In Hokkaido, a snowy region in northern Japan, you can have a mysterious, almost Arctic-like experience, but only during the severe cold period. In fact, Hokkaido belongs to the subarctic region, and along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in northeastern Hokkaido, drift ice can be observed every year.
Drift ice cruises and various other activities are available, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad. It’s fair to say that the true charm of northern Hokkaido lies in drift ice sightseeing that takes place during the harshest period in winter.
In this article, Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company, a specialist in Hokkaido trips, will explain the attractions of drift ice sightseeing in Hokkaido and recommend the best areas to visit.
Is it true that you can see drift ice in Hokkaido?
That’s right. It isn’t very well known, but in fact, drift ice can also be seen in Hokkaido. However, it’s not that you can just see drift ice.
Hokkaido is unusual as a region where drift ice can be observed and where anyone can easily enjoy drift ice sightseeing on a cruise that lasts just about an hour.
Another great attraction is that, in addition to simply gazing at the drift ice, there are plenty of exciting activities such as drift ice walking, where you can actually walk on top of the ice.
So, what exactly is drift ice? And when and where can you see it?
Drift ice refers to seawater that has frozen, specifically the portions that float and drift in the sea. It begins as tiny ice crystals that gradually grow larger, and as they collide and overlap with one another, they eventually develop into massive sheets of drift ice.
It’s an extremely rare natural phenomenon, found only in limited places such as coastal regions of the Arctic and around Sakhalin. Hokkaido in Japan is said to be the southernmost point where drift ice can be observed.
However, the drift ice seen in Hokkaido is actually not formed there. It originates in Russia’s Amur River and travels more than 1,000 kilometers before arriving.
The areas where drift ice can be observed are along the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido, located in the northeastern part of the island. The main tourist spots are the cities of Monbetsu, Abashiri, Shiretoko and Rausu, which are famous for their spectacular seafood such as scallops and crab, as well as breathtaking scenic points.
In addition, the period when drift ice can be seen is from late January to late March, with the best time to reliably observe it is said to be from mid-February to early March.
The main areas for drift ice sightseeing are Monbetsu City, Abashiri City, and Shiretoko ・Rausu
The main areas in Hokkaido for drift ice sightseeing are the three: Monbetsu City, Abashiri City, and Shiretoko・Rausu. Here is a brief introduction to the attractions of each area.
＜Monbetsu City＞
Monbetsu is a city located near the center of the Sea of Okhotsk coast, famous for its crab claw sculpture. For drift ice sightseeing, the icebreaker ship Garinko-go, which will be introduced later, is highly recommended. Once you board it, the experience is so thrilling that you’ll want to go again.
Also, don’t miss the “Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival,” held during the drift ice season, or the exceptionally fresh seafood delicacies. The Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival takes place in Monbetsu City during February, the coldest month of the year. The ice sculptures, made from blocks of ice weighing up to 100 kilograms, are truly worth seeing.
Furthermore, as a city facing the Sea of Okhotsk, its seafood is exceptional. You should also try some original local dishes, such as “Drift Ice Kelp-Marinated Beef Tongue,” as well as warm ramen.
＜Abashiri City＞
Among the areas along the Okhotsk coast, Abashiri City is relatively easy to access and takes just about 50 minutes by plane from Sapporo. As for drift ice sightseeing, there are icebreaker ships and special sightseeing trains.
Keep in mind that there are also many other interesting sightseeing spots, such as the Abashiri Prison and Chipmunk Park. Additionally, Abashiri is proud of its fresh seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk, making it a great destination for a gourmet trip.
Abashiri is a particularly recommended area for drift ice sightseeing in Hokkaido, and will be explained more in detail in the final chapter.
＜Shiretoko ・Rausu＞
Shiretoko and Rausu are especially appealing for their wide variety of activities. Shiretoko, in particular, is a region that needs no introduction as it’s registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, where awe-inspiring natural landscapes remain untouched. It is precisely because of places like Shiretoko and Rausu that you can enjoy rare and unique drift ice experiences.
