Mount Tento Observatory (Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum) A bite of salted caramel with a snowy view

One February afternoon, I stepped out onto the rooftop of the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum. I tucked my pale purple scarf against the collar of my cream puffer jacket and felt the chilly air on my cheeks. Beyond the railing, snowy trees and the city of Abashiri stretched out before me.

The sea appeared beyond the rows of buildings, and I realised just how close the city is to the water. I wanted to let my gaze travel from the nearby branches all the way out to the distant surface of the sea. Under the soft winter sky, I found myself looking farther than usual.

In my hands was the drift ice soft serve I'd picked up at the Drift Ice Museum. With my gloves on, I held the cone and looked more closely: tiny blue flecks sat on top of the pale soft serve. I was told the flecks were salt, and that their colour came from a seaweed-derived pigment.

The first bite brought caramel sweetness and a hint of salt together, and I couldn't help smiling. I chose this treat even on a day this cold, and now I want to remember its taste alongside the view. I readjusted my hold, cupping the cone in both hands, and took my time enjoying it.

Before I'd finished, I took one more look at the sea beyond the city. Even that pause, savouring soft serve at a snowy lookout, felt like part of my winter trip to Abashiri. Next time, I'd love to take in the view from a different side of the rooftop.