The Fall Meeting of 2009

Obihiro

The Fall Meeting of 2009 will be held in Obihiro in the Tokachi region, famous for its buta-don, agriculture, temperature extremes and long straight roads. There’s a lot of delicious food to be sampled here, from the nama-caramels that people form long lines for at Hanabatake Bokujo, to the giant sweet potatoes at confection shop Cranberry, to meat products and beyond. There’s also a zoo and racetrack and various other surprises around town and along the backroads.

The Fall Meeting is an important one, as it’s the first for this year’s newbie JET crop, so it’s your first real chance to socialize on a wider scale and become familiar with the activities that HAJET offers. The musical auditions are hosted at this meeting, and other veteran JETS tend to be high in attendance, which provides a great opportunity for asking questions about HEC, the Iwamizawa International Festival, the JLPT exam, and whatever else you might be interested in. Saturday night’s enkai features a costume contest as a special event, with proceeds going to benefit HEC. This year’s theme is the letter O! Start planning your costume ideas now, and make sure to bring any homemade sweets for the Dessert Auction later!

Southwestern Welcome Party 2009

Higashi Onuma Camp Ground at Lake Onuma

When: Saturday 19th September – Sunday 20th of September.

Where: The banks of Lake Onuma at the free campsite Higashi Onuma Camp Ground 東大沼キャンプ場

Price: 500 yen for non-HAJET members, free for all others (for the Saturday night meal).

-Directions-

Driving (From North/Yakumo-Mori-Oshamanbe): Head south on Route 5 towards Hakodate. After you pass through Mori and a few kms past Lucky Pierot (on your left) you will see a turn off for Onuma and Route 43 on your left. Take it. Follow it for about 3kms. You will cross a trainline just before a T-intersection. Take the left option, and follow the lake around in a clockwise direction for about 5 kms. The campground will be on your right. There is a giant car park. Park your car there, and walk to the camp site (which will hopefully be as far from the car park as possible)

Driving (From South/Hakodate): Head north on Route 5 towards Mori (from Hakodate/Nanae). Travel through the large tunnel and continue heading north. Don’t turn at the intersection directly after the tunnel (You can, but the directions are less straight forward). Instead, travel north for about 4kms until you see a turnoff for Route 43 on your right. Take it. Follow it for about 3kms. You will cross a trainline just before a T-intersection. Take the left option, and follow the lake around in a clockwise direction for about 5 kms. The campground will be on your right. There is a giant car park. Park your car there, and walk to the camp site (which will hopefully be as far from the car park as possible)

Car Pooling! If anyone is driving to the event, and has a spare seat (and a desire to help your fellow car-less JET) post on here, and we’ll see if a car pool can be organised. Eco-get!

-Train-
There is a station that is almost within walking distance of the campground (Choushiguchi 銚子口which can be reached from Onuma or Mori station) but, the trains aren’t very frequent. The simplest (and therefore the most expensive) option is to catch a train bound for Onuma 大沼 station and use a car/taxi from there.

The limited express between Hakodate-Sapporo via Muroran/Tomakomai/Chitose stops at the Onuma station. The limited express takes about 3 hours from Sapporo (and ¥8070) or 20 minutes (and ¥1640) from Hakodate. Trains leave roughly every 90mins-2 hrs.
It is about 6kms from the Onuma station to the campground, so not really walking distance, but I will pick SOUTH-BOUND people up from the station that arrive on the Super Hokuto 14 スーパー北斗14号 at 16:23. I will also pick up NORTH-BOUND people that arrive on the Hokuto 15 北斗1５号 at 15:42 from the Onuma station.

For those that wish to arrive at other times, there it is a 6km taxi ride (which was quoted at less than ¥2000 by the drivers at the rank) that can be shared. Remember that it is a free campsite, so what you save in camp-fees goes towards the cost of transport.

-Bus-
Still researching bus time tables. Please be patient.

-Activities-

Apart from lounging/drinking/eating..

