China, Korea and a little bit (of Japan) on the side

[Justinf]

This aircraft, I presume, holds between 75 and 80 PAX, but it was clear that it was only about a quarter full.
And yet they had the two biggest units seated together in row 3 - me and a Goliath of a man.
I asked if I could move across to the empty and was told to wait until the door had closed.
Close it did and I was able to shuffle across, giving us both some room.


I’m not a huge fan of turboprops and throw in the possibility of a go around or two at our destination, I was feeling slightly anxious.

 

[Justinf]

A quick taxi out to the runway and we took off to the south and made a series of left-hand turns to straighten up on our way north.

 

[Justinf]

Only a drinks service on domestic flights. No buy on board anything.
I do like the consommé they serve on JAL and ANA, and just as well because it was the only option.

 

[Justinf]

We began our descent and to be honest it never looked like we weren’t going to land.
Flight time was 41 minutes and we made it.
I’d later learn that the 2nd, and only other flight from Sapporo arriving at 4.35pm was cancelled.
The airport has just three flights for the entire day.
2 from Sapporo and 1 from Haneda, which leaves Tokyo at 10.40am and arrives at 12.35pm. This one made it.

 

[Justinf]

I hopped on the shuttle bus which took about 25 minutes to ‘downtown’ and cost ¥700.
It was early, around noon.
I’d be staying at the Dormy Inn for the next two nights. Cost was $160 all up.
If you’ve ever tried to check in to Japanese hotels early, you’ll know they absolutely won’t budge. So I had three hours to kill.
Why not wander the vibrant streets of Japan’s most northerly town.


Good grief. What was a doing here? Shops closed, nobody about. Certainly not a touristy town.
It also looked a bit poor.

 

[Justinf]

One saving grace was soup curry, which was a few doors down from my hotel.
After a walk I went in.
The menu is mostly pork, but thankfully there was a chicken dish.
There were three levels of spice and I chose No 3. Tomorrow I’ll go up to 4.

I absolutely love soup curry. It’s my favourite Japanese dish and this was good, although I have had better, it was still good.
Cost with a Coke included was around $15.

 

[Justinf]

after that I walked around some more to try and find any sign of life.
Nope.
At 2pm I decided I’d wait in the hotel lobby and stare at the receptionists as if to say “Let me check in”.
15 minutes later, my wish was granted.
I learned there is an onsen and also a top floor outdoor onsen. Unfortunately those with tattoos like myself are not allowed. If have never visited an onsen for this reason. And it makes me sad.
The room was fine for $80 a night.

 

[Justinf]

I lazed around and had a nap.
At 6pm I went out and tried to find some food and stumbled across a ramen place and gave it a go. It was very good. No photos. I simply forgot.
Now 7.30pm and back in the room.
Not sure what I will do tomorrow. Not sure if there is anything I can do.
Still very phlegm-y and sore throat, but feeling much better.
Looking forward to not having to be anywhere tomorrow.
The trip is nearly at an end.
I have to say, it’s been tough, but the support from you guys has been so appreciated. You’ll never know how much.

 

[Justinf]

Oh last year I had a similar flight to Aomori where we told of the weather was bad, we’d have to turn back to Tokyo.
So that’s twice I’ve done this.
I don’t know whether they are just dramatic or overly cautious, but it’s comforting to know they put safety first.

 

[moa999]

Possibly they gave you a bigger aircraft to improve the chances, my quick search showed it's normally a Q200 on the route.

 

[Justinf]

Grabbed some Sapporo Classic and watching the cricket.
I’ll be bring some of these babies home with me. Great beer and only available in Hokkaido.

 

[drron]

You little beauty. Hopefully the bad luck gets less and less.
As for what to do probably see if there is a bus out to Cape Soya the northern most part of Hokkaido. In summer there were. Not sure about winter but ask at the hotel they should know. Cape Soya is out past the airport so hopefully the bus back stops at the airport.
keep it up and have another soup curry for me.

 

[Justinf]

You little beauty. Hopefully the bad luck gets less and less.
As for what to do probably see if there is a bus out to Cape Soya the northern most part of Hokkaido. In summer there were. Not sure about winter but ask at the hotel they should know. Cape Soya is out past the airport so hopefully the bus back stops at the airport.
keep it up and have another soup curry for me.

Might see if a taxi will do a negotiated trip for me. Good advice.

 

[Justinf]

Possibly they gave you a bigger aircraft to improve the chances, my quick search showed it's normally a Q200 on the route.

All my searches reveal a Q400.

 

[rbjhan]

If you’ve ever tried to check in to Japanese hotels early, you’ll know they absolutely won’t budge.

Ha ha yes the check in time is an immovable force!

 

[JackMiles]

We began our descent and to be honest it never looked like we weren’t going to land.
Flight time was 41 minutes and we made it.

Hurray! Great to hear something go right for you.

 

[rbjhan]

I'm glad you made it to Wakkanai.

There's a "Northernmost point of Japan" landmark in Cape Soya, where my friend went in August.
Not sure if it's a good idea now though...
But if it's possible, I think you deserve a photo with it after all this effort!

 

[Justinf]

I'm glad you made it to Wakkanai.

There's a "Northernmost point of Japan" landmark in Cape Soya, where my friend went in August.
Not sure if it's a good idea now though...
But if it's possible, I think you deserve a photo with it after all this effort!

@drron has also suggested it.
I might see if a cab driver will take a prearranged fee for it.

 

[JackMiles]

I'm glad you made it to Wakkanai.

There's a "Northernmost point of Japan" landmark in Cape Soya, where my friend went in August.
Not sure if it's a good idea now though...
But if it's possible, I think you deserve a photo with it after all this effort!

If you go to Cape Soya on google maps there's a video taken this time last year...maybe will serve as a bit of warning/inspiration.

 

[drron]

Well it won't look like this when we were there in July.


And you can just see in the background on the left is Russia - Sakhalin island.