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Experiencing My First New Year in Hokkaido's Okhotsk Region This year, for the first time since moving to the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, I decided to join the New Year's Eve event I had been curious about for a while: "Crossing the Year at Cape Soya"! This unique event gathers adventurers dubbed “crazy people” from all over Japan—cyclists and bikers who brave the journey to Japan's northernmost point to welcome the New Year. Inspired by their passion and energy, I took the plunge and participated in this unforgettable experience! The Grand Journey to Cape Soya The drive from Okhotsk to Cape Soya takes about six hours. Since I had sold my motorcycle before moving here, I joined the event by car this year. We took it slow, stopping for lunch in Monbetsu along the way, and finally arrived around 6:30 PM. Fully packed parking lots! Despite planning to stay overnight and take it easy, we arrived to find the primary parking area already completely full. The event's main gathering spot was already bustling with participants from across the country. After securing a parking spot elsewhere, we spent the night in the car. Upon arrival, we immediately took a commemorative photo, thanks to the group waiting in line behind us! (Later, we learned about a temporary parking lot where cars could still park even on New Year’s Eve.) A Gathering of Nationwide Adventurers By New Year’s Eve morning, Cape Soya was brimming with even more excitement. Participants arriving on bicycles and motorcycles shared jaw-dropping stories of their journeys, like, “I cycled here all the way from TOKYO!” or “I fell countless times on the way!” Their tales turned the event into an epic touring drama. I was awestruck by the energy of these bikers, watching as they formed a tent village in the freezing cold. Some braved the signature challenge of the event—shirtless photoshoots in the biting wind. I couldn’t help but applaud their fearless spirits. A Chilling Night with a Spark of Adventure The rare clear skies over Cape Soya set the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Under a canopy of stars, we welcomed the New Year with fireworks and a local shrine visit at Cape Soya Shrine. The sight of local fishermen dressed as “male shrine maidens” handing out amulets added a uniquely heartwarming touch. By the end of the night, a dormant sense of adventure was ignited within me. Watching others boldly embrace the challenge, I found myself vowing to participate on a motorcycle next year. Welcoming the New Year On New Year’s morning, I joined the long line of early risers hoping to snag one of the limited-edition zodiac keychains available to the first 1,000 participants. Despite the cold, the wait was a special moment, accompanied by fireworks and the mayor’s New Year’s greeting. While we couldn’t catch a perfectly clear sunrise, the view of Sakhalin illuminated by the first light of the year, seen from beneath Cape Soya’s lighthouse, was breathtaking. Reflections "Crossing the Year at Cape Soya" is more than just a New Year’s Eve event—it’s a celebration of passion, challenge, and extraordinary experiences. While this year’s participation was by car, I am determined to return next year with a motorcycle and fully embrace the adventure. This experience will remain etched in my heart as a unique and unforgettable way to ring in the New Year.

Crossing the Year at Cape Soya. My First New Year Adventure in Hokkaido’s Northernmost Point.