Train Travel for Ice and Snow Viewing (Part 2) / Enjoy Drifting Ice with Grilled Squid — Brrrilliant Even in Freezing Cold!

By Wu Yongcheng

Besides the “Drifting Ice Express (Oho 0?)” running between Sapporo and Abashiri, there’s another option: the “Drift Ice Norokko Train.” This train operates on the Sekihoku Line. Its biggest highlight is that the train itself is pulled by a small locomotive and features specially modified observation cars with large glass windows. Limited-edition souvenir items are sold onboard.

And what excites and delights tourists the most is the onboard winter entertainment — grilled squid over charcoal fire. Due to the extreme cold, the winter trains in Hokkaido are equipped with heaters. At some point, passengers began bringing their own squid or other ingredients to grill aboard the train while admiring the scenery — a truly unique experience!

The “Drift Ice Norokko” train operates from January 30 to March 7, 2010, running twice daily between Shiretoko-Shari and Abashiri. The one-way trip takes about an hour, with a stop of over ten minutes at Kikonai Station, which is located right by the sea. The drifting ice can appear so close you feel you can almost touch it — an awe-inspiring sight you won’t forget!

★★★ Extended Reading = Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “ORORA” :: Hokkaido

You can view drift ice by taking the sightseeing icebreaker “ORORA.” The ORORA departs from Abashiri Port on a one-hour cruise that ventures into waters where drift ice flows. As the weather is extremely harsh — not only freezing cold but also snowy — warm clothing such as snowsuits, snow boots, hats, and gloves are essential...Click for detailed attraction information

★★★ Extended Reading = Drift Ice in Abashiri

From mid-January to late March every year, Arctic glaciers gradually melt and flow southward toward the Sea of Okhotsk, eventually gathering around the waters near Abashiri. This area is also the southernmost point in the Northern Hemisphere where you can see the spectacular sight of drifting ice...Click for detailed attraction information



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