East Hokkaido Model Courses | East Hokkaido Winter Tour (Drift Ice Course)

East Hokkaido Winter Tour (Drift Ice Course)

5 days, 4 nights

Sapporo Station
　 ⇒Abashiri Station Nakashibetsu Airport
　 ⇒Chitose Airport

This course comes especially recommended to those visiting East Hokkaido in winter for the first time, as well to those who want to enjoy the drift ice to the fullest! Over the course of five days, you'll be able to enjoy Abashiri and Shiretoko's winter sightseeing spots to your heart's content. On top of the area's wonderful nature, you'll have delicious food and relaxing onsen to look forward to as well. The tour departs from Memanbetsu Airport, before heading into the great land of the north to tour Abashiri and Shiretoko aboard a tour bus guided by local experts.

East Hokkaido Winter Tour (Drift Ice Course)

DAY1

Depart from Sapporo Station by train and arrive at Abashiri Station around noon.

Abashiri Station

*It takes about 5 and a half hours by train from Sapporo Station to Abashiri Station.

Around 14:15

Take a bus to Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Ryuhyo Icebreaker Terminal

Abashiri Bus "Sightseeing Facility Tour"
Departs at 14:17 from Abashiri Station Bus Stop ① / 14:21 from Abashiri Bus Terminal Bus Stop ④, arrives at 14:25 at Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Icebreaker Terminal, etc.

Around 15:00 (Time may vary depending on the season)

Board the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing
Icebreaker Ship "Aurora"

This sightseeing ship runs while breaking the drift ice floating on the sea. The large icebreaker, "Aurora," has little rocking when breaking the ice, so even those prone to seasickness can ride comfortably. The first floor has free seating, allowing you to enjoy the drift ice up close at eye level. On the reserved-seat second floor, you can watch the ship break through the ice right in front of you, and from the observation deck you can experience the overwhelming scale of the drift ice stretching as far as the eye can see—the choice is yours. You may also encounter seals resting on the ice, Steller's sea eagles, Ezo red foxes, and Ezo deer that have come over the land. The newly built "Small Sightseeing Ship Aurora 3," introduced in 2023, allows you to enjoy footage of the drift ice captured underwater by a drone, shown on monitors inside the ship. In Abashiri, the drift ice often arrives as early as the end of January. Compared to Shiretoko, the density of the ice floes is lower, allowing you to admire the beautiful contrast of the blue sea glimpsed through the gaps between the ice.

The icebreaker Aurora advances while crushing the drift ice.

Around 17:00

Return to Abashiri Bus Terminal or in front of Abashiri Station

Abashiri Bus "Sightseeing Facility Tour"
Departs at 17:00 from Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Icebreaker Terminal - arrives at 17:04 at Abashiri Bus Terminal Stop 3 / 17:08 at Abashiri Station Stop 2, etc.

Around 18:00

Abashiri Gourmet

The must-try things in Abashiri are the fresh seafood and unique local craft beer. Here are some recommended restaurants!

YAKINIKU Abashiri Beer Hall
Less than a 10-minute walk from Abashiri Bus Terminal. This restaurant allows you to enjoy your meal while looking out at the Abashiri River flowing right beside it. The brewery is attached to the restaurant, so you can taste delicious local beers such as the blue, sparkling Abashiri “Ryuhyo DRAFT.” The interior is quite spacious, making it a great choice for families and group trips.

Shusai-tei Kihachi
About a 5-minute walk from Abashiri Bus Terminal. A popular izakaya beloved by locals since its opening in 1995. It has been awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido for two consecutive editions. The recommended dish is whale cuisine—sashimi and bacon that you can only enjoy here, and both are exquisite. The restaurant is passionate about using ingredients from the Okhotsk region, and offers a rich selection of local sake.

Hotel stay in downtown Abashiri.

DAY2

Board the Abashiri Bus “[Departs from Abashiri Station at 9:30] Winter Abashiri & Kitami Tour Bus”

Reserve

9:30

Board at Abashiri Station Bus Stop No.1

View from the bus window:

Path of Impressions (“Kandō no Michi”)

11:00

Bihoro Pass Roadside Station

12:30

Memanbetsu Airport (Lunch)

14:45

Aquarium of Northern Land (Kitami City)

After passing through Kitami city towards Onneyu Onsen, you’ll find the Aquarium of Northern Land (Yama no Suizokukan), an aquarium dedicated exclusively to freshwater fish. It mainly exhibits rare fish from Hokkaido and is also famous for its “Curator Appearing Button” installed inside the building. At the waterfall tank, with Osorokomai (dolly varden trout) swimming freely in all directions, you can have a simulated experience of looking up from the bottom of the waterfall, feeling like a dragon god. At the world’s first “Seasonal Tank,” the water surface freezes in winter, allowing you to observe fish quietly enduring the cold beneath the ice.

