Yes, we are going to another city in Hakkaido again. We are going to a city named Hakodate, one of the famous cities for Onsens (hot spring spa) in Japan. You can take Japan Rail (JR) train from Otaru to Hakodate, which takes about 4 hours and 45 mins and cost 8,920 YEN per direction. Since we are a group of six so we decided to rent a mini-van in Otaru to Hakodate, which cost us 23,000 including taxes and insurance for 2 days 1 night, and 10,300 YEN toll for the free way round trip and another 10,000 YEN for gas, and it’s about 5 hours driving. In this case, we saved about 8,000 YEN per person.
Rent a car in Japan
In order to drive in Japan, you will need a to apply for a International Driving Permit before you leave your home country, and a credit card. Simular to rent a car in anywhere in North America, you can make a reservation of a vehicle online before head. You will pay the fee by credit card when you pick up. Make sure you cancel the booking if you change your mind not picking up the car as of the agreement of the reservation, otherwise, penalties will be charged.
Enjoying Onsen right in our rooms
The hotel that we were staying was in front of the the ocean and we booked the rooms with private onsens in our rooms so we can enjoy the onsen with privacy. I’ve mentioned before, in Japanese culture, you are required to take a shower before going into the spa and you have to be naked. Although, it is separate for Men and Women spa, we still not get use to this “naked” culture. With a private onsen in our rooms, we can enjoy the onsen convertibility 
The hotel was great and we enjoyed our stay. The hotel accommodation rate covered a Japanese Style dinner with 9 dishes (including desert) and a buffie breakfast, and free parking if you are driving.
Whats famous in Hakodate other than Onsen?
At night, we went to the down town of Hakodate, and we drove up to the top of the hill for the night view of Hakodate. (Cable car is availble if you are not driving) The the night view of Hakodate is one of the best 3 in the world.
We will be going to the fish market located at the downtown of Hakodate (near JR station) next morning for fresh Sashimi!!
The hotel room
The private Onsen in our rooms with full ocean view
The night view of Hakodate from the hill
Tag: Blogging, Free and Easy Travel Experience
