The magical winter of Eastern Hokkaido

Tourists come from all over Japan and the world to admire this volcanic natural wonder. Photos: The Star/Ivy Soon

Falling snow greeted us when we landed at the New Chitose Airport early one morning last December. It was an enchanting sight that got me glued to the window while waiting for our domestic flight – until they announced that the flight had been cancelled because it was snowing too heavily.

Tourists flock to Hokkaido, in Japan, to enjoy its winters; snow is what they all come for. But last December’s snow was unseasonably heavy; later we found out it was the heaviest December snowfall in Hokkaido in 50 years. It snowed every day during our five-day trip there.