15:30

Kitakitsune Fox Farm

Located near Onneyu Onsen, the Kitakitsune Fox Farm has over 60 Ezo red foxes roaming freely in a near-wild state. You can closely observe these foxes running around the facility, or see the Ezo raccoon dogs, who live with them, leisurely napping. You are sure to be soothed by their adorable sights. Please note, however, that they are essentially wild animals—be careful not to get items like your mobile phone, gloves, or mask too close, or they may get snatched.

16:50

Kitami Bus Terminal

You may get off here

Around 18:30

Get off at Abashiri Station

Around 18:30

Abashiri Gourmet

On the second day, we introduce hidden gourmet spots a bit away from the city center! Please use a taxi or other transportation if necessary.

Robata Akari
A short drive or about a 15-minute walk from the Abashiri Bus Terminal. This popular restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk. They are proud of their fresh seafood delivered directly from fishermen, and the seafood kamameshi here is a must-try! You can also enjoy robatayaki (traditional Japanese grill) and various à la carte dishes.

Sushi Dining Tsuki
Less than a 10-minute drive from the Abashiri Bus Terminal. This sushi restaurant allows you to casually enjoy delicacies from the Sea of Okhotsk. The sushi, made with fresh seafood, is so delicious that you’ll think, “Is it really okay to eat this quality at this price?” They have box seats and raised tatami seats available.

Hotel stay in downtown Abashiri.

DAY3

Transportation Option 1:
Easy Travel by Bus

Take the Shiretoko Airport Liner to Utoro

Board the Shari/Abashiri Bus "Shiretoko Airport Liner" and head to Shiretoko Utoro. There are no transfers, and you can easily stow your luggage in the trunk, making the journey very comfortable.

Around 10:00 (time may vary depending on the season)

Board at Abashiri Bus Terminal or in front of Abashiri Station

Departs 10:02 from Abashiri Station / 10:05 from Abashiri Bus Terminal, etc.

Around 11:45 (time may vary depending on the season)

Alight at Utoro Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Rest Stop) or Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal

Transportation Option 2:
Take the Sightseeing Train

Take the Ryuhyo Monogatari Train to Shiretoko-Shari

（Note: The Ryuhyo Monogatari Train does not run year-round, so please check the operating schedule in advance.）

Ride the JR Hokkaido "Ryuhyo Monogatari" train, transfer at JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, and head to Shiretoko Utoro. On board, you can shop for train merchandise and enjoy views of the drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. As this is a very popular train and is expected to be crowded, traveling by bus is recommended if you have a lot of luggage.

Operation period: From February to early March

Departure time varies depending on the season

Board at Abashiri Station

Departure time varies depending on the season

Get off at Shiretoko Shari Station

Take the Shiretoko Airport Liner to Utoro

Around 11:00 (time may vary depending on the season)

Board at Shari Bus Terminal (Shiretoko Shari Station)

Around 11:45 (time may vary depending on the season)

Get off at Utoro Michi-no-Eki or Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal

Around 12:00

Utoro Gourmet

We would like to introduce a recommended local restaurant operated by fishermen, where you can enjoy the seafood of the Shiretoko/Shari area!

Maruko Suisan
"Maruko Suisan," which delivers delicious fish from Hokkaido Shiretoko to all over Japan, has a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Even if you miss lunch a little on weekends, they are open. Whether before or after sightseeing cruises or tours, when strolling around Utoro, or upon arrival, you can enjoy various types of seafood at different times!
For details such as business hours and seasonal operation, please check their official Instagram or business profile !

Until around 15:00

Stroll Around Utoro

After lunch, enjoy wandering around Utoro! "Oronko Rock," a huge boulder (60 meters high) located in the fishing port, is currently closed for climbing due to construction, but it is one of the Shiretoko Eight Sights. Along with "Godzilla Rock," standing 15 meters tall, they are symbols of Utoro. Depending on the timing, even just walking along the coastline is recommended, as you might see drift ice floating on the Sea of Okhotsk. At the Shiretoko World Heritage Center, you can see life-size photos and models of brown bears and Ezo deer living in Shiretoko, and get information about Shiretoko's highlights, which has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site.

In the Utoro area, where drift ice is packed densely against the Shiretoko Peninsula, you can uniquely experience walking on the drift ice itself.
Under the guidance of a local guide who knows the sea inside out, participants wear special dry suits. You can enjoy active experiences such as walking on the ice, or jumping from one piece to another. Each tour company has unique and safety-focused guides!
For your safety, you are not allowed to go onto the drift ice without a guide. Never attempt to go alone.

Tour times vary depending on the company

Guided Tours: Walking on Drift Ice

LANTOKO

Drift Ice Yu-Walk

Reserve

Have fun playing on the drift ice with local fishermen! Get guided across the drift ice by local fishermen who know Shiretoko’s sea best, and by Shiretoko’s only Chinese-speaking guide from Taiwan. Walk and jump on the drift ice together!

