[Hokkaido Drift Ice Guide] Abashiri Reservations, transportation, and experiences of the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker "Orora" (including recommended information for group tours)

*This article was created for travelers planning to visit Japan, but readers in Japan may also find it useful.

The northeastern and Sea of Okhotsk coasts of Hokkaido are hit by drift ice every winter season. This drift ice was originally created near the mouth of the Amur River in Russia, about 1,000 km from Hokkaido. Sea ice frozen, frozen, by the bitter cold, collides and merges with each other, growing little by little on the ocean currents and washing Sea of Okhotsk to the coast.

The drift ice has a pure white Image, but depending on the weather and light, it can also look beautiful blue. This is because the salt crystals in the ice floes reflect light and appear blue. If you observe it with the naked eye on a sunny day, you will be amazed at the beauty of its colors.
Drift ice can only be seen in Japan during the winter Hokkaido. During the season, many tourists visit to see the drift ice.

The time to see drift ice in Hokkaido is usually from late Jan. to early Mar.. In particular, it is said that there is a high probability of encountering drift ice in the middle of Feb. ~ early Mar. every year. However, even during the peak season, the berthing situation changes depending on the current and wind direction, and it is not always possible to encounter it. Due to global warming, the period during which drift ice can be seen is getting shorter every year. The chances are decreasing every year, so we recommend visiting in the year you feel like it.

If you come to see the drift ice in Hokkaido, you should definitely ride the "Drift Ice Icebreaker". There are two types of large icebreakers that are in service during the winter season.
The first is the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" departing and arriving at the port of Abashiri "Roadside Station Abashiri Drift Ice Road", while breaking the drift ice with the weight of the ship. The second is the "Garinko" departing and arriving at Monbetsu Port, which pushes through the drift ice while crushing ice with a large screw. Both are Cruise of about 1 hour and attract many tourists every year because you can enjoy the dynamic scenery from the seats and decks.
As of 2026, the operating period of the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora", where you can enjoy drift ice Cruise, is about two and a half months from "Jan. 20th ~ Mar. 31st", and the operating period of "Garinco" is "Jan. 16th ~ Mar. 31st".

Due to the topography and ocean currents, it is said that drift ice is more likely to stay in the sea around Abashiri Port than around Monbetsu Port. It seems that the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" is relatively easier to observe drift ice.

The "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" operates from Abashiri Port.
The nearest airport is "Memanbetsu Airport".
It takes a lot of time to drive or train from the Sapporo area, and there is a risk of traffic jams due to snowstorms and icy roads in winter. If you want to access from around Sapporo, you can take a flight from Shin-Chitose Airport or Okadama Airport to Memanbetsu Airport.

One thing to note for those traveling by rental car is that there are many animal contact accidents on Hokkaido 's mountain roads. Contact with large animals such as deer can cause serious damage to the car, injure the driver and passengers, and may not be covered by rental car coverage. Check your insurance in advance.

Hokkaido of the drift ice season often has a minimum temperature below freezing. Warm clothing is essential during the day, as the temperature is low and cold winds blow. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as drift ice Cruise, make sure to protect yourself from the cold.
Specifically, wear about two pieces of warmth and heat retention and heat generation, and layer a long-sleeved sweater on top. For outerwear, it is recommended to wear a thick coat or down jacket made of material that retains heat and does not allow wind to pass through.
During the drift ice season, temperatures can reach below freezing even during the day, so in addition to this, it is safe to wear an ultra-thin down jacket under your coat, which is lightweight and compact to carry.
In addition, snow can accumulate in the city, so wear waterproof and water-repellent non-slip shoes.

● Innerwear with excellent heat retention and heat generation properties
● Long-sleeved sweater
● Thick coats and down jackets
● An ultra-thin down jacket that can be worn under a coat.
● Scarf, gloves, knit hat
● Thick socks
● Waterproof and water-repellent non-slip shoes
● Disposable hand warmers

Also, if you're taking photos with a digital camera, be sure to pay attention to the battery level and take precautions against lens condensation. Furthermore, cameras may not function properly in extremely low temperatures.

