I Let the Weather Decide My Next Adventure in Japan

A change of plans takes me out of Sapporo and on a day trip through Hokkaido, visiting the historic port town of Otaru before heading into the countryside in search of Mount Yotei, the mountain featured in *Ghost of Yotei*. With the weather forecast looking increasingly uncertain, I decided to rearrange my itinerary and take advantage of a clearer day. First stop, Otaru! The coastal train journey from Sapporo offers some spectacular views of the Sea of Japan, with the tracks running right alongside the water. In Otaru, I explore the famous canal, wander through streets lined with historic stone warehouses, and collect my first new Poké Lid (Pokémon manhole cover) of the trip, featuring Alolan Vulpix. The second half of the day takes me towards Mount Yotei (羊蹄山), a 1,898-metre volcanic mountain sometimes called the Fuji of Hokkaido. Having recently finished playing Ghost of Yotei on PlayStation 5, I was particularly keen to see the real mountain that inspired the game's setting. I'm spending several months travelling around Japan, exploring cities and smaller towns, visiting Pokémon locations, hunting for retro games and collectibles, and discovering interesting places along the way. These are quiet, faceless travel vlogs with natural sounds, scenery and on-screen captions. No narration, just Japan as I experience it. Subscribe to follow the journey.