Explore Eastern Hokkaido's Iconic Winter Drift Ice:
Top Recommendations from Locals!
Top Recommendations from Locals!
Publication Date：2024.11.01
Last Updated：2025.05.23
01
Basic Information on Drift Ice
The drift ice that flows from the Sea of Okhotsk, which borders
Eastern Hokkaido, is a natural phenomenon that can only be seen in
winter in Hokkaido. During winter, many people from all over the
country visit to witness this spectacle. Large ice chunks, nearly
50 cm thick, flow down from Russia and cluster together, creating
a sight worth seeing. The drift ice gradually begins to flow
towards the coastal areas around early January, and the best time
to see it is from early February to early March, for almost a
month. During this period, you can take drift ice sightseeing
boats from various spots to observe the ice. In some areas, you
can even enjoy guided tours that allow you to walk and play on the
drift ice. During this season, Eastern Hokkaido is an extremely
cold land, with temperatures nearing minus 20 degrees Celsius. To
prevent the cold air from touching your skin, it's essential to
wear down jackets, outerwear made from warm materials, gloves, and
hats and scarves that cover your ears. Shoes that prevent snow
from seeping in and have anti-slip soles, along with warm socks,
are also recommended.
02
Area-by-Area Guide
1.Abashiri Area
Located about a 25-minute drive from Memanbetsu Airport, the
gateway to Okhotsk, is the city of Abashiri. It is home to the
famous "Abashiri Prison," which gained fame through various
movies and TV shows, making it a popular spot for many tourists.
In Abashiri, you can enjoy a tour on the icebreaker "Aurora,"
where you can closely observe the drift ice spreading across the
Sea of Okhotsk from the ship.
What is the Aurora Icebreaker Sightseeing Ship?
The Aurora is a sightseeing ship that crushes drift ice as it
moves across the sea. Being a large vessel, the Aurora offers
a stable ride with minimal rocking, making it suitable for
those prone to seasickness. The first floor has open seating,
allowing you to enjoy the drift ice up close from a lower
vantage point. On the second floor, which has reserved
seating, you can watch the drift ice being crushed or head to
the observation deck to experience the vast expanse of ice.
You might even encounter seals resting on the ice,
white-tailed eagles, or animals like red foxes and Ezo deer
that have traveled over from the land. The "Aurora 3,"
launched in 2023, is a smaller sightseeing vessel that allows
guests to enjoy underwater footage of the drift ice via
monitors inside the ship, using underwater drones.
Operating Season
The Aurora usually operates from late January to the end of
March, although the exact schedule depends on when the drift
ice reaches the coast. The best time to visit is from early to
mid-February. Tours take about one hour on the large ship and
about two hours on the smaller Aurora 3. You can board at the
Aurora port, located adjacent to the roadside station.
Pricing and Booking
For the large ship, ticket prices are 4,500 yen for adults
(junior high school students and older) and 2,250 yen for
elementary school students. Special seats are available for an
additional 500 yen. The rates for the smaller ship are 8,000
yen for adults and 4,000 yen for elementary school students.
During the peak season in February, there is an additional
surcharge of a few hundred yen. Note that only cash is
accepted for payments on the day of your trip. Reservations
can be made via the official website. Walk-ins are also
welcome, but be aware that the ship might be fully booked.
In February, when the drift ice is at its most beautiful, it is recommended to explore tourist spots with the "Winter Abashiri All-in-One Bus Tour," which includes a ride on the Aurora. This tour offers a guided bus journey through wintery Abashiri, including a ride on the icebreaker ship and a visit to the Museum Abashiri Prison, made famous by an animated series, all with a luxurious lunch included.
In February, when the drift ice is at its most beautiful, it is recommended to explore tourist spots with the "Winter Abashiri All-in-One Bus Tour," which includes a ride on the Aurora. This tour offers a guided bus journey through wintery Abashiri, including a ride on the icebreaker ship and a visit to the Museum Abashiri Prison, made famous by an animated series, all with a luxurious lunch included.
Winter Abashiri All-in-One Bus
2.Shari Area
Driving east along the coastal road for about 40 minutes from
Abashiri City brings you to the Shari Area. Here, you can enjoy
fresh seafood unique to this fishing town, as well as locally
sourced vegetables. Nearby is the nationally famous photo spot
"Road to Heaven," which offers a mystical view different from
the summer when visited during the winter season. The Shari area
is actually home to many hidden spots where you can easily enjoy
the drift ice. Here are some insider recommendations from locals
on the best viewing locations.
