Limited-time offer！Ride Japan’s “Aurora” to the Sea of Okhotsk to see drift ice

Text and photos byKavanah

Visiting Abashiri to see drift ice was the main goal of this trip. But this primary objective was also the most uncertain part of the itinerary—because viewing drift ice depends heavily on weather conditions. When it’s too cold with blizzards, the icebreaker stops operating, and when the weather is too nice, sometimes you can’t even see the drift ice... In short, you need perfect timing, favorable conditions, and a bit of luck (?) to catch a glimpse. This time in Abashiri I was quite lucky—my first visit to see the drift ice, and I actually got to see them. I was so happy about it. (When I shared this online, another user commented that she had been to Abashiri four times, with the icebreaker canceled three times, and on the one trip they did manage to go out, there were no drift ice in sight...) It seems Abashiri’s drift ice, along with the snow monsters of Mount Zao, could be ranked among Japan’s most famous yet hardest-to-see winter wonders.

The drift ice in Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk is remarkable because it’s the southernmost place in the world where you can see drifting sea ice. You don’t have to venture all the way into the icy Arctic Circle to witness this incredible floating ice spectacle, which is why it attracts so many tourists every year who come to take boat tours to view the drift ice. The ice typically appears between January and March, with the best chances in February. In addition to Abashiri, nearby Monbetsu also offers drift ice boat tours.

Abashiri Station. I imagined it would be really cold, but honestly, it wasn’t that bad.

To take a drift ice cruise, board the bus at the station’s bus stop bound for “Dōro・Drift Ice Icebreaker Terminal.”

The bus itself. Once on board, get off at the final stop “Dōro・Drift Ice Icebreaker Terminal.” The fare is 220 yen.

“Dōro・”

I headed straight to buy a ticket.

The drift ice cruises departing from here are on the “Aurora.” Reservations are generally recommended to ensure a spot, as the boat can fill up. I didn’t make a reservation that day, so I just asked the staff if I could buy a ticket without one. They said it was fine, but due to the weather (or so I think they said...), we could only view the drift ice inside the harbor that day. Was that okay? I figured seeing the drift ice however we could was good enough, so I said it was fine. After paying the fee (3,300 yen), I received this ticket.

The ticket is pricey, Abashiri is far away, and if you get all the way there, buy the ticket, and still can’t see any drift ice, it would be so disappointing, right?

Drift ice beer. Of course I had to grab a few bottles to enjoy while watching the ice.

“Cheers!”

The interior of the boat is all unreserved seating.

Mysterious sea creature—the drift ice angel. It’s said to be a type of mollusk.

The boat has set off. Slowly leaving the harbor...

I immediately cracked open the drift ice beer (it’s really made with melted drift ice water!). Enjoying a sip in the chilly wind (the lighting wasn’t great, so the beautiful blue of the drift ice beer didn’t really show up in the photo...)

The boat slowly approached the harbor where drift ice was present, and the deck quickly filled up with people.

There’s the drift ice!!!

Even though it was just within the harbor, the sight of the drift ice was still incredibly magnificent.

It was around 4 p.m. at that point, and the sky was gradually getting darker, but the vast scenery and the beautiful clouds still created a stunning view.

Seabirds resting on the drift ice.

The trail left behind by the Aurora as it sailed.

There was a bucket of drift ice on the boat—you could actually touch it and feel its texture.

After just over an hour, the Aurora returned to the port where we had started.

The schedule for the return bus.

The sight of the drift ice was unforgettable—it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Kavanah @ Kyoto, freely residing.