Of course, the seafood is excellent, but there are also unique treats like lingonberry soft serve and venison burgers, so be sure to give them a try. Additionally, Shiretoko has hot springs, making it perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after drift ice sightseeing.
Shiretoko and Rausu, where you can enjoy adventurous activities throughout the year, are popular areas for those who love adventure. Please refer to the following article if you would like more detailed information.
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From the next chapter, we will introduce four recommended drift ice activities that you can experience along the coast of Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk.
4 Recommended Drift Ice Activities in Hokkaido
Here, we’ll introduce four activities related to drift ice. Each one is a rare experience available only in Hokkaido during the harshest part of winter. Set out on an adventure that’s sure to become a lifelong memory.
1. Icebreaker Ships, Aurora and Garinko-go
When it comes to classic drift ice sightseeing tours, the “Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora” and the “Icebreaker Garinko-go” are the top choices. The former operates in Abashiri City, while the latter runs in Monbetsu City, both available only in winter. As their name suggests, these sightseeing vessels plow forward while crushing through the drift ice.
Crunch, crunch, crunch! Thud, thud…
The thunderous sound of the drift ice being crushed is truly spectacular.
What will amaze you on the sightseeing boat isn’t just the sound. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the drift ice. Out at sea, with nothing to compare it to, it’s hard to grasp just how big the ice really is when seen from a distance. But as the ship draws closer, their immense scale becomes strikingly clear. Drift ice is far bigger than you might imagine.
On Monbetsu City’s icebreaker Garinko-go, you can enjoy special cruises such as the Sunset Cruise, where drift ice meets the evening glow, and the Sunrise Cruise, featuring the breathtaking pairing of the morning’s first glow with the ice. In addition to the pure white sea and drift ice tinted by the sun, you might even be lucky enough to encounter wild animals like seals. You’ll definitely encounter a breathtaking landscape of a scale you’ve never seen before.
2. Drift Ice Walking
You can actually walk on drift ice?! In fact, many pieces of drift ice are large enough that they won’t break even if a person stands on them. Drift Ice Walking is an activity where you actually get to walk on the ice.
If you’ve only seen drift ice from a ship or from a distance, you might wonder what it feels like under your feet. Is it cold? Crunchy? Slippery? You can experience a unique sensation that’s different from snow, soil, or puddles.
Walking on massive ice under clear skies and sometimes breaking the drift ice to play is so exciting that you’ll forget how cold it is. Additionally, since Drift Ice Walking is only offered during the limited period of the harshest part of winter, it can be considered one of the rarer activities.
Although the temperature can drop as low as -20°C, you wear a fully waterproof dry suit with excellent insulation, so even those who are sensitive to the cold can feel safe.
Experiences this rare are only possible with our company, which has connections with guides across Hokkaido. Please come and create lifelong memories with your family and friends.
3. Drift Ice & Snowshoeing
This is a tour where you wear snowshoes to see frozen waterfalls (icefalls) formed by flowing water as well as drift ice. Snowshoes are equipment that you attach to your winter shoes to walk comfortably on snow. Even beginners can use them easily since you just move your feet as you normally would when walking.
On the tour, you follow the guide closely to make sure you don’t get separated. Make your way amid the silence that envelops the snow, and the bitterly cold air that’s unique to the harshet period in winter. As you slowly make your way through the great outdoors, a perfectly frozen, massive waterfall comes into view. In front of a giant icefall over 100 meters high, human worries seem quite insignificant and you’ll find yourself completely captivated by the breathtaking scenery before you.
During drift ice viewing, you can observe details up close that are hard to notice from the shore, such as its size, texture, and color. You might even be able to touch it, or step onto drift ice that has washed up on land.
