The Minimalism Project: 2018 Edition

The first time Dad increased my pocket money, 7-year old me went straight to the bookshop and spent it all on star-shaped stickers to give to Dad because... I really didn't need them? Lol. What even. Anyway, ever since then, I have just been spending money away. It was a way of relieving stress for me (Think: Retail BS therapy.) but then, I was spending on things which, again, I didn't need. Also, I'm a massive hoarder because 'just in case'. So, for the year 2018, I'm going to really make an attempt to cut out the frivolities in my life. It's a little ambitious for me to go on a year of no shopping. Hence, I'll be embarking on two little 'projects' here on my blog.

Beauty products make a large part of the furniture in my room, so naturally there's The Minimalism Project I: Beauty Expenses which will be a complete record of my sins. It's going to be a single entry which I'll keep updating whenever I buy a beauty product, whether it's a replacement or a new fixture.

And because I have bought way too many clothes to just throw them away and be Marie Kondo, The Minimalism Project II: Something 'New' Every Week will feature a piece of clothing which I have been saving for that (elusive) one special day. ( ಠ◡ಠ )

Wish me luck! x

Keeping it clear with Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Mask

Reddit loves Naruko and hence, I love Naruko. Lol. No, I actually tested several products before pledging my undying love for said brand (Again. Used to really love it and then, I got distracted.). One of which is the Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Mask. This mask contains activated carbon to help control sebum production, maintains oil-water balance in skin and prevents acne. I was initially apprehensive about it because it contains fragrance and I try to avoid it as much as possible. But there were just too many Asian Beauty Redditors raving about this and so, I got a box. And then, another box. Then, 2 more boxes... *grins*

I put this on right after cleansing my face. Sometimes, I add a little Face Renewal Miracle Essence just because some people feel that your skin absorbs better when it's a little damp. The fit is almost right for my face, though a wee bit short on the nose flap. And then, I Netflix (STRANGER THINGS IS SO GOOD. HOMAIGAWD. Steve Harrington ♥.). Instructions say to keep it on for 5 to 10 minutes but being a rebel, I leave it on until it starts to feel dry.

When I take the mask off, my skin looks super fair and clear. Redness from blemishes, on my more sensitive inner cheeks and at the sides of my nose is reduced. And it stays that way. You know how some masks only have an instant effect, like for-the-moment kind of thing. Well, this, this goes beyond that. I feel like it's a treatment, rather than a quick perk-me-up. Will definitely keep repurchasing this! ♥

Exfoliating with IDS Facial Scrub

There was quite a lot of hype around IDS (Innovative Dermatological Solutions) a while back so I got curious and decided to try the facial scrub, which is very well-received online. But it seems like the brand underwent a revamp and what I have above is the old version. I'm not sure if it's just packaging but here's a review anyways.

I got the IDS Facial Scrub last August and I have been using it on and off ever since. It is still SGD62 for a 50ml tube, which is pretty pricey but you just need a pinch of it. After showering, I apply this to my face in gentle, circular motions. The beads are very fine and it heats up a little as you scrub. My skin is left feeling very smooth and soft once I wash it off... But this is also the case with other scrubs. I didn't notice any visible changes in my complexion.

I won't be repurchasing this because there are more pocket-friendly alternatives that give me the same effect but this is still a brand that I would continue to explore (Like the Lyco-White! So tempting but so expensive too. :\).

KonMari-ing My Beauty Stash

My room is literally littered with beauty products. And though I have made several attempts to reduce my stash, they are still pretty much everywhere because #consumerism. Lol. As some of you might know, I have been trying extremely hard to be a minimalist this year. So for a while now, I have sort of adopted the 'no buying, only replace' strategy where I try (again, extremely hard) not to buy new products, to use up what I have and only to replace those that I really love. It has been 80 52% successful? Lol. ಥ_ಥ

Anyway, here are some products which I have finished or stopped using in the past couple of months that I was MIA-ing here. :\

For hair

• Earth Science Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
  With a 4.5 rating across 984 reviews on iHerb.com, I expected this to really transform my hair into a blanket of silk or something to that effect. But nope, this was so incredibly normal. In fact, it wasn't as effective as my usual conditioner from Tsubaki.