The "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" is a popular sightseeing boat that is difficult to make reservations because it operates only for about two and a half months during the drift ice season. In the past, two ships were active during the drift ice season, but one of them was retired in 2022 due to aging and a decrease in passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is said that this has made it even more difficult to make reservations.

Reservations from the general public will start on Oct. (telephone reservations) and Nov. (web reservations) of the previous year. Usually Feb. mid ~ early Mar. It is easy to compete for slots, and it seems that it is difficult to secure it for individuals. Individual travel has the advantage of being able to freely plan your itinerary, but due to the availability of reservations, it is necessary to plan your trip early.
On the other hand, each travel agency has a group reservation slot in advance, so you will be secured a boarding slot when you book the tour (however, it may be canceled due to sea conditions on the day). No need for a cumbersome reservation process.

If you are on a Club Tourism tour, in addition to securing a reservation slot for the drift ice breaker, you can also efficiently guide you to the surrounding drift ice spots by bus. You can spend a day touring drift ice spots, such as Cape Notori, where drift ice rushes below with a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk, "Tentoyama Observatory" with a view of the Shiretoko mountain range on a clear day, and Kitahama Station, a retro station facing the Sea of Okhotsk.

●People who want to enjoy drift ice Cruise
If you are on a tour, you will definitely be able to hold the frame of the icebreaker.
●People who want to go sightseeing without the hassle of travel and reservations
Transportation, meals, and sightseeing are all included, so you can rest assured even if you are in the area for the first time.
●People who want to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Japan unique to winter
In addition to the drift ice breaker, you can watch drift ice sightseeing at various places such as Cape Notori and the Tentoyama Observatory.
●People who are interested in wildlife and bird watching
If you're lucky, you can see sea eagles, white-tailed eagles, seals, and other wildlife that are unique to Hokkaido.

Traffic problems are prone to snowfall and blizzards, making it difficult to visit Eastern Hokkaido areas in winter. If you take a group bus tour, you can easily visit the drift ice sights you want to visit at least once.
You can enjoy drift ice sightseeing to your heart's content, such as cruising on the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora", as well as Cape Notori, where you can overlook the Sea of Okhotsk. This time, we will report in detail what I actually experienced by participating in the drift ice Cruise tour.

[Tour name]
"Special Project Kushiro "SL Winter Marsh" Charter Operation and Drift Ice Cruise Superb Winter Hokkaido 7 Views 2 Days"

【Itinerary(Day 1)】
●Depart by bus from Memanbetsu Airport
●Overlooking the drift ice at Cape Notori
● Abashiri From the port, board the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora". Drift Ice Cruise to
● The closest station to Sea of Okhotsk is Kitahama Station
●Overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk from the Tentoyama Observatory

Take a bus from Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Port, where the boarding area ("Roadside Station Drift Ice Road Abashiri") is located.
All tickets are arranged by the tour conductor, so you can board the ship without the hassle of waiting in line for ticketing.
On this day, I boarded the 11 o'clock flight. Head off the coast of Sea of Okhotsk, where drift ice drifts.
About 10 minutes after setting sail, I found a lot of drift ice floating on the sea! The ship cuts through the ice and enters the dazzling silver.

If you listen closely, you can hear the small sound of drift ice colliding with each other.
The drift ice changes its appearance from moment to moment, turning blue or green due to the reflection of light, so you can't take your eyes off it even for a second, and the flight time of about 1 hour feels short. From the observation deck, we were also able to observe sea eagles and white-tailed eagles resting their wings on drift ice.
Drift Ice Cruise is an experience that can only be experienced here at Hokkaido for all five senses.

The "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" consists of the first and second floors, and an observation deck, each with its own highlights. You can walk freely on board during the cruise, so you can find your favorite scenery while moving.

[First Floor Passenger Cars] Open seating. These seats offer a close-up view of the drift ice from a low vantage point, and you can also go out onto the side deck. The drift ice is so close you feel like you could touch it, making for a truly breathtaking experience.