If you’re wondering, “Exactly how much physical strength is needed?” or “Is it safe during pregnancy?” please consult Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. We will connect you with reliable professional guides so you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
4. Drift Ice & Birdwatching
Drift Ice & Bird Watching is a tour where you can observe animals that migrate to Shiretoko and Rausu for the winter. As a cruise that specializes in birdwatching, its biggest appeal is the high likelihood of spotting species like the White-tailed Eagle.
A flock of White-tailed Eagles, with wingspans reaching up to 2 meters, offers a thrilling presence unlike anything you can experience in daily life. On some courses, time is set aside for photography, making it highly recommended for those who want to capture impressive shots or observe wildlife up close.
The drift ice and the way wildlife lives in the vast seas of Shiretoko and Rausu convey a sense of seriousness and dignity that is entirely separate from our human world.
In addition, there are tours lasting about an hour that allow you to easily enjoy nature, so if you’re unsure, please consult with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company, a company that specializes in Hokkaido travel. We can recommend the perfect course just for you.
Here are recommended facilities where you can experience the Sea of Okhotsk!
Here, we’ll introduce facilities recommended for those who want to experience drift ice but don’t have time for drift ice activities.
For an easy drift ice experience, visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum
The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum is a tourist facility in Abashiri City where you can learn about drift ice and the creatures that live in the Sea of Okhotsk. The biggest attraction of the Drift Ice Museum is, without a doubt, the display of about 100 tons of real drift ice.
Indoors, the temperature is -15°C. One of the most popular activities is the “Shibare Experience,” where you swing a wet towel around and watch it freeze solid. Try experiencing for yourself what’s considered ordinary in snowy regions.
In the Sea of Okhotsk marine life exhibition corner, you can deepen your knowledge about drift ice and about the creatures living in the frigid sea. Be sure to see the clione, known as the “Angel of Drift Ice.”
Also, the Drift Ice Soft-Serve sold at the museum café is a must-try. It’s a salted caramel soft-serve topped with refreshing blue salt. The sweetness of the caramel is enhanced by salt from the Sea of Okhotsk, and since it’s only available at the Drift Ice Museum, it’s one of the café’s most popular items. The author of this article has even gone back for it twice!
This activity is recommended for those who feel unsure about their physical strength or have a tight schedule but still want to see drift ice. Please entrust Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company to take care of your sightseeing trip in Eastern Hokkaido and the Abashiri area. We will design a travel plan that is efficient and tailored perfectly to your needs.
Okhotsk Tower “Underwater Observation Tower” in Monbetsu City
The Okhotsk Tower in Monbetsu City is the northernmost and one of the largest observation towers in Japan. It is also said to be the world’s first that’s located in a sea area with sea ice (formed from seawater).
The main highlight is undoubtedly the underwater floor, which is both inside the tower and beneath the sea. On this floor, there are underwater observation windows that let you look directly into the ocean. Be sure to try this unique experience of looking into the sea from within the tower.
The top floor is an observation deck with a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk. Spending time gazing at the sea while relaxing in the café with coffee or waffles feels truly luxurious.
The Okhotsk Tower is located right near the boarding point of the Garinko-go icebreaker cruise, making it perfect for passing time while you wait for your drift ice cruise.
If you’d like to visit during the Garinko-go boarding time or while waiting, but aren’t sure about the schedule or distances, please consult with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. We will propose a comfortable and enjoyable Hokkaido trip for you.
Abashiri in Hokkaido is recommended for first-time drift ice sightseeing
Among the regions in Hokkaido where you can see drift ice, Abashiri City is especially recommended.
・ It’s relatively easy to access
・ You can easily see drift ice up close
・ The local cuisine is delicious
Also, compared to Shiretoko or Monbetsu, access from Sapporo is easier, making drift ice sightseeing much more accessible. Because of these features, it’s perfect for those visiting Hokkaido for drift ice sightseeing for the first time.
Here, we will introduce its attractions specifically from the perspective of drift ice sightseeing.
