Center, which was taught at the Tomakomai Tourist Information Center. Tomakomai City Science Center was a better facility than I had imagined. Moreover, the admission fee was free.

https://www.city.tomakomai.hokkaido.jp/kagaku/

At the Tomakomai City Science Center, a large fire helicopter “Hamanasu” and a children’s car “Datsun Baby” are on display indoors. “Datsun Baby” is a children’s car made in 1963 and 1964 for a car training facility in Kodomo no Kuni. The maximum speed is only 30km / h. In addition, it is a very small cute car with a total length of 2.96 m, a total width of 1.42 m, a height of 1.25 m, a vehicle weight of 445 kg, and a total displacement of 199 cc.

In addition, the steam locomotive “C-11-133” is exhibited outdoors.

After all, the highlight is that the real space station “Mir” (former Soviet Union real spare machine) is on display.

Since it can be placed inside the “Mir”, you can see the control room and private room up close. I was surprised at the small size of the private room and the weightless bed (the bed that stands up and sleeps). There were no visitors other than me on the day, and I was able to monopolize the “Mir”. If you like spaceships, you can come to Tomakomai just to see “Mir”.

The reason why the space station “Mir” (actual spare machine) is located in Tomakomai City is that Iwakura Construction Co., Ltd. in Sapporo (Tomakomai was the headquarters location until 1984) donated it to Tomakomai City in 1998. Iwakura Construction purchased “Meal” in 1990. First, in 1989, Horie Planning (a company related to development in the space industry) purchased “Meal” from the Soviet authorities.

https://www.city.tomakomai.hokkaido.jp/kagaku/mir/tenjikan/about.html

2. Botanic Garden, Hokkaido University

I took the limited express Hokuto from Tomakomai to Sapporo and visited the Botanic Garden, Hokkaido University. Originally, the itinerary was planned to go in the morning of the 8th day, but I didn’t go to Shiraoi’s “Upopoy”, so I decided to go on the 7th day.

https://edokagura.com/en/local-cuisine/543/

The Botanic Garden, Hokkaido University is the second oldest botanical garden in Japan, which opened in 1886. There are many old buildings. It is a national important cultural property. I was able to see the Ezo squirrel in the park. Unfortunately it was raining on the day I went, but if it isn’t raining, it’s a very fun botanical garden to take a walk.

https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/fsc/bg/index_e.html

Admission: High school students and above Yen 420, elementary and junior high school students Yen 300

3. JR Tower Observatory T38

The night view of Sapporo seen from the skyscraper “JR Tower Observatory T38” at JR Sapporo Station was very beautiful. However, I thought that the night view from Mt. Hakodate that I saw the day before was definitely more beautiful.

http://www.jr-tower.com/share/jr-tower/other/t38guide/20210401.pdf

In addition, the YAKEI (Night view) Convention & Visitors Bureau has selected “Sapporo” along with Nagasaki and Kitakyushu as ” Japan’s New Three Most Spectacular Night Views”.

https://jptop3e.yakeikentei.jp/

Admission reception is on the 6th floor of JR Tower East. Take the Center Elevator II (next to Starbucks) at Sapporo Stellar Place to the 6th floor.

Admission: Adults 740 yen, junior high and high school students 520 yen, elementary school students and toddlers (4 years old and over) 320 yen

Admission is free for those who have a birthday on the day.

Also, from October 21st (Thursday) to November 14th (Sunday), 2021, the admission fee will be reduced to half for Hokkaido residents only.

There is a view restroom with the concept of “occupying an overwhelming sense of liberation”. Designed by Junko Kobayashi, a leading Japanese toilet architect. There was no one in the bathroom, so I took a picture.

Note: The departure / arrival times, fees, admission fees, etc. of transportation listed in the text are as of the time of writing the BLOG. They may change in the future, so please check for yourself when you go on a trip.