• Tsubaki Head Spa Massage Spa Mask
  I discovered Tsubaki during my JC days and since then, I have been using it. Of course, I do dabble in other brands but I always have Tsubaki shampoos and conditioners under my sink. The above is my second tube. I always use this when my scalp and hair need some TLC and it always delivers. Always. ♥

For face

• Annasalbe Ace Acne Cream
  I got this when I was in Japan earlier this year. According to MUA, this is a sulphur-based acne cream and it is the best I have tried since Eryacne. It is so effective in drying the heck out of pimples/ acne, whether they are just threatening to appear or have already reared their ugly heads. Definitely stocking up on this the next time I go Japan! ♥

• Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence
  Okay, this, THIS, is my holy grail. I have used 1.5 bottles in the last 6 months (Please take note that I do spam it quite a bit when I'm happy. And then, this makes me happier so I spam it even more. (ؑ‷ᵕؑ̇‷)◞✧ ). It plumped my skin with moisture and made it feel so incredibly healthy that I got compliments on my skin. And you need to know that that hardly ever happens in my life. Even my facial therapist commented that my skin was good. But anyway, I decided to go Europe and my skin's a little messed up from the cold and flu now, so the texture of the inner cheeks is a little rough. But but, it's getting better day by day with this (And my trusty Aveeno moisturizer!)! ♥♥♥

• Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil
  Oh gawd. This is really expensive and it's actually my 2nd bottle. A few drops of this mixed into DermaVeen was very good for my dry skin in 2014. But fast forward to this year, it just stopped. Unfortunately... Or fortunately. Heh. Well, skin is always changing so *shrugs*. Really painful on the heart though. Also, the cap gets sticky in our climate like NARS packaging so that's a bit icky. :\

For body

• Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Powder Liquid
  I have sensitive skin everywhere so I can't use deodorants. Instead, I use pimple solutions. It was Stridex previously but we all know that that's really quite strong and drying. Hence, I made the switch to Cosrx. This is double the price but it is also so much gentler and works just as well for me. I slather this on at night without facing any irritations, wash it off when I shower in the morning and I don't really smell throughout the day. Have already started on my backup *points above*. ◡̈ ♥

• MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm
  I came across this brand on a mummy's forum last year while searching for remedies for my eczema and have stuck with it ever since. I was just spamming it on my back for a couple of days when I realised that hey, I wasn't itching anymore. And it has also helped Mum with her hot flushes and Gran with her dry skin. I really like that it's light, sinks into skin quickly and doesn't leave any residual layer (Which can actually add on to the whole itching situation.). Please take note that it doesn't cure eczema. It only helps you manage it better. I have recommended this to friends and well, it's pretty much YMMV but some have gotten onto the bandwagon too. You can buy this from Isetan, Kiddy Palace or place a bulk order on their Aussie website. ♥

Washing my face with roses from Su:m37˚

When iHerb started their 'K-Beauty' section, I spent several bus journeys scrolling through the items they offered. And of course, the Su:m37˚ Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick caught my eye. After all, this luxuriously magical product was OOS everywhere at one time. For those who don't know, this travel-friendly solid cleanser comes in a twist-up tube and is a small but precious column of essential oils, dotted with actual rose petals. To use it, swivel the cleanser on wet palms and wash your face as usual.

Some people have broken out from this which caused me quite a bit of worrying, especially with last year's (traumatic) encounter with facial eczema. But you know, skincare products, roses... So tempting! And thankfully, my very sensitive skin didn't react aversely to it. It was a sheer delight to use, but only because of the rose scent. It doesn't strip my skin after cleansing, but it isn't life-changing either. More of a want than a need, really because it doesn't come cheap. Also, I can't help but wonder how hygienic it is to wet the cleanser and then, let it dry in the tube like that. Same concern with bar soaps.

