First Experience at a Guest House: Akane-yado (หลงญี่ปุ่นตุลา 57)

The usual way of navigating through GPS, which is based on the reference of the destination’s telephone number, was not very useful. Luckily, we later found out that the Akane-yado has a Map Code.

The drive there was very scenic and peaceful (while the children were snoozing at the back seat), passing through Biei and Furano. It was serendipity when we first had a grand view of Tokachi mountain range on the way. Getting through the area of minor roads just before the twilight was a treat. Dad made so many stops to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. Well, he was the one who urged us to leave Asahiyama zoo, being afraid of getting lost and arriving at the guesthouse after dark.

We checked into the Akane-yado Farmstay after at least 6 stops by the roadside to eventually find out that we could enjoy the reddening peaks of the Mount Tokachi and colorful fields from the bed through the window of our room. It was a very cosy stay and a wonderful place to enjoy the nature and to experience the countryside. The sunset was spectacular. Dad did not even step in the house when the owner showed the facilities. He was kept out by the stunning view. Rome posed in the middle of the road, so does Mum.

The owner said that his wife did not prepare dinner for us that night because we did not make a special request when we booked the room. He recommended a restaurant in Furano. Finally, we ended up having a black Halloween cheese burger and McDonald’s Happy Meal, which made us feel a bit guilty when he asked if we liked the place he suggested.

Our room was basic, not spacious, but comfortable and very clean. That night, we were the first who used bath and toilet facilities which were shared commons. Do not ask about the next morning, we did not use the bathroom again. It was too cold.

Breakfast was served in a traditional Japanese way. Although we only stayed for one night there, it was memorable. The living lounge, where we had breakfast, was a very comfortable place next to the indoor patio and had a view of the outdoor deck just outside the house with the mountains backdrop.

The weather that morning was at 2 degrees Celsius with icy leaves and icy car roof. We loved the fresh air in the farm environment. The sky was so blue. Before we left the place, the owner told us that we should not miss the opportunity to show our children the snows on the mountain. He set the destination on the GPS for us.

The GPS screen was changed from English to Japanese since then. (To be continued…)