[Second Floor Passenger Cars] There is a special passenger cabin (reserved seating) at the front of the ship. The special passenger cabin has a limited number of seats (50) and costs an additional 500 yen. Please note that there are no advance reservations, and it is first-come, first-served after boarding, and payment is cash only. The special passenger cabin, which offers a relaxing view of the ship breaking through the drift ice through its wide windows, is very popular and may already be full by the time of departure. If you want to sit and relax, please board early.

【Observation Deck】A powerful deck where you can hear the sound of ships breaking ice. From a high position, you can enjoy the sea covered with drift ice. The view is wide, so if you want to look for wild animals such as sea eagles, please go here. To avoid exposure to the sea breeze, take measures to protect yourself from the cold, such as thick jackets and gloves.
Here, you will have to stand and watch the drift ice, but there are several benches in the center, so you can take a break if you get tired.

【Other Facilities
●There is a shop on the second floor, and separate toilets for men and women on the first and second floors.
●There is no free Wi-Fi on board. Free Wi-Fi is available at the boarding area.
●There is no place to leave your luggage on board. Leave it in the coin locker at the boarding area before boarding.
●Smoking is completely prohibited on board.

Drift Ice Cruise If you're lucky, you might spot wild animals such as white-tailed eagles, sea eagles, and seals. You can see animals living in harsh environments, such as sea eagles resting their wings on drift ice and aiming at fish from close to the surface of the water. Sometimes you may be able to observe scenes of the same birds competing for fish.
If you want to look for wildlife, you can observe it carefully from the observation deck.

Depending on the sea conditions, the large ship with its heavy and stable hull doesn't experience much rocking, so seasickness is practically nonexistent. When we hit a large piece of sea ice, there was a slight jolt accompanied by a thud, but there was no violent rocking.
If you are particularly prone to seasickness, try to sit in a seat at the back of the ship. The front of the ship tends to rock more, so being at the back can help reduce the rocking motion.

The ship's interior is heated and warm, but the side decks and observation decks get cold. Be sure to bring warm clothing when going outside.

If you want to enjoy drift ice even more, let's also visit Cape Notori, which is located around the boarding area. Cape Notori, which juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk, is a great spot to see the drift ice rushing down from the cliffs about 40 meters high. A magnificent sight unfolds as the sea is covered in pure white drift ice. If you listen closely, you can hear the squeaking sound of ice colliding with each other.
The contrast between the blue sea, the white drift ice, and the cute black and white border of the lighthouse is excellent for photos. It is a spot where you can taste drift ice with both your eyes and ears, and it will capture the hearts of visitors.

Abashiri Mt. Tentoyama in the city is a scenic spot with an altitude of 207 meters. The view from there is said to be "like the city of heaven", hence the name. At the top of the mountain is the "Tentoyama Observatory", and on a clear day, you can see up to the Shiretoko mountain range.

The "Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum" attached to the "Tentoyama Observatory" is a tourist facility with the theme of drift ice and Sea of Okhotsk creatures. There are plenty of gimmicks to learn about drift ice while having fun, such as underwater videos projected on the oversized screen, an explanation corner for the mechanism of drift ice, and an exhibition of the drift ice angel "Clione".
Among them, the "Drift Ice Experience Terrace" that reproduces the environment of minus 15 degrees Celsius in the exhibition room is a must-see. Sea of Okhotsk exhibits real drift ice that has washed up on the beach, and you can also touch it. In this extremely cold room, you can have a "shibare experience" where wet towels freeze instantly. If you feel the cold that makes your breath white and your eyelashes freeze, you will be able to feel the strength of animals that live in the frigid Sea of Okhotsk again.

Kitahama Station on the JR Kushimi Main Line is a popular tourist spot that is said to be the "closest station to Sea of Okhotsk" and "a station where you can see drift ice". There is an observation deck next to the station building, overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk.
If it coincides with the stop time of the JR Kushimi Line on a day when the drift ice is drifting down, you may be able to take a photo of the snowy scenery, drift ice, and trains all in one place.