Still, my interest in Su:m37˚ is piqued and the next item that I really want to try is the Secret Essence. If I can tear myself away from Naruko Face Renewal Miracle Essence, which is another story for another time. Till then, x.

Su:m37˚ Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick retails at SGD36.20 on iHerb.com.

A Revolution among Florists – A Better Florist

It's not that often that I can find a florist that not only meets, but also exceeds my expectations. I love a good flower bouquet, and some of my fondest memories involve stunning flowers. I’ve seen my fair share of florists in Singapore, and I’ve ordered from many as well. However, I was most impressed by A Better Florist. Looking for the ideal, gift shop Singapore has, that is packed with beautiful blooms but offers so many creative gifts?

I want to start by stating that they have the best flower delivery in Singapore, ever. Their delivery is so fast, you’ll never forget a bouquet for special occasions ever again. They deliver all day, every day, even on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year's etc. If you are in a flower emergency, like I was numerous times before, they can cater to you immediately. Place the order, on the website or in the shop, and they will deliver it within only 90 minutes!

What makes them the best florist in Singapore apart from the greatest flower delivery Singapore has ever seen, are their skills and the ability to create beautiful and breathtaking blooms. Their bouquets and arrangements resemble a flower masterpiece, because they invest a lot of time and attention into every single bouquet. They pay attention to every detail, and make sure that each bouquet sends out the right message.

One of the greatest perk, especially for all that are tech savvy and the millennials, is their Online flower delivery Singapore is yet to experience in full. You don't even have to leave your home to take advantage of their fast delivery. Just a few clicks and you can place your order, without having to run around Singapore.

I've also found that they have a Dubai flower delivery and a Hong Kong flower delivery. If you read a little bit more, you'll see that they are known online through reviews and articles as the as the best florist in Hong Kong and the best florist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In fact, they are known to be the best flower delivery in Hong Kong.

The bouquet delivery Singapore florists have offered so far has to step up, because A Better Florist changed the game for good! I highly recommend you check out one of their signature blooms, they are stunning! In my opinion, this is the best florist in Singapore so far, and I can't wait to see what they create next.

(by Elma Humpries)

Hokkaido 2017: Day 5 そばを自分で作った！

Learnt how to make soba from Agishiさん! あぎしさんにそばの作り方を習った！
The soba we made! 自分で作ったそば！ちょっと硬かった…（笑）

喜香庵
http://h-takarajima.com/detail/index/2885

On the 2nd last day of the trip, Mum and Megumiさん arranged for a soba-making session at 喜香庵 (I'm so sorry, this is the limit of my N4 Japanese. I have no idea how to pronounce this ٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶, but click on the link above or you can always make arrangements with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. (｡•́‿•̀｡)). Agishiさん first showed us how he made soba and then, the whole family took turns making our own soba together, under his patient guidance! It was a really good arm workout. Haha. Thereafter, Agishiさん and his wife (I think) cooked our (hard and uneven) soba for us, fed us his own (al dente) soba and we washed them all down with soba tea. We also ordered soba ice-cream which was a pure bowl of happiness! Someone needs to bring this to Singapore, stat. (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ)

Aunt Jam's Workshop ジャムおばさんのジャム工房
Yanase Takashi's Anpanman Shop やなせ たかしの店（ふらの店）

Furano Jam Garden
https://www.furanojam.com/furano_us/

Next stop was Furano Jam Garden, where we tried jam flavours we never knew existed and visited Anpanman. There are many gifts and souvenirs here that you can buy back for loved ones and if you want a hands-on experience, there's a jam-making class too. Just remember to make a reservation before 5.30pm the day before (Tel.: 0167-29-2233)!

Ninguru Terrace ニングルテラス
In fairytale land.
Ninguru Terrace's cookie. ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

Ninguru Terrace
http://www.furanotourism.com/en/spot/spot_D.php?id=2&kid1=1&kid2=8&kid3=26

Ninguru Terrace was just a stone's throw away from our hotel in Furano so we dropped by before dinner. This fairytale-like place is a collection of cottages selling handmade art and craft. There were intricately-carved wooden ornaments, candles with faces on them, leather crafts... And their very own cafe which serves really good baked milk and cookies!

