The first port of our 14-night transpacific Celebrity Millennium cruise was
Hakodate, located on the northern island of
Hokkaido in Japan. No shore excursions were booked - Kaleb and I planned to explore the city on foot.
 | | Day 3 planner page 1 |
|  | | Day 3 planner page 2 |
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 | | Day 3 planner page 3 |
|  | | Day 3 planner page 4 |
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There were complimentary shuttle buses from the port to the either the Hakodate train station (near the Morning Market) or to a cherry blossom viewing spot. Signs were posted to help navigate. Kaleb and I boarded the bus to the train station.
 | | welcome to Hakodate |
|  | | clear signage |
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The coach dropped us off at one of the bus stops at the Hakodate train station, where it would also pick up.
 | | Celebrity Millennium shuttle |
|  | | Hakodate train station |
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It wasn't too hard to find the
Morning Market as there was a large sign (though mostly in Japanese) pointing out the locations.
There was lots to see at the market - abundant live seafood and plenty of delicacies for purchase. The trays of uni were very tempting.
More food stalls and restaurants were in an adjacent square.
 | | catch your own squid |
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Kaleb and I stopped into a restaurant tucked in the back and ordered seafood bowls (kaisen-don), which were fresh and delicious. It was a strange set-up, in which we ordered from a server, but paid the bill at the market across the street.
Afterwards, we walked towards the
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, happening upon some cherry blossoms!
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| more cool manhole covers |
At the ropeway station, we used cash to purchase tickets at the vending machine. (the ticket counter accepts credit cards)
 | | scan QR code at the ticket gate |
|  | | spacious gondola |
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It was a smooth ride to the top.
The peak offered splendid views of Hakodate and the sea. It is supposed to be lovely at night as well.
360 degree photo atop Mt. Hakodate, taken with the
Ricoh Theta:
Mt. Hakodate - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
 | | Celebrity Millennium docked at far shore |
|  | | vending machines up here too |
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| corn-flavored ice cream? |
We rode the ropeway back down, then continued sightseeing around town.
 | | maps posted throughout the city |
|  | | converted red brick warehouses |
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| Lucky Pierrot, a popular hamburger joint |
For lunch, we found a kaiten-sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant - can't get enough of it! Everything was so fresh. The price was also nice.
 | | don't know the English name |
|  | | location |
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 | | menu offerings |
|  | | welcome, cruisers! |
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 | | basket to hold personal items |
|  | | unlimited matcha tea, hot water spout |
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 | | revolving sushi bar, with iPad orders hand-delivered |
|  | | today's specials (I think) |
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 | | iPad ordering |
|  | | option for small rice! |
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 | | plate prices |
|  | | hokkaido scallops |
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 | | toro |
|  | | uni |
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 | | salmon |
|  | | crab innards |
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 | | fried oysters |
|  | | they take credit cards, even AMEX |
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As we were walking back to the ship, I saw a 7-Eleven and had to go in. This convenience store chain is very popular in Japan and supposed to have really good food, but we were too full to try.
 | | the familiar 7-Eleven logo |
|  | | hot food |
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| this looks like "oden" |
When we returned to the train station, thankfully there was a sign indicating the bus stop to catch the Celebrity Millennium shuttle - so organized!
The daily hors d'oeuvres plate was already delivered when we returned to our cabin. It was a nice touch, but the offerings looked unappetizing. Presentation could be improved.
We headed to the Cosmos Lounge for mandatory departure immigration inspection. The customs official saw the tax-free receipts that were stapled to my passport but didn't ask me anything regarding the status of the
items I bought in Tokyo; he stamped the visa page and that was it. Technically, you aren't supposed to open the sealed bags until you left Japan.
Beautiful sunset at sail away:
We were still full from lunch, so a small dinner at the buffet sufficed.
 | | kabobs available at the grill |
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The next day was at sea. The time was spent relaxing, working out, and of course, eating.
 | | Day 4 planner page 1 |
|  | | Day 4 planner page 2 |
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 | | Day 4 planner page 3 |
|  | | Day 4 planner page 4 |
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| working out |
We received an invitation for a complimentary tour of the bridge tomorrow (also at sea), courtesy of the concierge.
Dinner was in the main dining room, the Metropolitan restaurant. The dress code was "evening chic" and most people seemed to adhere to it.
 | | Day 4 dinner menu page 1 |
|  | | Day 4 dinner menu page 2 |
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 | | butternut squash soup |
|  | | yes - escargots again |
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 | | grilled asparagus salad |
|  | | seared branzino |
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 | | Day 4 dessert menu |
|  | | tiramisu |
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| pina colada fro-yo, kiwi sorbet |
Tomorrow, we'll visit the Celebrity Millennium bridge, then dock in Petropavlovsk (Siberia) the next day - stay tuned!
(
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