We arrived in Japan from Portugal on Wednesday morning (October 18) at 7 am to be welcomed with the iconic view of majestic Mount Fuji over Tokyo Bay.

After a busy day in Tokyo, we flew to Hakodate yesterday to begin our 10-day 下見 (shitami or research) to confirm final details for next year’s artists tour of Hokkaido.

No difficulty in finding suitable locations in beautiful Hakodate, one of the earliest Japanese ports to be opened to international trade in the 1850s.  Goryōkaku Park is presently coloured in autumn hues but hopefully will be shimmering in pink cherry blossoms when our group arrives next year.  If not, there will be wisteria, which is always stunning in Japan.

Today, Friday October 20, we headed north from Hakodate to Lake Tōya, site of the G8 Summit in 2008, and a popular onsen (hot springs) resort.  Lots of autumn beauty to admire for Ev and Pam as we discovered some perfect painting spots around this circular blue lake and a wonderful cozy place for lunch.

Tomorrow it’s off to Yoichi (home of Nikki whisky) and Otaru.  More blogging on Sunday, I hope.

よろしく。 Cheers.