Khaosan Sapporo Hostel （カオサン札幌ホステル）

Monday, 11 April 2016

Titans in town - Sapporo Wall exhibition opened doors

There is an anime that not long ago took the world by storm – so quickly that it seems like an invasion, an attack – it’s Attack on Titan!

Anime fan or not – there is probably nobody who hasn’t yet heard about the human eating titans. You can see them everywhere, on posters, on your favorite snacks, in TV, etc. And back in February, Sapporo was even attacked by a giant titan made of snow!

Now they are back once again! Until May 25^th, you can visit the exhibition SELECT WALL SAPPORO at the Sapporo Art Park.

Now, you might think that an exhibition about an anime or manga is somewhat dry, but in this case that’s far from true! Every media imaginable is been used and it will require all your senses!

Next to original drawings you can find explanation by Isayama, the creator of "Attack on Titans", and a room dedicated to his sources of inspiration - and sounds and light make 2D paintings come alive!

The whole setup is made in a way that makes you believe the story is true. There are displays of items, such as Mikasa’s scarf, and lay your hands on “real” maneuver gear.

But the best is probably the “real life” sized titan, that's awaiting you in the last room.

Last but not least, their love for details is just awesome! From uniforms, toilet signs, and even the table clothes in the little café - everything is straight out of “Attack on Titan”. Not to mention the food….

All in all, we think it’s a great exhibition and well worth the 1500yen entry fee. But you can see for yourself at the Sapporo Art Park.

To the event page (English) / To Sapporo Art Park Page (Japanese)

To the official website of Khaosan Sapporo Family Hostel

written by Irene

Monday, 4 April 2016

Khaosan Sapporo wants to be greener 。。。

。。。and we took it literally ；）

Some new plants will replace the plastic ones. It looks nicer AND also increases the air quality.

But seriously, what does "green" really mean? For example, it would be awesome to have solar panels on the roof to generate our own energy. Unfortunately that's not possible (yet?). But it doesn't always have to be "big". There are a lot of small things we can – and should – do. Protecting the environment is everybody's responsibility - the more so, if you are a hostel hosting approx. 25000 people per year.
That's why we set a new goal this year: at least one step per month towards a greener Khaosan!

So first of all we had a good look at our facilities and asked ourselves: "Do we need this? Is there a more eco-friendly version?".

To start with, we bought a stock of reusable plates, cups and chopsticks for parties (and they were in use for a couple of parties already, e.g. our Polish-Russian-Party recently). No more one way paper cups, plates and chopsticks!

(And for the traveler that cares: "I don't need chopsticks/a plastic bag" - "Hashi/fukuro iranai (des)")

Reduce, reuse, buying in bulks and handmade wherever possible. E.g., we have always been reusing paper and we will change to unbleached paper soon.

A great thing is also the stapler that doesn't use any metal.

And waste is not always just waste, but can be turned into something else.

You see, eco-friendly is not only good for the environment, but it makes you creative and is fun! ;)

....to be continued

To the official website of Khaosan Sapporo

written by Irene

Saturday, 2 April 2016

What's better than Chocolate?!...

....A factory full of chocolate, candy, toys and fun attractions!

And you can find this factory only a couple of subway stops from Khaosan, at Shiroi Koibito Park.

Yes, that's where the famous cookies are produced and you can also watch the production line.

They seem to be quite strict on hygiene and also on size, shape and color of their cookies. It's fun to watch the men in white work, but it makes you quite hungry. Good thing there is a cafe next to the production line and they have some amazing stuff!

Delicious!!

And apparently good for you:

Other than the production line and cafe, this factory is filled with a lot of fun stuff. You can follow the cat footprints through the whole building. It will lead you to a fountain, rooms full of chocolate cups and packaging labels, a chocolate time tunnel (where you can learn about the history of chocolate), a gramophone gallery and finally a toy museum!