Hokkaido II Day 5: Train to Kutchan & AYA Niseko

I went alone for our final onsen in Toya so that the girls can sleep longer (both were not feeling well the night before). I was extra sad to leave as I know I'd miss the beautiful view of the lake! 🥲

Last chance to see this view before we left!

I'd been wanting to catch a glimpse of Mount Yotei, which was also known as Ezo-Fuji due to its resemblance to the famous Mount Fuji, but we couldn't see it due to the fog! Hope to see it in Niseko.

For the final breakfast, I chose to stick to my favourites!
I miss the Hokkaido butter so much!

You can see the Lake Toya from the window

After breakfast, we packed up and checked out of the hotel at 10am. We made a reservation with our taxi driver from the day before to send us to Toya Station. 

Toya Station

On arrival, we bought tickets for the next available train to Kutchan Station at ¥4020 per adult and ¥2010 per child (7-12 years old). Unfortunately, our train would only arrive at 12.50pm and we had to wait for more than 2 hours! 😴 Once again, we should have checked the train schedule to avoid wasting time! 😮‍💨

We had little choice but to explore the neighbouring shops while waiting. Thankfully my girls were feeling a lot better after a good night's sleep and could explore with us (the Boy took care of our luggage at the station).

Toya town

We chanced upon a popular confectionery known as Isshindo

Love their adorable madeleines!
(Yes, I love my namesake snack!)

We also stumbled upon A Mart Toyako Supermarket and shopped for reasonably-priced groceries

When it came time to head to the platform, it started to snow heavily! 🥶

We were freezing as we waited for the train on the outdoor platform 

We boarded the Hokuto 10 Limited Express train and stopped at the next stop.

Beautiful views from our reserved seats
(Had to chase someone out of one seat as we paid extra to reserve our seat)

Interesting to see a frozen beach!

On arrival at Oshamambe Station, we had only 10 minutes to transfer to the local train bound for Kutchan! It was a mad rush for all of us (including the older kids) to lug our luggage up and down flights of stairs to get to the opposite platform (no lifts in sight)! When we finally boarded the single-carriage train, it was probably the smallest train I've ever travelled on! Not surprisingly, the carriage was very full so the kids and I had to squeeze into any available seat while the Hubby stood the whole 45-minute journey to Kutchan!

Spectacular view of the snowy forests and mountains from our train!

It was too bad that I was carrying the Littlest on my lap and couldn't take nicer photos of the views! 🙁

We arrived at Kutchan Station and dragged our luggage through the snow looking for a taxi. The hubby found an unassuming shop that was actually a taxi center! We managed to fit all of us and our luggage into a large taxi that took us to AYA Niseko. Our accommodation was located at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Resort, one of four interlinked resorts known collectively as Niseko United (the other resorts were Annupuri, Hanazono, Niseko Village).

Photo credit: AYA Niseko

At the front entrance of AYA Niseko

AYA Niseko was chosen over Ki Niseko and Hilton Niseko Village because it had similar amenities such as onsen and ski valet but cheaper (read on for more details)!

After checking in at the front desk, we walked to the nearest Seicomart convenience store to load up on supplies as we'd be cooking our dinner in our room.

Trudging through ankle-deep snow to get to Seicomart

Seicomart and the authentic-looking Indian restaurant next to it

The hubby bought Indian food as well since he felt good vibes from the restaurant! 😅

It was already dark by the time we headed back to the hotel.

AYA Niseko at night

View of the slopes on Mount Niseko-Annupuri at night

We headed to our 2-Bedroom Forest View Room located on the 2nd floor. A 20% deposit was required when booking the room directly at their website and the rest of the bill settled 45 days before arrival. In total, we paid ¥67,200 (S$614) per night, which included breakfast (details in the next post). Our room / apartment accommodates 4 adults (children below 6 years old stay for FREE).

Long corridor from the main entrance, with the common bathroom on the right of the corridor

The washer and dryer were hidden behind a door inside the common bathroom

Ample toiletries provided

Beautiful living room with a view of the snowy forest outside the window

Complimentary cakes from the hotel
(They were devoured by the Eldest, the lover of all cakes!)

TV area

Dining table and kitchen

Various appliances and complimentary bottled water and coffee capsules

Full-sized refridgerator, oven and utencils

Dishwasher and various crockery

We loved the well-stocked kitchen, which had everything we needed! The kids were also ecstatic to have their own room!

Two spacious super-single beds for the older kids

King-size bed in the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom

Cute sitting area in the master bedroom

View from the master

Everyone agreed that it was the best accommodation of our trip! 😍

For dinner, we cooked the fresh ingredients we bought from the supermarket. I was in charge of the knife work while the Hubby was in charge of the 'fire work' 😁

Cooking our simple dinner

Chicken from the Indian restaurant

Yummy naan

After dinner, we headed to the AYA Onsen for our baths. 

AYA Onsen at Level 1

Small shelving to put our things

Some amenities but not as comprehensive as Toya Kohantei Hotel

Indoor onsen
Photo credit: AYA Niseko

Outdoor onsen
Photo credit: AYA Niseko

The onsen was tiny in comparison to other hotels so you may have to wait your turn if it's crowded. Thankfully there was no one when we were there. Although the spa was small and did not have a view (unlike Toya Kohantei Hotel), it was good enough and better than nothing. We still enjoyed ourselves and loved the time of bonding! 😁 

I managed to finish washing our clothes before going to bed (so convenient to have a washing machine in the room). Looking forward to fun days ahead! 💖

Continue to >> Hokkaido II Day 6: Hanazono Tube Park & Hirafu Niseko
<< Back to Hokkaido II Day 4: Mount Usu

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