Kitahama Station

Every year from February to March, Kitahama Station, the closest station to the Sea of Okhotsk, offers a breathtaking view as the sea around it is covered in a blanket of drift ice, turning the landscape into a vast expanse of white. This mesmerizing scene captivates all who visit.

Next to the wooden station building, there's a drift ice observation deck where you can take in the stunning view of the ice-covered sea. Since temperatures drop well below freezing, it's essential to dress warmly with gloves and a thick coat.

Inside the station's waiting room, you'll find the walls and ceiling covered with business cards and tickets left by visitors as mementos. Adjacent to the waiting room is a cozy café called "Teishaba," where you can enjoy a meal or coffee while gazing out at the sea. The menu includes coffee, the "Teishaba Lunch" featuring a hamburger steak topped with a fried egg, and the "Okhotsk Ramen," topped with crab, scallops, shrimp, salmon roe, and salmon. It's the perfect spot to relax and take in the view.

For safety reasons, it's important not to step onto the tracks, as trains frequently pass through, and there's a risk of being swept away if you accidentally step onto the drift ice.