↟↟↟

Hokkaido 2017 Diary 北海道の日記
Day 0: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.+ Arriving at Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)
Day 1: Volcanoes + Best Ramen + Best Hotel Everrr (Chitose → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya)
Day 2: Prettiest fields + Yummilicious cakes in Otaru (Lake Toya → Otaru → Sapporo)
Day 3: Shiroi Koibito Park + Outlet window-shopping (Sapporo)
Day 4: Pretty flowers + Telly Tower + Red bricks (Sapporo)
Day 5: Soba-making + Aunt Jam's love for Anpanman + Fairytale land (Sapporo → Furano)

(For more photos, please check out my Instagram @charlenejudith.)

Hokkaido 2017: Day 4 私のデー

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade 狸小路商店街
Don Quijote ドン・キホーテ on the right!

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
http://www.sapporo.travel/find/shops/tanukikoji_shopping_arcade/?lang=en

Day 4 was a free and easy day. We spent the late morning and noon exploring Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, which is a 1km stretch of non-stop shopping. You have the super-duper awesome drugstores, clothes, souvenirs, food/ snacks... Basically everything is there, including Don Quijote (Free Wi-Fi.)! This place is also linked to the Sapporo Underground Shopping Malls, which means more shopping! Haha. You really can spend an entire day here but I decided to explore Sapporo a little more so I headed to...

Along the way.
Odori Park 大通公園
Sapporo TV Tower さっぽろテレビ塔 I want to try on a kimono the next time!

Odori Park
http://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/odori/en/

Sapporo TV Tower
https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/en/

Odori Park, where Sapporo TV Tower is! The park, though small, is beautifully littered with flowers. There's a water fountain right in the middle and people sit around it to enjoy ice-cream. For the TV Tower, you can actually go up to the observation deck and get a bird's eye view of the city. And then, there's the Information Centre and Official Shop where you can get complimentary maps and travel guides in various languages. And that was where I discovered...

Along the way. The Old Hokkaido Government Building 赤れんが庁舎

The Old Hokkaido Government Building
http://www.sapporo.travel/find/culture/former_hokkaido_government_office/?lang=en

The Old Hokkaido Government Building, which was built in 1888 and is a symbol of Sapporo. It houses several rooms of exhibits relating Hokkaido's history and the ongoing Kuril Islands dispute among Japan, Russia and the Ainu people. It was a tad heavy to end the day with, but history buffs will definitely have a good time here. ◡̈

↟↟↟

Hokkaido 2017 Diary 北海道の日記
Day 0: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.+ Arriving at Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)
Day 1: Volcanoes + Best Ramen + Best Hotel Everrr (Chitose → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya)
Day 2: Prettiest fields + Yummilicious cakes in Otaru (Lake Toya → Otaru → Sapporo)
Day 3: Shiroi Koibito Park + Outlet window-shopping (Sapporo)
Day 4: Pretty flowers + Telly Tower + Red bricks (Sapporo)
Day 5: Soba-making + Aunt Jam's love for Anpanman + Fairytale land (Sapporo → Furano)

(For more photos, please check out my Instagram @charlenejudith.)

Hokkaido 2017: Day 3 白い恋人パーク ＋ たくさんアイスクリーム

My Shiroi Koibito Park 白い恋人パーク passport
Shiroi Koibito Park's Oompa Loompa
To carry around wherever you go. Keep out of reach of children.
Darth Vader wants Shiroi Koibito too.

Shiroi Koibito Park
http://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/english/

The first half of Day 3 was spent exploring the factory that churns out everyone's all-time favourite biscuits. When you first arrive, you will be given your very own Shiroi Koibito passport to help guide you around the factory and also, tell you about the biscuit's history... Which was very Project Work-ish. Hahaha. Anyway, it was really cool to see the factory workers doing quality control on the biscuits. And gosh, just look at those squares of goodness! ♡ ♡ ♡

The super Instagram-worthy garden outside.
Dad and Mum garden-happy.
Welcome to Ouran Highschool Host Club's French Garden Party.
Dad and his ice-cream.

