The Maple Mania's Maple Butter Cookies were one of the souvenirs I brought back from this trip, and I absolutely loved them.
The cookies are crisp and crunchy, with rich maple butter sandwiched in the middle. When you take a bite, you first taste the buttery aroma, followed by the sweet maple flavor spreading through your mouth. The two flavors go together very smoothly. The sweetness is just right, too, so they don't become too rich after just a few bites.
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.
The first time I saw Mount Yotei, I thought it looked a lot like Mount Fuji. Its summit is gently rounded and symmetrical, and the entire mountain rises alone from the land, creating a familiar sense of déjà vu when viewed from a distance.
Mount Yotei is also known as “Ezo Fuji.” Like Mount Fuji, it has a beautiful shape, but the surrounding scenery is completely different. There are no Tokyo skyscrapers or city noise—just endless fields and a vast sky, making the mountain’s outline stand out even more.
As we traveled along and viewed it from different angles, we could always see Mount Yotei standing quietly in the distance. When white clouds drifted over the summit, they added even more depth to the view. I never knew Hokkaido had a mountain that looked so much like Mount Fuji. After seeing it in person, I finally understood why it is called “Ezo Fuji.”
Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura Kyu-Karuizawa
2015 at Kyu-Karuizawa Rotary as the second shop in Karuizawa following Harunire Terrace. The shop is popular especially among vacationers staying nearby, who come to enjoy the freshly baked bread in the morning as it opens.
I came to Sawamura in Kyu-Karuizawa for lunch and ordered the restaurant’s special hamburger this time. It looked appetizing as soon as it arrived, with a thick patty, fresh lettuce, and sauce. The bun was toasted until slightly crisp and fragrant, giving the burger plenty of layers of texture and flavor.
With the first bite, the patty was full of savory meat flavor, and it tasted just right with the soft bun and vegetables. Overall, it was super delicious!
While shopping in Karuizawa, it feels nice to find a restaurant you like, sit down and enjoy a proper lunch, then continue strolling and browsing afterward.
SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS UV Series
Born from the concept “bright skin for everyone, powered by plants”, SEKKISEI is a skincare brand infused with both Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts that leaves the skin as bright as snow. Four new sunscreen products are slated to launch in 2023 from the CLEAR WELLNESS series, boosting and enriching the hydrating veil created by Japanese proprietary ingredient ITOWA and other Japan-sourced herbal remedies.
Besides keeping my skin moisturized when I go out, sunscreen is also an essential part of my daily routine. This series has a light, refreshing texture and doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin.
I like its subtle fragrance and refreshing feel. It’s convenient for everyday use, and applying a layer before going out doesn’t make my skin feel weighed down. Especially in summer or when spending long periods outdoors, sunscreen feels like an even more important part of skincare.
