China, Korea and a little bit (of Japan) on the side

[Justinf]

I wanted to stay here one night so I could go and see the snow sculptures, but I was feeling too rotten to do so.
I saw it all last year, but really disappointed that I just couldn’t muster the energy.
I seem to have spent half my time in drugstores this trip so I stocked up on ibuprofen and other drugs.
I’m meant to fly out at 10.15am tomorrow, which has really pissed me off. It means an early start when I just know I will want to sleep.
I think if the weather conditions prevent me from going north, I’ll just ask them if they fly me to Tokyo and spend a couple of nights there instead.
Unless they can offer me a room in Sapporo.
I reallly don’t know what’s going to happen.

 

[Justinf]

A trip to Lawsons for the best meal on the planet.
Omelette rice.

 

[rbjhan]

Yeah I'm just watching Japanese news.
Even in Nagasaki there's snow!

Lots of disruptions. Deliveries in Hokkaido has been stopped....etc...
Even konbinis are not opening...

I'm not sure I would want to go to Wakkanai in this weather tbh.

 

[Justinf]

Yeah I'm just watching Japanese news.
Even in Nagasaki there's snow!

Lots of disruptions. Deliveries in Hokkaido has been stopped....etc...
Even konbinis are not opening...

I'm not sure I would want to go to Wakkanai in this weather tbh.

Will they make arrangements for me or just fend for myself?
Seoul is about to get hit hard too.
It’s snowing in Sapporo but that’s not unusual in the slightest.

 

[rbjhan]

Will they make arrangements for me or just fend for myself?
Seoul is about to get hit hard too.
It’s snowing in Sapporo but that’s not unusual in the slightest.

I don't fly domestic in Japan that much....but from what I heard they look after you really well.

Also I still see a lot of hotels available in Sapporo for tomorrow, expensive yes but that's to be expected. If you need some help do let me know!

Edit, when is your flight to Tokyo?
You can even consider staying in Chitose. Quite a bit cheaper and right next to the airport!

 

[Justinf]

I don't fly domestic in Japan that much....but from what I heard they look after you really well.

Also I still see a lot of hotels available in Sapporo for tomorrow, expensive yes but that's to be expected. If you need some help do let me know!

Edit, when is your flight to Tokyo?
You can even consider staying in Chitose. Quite a bit cheaper and right next to the airport!

I fly to Tokyo from Wakkanai on Saturday

 

[Justinf]

If they can put me up here in Sapporo I’m ok with that. Can see the snow festival.
Only thing is I have to go out to the airport tomorrow.
The joys of travel.

 

[rbjhan]

I fly to Tokyo from Wakkanai on Saturday

I didn't know there are direct flights from Wakkanai to Tokyo! Air Do?

Anyways yes probably best to speak to someone in person...
You might have to booked your own hotel though...from my friend's experience...but talk to them first obviously.
I hope everything works out fine!

 

[Justinf]

I didn't know there are direct flights from Wakkanai to Tokyo! Air Do?

Anyways yes probably best to speak to someone in person...
You might have to booked your own hotel though...from my friend's experience...but talk to them first obviously.
I hope everything works out fine!

ANA does a direct 737 service to Haneda. NH572
Anyway it is what it is.
Delays and cancellations are part of travel.

 

[rbjhan]

Not sure how much is your current hotel.
But right now Route Inn Sapporo Chuo Susukino is about 35K Yen for two nights including breakfast.
And that's about the lowest I can see in Sapporo city proper.

 

[Justinf]

I paid about $200 for this one, but tomorrow it’s available for $213 on booking.com
I’m pretty sure I won’t be on the street.
I actually don’t mind dealing with problems like these. I’m fairly pragmatic and look for solutions rather than get angry or frustrated. Something which makes me good at my job.
It’s the flu that’s almost broken me this trip.

 

[somebol]

@Justinf Who did you go with for your DMZ tour? Would you recommend them?

 

[VPS]

I paid about $200 for this one, but tomorrow it’s available for $213 on booking.com
I’m pretty sure I won’t be on the street.
I actually don’t mind dealing with problems like these. I’m fairly pragmatic and look for solutions rather than get angry or frustrated. Something which makes me good at my job.
It’s the flu that’s almost broken me this trip.

You're amazing to keep going - I would have pulled the plug and come home well before now

 

[kookaburra75]

In the end I got through at 11.30am and looked for the Korean Air Prestige Lounge.
Once inside, this had to be the most drab and uninspiring lounge.

Obviously you've never been to the Qantas Lounge in Hobart then...

I'm a late starter to your trip report, and glad that you seem to be on the mend at least. I'm enjoying it so far, and it's providing lots of good information for our future trips. Thank you.

 

[Justinf]

@Justinf Who did you go with for your DMZ tour? Would you recommend them?

VIP Tours. Yeah they were good. Absolutely no problems.
Good price too. Was around $90.
I booked it through TripAdvisor

 

[Justinf]

Obviously you've never been to the Qantas Lounge in Hobart then...

I'm a late starter to your trip report, and glad that you seem to be on the mend at least. I'm enjoying it so far, and it's providing lots of good information for our future trips. Thank you.

Oh I have. I have indeed.

 

[Justinf]

Set the alarm for 6.45am but woke up earlier.
Loaded up an any drugs I could find from three separate countries and was in the shower and out to New Chitose.
What would life have in store for me today?
By the time I got to Sapporo station, I was on the 7.21am train to the airport.
40-minute trip breezed on by.
By the time I got to the ANA check-in it was around 8.15am. Flight at 10.15am.
Was told by the check-in agent that we’re not accepting luggage as they were waiting until 9.30am to make a call on whether the flight would go ahead. Severe snowstorms were predicted.
So I had to sit down for well over an hour.
A funny thing happened.
Nothing.
That’s right. I didn’t feel frighteningly ill. I felt pretty much normal save for a few minor symptoms.
I didn’t realise how feeling normal could be so good.
So now the waiting game.
Would I get to Wakkanai or would I be in limbo?

 

[Justinf]

It got to 9.30am and there was no info on the departures board.
The line for check-in for ANA flights was getting quite long so I joined the queue and attempted to find out what was going on.
Eventually was told the flight would be going ahead, but there was a chance it would return to Sapporo if the weather in Wakkanai was not good.
Quickly through security and to the gate.

 

[I love to travel]

It got to 9.30am and there was no info on the departures board.
The line for check-in for ANA flights was getting quite long so I joined the queue and attempted to find out what was going on.
Eventually was told the flight would be going ahead, but there was a chance it would return to Sapporo if the weather in Wakkanai was not good.
Quickly through security and to the gate.

Hope it all works out, you deserve a break!!