Every year when fall arrives, I want to visit Hokkaido University because the ginkgo trees along Ginkgo Avenue are incredibly dreamy! I returned again this year. Although it was still a few days before the best viewing time, the fall colors were already enough to make me stop and linger, reluctant to leave.
I asked several Hokkaido University students passing by whether they enjoyed studying there. They all answered in unison: “It’s fun 😀!” I think they really are happy, because studying in such a beautiful, spacious environment must be both fulfilling and enjoyable!
Hokkaido University | Review by 蘇自強
Other Reviews by 蘇自強
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Mount Yotei
In the southern Shiribeshi Region, Mt. Yotei stands 1898m above sea level. Its beautiful cone shape like Mt. Fuji’s has brought the name Ezo Fuji since ancient times. Located at the western edge of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the perfectly cone-shaped figure is counted in Japan’s 100 best mountains and serves as a symbol of the Niseko Area itself.
“A Hair-Raising Trip to Mount Yotei”
I had long dreamed of visiting Mount Yotei, and this fall I finally made the trip.
I took the train alone from Sapporo to Kutchan, only to realize I was in trouble because I would have to wait a long time for the bus that passes Mount Yotei. I had no choice but to take the only taxi in front of the station.
Before long, Mount Yotei appeared right in front of me. I pulled out my phone and started snapping photos like crazy, and the driver immediately rolled down the window so I could take as many as I wanted.
When we arrived at Fukidashi Park, I asked him to come back at noon and take me to the train station, and he returned right on time. On the way back, he suddenly turned toward Mount Yotei and sped down a farm road! I panicked! This was a completely different road from the one we had taken earlier! A “beautiful woman” all alone, I started thinking through emergency plans... Then he suddenly said, “There’s an unobstructed view up ahead on the left. It’s the best place to photograph Mount Yotei. I’ll let you get out and take all the time you want!” At that point, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! I had misunderstood him!
The driver’s name was Otaka. If you happen to see him in front of the train station, please thank him again for me! -
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Wajima Morning Market
A thriving morning market with a more than 1,000-year history. More than 200 stalls line the 360-meter "Asaichi-dori" street, selling fresh seafood, vegetables, processed foods, and handmade folk crafts. There is also a charcoal-grilled section where customers can grill the dried fish they purchased, and the market is always packed with people.
In mid-October, I visited the Wajima Morning Market. As someone who loves morning markets, I had admired this famous market for a long time!
It was just after 10, and the crowds seemed to have already thinned out. I stopped at a stall selling fruit and rice balls. The woman running it smiled shyly, and I shyly asked, “Can I help?” She smiled and said, “Then I’ll go get some more fruit from the truck. Please watch the stall for me.” I never imagined I would become the shopkeeper so easily! “Welcome!”
Then I noticed a pile of bills and coins in a cardboard box inside the stall. That must have been the morning’s earnings. She trusted me, a traveler from out of town, that much! I was touched by her simple sincerity!
When she returned, I told her, “It’s very windy, but none of the money blew away!”
We chatted about everyday things while calling out to customers! Every time I called out, she laughed! We even sold a rice ball along the way!
Later, I bought some fruit from her and reluctantly left.
Two or three months later, in January 2024, a major earthquake struck here, and the entire morning market was destroyed! I was heartbroken and full of regret! I regretted not getting her contact information! This was the saddest trip I’ve ever taken! -
