27oct 2017
Upon arriving Tokyo International Airport, I successfully exchange my JR pass. I had queued in the wrong line and entered the wrong entrance (local train entrance instead of Shinkansen train entrance), hence missed my train to Hakodate via Tokyo. Instead, I took the next available Shinkansen to Tokyo. Trains to Tokyo is quite frequent but train from Tokyo to Hakodate is one per hour or two hours. I missed the 1020 from Tokyo, hence the next available is 1220. That's a two hours wait! 
Always remember to reserve your seat at the JR office. In fact, I did my reservations for most of my trains trip while in Tokyo and I totally has no regrets, saving a lot queue time. Reserved seats can be made for Shinkansen only, the locals trains will be taken as per normal. You need to show the pass when you enter or exit at each station.
(You must purchase your JR pass in your country and exchange it in Japan . Use Hyperdia to do a calculation to justify the cost. Just remember there are some trains that are not available to use with Jr pass, eg., Nozomi
note : when you use Hyperdia , do not just use 'departure ' under type, try ' 'arrival' too. You never know , the time schedule may be better. That's what I experienced accidentally for my trip from Hon-Hachninohe to Juniko station)
I bought a 14 day pass for myself and the hubby has a 7 day JR pass as he joined me later. I'll try to show my cost as I go )
the pass is about 15.5 cm x 10cm , it's good to keep it in a holder or at least a plastic pocket due to daily handling. You will need to show the pass each time you enter or exit from each station.
this is how a reserved ticket look like.
it shows : from pt A to ptB
date,time, reserved seat number
but you need to check the platform at the station or with hyperdia already.
(* always do a double check for the first few trips)
Tokyo station has much to offer, hence the 2 hours was well spent. Mostly on food , they just have so much food to offer. A very very busy station. It has plenty of lockers for those who need them. Just remember the locker number and location. I always take a photo of my locker. You never know it may just slipped off your mind after an exciting day.
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| lots of lockers in Tokyo station
There are so much choices of bentos and food, you'll be spoiled for choice. just to share a few . . .
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Finally I settled on this and wait to eat it in my train trip! (almost 300 mins trip)
For a first timer, especially in my country , there is strictly no eating or drinking in mrt trains and buses, it was really fun and exciting. Like in a flight, you could flip out your little table top. A place for your drink and hooks for your jacket.
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| top layer has mixed fruits and some sweets bites |
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| additional plain jelly like cubes, which goes well with the bottle os sauce included |
Sign are everywhere. I always double confirmed my ticket either with a officer or a local. They are always kind to assist. Better to careful then to take a wrong train.
Hmmmmm.... wondering what is the 'first' and 'second' for?
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| it's really busy. some pushing a cart here, some pushing a cart there |
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| when a train arrived, the worker will get a bag ready for commuters to throw their rubbish |
enclosed room for the smokers
Finallly, my shinkansen came, I am really off for my adventure ! I took Shinkansen Hayabuya 19 to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto then transferred to Hakodate liner to Hakodate. There are people to show you to the local train area. This train will pass through the Seikan Tunnel which is under the sea that links Honshu to Hokkaido.
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| time to charge my handphone |
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| cute little sink in the train toilet |
Finally, arriving Hakodate, I managed to find my hostel location but couldn't find the building. Though it was only 5pm, but it's already dark. (this time the days are much shorter) I asked a Japanese passer-by. He happily showed me the way but in the reversed direction? I was doubtful but didn't know how to stop him. We end up in the wrong place, he called the stay and brought me all the way back to our starting point. we crossed the road and it's there! I was really appreciated for his generous help. So the picture of the stay I had is different. The picture was taken from different side of the building. If we walk from the Hakodate station, you see a totally different building.
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| this photo from stay |
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| this photo the actual entrance |
After leaving my luggage, I head straight to Lucky Pierrot after reading so much about this. I had no regret, it is really the best burger I had ever tried. The bread is soft . The top layer has lots of sesame is really fragrant. The chicken is just tender and the sauce is really nice, a little sweet though but after each bite, you will want more. She is very generous with the veggies and the crunchiness with the well sauteed chicken makes each bite so wonderful. even now, I am missing it already. YUMMILICIOUS!!!
I love their display in this outlet. I supposed the others will be better.
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pick your choice :))
after dinner, I strolled around the warehouse area. Lots of owls for me to choose.
       
my stay : The Share Hotel HakoBA
friendly, clean, comfortable and affordable. good location too 10 bed in women only  
My bed was on the uppder deck, I was afraid I may roll down. A kind lady travellor from Taiwan changed her bed space (lower deck) with me. Really appreciate her help. . No worry to fall! :)) Thank you, Taiwan friend.
After so many hours of flight, train rides and walking, after a good dinner and a hot shower. I slept so soundly like a baby . That was only 10pm!
Good night. Tomorrow will be another exciting day.
cost of trains rides
Narita Airport Terminal 2 to Tokyo ¥1,320
Tokyo to Hakodate ¥11,880
what I planned vs what I did
1. challenge myself to catch the 8.53 train in order to arrive Hakodate by 3pm. Failed.
2. planned to have 2 meals at Lucky Pierrot (as there are two outlets near my stay) and try Shio ramen (Hakodate salt ramen)
only managed One burger at one of Lucky Pierrot outlet
3. to stroll the Motomachi park, too tired and dark but shopped around the red brick warehouse area instead
You may like my other post . .
to be continued .
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