Hiking: Sadly, due to an eruption less than 10 years ago, climbing of Mt Komaga (Komagatake 駒ヶ岳) is not possible. I can’t tell you how much I want to climb this.. but, I guess it wouldn’t be a good thing to get caught (even though the tracks are quite visible, and I SWEAR I could see people on the mountain)

Boating: Being on a lake, means that canoeing/kayaking is on offer. Both are available for hire (for a price ¥3500-¥4500 for two hours with a guide).

Biking: Bicycles are available for hire for those who wish to do a scenic ride around the lake. (there are even tandems!) Not sure of the price

There is horse riding available too for those who are keen (¥5000 45mins, ¥9000 90mins)

Hang-gliding/ Para-gliding! is offered at the nearby Nanae Niyama Ski Resort. Further investigation is underway, but it seems that you must firstly possess your own equipment/skills.

Northern Welcome Party 2009

Aibetsu Campsite, Aiyama

Host: Rebecca Jolliffe (Northern Representative)
Type: Party – Barbecue
Network: Global
Price: ¥1000 per tent and ¥500 for dinner for non-hajet members
Start Time: Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 5:00pm
End Time: Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 1:00pm
Location: Aibetsu Autocamp
Street: Aiyama 1 ward, Aibetsu-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido.
City/Town: Aibetsu, Japan

Aibetsu auto camp is a wonderful family campsite. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and the campsite has a pond, a river and a cafe. It has all the necessary amenities you could want for camping. Its noted for its pristine condition and tranquil atmosphere. But there are areas we can go to play games and drink by the river.

Bring your own booze, tents available for rent.

DIRECTIONS
1. By Bus from Asahikawa
Take Bus 81 from Asahikawa Station. It’s bus stop 3 directly in front of the station to your right.
Get off at 国道分岐点. If you are stuck, please ask the bus driver for Aibetsu Auto camp. Or conversely, print the stop off, and hand it to the driver.
Once you arrive, cross over the bridge, and take the first right until you come to the camp site. there will be a sign, but its in Katakana, so please learn your katakana. 愛別オートキャンプ。(we should be able to pick you up from the bus stop by running a car shuttling service. So if you wish, please wait at the bus stop and contact the organiser. please be patient! people are volunteering their time and their cars for you).

Bus Times from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo (this is the bus which runs to Aibestu)

9:15, 10:45, 12:15, 14:35, 15:45, 16:35, 18:40

2. By Train. You can also take a train from Asahikawa station to Naka Aibestu. To do this, you have to get on a train bound for Kamikawa, and get off at Naka-Aibetsu station. Please note that not all trains bound for kamikawa stop at naka aibetsu, so please be certain to take only the trains we list here for you. When you get to Naka Aibetsu station, please contact the organizers and we will come as soon as possible to pick you up. please be patient.
So Naka Aibetsu – 中愛別. remember that the trains will be bound for KAMIKAWA, not AIBETSU.

Train times(bound for KAMIKAWA):
06:58, 09:12, 12:44, 13:43, 16:07, 18:15, 20:46, 21:49

3. By Car. This is by far the easiest way. From Asahikawa, get on to route 39 and keep driving until you get to Aibetsu. keep going and you will cross a bridge about 15 minutes past Aibetsu. There is a sign, but if you stay on that road, cross the river and take the first right. keep following it, and you will hit Aibetsu autocamp. From Sounkyo (for eastern jets), also go down 39, and it will be on your left before the bridge. There will be a sign, and keep your eyes open for a sign of Aizan 愛山. you drive through aizan and then you will see the sign. If you get in to trouble, ring the organizers. The Auto camp is a little over an hour away from Asahikawa.

Facebook Event page: Northern Welcome Party

Description of campsite (in Japanese)

Any questions: beckyjolliffe [at] gmail.com

Central Welcome Party 2009

Lake Shikotsu at the Morappu Camp Grounds

Where: Morappu Camping Grounds, on the picturesque Lake Shikotsu!

