Shiroi Koibito Park Dec 2014

Ever wondered how it's like to be in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory?

Then head over to its Japanese version in Sapporo!

Shiroi Koibito or Ishiya is a very popular confectionery in Hokkaido.

They are best known for their Lengua de Chat cookies and soft cream ~yumz!

snowfall was so hard the day we came. it's ok though, atleast it looks

nice in the pictures haha

Admission fee is ¥600 for adults and you get a free cookie too! ❤

There are many things to see inside the factory.

First stop was the gallery of chocolate cups and boxes.

very beautiful classic chocolate boxes ❤

After the gallery is the Chocolate Time Tunnel...

Here you will see a 3D interactive display of a 19th century chocolate factory.

Nice!

After the history overload, then comes the cookie production area!

Surprisingly, it looks very relaxed and peaceful LOL

If you're already hungry, grab a snack at the Chocolate lounge!

beside it is the cookiecraft studio where guests could have the chance to make their own confections ~including the very popular ishiya cookies!

some wedding cake samples ~gorgeous!

back to the lounge, here are some of the beautiful desserts you can order :)

SWEETS PORN~

a bit of the menu~

Mom got the chocolate parfait while I ordered the soft cream. Soooo good!!

Ordered the hot chocolate orange too which was equally divine! ❤ 

When you're done, you could head off to the Gramophone gallery which houses an extensive display of the instrument.

Adore the grand staircase!

even the ceiling is lovely ❤ 

Candy Labo shop ❤ 

I'm not sure if this is the same with Made in Candy but anyway, the concept is very similar.

There's an area where you could see the artisan's craft space.

packed goods~

candies in a jar!

and a chart of all the flavors~

SWEETS PORN 2

Colorful Candy Chocolates❤ 

Some of the flavors are Grape, Soda, Orange and Strawberry ❤ 

My favorite part of the factory is the park outside ❤ 

winter wonderland goodness!!!❤ 

can't contain my happiness ❤ 

it's like I'm transported to Germany lol

This is actually the Rose Garden.

It's absolutely beautiful during spring/summer ❤ 

saw these outside the factory ❤ 

Some of the goods I highly recommend to buy ❤ 

White Roll Cake ¥1296

At first look, you might think it's some kind of tissue roll LOL but

this is one of the best tasting cakes I've ever tried   -in my existence!haha

Red Ribbon and Goldilocks got nothing on this =P

Well I've already said this in my past posts but again, Hokkaido confections have really enlightened  my taste buds during the trip!

A closer look.

Basically, sponge roll with a white chocolate cream filling.

The simplicity of its appearance is really an irony to its exquisite taste <3

Of course, you have to get the cookies!

Price range is around  ¥580 to ¥3000 depending on how many pieces.

Gawd, wish I could have these again.

Someone, please send me!hehe :)

Noboribetsu Dec 2014

Known to be the home of Hokkaido's most popular hot springs, Noboribetsu is one place you shouldn't miss out on your Hokkaido itinerary ;)

Travel time is about 2 hours and the 4th stop from Sapporo via JR train :)

A very interesting place to go to is Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura.

It's a historical theme park which highlights the Edo Period.

Aside from seeing different traditional structures and mini museums, you could also see street performances and traditional shows here ;)

This is called the Merchant's lane

You could see different souvenir shops and restaurants here.

It was soooo cold and windy...

Freezing to death as I pose for this picture haha

You could see a lot of staff dressed in different costumes like ninjas or samurais!

Wasn't able to get a picture though lol

This is called Matsuga pond.

I particularly liked this area as it's so serene and picturesque~

good thing all the other tourists where in a different place haha

they could have easily photobombed my shots here =P

was really amazed with this icy pond haha

Katakura Kojurou  Mansion

traditional houses

Kuma-san Lodge

Next stop was Jigokudani Hell Valley.

As the name implies, it's a valley noted for its display of hot steam vents.

It's basically the main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters.

They have different walking trails which can lead you to the Tessen Pond or Oyunuma Pond where you can have a foot bath ;)

here's a short video i took around the place

the sloping trail which leads to Tessen Pond

Popular photo spot with 2 demon statues lol

Due to time constraints, wasn't able to go to the Bear Park anymore boohoo :(

So we just tried this local delicacy, "Ikinari Dango" or sweet potato cake!