Hokkaido Drift Ice Guide | Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora

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

Every winter, Drift ice surge in along the northeastern Sea of Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido. This Drift ice originally formed near the mouth of the Amur River in Russia, about 1,000 km from Hokkaido. Sea ice frozen by severe cold collides and merges with each other, gradually growing along the currents before drifting to the Sea of Okhotsk coast.

There are Drift ice with pure white Image, but depending on the weather and lighting, it can also appear a beautiful blue. This is because the salt crystals in Drift ice reflect light, sometimes making the color appear blue. On a clear day, you will be amazed by the beauty of its colors with the naked eye.
Drift ice can only be seen in Japan during winter Hokkaido. During the season, large crowds of tourists come to catch a glimpse of the Drift ice.

The Drift ice in Hokkaido is typically from late Jan. to early Mar.. Especially in mid Feb. ~ early Mar., the chances of encountering Drift ice are considered high. However, even during peak viewing periods, the contact conditions change depending on currents and wind directions, so you may not always encounter them. Due to global warming, the period when Drift ice can be seen is getting shorter each year. Since the chances are decreasing each year, we recommend visiting whenever you feel like it.

If you come to Drift ice Hokkaido to watch, you definitely want to ride the "Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship." There are two types of large Icebreaker that operate in winter.
The first is the 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora,' which departs from Abashiri Port 'Roadside Station Abashiri Drift ice Kaido,' breaking through Drift ice with the weight of a ship. The second is the 'Garinko,' which departs from Monbetsu Port and arrives at Monbetsu Port, breaking Drift ice ice while breaking ice with a large propeller. Both are about one-hour Cruise, and because you can enjoy dynamic views from your seats and deck, they attract many tourists every year.
As of 2026, the "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" service where you can enjoy Drift ice Cruise is scheduled for about two and a half months: "Jan. 20th ~ Mar. 31st," and "Garinko-go" is "Jan. 16th ~ Mar. 31st."

Due to terrain and ocean currents, Drift ice is said to stay at sea more easily around Abashiri port than around Monbetsu Port. "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" seems to be relatively easier to observe Drift ice.

"Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" operates from Abashiri port.
The nearest airport is Memanbetsu Airport.
Traveling from Sapporo by car or train takes a significant amount of time, and in winter, there is a risk of traffic jams due to blizzards and icy roads. If you want to access from around Sapporo, it's best to take a flight from New Chitose Airport or Okadama Airport to Memanbetsu Airport.

A note for those traveling by rental car is that collisions with animals are very common on Hokkaido 's mountain roads. Contact with large animals like deer can cause your car to be severely damaged, injure the driver or passengers, or be excluded from rental car coverage. Be sure to check your insurance in advance.

Hokkaido in the Drift ice season, low temperatures often drop below freezing. Daytime temperatures are low and cold winds blow, so warm clothing is essential. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like Drift ice Cruise, be sure to prepare thoroughly for the cold.
Specifically, wear two layers of inner layers that retain heat and generate heat, then layer a long-sleeved sweater over them. For outerwear, it is recommended to wear thick coats or down jackets made of materials that retain heat and prevent wind.
During the Drift ice season, temperatures can drop below freezing even during the day, so it's reassuring to wear a lightweight, compact, and portable "ultra-thin down jacket" under your coat.
Also, since snow can accumulate in the city, wear waterproof, 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 Aurora' is a popular sightseeing boat that is hard to book, operating only for about two and a half months during the Drift ice season. Previously, two ships operated during the Drift ice season, but due to aging and a decline in passengers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, one of them was retired in 2022. This has made reservations even harder to get.

Reservations for the general public start the previous year's Oct. (phone reservations) and Nov. (web reservations). Usually, mid-Feb. Mar. early months tend to be fierce battles for slots, making it difficult to secure spots individually. While individual travel offers the advantage of freely planning itineraries, due to the timing of reservations, it is necessary to plan your trip early.
On the other hand, each travel agency reserves group booking slots in advance, so your boarding slot is secured once you book the tour (however, sailings may be canceled depending on sea conditions on the day). No complicated booking procedures are required.

With Club Tourism tours, you can secure Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship reservation slots and efficiently take you to nearby Drift ice sightseeing spots by bus. You can spend a day visiting Drift ice spots such as "Cape Notoro," where Drift ice sweeps in with a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk below; the "Mt. Tento Observatory," which offers views of the Shiretoko mountain range on clear days; and the retro station "Kitahama Station," facing the Sea of Okhotsk.