When: Saturday 29th August at 10am, until Sunday 30th August at 4pm.

Bring: Tent and camping gear if you have them (tents can be hired), clothes, balls, hiking gear if you fancy a climb, frisbees, board games, cards, anything you like! The camping ground is right on the lake, so bring your swimming costume and you can take a dip! Also, please bring food for Sunday breakfast and lunch, as only Saturday dinner will be provided (you can usually get something pretty tasty at a convenience store). There’s a little shop on the camping ground that sells drinks and food, but is a little limited, so best be prepared.

Activites available: Hiking (Mt. Tarumae is nearby and is a great climb!), Paddle ducks, Bike hire, Speed boat cruises, Sightseeing Cruises, and of course, Onsen (Hot Springs).

There’s a section in the Lonely Planet on Shokotsu-ko, so if you’ve got a copy look it up if you get a chance.

Transport: There are three/four daily buses from Sapporo that get you to Shikotsu Kohan (the station) in about 100 minutes for about 1300 yen. We’ll have people waiting at the station to bring you to the camping ground. If you want to car pool, google maps can give you great directions! If you know any 2nd year JETs or above, find out if they are going, and how they are getting there (they’ll know the way too)-you might be able to grab a lift!

Price: 500 yen for non-HAJET members, free for all others (for the Saturday night meal). The cost of hiring a camping space is 500 and if you wish to hire a tent it will be a few hundred yen as well.

If you’re coming by train www.hyperdia.com with give you great train times.

Get set for a relaxing weekend with nature! Don’t forget your camera!

Eastern Welcome Party 2009

Camp Kimuaneppu at Lake Saroma

Where: Camp Kimuaneppu (キムアネップキャンプ場) on the southeastern side of Lake Saroma

When: September 5-6 (although some folks will be there on the 4th as well)

What to bring: Yourself (in case you forget), your camping gear, swimming togs/suits, bug repellent, sports paraphernalia, games, guitars, a change of clothes, a towel, hiking gear, a mini grill, anything else you might deem worthy. Also bring food and beverages. Food’s only provided on Saturday night. There aren’t too many conbini in the near vicinity so I swing by one on the way in and stock up.

Activities: John will be leading a hike up a nearby “mountain” that offers some great views of the lake, Saroma Pumpkin Festival, trips to the museums in Abashiri, park golf (!), sunset walks, onsens, baked goods, HEC fundraisers

The group bbq on Saturday night will consist of vegetarian friendly food. Bring your own meat if you want it. Also, let me know if you have any other dietary restrictions.

Transportation: I highly encourage carpools. There is no public transport that goes directly to the site. If you can get to any of the neighboring towns (Saroma, Tokoro, Yubetsu, Abashiri), we can find someone to get you. Please contact me with specific questions.

Price:

500 yen for the Saturday night meal (free for HAJET members); if you need a tent, they’re 1000 yen (tents will be able to sleep 3 comfortably)

HAJET Summer Meeting – June 27 – 28

Lake Toya

The summer meeting this year is planned for none other than the site of last year’s G8 Summit, Lake Toya! Needless to say there’s a lot of scenic beauty to be overwhelmed by if you’re into that sort of thing. From volcanic Mount Nishi to the memorial trail that shows the damage done by the 2000 eruption of Mount Usu, as well as the spectacular view of the lake itself, there’s a lot to do outdoors. There are also various museums, both natural and art-oriented, and of course onsens and footbaths. Number-wise, Toyako is one of the top onsen sites in Japan, and a view from one of the area’s rotenburos is ranked among the top three.

As for the gathering itself, tentative events planned include sumo (hopefully sans any debilitating injuries this year,) capture the flag and a 2-kyuu study session for you crammers out there. We’ll also have the announcement of the winners from the T-shirt design contest.