Anyone can easily see the drift ice
One of the biggest attractions of Abashiri in winter is, of course, the ability to observe drift ice up close. As introduced above, for an impressive drift ice experience, the famous Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Aurora” is a must. Everyone is amazed by the loud, crunching sound as it breaks through the large chunks of ice floating in the sea.
For those who want to enjoy drift ice more leisurely, the “Ryuhyo Monogatari” is recommended. The “Ryuhyo Monogatari” is a winter-only sightseeing train running along the Okhotsk coast. From the train, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow and drift ice floating on the Sea of Okhotsk, and on clear days, the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range is also visible. Since you can watch the drift ice from the warmth of the train, even small children and elderly people can enjoy it comfortably. The train makes a longer stop at Kitahama Station, the closest station to the drift ice, which allows time for photography.
Drift ice can be easily observed in Abashiri, a natural phenomenon found in just a few places around the world. Please consult with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company about drift ice sightseeing in Abashiri.
A spectacular view of the Sea of Okhotsk from Notoro Cape
Notoro Cape is famous in Abashiri as the place where you can see drift ice the earliest. Right before your eyes, stretches the pure white Sea of Okhotsk beneath a deep blue sky, a breathtaking view that makes you forget about the cold. Under the right conditions, you can even witness the stunning combination of the sunrise and the drift ice.
The site itself is simple, with only a lighthouse and an office, but precisely because of this, there’s nothing to block the view, and at night it is enveloped in complete darkness. Notoro Cape is also an excellent spot for stargazing.
Notoro Cape, which juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk, is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Abashiri. Since it’s relatively easy to access, be sure to stop by when staying in Abashiri.
Satisfy both your heart and stomach with the ocean’s delicacies
It would be a shame to just see the drift ice in Abashiri! You’ll also want to enjoy the delicious local cuisine unique to the area. Two of the most representative Abashiri dishes are Wakasagi (pond smelt) and Moyoro Hot Pot.
<Wakasagi>
The tempura made from wakasagi caught during Abashiri’s winter wakasagi fishing is exquisite. The fishing takes place on Lake Abashiri, which freezes over during the same season as the drift ice, and attracts many visitors every year. The biggest appeal of wakasagi fishing is that you can have the fish that you caught cooked into tempura to eat right there on the spot. It’s a rare winter experience unique to Hokkaido.
<Moyoro Hot Pot>
Moyoro hot pot is a dish that uses plenty of seafood, such as salmon and scallops, and features a light broth flavored primarily with Okhotsk salt. It is named after the Moyoro people, who once established their own unique culture along the Okhotsk coast. A warm Moyoro hot pot will thoroughly warm your chilled body after drift ice sightseeing or wakasagi fishing, leaving both your heart and body cozy and satisfied.
Hokkaido is the best place for the ultimate drift ice experience!
In this article, we introduced the drift ice of Hokkaido. Drift ice is a rare natural phenomenon even worldwide, but in Hokkaido, you can observe it easily and up close. Whether it’s an exhilarating icebreaker cruise or a sightseeing train where you can admire the beautiful drift ice from the warmth of the carriage, the greatest appeal is that anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy it. It’s a perfect way for the whole family to create winter memories in Hokkaido.
For those seeking more active adventures, drift ice activities are highly recommended. There’s an abundance of exciting options with programs like Drift Ice Walking and many others that you wouldn’t normally be able to experience. These thrilling experiences are sure to make you want to return again and again.
And for first-time drift ice sightseeing in Hokkaido, Abashiri is highly recommended.
・ Convenient drift ice sightseeing
・ Easy to access
・ Delicious food
These 3 features make for an ideal destination for sightseeing. Be sure to consider it as a travel option for your winter trip to Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Agency offers model plans to fully enjoy drift ice, and can accommodate a variety of needs, whether you want to create family memories or seek thrilling experiences. If you’re wondering, “Can we create a plan like this?” or “I want to know about other activities,” feel free to consult with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company about anything. Our expert staff, who are well-versed in Hokkaido, will propose an amazing trip and provide full support all the way through to your final send-off.