The garden outside the factory is divided up into different themes, such as Gulliver Town and Rose Garden. Tons of spots for that perfect selfie/ OOTD shot. Everyone was just snapping away but the Lee family decided to get Shiroi Koibito ice-cream instead. Haha. I can't quite remember the taste... It was yummy but it wasn't anything that I couldn't get elsewhere, so you might want to save your sugar intake for cakes and cream puffs instead. Heh.

Ramen from the food court stall with the longest queue, but of course. Ice-cream again!

Chitose Outlet Mall Rera
http://www.outlet-rera.com/english/

We spent the rest of the day at Chitose Outlet Mall Rera. My family didn't buy much but people around us were holding big bags so if you're into brands, this is the place for you. I spent a lot of time examining the drugstore shelves and looking at food and then, this happened.

Me: すみません、はさみ(つ) hasami ワインがありますか？ (Do you have scissors wine here? Meant to say 'honey 蜂蜜 hachimitsu'.)
店員: ????????????!

My Japanese is so bad. :\ Studying this afternoon. (•̀o•́)ง

↟↟↟

Hokkaido 2017 Diary 北海道の日記
Day 0: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.+ Arriving at Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)
Day 1: Volcanoes + Best Ramen + Best Hotel Everrr (Chitose → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya)
Day 2: Prettiest fields + Yummilicious cakes in Otaru (Lake Toya → Otaru → Sapporo)
Day 3: Shiroi Koibito Park + Outlet window-shopping (Sapporo)
Day 4: Pretty flowers + Telly Tower + Red bricks (Sapporo)
Day 5: Soba-making + Aunt Jam's love for Anpanman + Fairytale land (Sapporo → Furano)

(For more photos, please check out my Instagram @charlenejudith.)

Hokkaido 2017: Day 2 美味しかったケーキを食べった！

Lake Hill Farm レイクヒル・ファーム

Hokkaido's Li'l Sebastian

Rabbit stood up because he thought my phone was food. :\

A goat named Yuki.

Straight out of a postcard.

Nooo, my finger! ಥ_ಥ But look at the pretty Mount Yōtei!

Paper cow goes to Lake Hill Farm.

Lake Hill Farm
http://www.lake-hill.com/html/info/index.html

Day 2 saw us bidding the Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort goodbye very reluctantly, but we were excited for new adventures and so, we headed to Lake Hill Farm. Lake Hill Farm is famous for its very fresh and unique/ seasonal ice-cream flavours but unfortunately, we didn't have any!!! ಥ_ಥ We were quite taken by the animals instead. Haha. Well, it isn't everyday that I get to see horses, rabbits and goats really up-close. Heh. Anyway, the place was really pretty. It was spacious, not crowded, temperature was so good and the view was just so, so soothing.

Otaru Canal 小樽運河

Otaru Canal
http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/otaruunga.html

Otaru was our next stop and it's more of a city so there were more people, but still not as crowded as Singapore. Gosh, now that I think about it, it was actually quite therapeutic to be away from crowds. I'm more of a city person, so I'm full-time in Singapore and part-time in Bangkok haha, and there are always crowds and it can get quite draining..

Anyway, the above canal used to be part of the city's busy port during the first half of the 20th century, but took a rest permanently when technology came along. So right now, museums, shops and restaurants line the sides of it. (source) There were a couple of artists sketching the scenery and selling their work.

One of the streets in Otaru.

Live seafood.

