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.

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 Hokkaido to admire the drift ice, you definitely want to ride the "Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship." There are two types of large Icebreaker operating during the winter.
The first is the 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora,' which departs from Abashiri port 'Roadside Station Abashiri Drift Ice Highway,' breaking the drift ice with the weight of a ship. The second is the 'Garinko-go,' which departs from and arrives at Monbetsu Port, breaking ice while pushing through the ice with a large screw. 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' train, where you can enjoy drift ice Cruise, operates for about two and a half months: Jan. 20th ~ Mar. 31st, and the 'Garinko-go' runs for Jan. 16th ~ Mar. 31st.

Due to the terrain and ocean currents, drift ice is said to remain on the sea more easily around Abashiri Port than around Monbetsu Port. It seems that the 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora' is 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 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 Aurora' is a popular sightseeing boat that is hard to book, partly because it operates 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. As a result, it is said that bookings have become even harder.

Reservations for the general public can start the previous year's Oct. (phone reservations) and Nov. (web reservations). Usually, mid-Feb. Mar. early months tend to be battles for spots, making it difficult for individuals to secure spots. While independent travel offers the advantage of being able to freely plan your itinerary, due to the timing of your booking start, you need 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 reservation 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 you can overlook the Sea of Okhotsk with drift ice pressing down below, the 'Mt. Tento Observatory,' which offers views of the Shiretoko mountain range on clear days, and the retro station 'Kitahama Station,' which faces the Sea of Okhotsk.

● For those who want to fully enjoy the drift ice Cruise
With a tour, 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
In addition to Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship, you can enjoy Drift ice sightseeing from various spots such as the Cape Notoro and Mt. Tento observation decks.
● For those interested in wildlife or birdwatching
If you're lucky, you can see Hokkaido-style 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.
You can fully enjoy the Drift ice sightseeing with cruises on the "Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" and Cape Notoro with panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk. This time, I will report in detail on what I actually experienced after participating in the drift ice Cruise tour.

[Tour Name]
Special Project: Kushiro 'SL Winter Wetland' Charter Operation and Drift Ice Cruise spectacular views Winter Hokkaido 7 Views, 2 Days'

[Itinerary (Day 1)]
● Depart by bus from Memanbetsu Airport
● Panoramic view of drift ice from the Cape Notoro
● Abashiri Board the 'Abashiri Drift ice sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora' from the port. Drift Ice Cruise
● The station closest to Sea of Okhotsk is "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 Highway 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, I boarded the 11:00 ferry service. Head offshore to Sea of Okhotsk where drifting ice drifts.
About 10 minutes after setting sail, we discovered a large amount of drift ice floating on the sea! The ship cuts through ice blocks and enters the midst of dazzling silver.

If you listen closely, you can hear the faint 'kishiki' sound of ice colliding with each other.
The drift ice changes shape moment by moment, sometimes blue or green due to reflections of light, so you can't take your eyes off it for even a second, making the roughly one-hour operation feel short. From the observation deck, you could also observe Steller’s sea eagle and white-tailed eagles resting on the drift ice.
Drift ice Cruise is an experience that can only be enjoyed here in Hokkaido to satisfy all your senses.

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.

[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.

[2nd Floor Guest Room] There is a special guest room (Reserved seating) at the front. The special room 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 rooms, where you can leisurely watch the drift ice break through through wide windows, are so popular that they may already be fully booked by departure time. If you prefer to relax and sit, please board early.

[Observation Deck] A spectacular deck where you can hear the sound of ships breaking through ice. From a high vantage point, you can enjoy the sea covered in drift ice. With a wide field of view, if you want to look for wildlife like Steller’s sea eagle, please visit here. Since you'll be exposed to the sea breeze, make sure to wear thick jackets and gloves for warmth.
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. Free Wi-Fi is available at the boarding area.
● There is no place to store luggage on board. Please leave your tickets 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 wildlife 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 conditions. Sometimes, you might even witness scenes of the same birds fighting over 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 watch the drift ice crashing down from a cliff about 40 meters high. A magnificent sight unfolds as the sea is covered in pure white drift ice. If you listen closely, you can even hear the creaking sound of ice clashing against each other.
The contrast between the blue sea, white drift ice, and the charming black-and-white border lighthouse makes for stunning photos. It's a spot that captivates visitors, where you can enjoy the drift ice both visually and in your ears.

Abashiri Mt. Tento in the 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 Observation Deck,' 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 footage projected on a giant screen, a corner explaining the mechanisms of drift ice, 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 inside the exhibition room, is a must-see. It displays authentic drift ice that washed up in the Sea of Okhotsk, and you can also touch it. In this freezing room, you can experience a "shibare experience" where wet towels freeze instantly. When 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.

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 day the drift ice washes up and coincides with the JR Senmō Line stopping time, you might be able to capture photos where the snowy scenery, drift ice, and train all come 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 and other documents as "proof of visit," which eventually filled the walls.
It was previously used as a filming location for a popular Chinese movie, attracting many tourists from outside Japan. This station stirs up the feelings of travel, allowing you to feel the memories of each traveler.

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

Q: When can you see the drift ice?
A: Usually, the drift ice season is from late Jan. to early Mar.. The peak is usually mid-Feb. ~ early Mar., but even during peak viewing periods, the shore 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 it is not visible.

Q: Can the Drift Ice Cruise be canceled due to weather conditions?
A: Yes. In case of severe weather, the flight may be canceled. If cancellations are announced during the tour, you will be guided to alternative sightseeing spots. Conversely, there are cases where drift ice surges in, preventing ships from leaving the port. In such cases, the trip will be canceled, and as in case of bad weather, you will be guided to an alternative tourist spot.

Q: Can I set sail without drift ice?
A: Yes. If there is no drift ice, the tour will operate as a "sea excursion." Instead of viewing drift ice, you can enjoy coastline spots like Cape Notoro and birdwatching.

Q: How can I book the 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 Drift ice sightseeing icebreaking ship 's official website. Reservations start for the previous year's Oct. (phone reservations) and Nov. (web reservations). 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 can 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 cannot be purchased. Especially during periods like the Lunar New Year, reservations tend to be Full in advance.
(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, we recommend choosing 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 viewing the Sea of Okhotsk from the Cape Notoro and Mt. Tento Observatory, showing the different expressions of drift ice depending on the location. Its magnificent scenery will surely become an unforgettable memory for a lifetime.
For winter-only drift ice encounters, be sure to visit the Winter Eastern Hokkaido.