● For those who want to fully enjoy Drift ice Cruise
With tours, you're sure to secure Icebreaker spots.
● For those who want to sightsee without the hassle of travel or reservations
Since transportation, meals, and sightseeing are all included, you can feel at ease even if you're new to the area.
● For those who want to enjoy Japan's unique winter spectacular views
Besides Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship, you can enjoy Drift ice sightseeing from various locations such as the Cape Notoro and the Mt. Tento observation deck.
● For those interested in wildlife or birdwatching
If you're lucky, you can see Hokkaido-unique wildlife such as Steller’s sea eagle, white-tailed eagles, and Seal.

Winter Eastern Hokkaido areas are prone to traffic troubles due to snowfall and blizzards, making it difficult for individuals to visit. With a group bus tour, you can easily visit Drift ice sightseeing spots you want to visit at least once.
Of course, cruising on the "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" is a great way to fully enjoy Drift ice sightseeing, including Cape Notoro with panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk. This time, I will report in detail on what I actually experienced by joining the Drift ice Cruise tour.

[Tour Name]
Special Project: Kushiro 'SL Winter Wetland' Charter Operation and Drift ice Cruise spectacular views Winter Hokkaido 7 Scenic Spots for Two Days'

[Itinerary (Day 1)]
● Depart by bus from Memanbetsu Airport
● Take in the Drift ice at Cape Notoro
● Abashiri Board the 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora' from the port. To Drift ice Cruise
● The station closest to Sea of Okhotsk: "Kitahama Station "
● Mt. Tento Panoramic view of Sea of Okhotsk from the observation deck

From Memanbetsu Airport, take a bus to Abashiri Port, where the boarding area (' Roadside Station Drift ice Kaido Abashiri') is located.
All tickets are arranged by the tour conductor, so you can board without the hassle of waiting in line for tickets.
On this day, we boarded the 11 o'clock ferry flight. Drift ice drifted off Sea of Okhotsk offshore from the ship.
About 10 minutes after departure, you spot many Drift ice floating on the water! The ship cuts through ice blocks and enters the dazzling silver landscape.

If you listen closely, you can hear the small "kishiki" sound of Drift ice bumping against each other.
The Drift ice changes shape moment by moment, appearing blue or green due to light reflections, keeping an eye on it for even a second, making the roughly one-hour flight feel short. Also, from the observation deck, you could observe Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagles resting on Drift ice as footrest.
Drift ice Cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed with all your senses—truly unique to this Hokkaido.

The 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora' consists of the first floor, second floor, and observation deck, each with its own highlights. During the operation, you can freely walk around the ship, so it's a good idea to find your favorite scenery as you go.

[1st Floor Guest Room] Unreserved seating. These seats offer a close-up view of the Drift ice from a low position, and you can also access the side deck. You can see the Drift ice so close you can almost touch it, making it truly impressive.

[2nd Floor Cabin] There is a special cabin (Reserved seating) at the front. The special cabin is limited to 50 seats and costs an additional 500 yen. Please note that there is no advance reservation; payment is only on a first-come, first-served basis and cash after boarding. The special cabin, where you can leisurely watch the Drift ice pass through the wide windows, is very popular and may already be fully booked by departure time. If you want to relax and sit, please board early.

[Observation Deck] A powerful deck where you can hear the sound of ships breaking through ice. From a high vantage point, you can enjoy a sea covered in Drift ice. With a wide view, if you want to look for wildlife such as Steller’s sea eagle, please come here. Since you'll be exposed to the sea breeze, be sure to wear thick jackets and gloves to keep warm.
Here, you stand while watching the Drift ice, but there are several benches in the center so you can take a break when you get tired.

[ Facilities of Other]
● There is a shop on the second floor, and separate restrooms for men and women on the first and second floors.
● There is no free Wi-Fi on board. There is free Wi-Fi at the boarding area.
● There is no place to store luggage on board. Please leave your luggage in the coin lockers at the boarding area before boarding.
● The interior of the ship is fully Non-smoking.

Inside the Drift ice Cruise, if you're lucky, you might encounter wild animals such as white-tailed eagles, Steller’s sea eagle, and Seal. You can see Steller’s sea eagle resting on the Drift ice or targeting fish from near the water's surface, showing animals living in harsh environments. Sometimes, you might even witness the same birds fighting over the fish.
If you want to spot wildlife, be sure to observe 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.

To fully enjoy the Drift ice, be sure to visit the "Cape Notoro" near the boarding area. The Cape Notoro jutting out of the Sea of Okhotsk is a perfect spot to see the Drift ice crashing down from a cliff about 40 meters high. The sea is covered by a magnificent Drift ice of pure white. If you listen closely, you can even hear the creaking sound of ice colliding with each other.
The contrast between the blue sea, white Drift ice, and the charming black-and-white lighthouse makes for stunning photos. It's a spot that captures the hearts of visitors where you can experience Drift ice both visually and early.

Mt. Tento in Abashiri city is a scenic spot at an elevation of 207 meters. The view from there is said to be "like a heavenly city," which is how it got its name. At the summit, there is the "Mt. Tento Observation Deck," where on clear days you can see up to the Shiretoko mountain range.