Sakaimachi Street
http://en.otaru-sakaimachi.com

Otaru also has this street called Sakaimachi Street 境町通り. I wasn't looking out for signboards so I don't know where we walked to but we definitely walked through that street. There are may shops selling souvenirs, especially those that are made from glass. And we visited the famous Music Box Museum that's on the southern end of Sakaimachi Street. It is this massive building of intricately-designed musical boxes and nothing else. I was a little too concerned with not breaking any of them so no photos heh, but do take a look if you are in that area. It was kind of like a fairytale, really. (▰˘◡˘▰)

Double Fromage

Double Plate - Double Fromage, Chocolate Double and Venezia Rendezvous

LeTAO PATHOS
https://www.letao.jp/global/en/sp/shop/pathos.php

And cakes, WOHOO!!! The sister and I were looking forward to this because we caught a food programme on the plane and the guy was just gushing about LeTAO so much. I don't know what the first dessert is called but they were all so fluffy and fresh! If you're going to eat a couple of cakes though, because everything's like so nice and you can't make up your mind, do order the hot cocoa to help cleanse your palate before the next sweet dish. At least, that was what the guy suggested. And I did order the hot cocoa but I can't really remember much of it. I can, however, remember how much I wished that the Double Fromamge came in a bed version and you know, it's like you're sleeping on clouds, you wake up, take a bite and go right back to sleep. Mmhmm... Hahaha. #dreamsnevercometrue #becausetheyareunrealistic

Anyway, for those who don't know, LeTAO is actually in Singapore! Not the café, but we can buy the signature Double Frommage, chocolates and biscuits. It is more expensive but if you consider air fare, accommodation... It's actually pretty alright. :D Thinking of getting the Matcha one this Saturday, mmhmm! :DD

↟↟↟

Hokkaido 2017 Diary 北海道の日記
Day 0: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.+ Arriving at Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)
Day 1: Volcanoes + Best Ramen + Best Hotel Everrr (Chitose → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya)
Day 2: Prettiest fields + Yummilicious cakes in Otaru (Lake Toya → Otaru → Sapporo)
Day 3: Shiroi Koibito Park + Outlet window-shopping (Sapporo)
Day 4: Pretty flowers + Telly Tower + Red bricks (Sapporo)
Day 5: Soba-making + Aunt Jam's love for Anpanman + Fairytale land (Sapporo → Furano)

(For more photos, please check out my Instagram @charlenejudith.)

Hokkaido 2017: Day 1 文化を習って、火山を見た。

Shiraoi Ainu Museum and Village アイヌ民族博物館

All huts face the same direction and bears are regarded as gods of the mountains.

Traditional Ainu folk dance

Shiraoi Ainu Musuem and Village
http://www.ainu-museum.or.jp/en/

The first attraction we visited was the Shiraoi Ainu Museum and Village. The Ainu (Means 'human'.) people aren't really considered Japanese but they are the indigenous people of northern Japan. They believe that gods exist in all things, such as nature and animals, and that each entity comes from its own world and will return when it has completed its role. (source)

We were just in time for the Traditional Ainu folk dances, which happens every other hour. The hosts spoke only in Japanese but fret not, they have their scripts printed in a couple of languages which you can borrow. ◡̈ The songs and dances were really interesting and the village was incredibly tranquil and pretty.

(There's this section, though, where some bears and dogs are kept in incredibly cramped cages. ): You're not supposed to feed the animals but there was no one guarding, so there were a couple of visitors throwing food in and shouting at the animals to wake them up. )': Several complaints have been made online so hopefully, something gets done soon! )

Jigoku-dani 地獄谷

Earth boiling water.

Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley)
http://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/?lang=en

Next stop was Hell Valley at Noboribetsu. This was basically my secondary school Physical Geography dream come true. Hot steam vents (Fumaroles, I think.) and white clouds of sulphur smoke littered the entire landscape. It was the first time that I saw how 'alive' the earth, which was really cool. I could't stop staring at the little boiling bubbles the earth was cooking!