Ikushina Park
Located about a 5-minute drive from JR Shiretoko Shari
Station, this small natural park spreads across coastal sand
dunes. A walk from the parking lot to the coast allows you to
see the drift ice up close, as it covers the shoreline. On
clear days, you can also see the entire Shiretoko Peninsula
and the Shiretoko Mountain Range, making it a great photo
spot. Because it's an insider tip known mainly by locals, it
tends to be less crowded, ideal for those who want to quietly
appreciate the beauty of the drift ice.
Furetoi Observatory
This hidden gem is located in Koshimizu Town, between Abashiri
City and Shari Town. It's about a 5-minute walk from JR
Hamakoshimizu Station. The Furetoi Observatory is a large,
pyramid-shaped building situated on a small hill. From here,
you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Shiretoko Mountain
Range and the expansive drift ice covering the sea. Inside the
observatory is a spiral staircase leading to a viewing deck
equipped with telescopes.
Tobetsu Coast Forest & Promenade
If you travel from JR Hamakoshimizu Station towards Shari
Town, you'll come across JR Tobetsu Station. A 5-minute walk
along a path located about 100 meters from the road suddenly
reveals a sprawling observation deck. You can also descend
from the deck to the coast, where you'll find a prime spot to
view the drift ice up-close. However, due to the proximity,
you might be tempted to touch or step onto the ice, but it is
crucial to resist. The drift ice can move or crack
unpredictably, making it extremely dangerous. Since the
pathway is rarely cleared of snow, it’s important to be
well-prepared with snowshoes and trekking poles. Occasionally,
guided tours are available, so it’s advisable to check online
beforehand.
3.Utoro & Rausu Area
Passing through the Shari city center and driving east for about
40 minutes brings you to the Utoro Area, located on the west
coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula facing the Sea of Okhotsk. On
the opposite side is the Rausu Area. Here, you can enjoy the
fusion of Shiretoko's natural beauty, a UNESCO World Natural
Heritage site, and the drift ice covering the Sea of Okhotsk.
This area offers a variety of unique activities, attracting many
tourists each year.
Drift Ice Cruises
The Rausu Area, surrounded by the Shiretoko Peninsula, sees
less dense drift ice compared to the Utoro Area. As a result,
instead of ice-breaking ships, you can board drift ice
sightseeing boats reminiscent of fishing vessels. These
cruises, guided by experienced captains with fishing
backgrounds, navigate through the drift ice in a way that’s
unique to this location. It's characteristic of Rausu to see a
variety of wildlife gathering to feed on the plankton and fish
around the ice. You have a high chance of encountering seals,
which are designated as natural monuments, as well as
white-tailed eagles resting on the ice.
Walking on Drift Ice Guided Tours
In the Utoro Area, where drift ice is densely packed against
the Shiretoko Peninsula, you can enjoy guided tours that allow
you to walk on the ice. Under the guidance of local experts
familiar with the sea, you’ll wear special dry suits to
explore the drift ice. You can walk, jump between ice floes,
and partake in an active experience. Search for clione
swimming between the ice, look for wildlife, or capture
stunning photos. The ways to enjoy this experience are
limitless. Reservations can be made through the official
websites of various tour companies. Note that participants
must be within specified height and weight ranges, and if the
guide deems the activity too difficult, participation may be
denied.
Please note: For safety reasons, you must be accompanied by a guide to walk on the drift ice. Never attempt to do so alone.
Please note: For safety reasons, you must be accompanied by a guide to walk on the drift ice. Never attempt to do so alone.
LANTOKO Drift Ice Walk
Have fun playing on the drift ice with local fishermen! A
local fisherman, who knows the Shiretoko sea best, and the
only Chinese-speaking guide in Shiretoko, originally from
Taiwan, will guide you across the drift ice. Let's walk and
jump together on the ice!Have fun playing on the drift ice
with local fishermen! A local fisherman, who knows the
Shiretoko sea best, and the only Chinese-speaking guide in
Shiretoko, originally from Taiwan, will guide you across the
drift ice. Let's walk and jump together on the ice!
At "Maruko Fisheries," run by LANTOKO's tour guide, you can enjoy fresh seafood from Shiretoko. Be sure to enjoy both the delightful drift ice walk with local fishermen and the delicious seafood!
