Heading to the Northernmost Point - Wakkanai, in the January Cold Wave | First Day Record of My First Trip to Hokkaido

It was January 22, 2026.
It was exactly when a cold wave was covering the Japanese archipelago.

If I'm going to the northernmost point anyway, I might as well experience the real north.
That's how I feel.
I suppose that's just my nature.
In any case, I took this situation positively as a 'perfect opportunity'.

From Kansai International Airport, I first headed to New Chitose Airport.
I needed to transfer there to get to Wakkanai.

Actually, this is my first time in Hokkaido in my life.
I've seen the names, the places, and the images in videos and photos countless times.
But this is my first time going there on my own feet. What kind of scenery is it, and what is the air like?
Honestly, I couldn't help but be excited.

The plane headed north smoothly.
Looking out the window, there was still color for a while after leaving Kansai.
However, as we moved north, the scenery below gradually turned white.

The mountains, the towns, and the fields all seemed to be losing their color little by little.
It was like watching a fade from color to monochrome.

Since I was at it, I decided to take photos of this scenery not just in color, but in monochrome as well.

At this point, I already had a strong sense that I had 'arrived in the north'.

Arrived at New Chitose Airport.
I had about a 6-hour wait until my next flight.

Even after finishing the work I was requested to do during my free time, I still had time to spare.
Since I'm in Hokkaido, I wanted to eat something typical of the region.

So, soup curry it is.

The staff member says,
'It's quite spicy. The maximum is level 50.'

I see. Let's start with level 30 to test the waters.
・Huh?
It's surprisingly manageable.

'Excuse me, I'd like to add more spice.'
'Alright, let's go for an extra 10 levels of spice.'

・・Still not enough.

'Excuse me, I'd like to add more spice again.'
'Alright, let's go all out then.'

Finally, it arrived.
A perfect kick without ruining the base flavor.

'Thank you very much. It was excellent.'
'Actually, that was well over level 50 (laughs).'

・・・Apparently so.

Just to be clear, it's not that this restaurant's spice rating is mild. It's simply that I'm a spice lover who enjoys spicy food. Generally, it seems around level 5 is plenty spicy enough. They say many people even order level 0.

This wonderful soup curry restaurant is here.

In the meantime, the check-in time for the flight to Wakkanai approaches.
However, it doesn't seem to be starting.

Apparently, they are waiting for landing permission at the local airport.
It seems it's not just snow, but also strong winds.

Fifty minutes before the flight time, an announcement is finally made.
The flight is confirmed with the condition that "there is a possibility of returning."

The small aircraft, spinning its propellers energetically, begins to move toward Wakkanai.
The minimum temperature in Sapporo that day was minus 15 degrees.
From there, I am heading even further north.

Will I be able to land safely?
On board, there was an unusually cheerful and handsome flight attendant.
His smile, as if to say, "We will definitely arrive in Wakkanai!" was impressive.

Outside the window lies the land of Hokkaido.
Even from a distance, I can tell that the rivers are frozen.

The scenery is vast, quiet, and somehow inorganic.
But I felt that the "cold" was captured perfectly.

Before long, the aircraft landed with quite a dramatic sound: "Zaza! Zari, zori!" I arrived safely at Wakkanai Airport.

I learned later that Wakkanai Airport is one of the most difficult airports for takeoff and landing in the country during winter.
I think I was lucky to have landed properly during a cold wave, especially on my first visit.

After sharing a bit of the joy of arrival with the flight attendant, I had a smoke in the smoking area.
Perhaps because of the sense of relief, it felt strangely pleasant.

Now, I wait for the airport bus to head to the hotel in the city center.
...It doesn't come.

I ask an airport staff member.
"Excuse me, what time is the bus?"

"Oh? It just left a little while ago."

What did you say?

Apparently, when the other passengers left together, they decided that "there probably aren't any more people heading to the city" and it departed as is.

As a result of leisurely smoking a cigarette, I completely missed it.I reflect on my own laid-back nature. I really do this kind of thing often.

I ask for alternative means. "A taxi is the only option now."

That being said, I arranged for a taxi. They said they would come right away. Much appreciated.

I have heard Hokkaido described as the land that tests you. I felt like I understood the meaning of that (though I might be wrong) just a little bit on my very first day of arrival.

Wakkanai, Day 1. It has only just begun, but it has already been stimulating.

Photo and text: AKIHIRO MIKI Photo and text: AKIHIRO MIKI

Influenced by friends and senior photographers, he picked up a camera and became fascinated with the world of photography. Based on the concept of "the warmth that dwells in the landscape," he pursues capturing the atmosphere and emotions that drift through everyday life, mainly through snapshots.

Influenced by friends and senior photographers, he picked up a camera and became fascinated with the world of photography. Based on the concept of "the warmth that dwells in the landscape," he pursues capturing the atmosphere and emotions that drift through everyday life, mainly through snapshots.

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