Shoyu (Red) Ramen from Ippontei 一本亭の醤油（赤）ラーメン

Ramen Ippontei
http://good-hokkaido.info/en/ramen-ippontei/

For lunch, Mum found Ramen Ippontei which was included in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012 Special Edition. It's a really small restaurant, which closes the minute they finish selling what they have prepared for the day. When we went there, it was actually full house (Everyone was Japanese. We were the only foreigners.) so we had to wait for a little while, which was totally worth it. I ate the bounciest noodles ever, incredibly al dente! And the broth was so rich but wasn't too overwhelming... It was the best ramen I had during the trip. :D

The only thing is that the people (Family?) who run the restaurant only speak in Japanese but if I remembered it right, they have got a menu in English so you can just point to whatever that you want. There are pictures anyway, so.

But just in case, Google has this really useful app called Google Translate. Download it, click on the camera icon, hover over Japanese words and tadahhh! The app will translate them into English for you and it's pretty accurate.

Aboard the gondola lift at Usuzan Ropeway 有珠山ロープウェイ。

Going up Mount Usu, which last erupted on March 31, 2000. That's Showa Shinzan, a baby mountain. (more)

Lake Toya 洞爺湖 and Showa Shinzan 昭和新山

Clouds casting shadows on Lake Toya 洞爺湖。

Gin’numa Great Crater formed during the 1977 eruption. (more)

Usuzan Ropeway
http://usuzan.hokkaido.jp/en/

The last attraction for the day was Mount Usu. It's an active volcano that has erupted 4 times in the last 100 years. We took the gondola lift up the mountain and the view at the peak was breathtaking. I don't exactly go for scenery but I was really wow-ed. It was just so beautiful... You could see the whole of Lake Toya (And how the clouds were casting shadows on it.), Showa Shinzan and the crater, which had smoke emitting out of it and I couldn't stop staring. It really reminded me of 君の名は and I was telling my brother that it would be life-changing if we could go over to the other side. Haha. We will literally go over to the other side if we go near it. Hahaha. Anyway, for the sporty ones, there are different hiking trails which you can take and each has its own duration and unique features. There are actually several blogs on the Internet detailing these trails, so Google away to find your best route! ◡̈

At the base of Mount Usu, there are several exhibits about the history of the place and of course, a pretty big souvenir shop. Hee. The souvenir shops that we went to on our trip sold mostly the same things and prices were consistent. Mum was looking out for certain snacks from Potato Farm but they were OOS. One of the sales people told us that it was because Japan doesn't have enough potatoes at the moment. :\ (more)

Standard Japanese-Western style room for 3-4 people.

The dinning area.

Pretty fireworks for the hotel wth.

The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
http://en.nonokaze-resort.com

And finally, we checked into the best hotel everrr! As mentioned earlier, Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. did all the bookings for us so we really had no idea how grand this was. Thank you, Megumiさん, for including this into our itinerary! ♡ The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort, of course, overlooks Lake Toya and the service, food and rooms were a-mazing!!! The 3 of us were like, it would be very okay if we could just spend the rest of our trip in this hotel. Hahaha.

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We were given the Standard Japanese-Western style room. And it had everything, including skincare from Shiseido, pyjamas and yukatas! Dinner and breakfast were buffet and the selection was so good... Gosh, best hotel everrr! Seriously. And oh yeah, there were fireworks at night. Like whuttt??! We, including the parental units, really didn't want to leave. (۶ꈨຶꎁꈨຶ)۶～～♥♥♥

But all good things have to come to an end and greater adventures awaited us. Like cakes and ice-cream. Hahaha. See you in the next entry! :DD

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Hokkaido 2017 Diary 北海道の日記
Day 0: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.+ Arriving at Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport)
Day 1: Volcanoes + Best Ramen + Best Hotel Everrr (Chitose → Noboribetsu → Lake Toya)
Day 2: Prettiest fields + Yummilicious cakes in Otaru (Lake Toya → Otaru → Sapporo)
Day 3: Shiroi Koibito Park + Outlet window-shopping (Sapporo)
Day 4: Pretty flowers + Telly Tower + Red bricks (Sapporo)
Day 5: Soba-making + Aunt Jam's love for Anpanman + Fairytale land (Sapporo → Furano)

(For more photos, please check out my Instagram @charlenejudith.)