Check the official Instagram and business profile for details on business hours and more.
At "Maruko Fisheries," run by LANTOKO's tour guide, you can enjoy fresh seafood from Shiretoko. Be sure to enjoy both the delightful drift ice walk with local fishermen and the delicious seafood!
Check the official Instagram and business profile for details on business hours and more.
SHINRA Drift Ice Walk®
Wearing colorful, cute dry suits, you'll touch and walk on the
mystical drift ice with a specialized guide. This activity is
unique to Utoro, where you can experience Arctic-like
phenomena and scenery.
Drift Ice Kayak
A sea kayak experience through the drift ice sea is also
recommended. This activity is held for about three weeks
starting in March when the drift ice gradually lessens. Once
you wear a dry suit and get into the sea kayak, the drift ice
is right before you. Enjoy the majestic scenery while
listening to the creaking of the ice in a serene setting. A
tour guide accompanies the trip, ensuring even beginners can
enjoy it safely. Reservations can be made through the official
website of the tour company. Please note that there are no
restroom facilities during the tour.
The Shari, Utoro, and Rausu areas are also featured in the
special article "Visit Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage
Site! Featuring Hot Springs, Tourist Spots, and Gourmet
Delights!" Here you can check out popular tourist attractions,
accommodations, and local cuisine.
03
Access
Here are the recommended access methods.
Please note: The access methods provided are just examples.
Please note: The access methods provided are just examples.
From Memanbetsu Airport to the Utoro Area:
1.Rental Car/By Car
Drive east along the coast on Route 334
(Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
(Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
2.Bus
Take the Shiretoko Airport Liner and get off at Utoro Onsen
Bus Terminal
(Approximately 2 hours / 3,500 yen)
(Approximately 2 hours / 3,500 yen)
3.JR
Take a bus from Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Station, then
board the JR Senmo Line
Transfer to Shari Bus at Shiretoko Shari Station and get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
(Approximately 3.5 hours / 2,620 yen)
Transfer to Shari Bus at Shiretoko Shari Station and get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
(Approximately 3.5 hours / 2,620 yen)
From Kushiro to the Utoro Area:
1.Rental Car/By Car
Via Lake Akan and Teshikaga, drive along Route 391, Road 1115,
and Route 334
(Approximately 2.5 hours)
(Approximately 2.5 hours)
2.Bus
Board the Akan Bus "Kushiro Shiretoko Line" from Kushiro
Station Front Terminal,
get off at Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku
(Including sightseeing, approximately 10 hours / 6,000 yen)
get off at Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku
(Including sightseeing, approximately 10 hours / 6,000 yen)
3.JR
From Kushiro Station Front, take the JR Senmo Line [Shiretoko
Mashu-go] towards Abashiri, get off at Shiretoko Shari
Station
Transfer to Shari Bus and get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
(Approximately 5.5 hours / 5,680 yen)
Transfer to Shari Bus and get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
(Approximately 5.5 hours / 5,680 yen)
For detailed information on a recommended itinerary that lets you
fully enjoy the drift ice, please refer to "
Eastern Hokkaido Winter Tour (Drift Ice Course), 4 nights 5
days (2 nights in Abashiri, 2 nights in Utoro).
" It is sure to be a helpful reference for drift ice tourism!
04
Summary
The only place in Japan where you can encounter drift ice is here
in Eastern Hokkaido. You can enjoy the mystical scenery brought by
the severe cold of winter. Just viewing it would be a shame! While
you're here, why not also enjoy the unique activities that vary by
area? Depending on your travel plans and timing, the ways to enjoy
it are endless. So, what kind of drift ice experience will you
encounter?
Writer Information
Naeka Okumura
Naeka Okumura, born in 1994, hails from Kitami City, Hokkaido. Worked for six years at a financial institution within Hokkaido. Later joined a video production company, Hokuei Northern Films, in Kitami City as a chief manager and writer. Resigned in 2023 and became independent as a copywriter and journalist writer under the name Produce One.
Naeka Okumura, born in 1994, hails from Kitami City, Hokkaido. Worked for six years at a financial institution within Hokkaido. Later joined a video production company, Hokuei Northern Films, in Kitami City as a chief manager and writer. Resigned in 2023 and became independent as a copywriter and journalist writer under the name Produce One.