蘇自強's Reviews Page 2/2

I arrived at Narai-juku early in the morning, before any tourists had shown up. This quaint historic street is perfect for a quiet, leisurely stroll while taking a close look at the carefully maintained, well-preserved buildings, which are simple and stately. The peaceful atmosphere makes it easier to experience the charm of the Edo period.
This is an in-depth destination worth visiting in any season, and one you'll want to return to after your first visit!

After arriving in Sapporo from New Chitose Airport, all I knew was that my hotel was next to Odori Park. I had no idea where exactly it was.
Dragging my heavy luggage, I came out of the subway station and was immediately captivated by the red maple leaves in front of me. I dropped my luggage and started taking pictures. A Japan Post driver quickly ran over and anxiously asked, “What’s wrong with my truck?” I hurriedly explained, “There’s nothing wrong with your truck—the maple leaves are the problem!”
He laughed as he got back in his truck and drove away. I kept taking picture after picture after picture.
Only then did I remember my luggage and that I still had to find my hotel...!

How could you not go when you can find such a golden autumn scene right in Tokyo?
I knew this popular spot would be packed once fall arrived, so I headed out early.
When I got there first thing in the morning, I was rewarded with a relatively peaceful golden avenue! I don't know who made the “ginkgo bouquet” and left it here, but it made the autumn scene look even more romantic!

I visited Makomanai Park in the fall! This spacious, beautiful, and pleasant park is less than 10 kilometers from central Sapporo and very easy to reach.
It was just past mid-October, and the park was filled with layer upon layer of autumn foliage, with brilliant red and golden leaves competing for attention. It was breathtaking!
I sat quietly alone among the red maple leaves, listening to the birds sing. The woodpeckers were busy, the squirrels were agile, and the stag seemed a little flustered...
All of this actually made me forget about my next stop, and I couldn't bring myself to leave for a long time...!

“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!

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!

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!