Hokkaido: The Famous Small Station of the North

Facade of Kitahama Station

I really didn't comprehend and a bit confused at first. Why this small building which similar to a security post could become a highly sought-after destination for some tourists, as said by our local guide, Yoshie-san. The facade looked quite old but pretty decent, stands adjacent to the Sea of Okhotsk. A rusty blue signpost above the entrance door described a name, 北浜駅 Kitahama-eki (Kitahama Station).

This station was not always crowded as that day. Some travel vans parked at the front yard indicated there were group of tourists who already inside the building. Actually, it was just an ordinary small train station. There are some similar building like this along the coastline. But, Kitahama station is the most in demand by the tourists for some reason.

We entered into a tiny main room (waiting room) of the station with its size, maybe about 5x5 meters. And we found something peculiar with our sight.....

Hokkaido: Cruising the Sea of Okhotsk on the Icebreaker Ship

Aurora II has left the Abashiri Port

North wind gusted and it felt freezing cold as the ship sped up. The observation deck had been teemed by tourists, especially at the edges of ship balcony. We were stunned by the endless panorama of the Sea of Okhotsk. The horizon separate off the sea and sky as I gazed toward to the north. Seagulls squawked while they were soaring up on the air. Some tourists were seen enjoying themselves by taking selfie with the sea landscape and also with floating drift ice. At the time, I was able to conclude that this would be the best moment during my trip in Abashiri.

Previously...

[Road Less Traveled] Hokkaido: Soup of Freedom and the Prison Break of Japan

Abashiri Prison Museum aerial view in summer

Hokkaido, the northernmost major island in Japan, was nearly a no-man's-land over decades ago. At the northeast of the island, lies a dark history of Japan development.

Truthfully, I didn't know a lot about the city of Abashiri. But I believed this port city has some things interesting to offer, until I found myself stood in front of enormous arched red-brick gate. That historic-looking architecture with 2 posts guarding at both sides is the main entrance to the Abashiri Prison Museum. With the curiosity calling me to know more about Japan's hidden history, it would be best to dig up some stories from the Meiji period here. Surely, Abashiri was able to provide a unique experience of visiting the jail museum.

[Road Less Traveled] Hokkaido: Cute Little Monster and Drift Ice from Abashiri

Frozen Lake Abashiri

Suddenly the staff (guide) handed over a warm blue wet towel for us after she explained briefly about the drift ice. I didn't know what she talked about since it's in Japanese, until she told us to see a digital thermometer before the museum tour began. I was sure it showed the temperature inside the room right before our eyes which the temperature was in -16°C. At first, I thought she gave the towel to keep our hands warm inside the simulation room. Then, she asked us to perform a little experiment. We swung the towel continuously in the air and within seconds it became like a cracker chip. Hory shitto!

A few hours earlier.....

After a night stay at a resort beside the scenic beauty of frozen Lake Akan, that morning we headed to Abashiri. This city is located far enough to the north at the Sea of Okhotsk coastline which took about 2,5 hours car driving. Just like in Kushiro, since it's winter, the well-known Hokkaido farmland turned into a vast white land. With just a few cars passed by and no one seen along the trip, the roads seemed deserted. From left to right the roads looked similar. For some reason I confused about the direction and wondered if we only traveled in a circle. Even our driver, Kihirato-san followed a guidance from smartphone maps.

[VIDEO] Hokkaido Trip: Let's Report Japan!!

Visit Japan is one of my biggest dream since I was a child. I remember when I used to know Japan only for modern country and as the king of world's technology; land of video game; land of anime and comic; even Doraemon's home. However, following the major development of information about this cherry blossom's country tourism via every media. Now everyone know if Japan is a country with such abundant cultures and local traditions. Where the traditional culture can get along well and balanced with its modern culture.

One thing that makes me want to visit Japan is the nature. Because for me personally, nature travel always provides better experience than just travel in the big cities. Especially if you can witness and feel something that doesn't exist in your home country. It's cool, isn't it? Therefore, since back then I always intended to visit Hokkaido. Anyway if I get chance to go to Japan, it has to be Hokkaido first :)