【Prompt of Happiness】⑮

Chapter 55: Planning the Hokkaido Trip

Maya's father, grateful for our recent work, offered to pay for the entire trip. With this sponsorship, we were able to plan a slightly more luxurious vacation.
Our destination was Hokkaido, where Japan's vast nature remains. We decided to travel around Hokkaido on a **Harley-Davidson**. We would rent a Road Glide Special
from a rental bike shop at Chitose Airport for 220,000 yen for 10 days. With an engine displacement of 1833cc, we would surely enjoy a powerful ride. As part of our travel preparations, we had two helmets ready in advance, taking safety into careful consideration.Next, we estimated the gasoline costs at about 80,000 yen, and kept accommodation costs to 10,000 yen per night for two people, totaling 90,000 yen for nine nights. We also factored in 53,000 yen for round-trip travel expenses to Hokkaido, giving us a clear picture of the total budget. For meals in Hokkaido, we planned for 3,000 yen per person per day, totaling 60,000 yen for 10 days. Considering souvenir costs and other miscellaneous expenses, we set the total budget at 500,000 yen. With this budget, we planned a wonderful adventure in Hokkaido.

Chapter 56: Day One of the Hokkaido Trip

On the first day, our early morning departure from All Nippon Airways Haneda Airport welcomed us with hearts full of anticipation. The sunrise viewed from the airplane window was a beautiful sight that felt like the beginning of a new journey. "Hey, that sunrise is really beautiful, isn't it?" Maya said. I looked out the window and smiled in response. "It is, isn't it? I'm looking forward to the trip ahead."
In the morning, with our hearts swelling with excitement and anticipation, we arrived at Chitose Airport. We picked up the Harley-Davidson we had reserved at the rental bike shop, and its deep, heavy engine sound heightened our expectations for a new adventure. "Well, shall we go?" I said to Maya with a smile. "Yes, we're heading to Cape Soya, the northernmost point, right? I'm excited!" Maya replied excitedly.
We climbed onto the Harley, feeling the comfort of exploring new roads while being blown by the free wind. Feeling the start of our journey, we headed toward the northern land. As the wind whipped through our hair and the sound of the bike's engine enveloped our ears, Maya leaned firmly against me from behind. Her warmth seemed to reach out and wrap around me. While cutting through the wind, we enjoyed talking through the intercoms installed inside our helmets.
"Hey, driving like this, holding onto each other, is the best, isn't it?" When her voice whispered in my ear, a pleasant shiver ran through my body. When I'm with her, every moment becomes special. "Yes, the sense of unity with you is very comfortable. It's fun." At my words, Maya smiled and leaned in even closer. The sense of security I felt from that touch was something words couldn't express. As if we had become one, we enjoyed this special moment while chatting. The joy of straddling a Harley-Davidson and racing along the roads of Hokkaido was exceptional.
The scenery along the road changed completely, and the magnificent landscape unique to Hokkaido spread out before us. "This view is the best!" I shouted to Maya. "It's truly amazing! Is Hokkaido's nature this beautiful?" Maya also replied with a smile.