The 'Okhotsk Drift ice Museum,' attached to the 'Mt. Tento Observatory,' is a tourist facility themed around Drift ice and Sea of Okhotsk creatures. There are plenty of features to enjoy while learning about Drift ice, such as underwater videos projected on a giant screen, a corner explaining Drift ice mechanisms, and an exhibition of the Drift ice angel 'Sea angel.'
Among them, the "Drift ice Experience Terrace," which recreates an environment of minus 15 degrees Celsius inside the exhibition room, is a must-see. It displays real Drift ice that washed up in the Sea of Okhotsk and you can even touch it. In this freezing room, you can experience a "shibare" where wet towels freeze instantly. If you experience the cold that makes your breath white and your eyelashes freeze, you'll be able to rediscover the strength of animals living in the freezing Sea of Okhotsk.

The JR Senmō Main Line 'Kitahama Station' is a popular tourist spot known as 'the station closest to Sea of Okhotsk' and 'the station where you can see Drift ice.' Next to the station building, there is an observation deck where you can overlook the Sea of Okhotsk.
If the Drift ice washes ashore and coincides with the JR Senmō Line stopping times, you might be able to capture photos of the snowy scenery, Drift ice, and trains all coming together.

Inside the wooden unmanned station building, tickets, message cards, and business cards are densely covered on the walls and ceiling. Kitahama Station Travelers who visited began leaving business cards as "proof of visit," and before long, these cards ended up covering the walls.
It was once used as a filming location for a popular Chinese movie, attracting many tourists from outside Japan. This station stirs the travel sentiment of each traveler, evoking memories in every traveler.

Related Tour Examples
・A tour to fully enjoy Drift ice in a 3-day, 2-night trip
・ Tours to enjoy winter activities such as Drift ice walking experience

Q: When can you watch Drift ice?
A: The Drift ice season is usually from late Jan. to early Mar.. The peak is usually mid-Feb. ~ early Mar., but even during peak viewing periods, the contact conditions change depending on currents and wind directions, so you may not always encounter Drift ice. Due to global warming, the amount of Drift ice is decreasing year by year, and sometimes you may not see it.

Q: Can Drift ice Cruise be canceled due to weather?
A: Yes. In case of severe weather, the ferry may be canceled. If a cancellation is announced during the tour, you will be guided to alternative sightseeing spots. Conversely, there may be cases where Drift ice surge and the boat cannot leave the port. In such cases, the ferry will be canceled, and as in bad weather, you will be guided to an alternative sightseeing spot.

Q: Can I set sail without a Drift ice?
A: Yes. If Drift ice is not available, it operates as a "sea excursion." Drift ice Instead of sightseeing, you can enjoy coastline and birdwatching at Cape Notoro.

Q: How do I book a Drift ice Cruise?
A: There are generally four ways to make a reservation for "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora."
(1) Reserve through the official website
You can make reservations through the official Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship website. Reservations start for the previous year's Oct. (phone reservation) and Nov. (web reservation). During the peak winter season (usually mid-Feb. ~ early Mar.), it is often Full, so early reservations are recommended.
(2) OTA Platform Reservations
Icebreaker tickets are sometimes sold online by various travel agencies. However, the dates are limited, and popular times may sell out quickly.
(3) Purchase at the on-site counter on the day
On the day of the event, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the boarding area (Roadside Station Drift ice Kaido Abashiri). Please note that advance reservations are prioritized, so Full tickets cannot be purchased. Especially during periods like Lunar New Year, advance reservations tend to be Full.
(4) Group Tours
For group tours, seats are usually reserved in advance, so there is no need to book individually, and you can use them with peace of mind without worrying about travel or scheduling.

If you're visiting the Eastern Hokkaido area for the first time, it's recommended to choose a tour that includes Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship to avoid traffic troubles and Full risks.

About the tour
Q: Can children and seniors participate?
A: Yes. People of all ages are welcome to participate. During the tour, you will travel by bus, so you will not walk for a long time. Children and seniors are welcome to participate.

Questions about meeting and departure
Q: How can I confirm the Meeting point and time after booking?
A: After booking, you can check the "Meeting point", "Meeting Time" and "Emergency Contact" on My Page. You can also view the "Travel Bookmark" 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 silvery scenery that fills the winter Sea of Okhotsk captivates all who see it.
One of the highlights is experiencing the dynamic icy sea at the "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora," or seeing the different expressions of Drift ice from the "Cape Notoro" and the "Mt. Tento Observatory," looking out over the Sea of Okhotsk from the "" or " Observatory." The magnificent scenery will surely become an unforgettable memory for life.
To meet winter-exclusive Drift ice, be sure to visit the Winter Eastern Hokkaido.