When you enter the wooden unmanned station building, you will find tickets, message cards, and business cards plastered all over the walls and ceiling. Travelers who visited Kitahama Station began to leave business cards as "proof of their visit", and it was said that it filled the walls before they knew it.
It has been used as a filming location for popular Chinese movies in the past, and many tourists from outside Japan visit. It is a station that evokes the memories of each traveler and stirs up a sense of travel.

Related tour examples
A 2-night, 3-day tour to fully enjoy drift ice.
Tours to enjoy winter activities such as ice floe walks.

Q: When can we see drift ice?
A: Drift ice season is usually from late Jan. to early Mar.. The peak is usually mid-Feb. ~ early Mar. every year, but even during the peak season, the berthing situation changes depending on the current and wind direction, so it is not always possible to encounter drift ice. The amount of drift ice is decreasing year by year due to global warming, and it may not be seen.

Q: Can the Drift Ice Cruise be canceled due to weather conditions?
A: Yes. In case of stormy weather, the flight may be canceled. If a flight is canceled during the tour, we will guide you to an alternative tourist destination. On the other hand, there are cases where drift ice rushes in and ships cannot leave the port. In that case, the flight will be canceled and you will be guided to an alternative tourist spot, just like in case of stormy weather.

Q: Can I sail without drift ice?
A: Yes. If there are no drift ices, it will be operated as a "sea tour". Instead of watching drift ice, you can enjoy the coastline such as Cape Notori and bird watching.

Q: How do I book a drift ice Cruise?
A: There are generally four ways to make a reservation for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora:
(1) Reservations from the official website
You can make a reservation from the official website of the drift ice breaker. Reservations start at Oct. (telephone reservation) and Nov. (web reservation) of the previous year. During the peak winter season (usually mid-Feb. ~ early Mar.), it is often Full, so early reservations are recommended.
(2) OTA platform reservation
Icebreaker tickets may be sold by each travel agency on the web. However, the date and time are limited, and popular times can sell out quickly.
(3) Same-day purchase at the local counter
On the day of the event, it is sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the window of the boarding area (Roadside Station Drift Ice Road Abashiri). Please note that advance reservations are prioritized, so you cannot purchase Full. In particular, during times such as the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year), it tends to be Full with advance reservations.
(4) Group tour
Group tours usually have seats reserved in advance, so you don't need to book individually, and you don't have to worry about travel or schedules.

If you are visiting the Eastern Hokkaido area for the first time, it is recommended to choose a tour that includes a drift ice icebreaker to avoid traffic trouble and the risk of Full.

About the tour
Q: Can children and seniors participate?
A: Yes. People of all ages are welcome to participate. We travel by bus during the tour, so you won't have to walk long distances. Children and seniors are especially welcome.

Questions regarding meeting and departure
Q: After making a reservation, how can I confirm the meeting place and time?
A: After booking, you can check your "meeting place," "meeting time," and "emergency contact information" on your My Page. You can also view your "travel itinerary" online before departure.

About luggage
Q: Can I bring my suitcase to participate?
A: If you are traveling by bus, we have space for luggage, so you can bring your suitcase. However, please limit yourself to two large suitcases per person.

Language support
Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is operated in Japanese, but important information is available in English and Chinese (Traditional) using AI translation equipment and written information. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about the language.

About payment
Q: What is the payment method? What is the currency?
A: Payment is made online in Japanese yen (credit card). The exchange rate is subject to the rules of the credit card company. Instant payment is required at the time of booking.

About local support
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or overseas?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the sole distributor of Club Tourism. For on-site consultations, please contact KNT Taiwan.

Passengers in Taiwan, please contact "Taiwan General Agent, Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency" to register.
Online Registration https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Call to register 02-87717551 (Mon~Fri 09:15~18:00 (excluding holidays))
Email info@knt-taiwan.com

The silver scenery that fills the winter Sea of Okhotsk has a charm that captivates those who see it.
One of the pleasures is to experience the dynamic sea of ice at the "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora" and to see the expressions of the drift ice that vary depending on the location, such as overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk from Cape Notori and the Tentoyama Observatory. Its magnificent scenery is sure to be a memory that will last a lifetime.
For a winter-only encounter with drift ice, be sure to go to a winter Eastern Hokkaido.