Our first destination was Otaru. On the way, we passed through Lake Shikotsu, which boasts great transparency. We decided to take a sightseeing boat to slowly gaze at its beautiful lake surface. "This lake is really transparent, isn't it?" I said. Maya seemed overwhelmed by the beauty of Lake Shikotsu. Surprise and emotion dwelt in her eyes, and she seemed captivated by the scenery reflected on the transparent water surface of the lake. When she opened her mouth, with an expression that left her speechless, she let out a sigh of admiration, "I've never seen such a beautiful lake, it's like being in a dream." Lake Shikotsu, clear and transparent like a mystical mirror. Its beauty was beyond words. The lush green mountains were reflected on the lake surface, and each passing moment created a fantastical world. The way the wind rustled and the lake surface swayed slightly felt as if nature itself was speaking to us about its charm.
We continued our journey to Otaru with a pleasant breeze while enjoying the view from the sightseeing boat. The road from Lake Shikotsu to Otaru was filled with the grandeur and beauty of nature. As the bike raced through the birch forest, a road where sunlight filtered through the trees spread out. The sound of the leaves rustling in the wind enveloped our ears, as if the forest itself was welcoming us. Occasionally, the scenery visible through the gaps in the trees was nothing short of breathtaking. High mountains spread out in the background, with white clouds dancing on their peaks. Wildflowers bloomed in profusion along the roadside, and their beauty was indescribable.
Before long, the Otaru Canal spread out before our eyes. Brick warehouses stood along the canal, and their reflection on the water surface was like a fantasy world. The setting sun sparkled on the water, and a pale orange color was reflected on the walls of the warehouses. We participated in a tour that cruised around this area, which remains a popular tourist spot representing Otaru with its remaining timber-framed stone warehouses, for about 40 minutes.
As the boat moved along the canal, the historic warehouses and buildings were reflected on the water surface, creating an atmosphere that felt as if we had transcended time and space. The cityscape of Otaru viewed from the boat spread out beautifully with its tasteful brick buildings, and elegant lights swayed by the water's edge. While listening to the guide's explanation, the boat moved slowly, touring historic buildings and famous spots in Otaru.
"Hey, this scenery is really beautiful, isn't it?" Her voice echoed on the quiet water surface. Her smile looked even more radiant illuminated by the setting sun. "Yes, this tranquility and scenery are like Venice." I took her hand and looked into her eyes. Feeling the happiness of being able to share this special moment, the boat moved slowly along the canal. As the setting sun reflected on the water, her smile wrapped my heart in warmth. I couldn't help but wish that this time would last forever. Reminded of Venice, Italy, we enjoyed a romantic mood.
We enjoyed dinner at a retro restaurant along the canal, tasting local seafood. "This restaurant is really wonderful. It's too luxurious to be able to eat in such an atmosphere." Her smile looked even more beautiful illuminated by the restaurant's lights. We enjoyed dinner while savoring the local seafood. "Yes, the meal we're having here is exceptional." I took her hand and tasted the food while feeling peace in its warmth. Her smile and the delicious food colored this special night.
After dinner, we strolled through the town of Otaru. As the lights illuminated the town, I savored the happiness of being able to walk while holding her hand, and enjoyed the night cityscape. "I hope tomorrow has such wonderful times waiting for us too." I nodded with a smile at her words. This overnight stay in Otaru came to a close with a luxurious time and pleasant fatigue.

