Sapporo to Tsuruoka

Another train day today.
We were up bright and early - too early for the provided breakfast - and got a cab to the station at 7:00. The sky looked clear, and we are glad we won't be battling with the crowds of tourists in Sapporo this weekend.

The train left at 7:30, with that themometer now showing -9deg.

We got to see what was in darkness on the way in eg snow, mountains and Chitose airport.




Changed trains again at Hakodate, then through the tunnel, and this time we got off at Aomori to head for the west coast.
It was still very snowy, ie covered in snow, with occasional rain and sleet. The line followed rivers through rice fields and a few small orchards,


then through the mountains covered in pine forests, and past towns with sawmills. Even when we hit the coast, the snow was still there.

Another change of trains at Akita. Luckily they plan for travellers, and all of these changes only needed a walk across to the other side of the platform.

By the time we got to Tsuruoka it was dark, raining, and we had not any accommodation booked, but the Lonely Planet (thanks Kim) recommended Le Petit Hotel right beside the station, so here we are. (We stayed at another L P H) in Zermatt last year, and it was OK. - Nothing like a bit of name dropping, hey??)
We couldn't find a restaurant close by - they were all full - so we ended up at Mister Donut, who does a two course meal and drink for Y680 which is pretty good value.