Abashiri Ryuhyo Drift Ice

Abashiri, located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, bordering the Okhotsk Sea, is the only place in the world outside the Arctic Circle where you can see drift ice. Abashiri is most famous for its drift ice, which is considered one of Japan's most spectacular natural sights and is often referred to as “a sight that must be seen once in a lifetime.” During the winter, the northern coast of Hokkaido freezes, and the blue ocean of the Okhotsk Sea is gradually replaced by white ice fields, creating a magnificent scene. These drift ices provide a stunning visual spectacle for visitors to Abashiri, making it a highlight of winter tourism in Hokkaido. Furthermore, the appearance of the drift ice brings about rich ecological changes to the area, attracting many rare birds and sea lions to inhabit.

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship

Best Way to View Abashiri Ryuhyo Drift Ice - Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship

Taking the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship is the best way to view the Abashiri Ryuhyo Drift Ice. The most famous Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship in Abashiri is the Aurora Cruise, which is known for the “poem of drifting ice in winter.” The entire cruise lasts about 1 - 2 hours, and when the boat enters the Okhotsk Sea, huge ice blocks come towards the ship's side, swaying on both sides of the boat, allowing visitors to get a close look at the magnificence of the drifting ice and experience the vibrations and sounds of the ship colliding with the ice. During the cruise, if you're lucky, you may even see wild animals such as seals and sea eagles resting on the sea surface, and occasionally, red foxes and sika deer roaming around the shore, adding more excitement and fun to the entire journey.

Tickets:

Large ship - Aurora

Tickets	Adults	Children aged 12 or below
Jan & March	JPY4,500	JPY2,250
Feb	JPY5,000	JPY2,500
Reserved-fee seats	JPY500

Small ship - Aurora III

Adults	Children aged 12 or below
JPY8,000	JPY4,000

Departure time:

Large ship Aurora: One-hour tour

Jan 20 - Jan 31	9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
Feb	8:00, 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:45
Mar 1 - Mar 14	9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30
Mar 15 - Mar 31	9:30, 11:00, 13:00

Small ship Aurora III: Two-hour tour
It only operates from mid-February to late-March, with two departures per day at 9:00 and 13:00.

How to Get to the Aurora Pier

By bus:

From Abashiri Station, take the Koshimizu Line bus bound for Koshimizu, get off at Higashi 5-chome, then walk about 300 meters (330 yards) north to the Aurora boarding place. It takes about 15 minutes.

By taxi:

It takes about 5 minutes by taxi from Abashiri Station to Aurora boarding place.

Abashiri Ryuhyo Drift Ice

Other Ways to Enjoy Abashiri Ryuhyo Drift Ice

1. Take the Sightseeing Train - Ryuhyo-Monogatari

Ryuhyo-Monogatari is a sightseeing train that runs only from January to February each year. The section of the train from Abashiri to Shiretokoshari is along the coast, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Okhotsk Sea and the magnificent sight of sea ice directly from the train. When the train passes through the sea ice scenic area, it slows down to allow passengers to view the scenery, and the decorations and coal-fired furnace on the train create a strong sense of winter, providing visitors with a unique sightseeing experience.

Departure time: There are two trains a day, departing from Abashiri Station to Shiretokoshari Station at 9:50 and 12:42, and the journey takes about 1 hour. The return trip departs from Shiretokoshari Station at 11:32 and 14:03.

Ticket price: 970 yen

2. Walking on Drift Ice

This is a very unique experience where visitors need to wear special insulated and waterproof suits and follow professional guides to walk on the frozen Okhotsk Sea. Walking on ice requires using various techniques, such as jumping and climbing, to navigate through the various shapes of ice blocks. Although it is physically demanding, it allows people to experience the magic of ice and the power of nature firsthand.

Reference price: 7,000 yen

3. Visit the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum

If your visit is not during the winter, we recommend that you come to the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum to experience the chilling cold of -15℃ (5℉). Even in the warm spring and summer months, you can still see ice brought back from the Okhotsk Sea. After seeing it, don't forget to try the ice cream made from Okhotsk Sea salt mixed with seaweed to produce a natural blue color and a salty-sweet flavor.

Opening time: May - October: 8:30 - 18:00; 

November - April: 9:00 - 16:30

Tickets: