Hello! I’m Noriko, a cyclist living in the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido.
Winter has already arrived here. In Kitami City, where I live, the inland areas get relatively little snow, and it takes a while for it to settle permanently. Even in December, you might occasionally spot someone braving the cold to ride their bike, but seeing a road bike cutting through the wind is practically unheard of.
That said, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including cycling! For riders and tourists who want to fully experience the snowy landscapes and winter flavors, I’d love to share some local highlights for this season.

First up, for those who want to keep biking in the snow, let me introduce the “Drift Ice Ride” and “Snowfield Ride,” where road bikes transform into fat bikes!

In February, drift ice begins to reach the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk. As the only place in Japan where drift ice accumulates, the Sea of Okhotsk offers a unique activity called the “Drift Ice Ride,” where you can actually cycle along these icy shores.
Though climate change has thinned the ice and reduced its volume in recent years, the Okhotsk coastline remains a breathtaking destination as the southernmost area in the world where drift ice can be seen. The Tokoro coastline, located near the seaside in Kitami City, features wide, gently sloping shores that are ideal for riding and allow you to experience the drift ice up close.

The Drift Ice Ride is accompanied by a guide, so even beginners can participate with peace of mind. Although it’s ice, it is often covered with snow, so there’s little risk of slipping—you can ride confidently and steadily. This experience offers a completely different kind of cycling enjoyment compared to road biking.

Another highlight of the season is the “Snowfield Ride,” where you ride across snowy roads and fields. A key tip is to wear ski wear—otherwise, you’ll freeze! But don’t worry; your body will warm up quickly as you start riding.

In areas with heavy snowfall, winter maintenance vehicles compact the snow on main roads, allowing you to ride safely while soaking in the beautiful winter scenery. This is a unique riding experience you can only have in snowy regions!
Even those who don’t usually cycle can enjoy it as a guided activity, making it a great option for group trips with family or friends.

＊Snowfield Ride & Drift Ice Ride
HEROES PARK
https://heroespark.info/

In addition, there is a ski resort in Kitami City. While the mountain is on the smaller side, it offers enjoyment for both beginners and advanced skiers. I’ve heard that many people enjoy cycling in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. It’s wonderful to experience the charm of each season through sports!

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And have you heard of the winter tradition, the “Kitami Extreme Winter BBQ Festival”?
When it comes to BBQ in Hokkaido, it’s all about Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ), but in Kitami, it’s all about grilling on a charcoal brazier—this is the quintessential BBQ experience. The region has its own unique BBQ culture, where people use their own portable grills to enjoy “outdoor BBQ.” The winter version of this tradition is the “Kitami Extreme Winter BBQ Festival.”

This event has been held every February since around 20 years ago. Hundreds of portable grills are lined up in a large venue, and participants simultaneously grill meat outdoors in subzero temperatures… While getting tickets can be extremely difficult, it offers a unique local experience—enjoying sizzling hot BBQ while the sauce freezes. It’s cold, but (perhaps because it’s cold?) it’s delicious!
Tickets for the 2025 event are already sold out.

This time, we skipped the outdoor BBQ and enjoyed indoor grilling at “Wagyu Yakiniku Abebe.”
For lean meats, there’s “Beef Saggari,” for a satisfying chew, “Pork Saggari,” which has a hidden fan base, and “Maru Horumon,” where the fat is tightly sealed inside, all offering a juicy and tender experience. Don’t miss the 110 yen cabbage, served with Abebe’s original salt-based sauce.

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Lastly, for those visiting the Okhotsk region in winter, here’s a lucky recommendation:
The first sunrise and sea of clouds at Bihoro Pass. While Tsubetsu Pass is also a popular spot for sea of clouds, the road to the summit is harsh and not cleared of snow, so it is closed during the winter season.

That concludes the winter traditions of the Okhotsk Sea coastline and Kitami City area. As the drift ice arrives, the Okhotsk region becomes even colder, but we look forward to embracing the chill and enjoying the unique winter experiences this area has to offer. Please come visit us!

Text＿Noriko Sugano

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Noriko Sugano
Born and raised in Kitami City, Hokkaido. As my family had a farm, I started commuting to school by bicycle from the fourth grade of elementary school. It was a 10km round trip to elementary school, 11km round trip to middle school, and for high school, I commuted by JR train, which was an 8km round trip to the nearest station.
I got married to my husband, who had a similar lifestyle, and we had a child. To my surprise, our eldest son expressed his desire to ride a road bike when he was in middle school! On his own!? Riding a road bike!? With various concerns in mind, we decided to have my husband accompany our son and act as his bodyguard. My husband, who initially said, “I’m done with cycling,” was impressed by the exhilaration and excitement of riding a road bike, exclaiming, “A road bike is completely different from any bicycle I knew before!”
We started with local rides, and also enjoyed driving to different destinations with our bikes loaded in the car, going for rides at those locations. We even went on rides where I would meet my husband, who had already set off on his road bike, to accompany him on the journey. We have been enjoying a cycling lifestyle as a family.

Post Date：2024.12.23