HAJET 2009 Summer Meeting Package – Word Document (275KB)

Directions to Takarada Campsite – PDF (442KB)

HAJET Winter Meeting – February 20th – 22nd

Asahikawa

This year the annual Winter Meeting is being held in Asahikawa. The second largest city on Japan’s second largest island in the archipelago boasts a population of 355,851 and is very famous for Asahikawa Ramen.

Asahikawa has two sister cities in Illinois and one in South Korea. Besides the very famous Asahikawa Zoo there’s also a little known microbrewery called “Taisetsu ji-biru” where you can grab a few pints. If beer isn’t really your thing, check out the Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum. Nearby, Mt. Asahidake not only offers a plethora of snow-filled activities, but it also sports many beautiful natural onsens.

The Meeting: There is a lot to discuss at the HAJET Winter Meeting. This is the last meeting for the current HAJET PC and soon after the new PC officers will step in and take things over. HEC will also make announcements about the current contest under way and we will also be hearing from the musical people about upcoming performances and help they’ll need.

The HAJET Fall Meeting: October 31st – November 2nd

Hakodate

This year’s Fall Meeting is in Hakodate! It’ll be a great time to meet JETs from all over the island (some for the first time) as we gather in this Southwestern Hokkaido town. See the amazing night view from Mout Hakodate or have a bowl of the famous Hakodate shio ramen! Come to the HAJET Friday night pajama party, participate in our own Hakodate version of The Amazing Race, and dress as your town mascot in our annual HEC Halloween Costume Fundraiser at the Saturday night enkai.

In the HAJET Meeting, we’ll be voting in a new first year Representative, talking about our upcoming Yuki Matsuri tour, discussing HEC, and appointing an elections coordinator for the upcoming HAJET Prefectural Council Elections!

HAJET Northern Welcome Party: Saturday, Aug. 30th through Sunday, Aug. 31st

Shosanbetsu Camp Grounds

Welcome to the North Hokkaido Region—a place to satisfy the soul with an abundance of adventure, leisure and pleasure activities for all. To celebrate, we’re having a bit of a party.

Doko: Shosanbetsu Camp ground on Route 232, Approx 1 hour north of Rumoi, Approx 2 hours south of Wakkanai. Nani Suru: Camping (BYO tent), BBQing, Socializing & Boozing Nani Taberu: Yaki Soba (veggie), Jingis Kahn, Hamburgers, Tofu Burgers & salads Nani Nomu: B.Y.O.

AJET Central Welcome Party: Saturday, Sept. 6th through Sunday, Sept. 7th

Lake Shikotsu Morappu Camp Grounds

Come one, come all!  The party will be held at the beautiful Lake Shikotsu, (Shikotsuko) Morappu Camp-jo. Located on the southeast (mostly east) coast of the lake, there are plenty of activities to enjoy: hiking, swimming, canoeing, paddle-boating, or visiting onsens.  There will be flag football, soccer ball, and Frisbee. Please feel free to bring along any games you would like to play! From Capture the Flag to King of the Cup to Poker; it’s your party! Of course, there will be a BBQ featuring meat and vegetarian-friendly foods…details forthcoming.  So, come on down and enjoy the festivities, food, and camaraderie with your fellow JETs.

HAJET Eastern Welcome Party: Saturday, Sept. 13th through Sunday, Sept. 14th

Nakashibetsu

The Eastern Welcome Party is finding a new home this year in the lovely Nakashibetsu.  We’ve got plans for a bonfire, trail hikes lead by fellow English teachers, Japanese cultural workshops taught by genki locals (topics are still being discussed…at the time of printing, Yosakoi, woodblock painting, and taiko drumming are all being discussed), and the traditional Saturday-night BBQ.  There are also two Park Golf courses within walking distance of the campsite, so come show of your skills!  Both lodges and tents are available for this three-day weekend event!