Chapter 57: Day Two of the Hokkaido Trip

The engine sound of the Harley-Davidson roared wildly, and as the wind whipped through our hair, the road from Otaru to Sapporo felt as if it were announcing the start of an unknown adventure. During the journey where magnificent nature spread out, the birch trees swayed in the wind, and the way the sun's rays danced on the leaves created a beautiful sight. The mountains welcomed us, and I fell under the illusion that a door to a new world had been opened.
"This wind feels good! What kind of place is Sapporo?" Maya said over the intercom. "Well, Sapporo has a lot of delicious food. I've heard there are many famous ramen shops and seafood restaurants. Also, there are tourist spots like Odori Park and the Clock Tower. The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic building, and it's sure to be worth seeing. Also, I'd like to visit Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Maruyama Zoo. Is there any place you particularly want to see?" When I answered, she said, "I'll leave it to Kaito. Because everywhere you take me is the best." We advanced along the unknown road with our hearts swelling with a sense of adventure and excitement. Our goal is Sapporo, where further surprises and discoveries must be waiting.
For lunch, we tasted ramen served at a famous shop in Sapporo. One bite and you understand its unique flavor. Rich chicken-based soup is intertwined with firm, curly noodles, and topped with plenty of ingredients such as melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, seasoned boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots. The soup is made by simmering pork bones and chicken carcasses for a long time, and a deep richness and umami spread throughout the mouth. When you take a bite, the pleasant spiciness and flavor stimulate your tongue, and your heart is filled with its deliciousness. The heat drifts through the shop, and you can hear the sound of noodles tangling with the soup. When Maya took a bite, a happy expression appeared on her face.
"This ramen is truly exquisite," Maya said. I nodded with satisfaction. "Maya, authentic Sapporo ramen is characterized by thick, firm noodles. Plus, the rich and flavorful chicken-based soup is exquisite. And it's topped with thinly sliced, tender chashu pork and plenty of green onions. In some shops, there's even butter in it, making it truly exquisite. When you eat this, you feel like you're fully tasting the flavor of Hokkaido." The atmosphere of the restaurant was also wonderful, and the scent of the sea drifting through the shop seemed to remind us of the great nature of Hokkaido.
After eating the ramen for lunch, we went sightseeing in Sapporo city. First, we strolled through Odori Park. Located in the center of Sapporo city, seasonal flowers and trees are planted on its vast grounds. Walking paths are maintained within the park, and just by walking, I felt the beauty of nature and the bustle of the city. We took pictures in the plaza surrounded by seasonal flowers and greenery. "Hey, this park is really wonderful," I said, and Maya smiled, pointing to the colorful flowers blooming in the flowerbed, and replied, "It's really beautiful. Taking pictures in a place like this will make for good memories." We strolled slowly through Odori Park, feeling the comfort of the occasional breeze, and touched upon the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.
Next, we went to the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower. The Sapporo TV Tower boasts a height of 147.2 meters, and from the observation deck, you can overlook major areas such as Odori Park, Susukino, and Maruyama. We enjoyed the panoramic view of Sapporo city. Maya said excitedly, "It's amazing! You can overlook such a wide cityscape." I nodded at her words and replied, "Yes. The view of Sapporo is truly wonderful." From there, while visiting famous tourist spots such as the Sapporo Clock Tower, Maruyama Zoo, and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, we forgot about being tired from walking and felt the history and culture.
In the evening, we headed to the Susukino area. While gazing at the illuminated night view and the brilliance of the neon district, we fully enjoyed the lively cityscape of Sapporo. The night in Susukino was like a different world, and the buildings illuminated by lights and people's smiles colored the town. In the bustling dining district, we enjoyed delicious meals at local Hokkaido restaurants and izakayas. While savoring piping hot hot-pot dishes and fresh seafood, we clicked our tongues at the local flavors.
"This seafood bowl is exquisite. You can feel the freshness unique to Hokkaido. It's a fun time to be able to eat together like this." When Maya said with a smile, I also responded with a smile. "That's true. This fresh taste is the best. You can't easily taste such a delicious seafood bowl anywhere else." At my words, Maya nodded, showing a happy expression. The seafood bowl was a luxurious dish filled with fresh seafood from Hokkaido. On top of the bowl, plump salmon roe whose sweetness spreads in your mouth, meaty botan shrimp, fatty salmon, slightly sweet sweet shrimp, and colorful fresh sashimi were arranged, adding vivid colors. In particular, when you carry it to your mouth, the moderate fat and umami spread, and the scent and sweetness of the sea fill your mouth. It goes perfectly with the rice, and every time I took a bite, I felt the rich bounty of the sea in Hokkaido. While stuffing my cheeks with the seafood bowl, I was moved by the deliciousness unique to Hokkaido, and the memories of the trip deepened even further.
"Truly, this dish is a taste I will never forget for the rest of my life," Maya said with deep emotion. Agreeing with Maya's words, I also stuffed my cheeks with the delicious food.
After enduring the cold during the winter, when summer arrives, the town of Sapporo overflows with vitality. Smiles overflowed on the street corners, and people were exchanging cheerful conversations. While walking through the cityscape of Sapporo, I touched upon the warm smiles of the local people and the gorgeous atmosphere, and enjoyed the travel mood.

To be continued