Trip to Hokkaido an Escape from Summer

என் உயிரினும் மேலான அன்னைக்கு சமர்ப்பணம்

Hokkaido is very famous in winter for its Snow and summer welcomes you with lot of flowers. This time I have visited central part of Hokkaido famous for its summer, which is Furano and Biei. Lavender fields in Furano and Blue pond in Biei are must do things here.
Biei:

If you want to enjoy the beautiful landscape at its best, then you should use Car to roam around.

It’s like a land of fairy tale, until I visit here, I didn't know this way of  saving grass after harvesting

Shirogane Pond or Blue Pond:

It is a man made pond, to protect the city from Mt.Tokaichi eruption this was built. Due to aluminum hydroxide in the water which makes the water blue all the time and even the water falls nearby which is also blue in color.

Hope some of you might have seen this somewhere, yes! of course! it is none other than Apple Mac computer Screen saver image, it was taken here

Panorama Road:

Shikisai-no-Oka:

Flower fields on the hill top with Mt.Tokaichi as background. Alpaca farm here, kids can enjoy feeding Alpacas

One can experience colorful rolling rainbow fields of various flowers.

Patchwork Road:

After blue pond we had a funny tree hunting trip, yes here Trees become famous after it was in advertisements 

Seven Star Tree:

Image of this tree was used in seven star Tabaco packet.The place is really loaded with lot of Tourists.

Huge barley field just opposite side of this makes you forgot yourself in the nature.

Parent & Child Tree:

3 oak trees on a hill, and those look like parents and a child in the middle. The trees stand out against the farm.

Furano:

It was looking like another planet, everywhere you can see lavender, Sunflower and Poppies fields. 

Farm Tomita:
Must do things in Furano. One of the oldest and a huge lavender farm. Farm Tomita is near to railway station so expect a huge crowd

You can experience the rolling rainbow field in between lavender fields. The souvenir shops here sell fresh lavenders.

Lavender East:

It is little far from busy lavender fields of Farm Tomita, You can enjoy tractor ride through lavender fields. 

It looks like lavender carpet in purple color for 14 hectares.  

Ningle Terrace:

Small shopping area near to prince hotel. After the entrance you will feel like you are deep inside the mountains.

Lot of craft shops where exhibited here. Themed shops also you can see like owls, mirror, candle etc.

Hot air balloon ride:

Unplanned things gives you big surprise. First time ever I said No! I can’t try! and this is when my partner was so much excited about flying in hot air balloon.

finally we have done it.
Roller Coaster Road:

I was wondering why this road is named like this until I visit there.it was like roller coaster ride but straight 4 km road,takes you up and down. its recommended to make a video while you pass this road

Wherever you stop you will have absolutely wonderful view of land, sky, mountains, road, and barley fields.

Hinode Lavender Field:

15 mins drive from Lavender East and top of the hill have and observation deck.

Middle of the lavender field have love bell which is popular among couples. 

Okamurasaki lavender type of lavender is blooming here.

Things for your Taste buds:
Tomita farm Melon House:

Lavender pudding with honey :

Lavender flavored soft cream from Lavender East:

Famous Farm Restaurant AZEMICHI YORIMICHI:
Expect a huge crowd here, if you want to eat limited item food , then you need to visit here very early and be in the queue, This is very near Lavender East . This disch is called Hotofu 

We had a chat with local people there and inquired for famous restaurant and that beautiful soul drove us through the mountains for 10 -15 mins and showed us the traditional restaurant .

lovely couple hosted lunch for us.

We totally enjoyed our Trip both in summer and in winter and as always Hokkaido soup curry wins our heart.

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Cheers!!! 

Jiyugaoka - Little Europe of Tokyo

Tokyo`s trendiest neighborhood, Jiyugaoka literally it means "Freedom Hill”. It is also called as Little Europe of Tokyo. This place rarely seen by tourists still popular among Japanese. You can spend half a day to one day here and explore the place.

It was totally demolished in the WWII, later which was rebuilt and developed quickly.

The wide streets and walkway gives Sunday vibes on all days.It is something new and something different from normal places in Tokyo.

Theses buildings have an Italian Architecture, “La vita” depicts miniature of Venice with gondola and the canal

when you have closer look you will feel the Japanese touch.

Facade view of La Vita

Fashion Boutiques, chocolate shops, cafes and bakeries gives unique taste. It is good for window shopping too.

Since we arrive late evening, we were not able to explore the Kumano Shrine, one of the place to see in this neighborhood.
It is also a Best place for Pet lovers, you can find lots of pets.

One can easily reach here in 10 mins from Shibuya ,Oimachi and Mushashikosugi areas.
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PC: Prakash Reddy

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Trip to Kita-Kamakura Princess Hydrangea

Kamakura a small city in Kanagawa prefecture. It offers many temples, Shrines, Beaches and Historic places. One of the popular tourist spot in Japan when you visit Tokyo. It takes 1 Hr to reach from Tokyo.It takes around 10 mins from Kita Kamakura station to the Temple. You can see other temples like Engakuji etc.

This trip was really treat to the eyes, yes it’s time for blooming of Hydrangea. I wanted to see this at Kita-Kamakura, Meigetsu-in Temple（名月院）a Zen Temple.Its cost 500 Yen for Adults and 300 Yen to Visit Iris Garden which is open only in the month of June.

The path from main gate to chuumon gate attracts all the visitors.

The Hydrangeas here are “Hime hydrangeas”, which are Native to Japan

Hydrangea is a flower of Rainy season from June to July. It changes color from white to dark blue.

Meigetsu-in literally means Bright Moon, Rabbit is also related to moon ,belief of Rabbit pounding of Rice cake in moon , so you can see real Rabbits kept in the cage and in temple decorations.

Apart from Hydrangea, Circular window in the main hall is also one must see here.

The queue to take pics here was very long

 Jizo Bodhisattva statue

Here you'll find everything from bamboo groves, Buddhist temple, a dry garden, tea house, various seasonal flowers, moving water bridges and serine walking paths etc. 

After finishing this trip you will feel like you have given treat to your eyes and Forest bathing to your Soul.

After long walk and enjoy time time house, we started looking for food by that almost all shops closed and luckily we found small shop near the station home made pizza shop.Pizza is made of buckwheat flour.

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Cheers!!!