Shinra

Drift Ice Walk®

Reserve

Wear a cute and colorful dry suit and, together with a professional guide, touch and walk on the magical drift ice. This activity, unique to Utoro, allows you to experience mysterious Arctic-like phenomena and scenery.

Hotel stay in Utoro Onsen

DAY4

From the morning

Shinra

Shiretoko Five Lakes
Snowshoeing in Winter

Reserve

Head to the "Shiretoko Five Lakes," a famous sightseeing spot featuring five lakes set against the backdrop of the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Guided snowshoe tours that take you across the frozen lake surfaces, with the snow-covered Shiretoko mountains in the background, are extremely popular. You may also explore wetlandss that are inaccessible in summer and, at times, spot wild animals. Surrounded by the silence of the forest and the faint chirping of birds, you can fully enjoy the mystical wilderness of Shiretoko. Since winter in Shiretoko is always below freezing, it’s strongly recommended to prepare not only winter clothing but also thick socks that cover your ankles, a hat or scarf to cover your ears, and gloves for added peace of mind. After the tour, warm your body thoroughly in a hot spring and spend a relaxing time.

Shiretoko Five Lakes Snowshoeing in Winter

Hotel stay in Utoro Onsen

DAY5

Board the Akan Bus “[Guided Sightseeing Bus] Shiretoko-Kushiro Line”

Reserve

8:00–8:15

Board at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort, Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, or Roadside Station Utoro Shirietoku

8:25

Oshin Koshin Falls

Along National Route 334 on the way to the Shiretoko World Heritage site, there is a waterfall that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls of Japan." Oshin Koshin means "the place where Ezo spruce grows in clusters" in the Ainu language. True to its name, water falls dynamically from a cliff in the forest, splashing as it descends. Because the flow splits into two halfway down, it is also called the "Twin Beautiful Falls." During the severe cold of winter, you can see a "frozen waterfall" where the water freezes while still flowing—it's like a work of ice art. From the observation deck above the falls, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the white sea covered completely in drift ice.

10:25

Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center
(Lunch)

Registered under the Ramsar Convention, the Notsuke Peninsula is Japan’s largest sandy peninsula, known as “the edge of the earth.” Here, in winter, there are special tours where you can see the unique "ice horizon" instead of the usual sea horizon. As you walk and leave your footprints on the fresh snowy fields, you will encounter the barren, mysterious landscape of Todowara. The round-trip course takes about two hours, but for those not confident in their physical strength, don't like the cold, or are short on time, there are also popular mini-walk tours where you can take picturesque photos. There are also bird-watching tours focusing on rare birds such as Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles that come to the peninsula, as well as other songbirds and seabirds. Please note that all tours must be reserved in advance, and there are no rentals for winter clothing or gear.

13:15

Get off at Nakashibetsu Bus Terminal

Exploring Downtown Nakashibetsu

Among the areas of Eastern Hokkaido, Nakashibetsu is gradually gaining popularity for its growing number of stylish shops. Here are some recommended spots for a stroll, as well as eateries where you can grab a quick bite.

ONUKI COFFEE ROASTERY
A shop specializing in carefully roasted, self-produced coffee. In addition to coffee beans, you can also purchase homemade rusk and cookies. In the attached eat-in space, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee prepared with special care by the owner.

Shiretoko Factory
A shop where you can enjoy sweets and cute donuts. At the café inside the store, you can have delicious Nakashibetsu milk and gelato while gazing out at the horizon. The "Shiretoko Fresh Caramel," which you can buy here, won the grand prize at the 2nd Hokkaido Specialty Fair, selected by buyers in 2008.

Trattoria Naccarino
An Italian restaurant in a beautifully renovated warehouse-like building. Their homemade smoked salmon cream pasta is exquisite. The pizza, made with chewy, freshly kneaded dough, is so good you’ll finish it in no time. The generous portions will surely leave you feeling full.

Conveyor Belt Sushi Nemuro Hanamaru
A popular sushi restaurant serving high-quality sushi that you wouldn’t expect from a conveyor belt sushi place. You can enjoy fresh seafood from Hokkaido at reasonable prices. It’s a welcoming spot for both solo diners and families.
*As of September 2024, the restaurant is under renovation and is open for takeout only.

15:15

Take the Nemuro Kotsu "Nakashibetsu Airport Line" bus to Nakashibetsu Airport.

Return to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) by evening flight.

Sapporo (New Chitose Airport)

DAY2

Board the Abashiri Bus “[Departs from Abashiri Station at 9:30] Winter Abashiri & Kitami Tour Bus”

Reserve

DAY3

LANTOKO Drift Ice Yu-Walk

Reserve

Shinra Drift Ice Walk®

Reserve

DAY4

Shinra Shiretoko Five Lakes Snowshoeing in Winter

Reserve

DAY5

Board the Akan Bus “[Guided Sightseeing Bus] Shiretoko-Kushiro Line”

Reserve