HAJET Southwestern Welcome Party: Saturday, Sept. 20th through Sunday, Sept. 21st

Shakotan

Come enjoy this truly wonderful and unique part of our gorgeous Island. Whether you want to relax or adventure, there is something for everyone: bush walking, mountain climbing, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, onsening, glass-bottomed boat tours, sea kayaking, shopping at the local market and (of course) eating the local delicacies. Come and join our vegan/vegetarian and meat eater-friendly BBQ on Saturday night!!  We will be camping, but there are some small youth hostels or hotels around for those who prefer.  Shakotan (to the west of Sapporo) is easily accessible by car. For those requiring public transport, there are trains as far as Yoichi and buses from there.    http://www.kanko-shakotan.jp/eng/index.html

HAJET Sapporo City Welcome Party: Saturday, Sept. 27th

Mona Minami Park

You’ll no doubt pass though Sapporo City a few times during your stay in Hokkaido, so why not get to know some of the JETs who live here? Rather than camping (because it’s a big city), we’ll be hosting a BBQ event down by the lovely Toyohira River. There will be lots of food available for vegetarians, vegans and non-vegetarians alike. This year’s food theme is: Indian. We’ll offer yummy foods from the subcontinent, such as veggie curries, chutney and chapatis– alongside typical BBQ fare like yaki-niku, yaki-onigiri, yaki-soba and grilled veggie kebobs. Afterwards, we’ll be heading out for a night on the town!

Iwamizawa International Mini-Festival: Saturday, June 21st

Iwamizawa Higashiyama Koen, 12-4 p.m.

With one of the highest concentrations of JETs in Hokkaido, the Iwamizawa JETs, along with their families and friends, are organizing this year’s Iwamizawa International Mini-Festival. This event, in its 2nd year, fosters awareness of Iwamizawa’s cultural diversity. More than 10 displays exhibit some of the various cultures represented within the local community. The highlight is trying out the many activities connected to each display. You can have a go at playing Aussie cricket, toss a gumboot Kiwi style, try some Canadian apple-bobbing, get your name written in Arabic, and much more. You can even get your face painted!! Alongside the booths one can partake in the numerous culinary delights! Foods ranging from tacos, apple pies, a sausage sizzle, chocolate muffins, to mention just a few, all washed down with soft drinks and juices. It’s an event for everyone, families, kids, adults, and even Obachans.

Check out pictures from this year’s event here!

The HAJET Summer Meeting: June 27th-29th

Niikappu’s Shirinkoen Campsite

This year’s summer meeting has been planned for Niikappu, a beautiful town with a picturesque ocean view. It’ll be a time to say you goodbye to those leaving the island, as well as exchange contact information. We’ve found a beautiful campsite that can accommodate all of our BBQ-ing needs! There will be workshops on Project Outreach, HEC, and how to put together an interesting and informative presentation (very handy for presenting at future conferences!). You can also go horseback riding, play park golf, see the record museum, hike, or just relax in the famous Niikappu Onsen. HAJET-related events include a round of Capture the Flag or the HEC Sumo Competition.

As far as the meeting goes, we’ll be electing a new Musical Producer, a new Hokkaido English Challenge (HEC) Coordinator, and a Project Outreach Coordinator. We’ll also be conducting routine HAJET business, discussing our role at Sapporo Orientation, locations for the Fall Meeting, and the upcoming Regional Welcome Parties!

2008 HEC Camp: July 26th-30th

Kodomo no Kuni Campgrounds in Sunagawa

Every year, the Hokkaido English Challenge (HEC) is a unique and memorable experience for students. For the two lucky winners, HEC gives the chance to explore a new culture, absorb a different way of life, and take their interest in English beyond the classroom. For all prize winners, HEC Summer Camp offers the chance to bond with ALTs from across the world, and to build confidence with their English and in themselves. These kids are the best and brightest of the competition, so it’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for campers and volunteers alike. In past years, the camp staff has watched students go from standing shyly in the corner of the room to dancing around during disco night! All students who enter, regardless of their levels, can become more comfortable using English in front of their ALT and feel a sense of pride in having risen to a challenge.

Visit the HEC section of our website to learn more about HEC in general, as well as download documents for your office if you want to come and help out at HEC Camp!