February 2026 was a month I had been looking forward to for a very long time. It was finally my chance to experience winter in Japan for the very first time.
The four of us began our journey by flying from Jakarta to Hakodate, on the northern island of Hokkaido. Instead of flying directly to Sapporo, we continued our adventure by land, traveling from Hakodate to Sapporo while enjoying the beautiful winter scenery along the way.
As soon as we landed in Hakodate, I experienced something I had dreamed about for years. For the first time in my life, I saw real snow falling from the sky. While the others had experienced winter before, everything was completely new to me. I couldn’t stop smiling as the snowflakes gently covered the streets, rooftops, and trees. It felt surreal, like I had stepped into a scene from a movie.
The snowfall became heavier, but instead of making me want to stay indoors, it made me even more excited. I eagerly walked outside, touched the snow with my hands, and enjoyed every moment. The cold air made my cheeks and hands numb, but I didn’t mind at all. I wanted to remember every second of my very first winter.
One of the most memorable moments happened shortly after we arrived. While we were walking through the heavy snowfall, a kind local resident noticed that we needed help. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, he warmly guided us to Hakodate Ekimae, a comfortable place where we could wait for our bus to Sapporo. His kindness reminded me that genuine hospitality doesn’t always require words.
Later, we boarded the bus to Sapporo. As I looked out the window, I couldn’t take my eyes off the endless white landscape. Snow-covered houses, quiet roads, and beautiful forests stretched as far as I could see. Every kilometer felt like another page of a dream I had finally begun to live.
Looking back, my first winter in Japan wasn’t only about seeing snow for the first time. It was about fulfilling a childhood dream, experiencing the beauty of Hokkaido, and discovering that some of the most unforgettable travel memories come from the simplest moments. February 2024 will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the season when I finally met winter for the very first time.
Leave a Reply