The season of drift ice is coming, why don't you enjoy the view of the Sea of Okhotsk from Abashiri? The drift ice sightseeing icebreaker Oorora
- Hokkaido
- Experience Gifu
Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where you can see drift ice!
Abashiri drift ice sightseeing icebreaker Oorora is introduced here!
Abashiri City is famous for its ice floes that come to the Sea of Okhotsk in winter, and the sight of pure white drift ice floating in the sea is truly spectacular!
Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where you can see the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, which is said to be the southern limit of drift ice in the northern hemisphere! The drift ice is said to be the southern limit of drift ice in the northern hemisphere, and can only be seen in Hokkaido, with limited areas in the east of Hokkaido such as Monbetsu, Abashiri, Utoro and Rausu.
It is said that the best chance of seeing drift ice is from mid February to early March, but on some days you can see white drift ice filling the ocean, and on other days it may drift away, depending on the weather.
It is said that the excitement of actually seeing the ice floes is greater because it is not something that can always be seen.
The Abashiri Icebreaker "Oorora," the world's first icebreaker built for sightseeing purposes, is a powerful and impressive vessel that breaks and crushes ice as it goes, and is 45 meters long and 10 meters wide with a maximum capacity of 400 passengers. Because it is so large, there is little swaying, making it safe for those who are worried about getting seasick.
Why not board the "Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Oorora" in Abashiri City, East Hokkaido in winter and experience a cruise in the great nature of the Sea of Okhotsk?
The weight of the ship crushes the drift ice as it moves forward! Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orola
Operation period: January 20, 2023 (Fri.) - March 31, 2023 (Fri.)
Let's look at the sea from various places on the ship!
Inside the ship, there are first-floor guest rooms (free seating), second-floor guest rooms, and an observation deck.
The cabins are heated and warm, and from the side deck you can also view the drift ice from a lower height, closer to the sea!
You will be close to the drift ice and can observe its actual color, shape, and swaying motion, etc., and observe its various expressions.
Enjoy the one-hour cruise!
Experience the sounds and vibrations of ice breaking on the powerful observation deck of the ice floes!
From the observation deck on the ship, you will be able to see the flow of the drift ice and feel the sound and vibration of the ice breaking up and crushing the drift ice, which is a very powerful experience of nature!
The temperature on the frigid Sea of Okhotsk is quite low due to the sea breeze.
To keep warm, we recommend a windproof down jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, ear protection, and disposable body warmers!
Please take your time to enjoy the sights and be prepared for the cold.
Please check the official website for fees and details.
What is drift-ice?
Until the drift ice arrives
The average thickness is about 1 to 2 meters, and the peak season is said to last about a month from mid-February.
The spectacle of pure white drift ice spreading across the blue sea is breathtaking!
Phytoplankton is carried along with the drift ice. In spring, zooplankton that feed on this phytoplankton also increase, enriching the fishing grounds.
Many creatures, such as the Japanese pond snail (clione), which feeds on the plankton, also come under the ice floes.
The bounty carried by the drift ice provides an abundance of food, which attracts delicious fish in the spring, and the Sea of Okhotsk is blessed with abundant seafood.
Abashiri Bus "Doko Bus" is convenient for sightseeing in Abashiri and "Michi-no-Eki: Drift Ice Road Abashiri" where you can board the Orola!
Operation Period April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023
Abashiri has a lot of attractions! Why don't you tour around with "Doko Bus", a shared-ride bus service for local communities and sightseeing?
The "Doko Bus" is a new transportation service provided by Abashiri Bus, which allows you to reserve a bus to the bus stop where you want to go, when you want to get on. Abashiri citizens also use this service.
It is a complete reservation system,
1. You can make a reservation when you want to ride!
2. You can get to where you want to go efficiently!
3. You will always be able to sit in a seat even if you are sharing a ride!
Reservations are accepted from 9:00 to 16:00 (last reservation at 15:45).
Please check the official website for fees and details.
Courtesy of Abashiri Bus Co.
Courtesy of Abashiri Bus Co.
Mysterious white drift ice
The shape and location of the drift ice changes every day, even from morning to afternoon, so you will never see the same drift ice, and you will only be able to see it at that time.
You will not know if you will be able to see the drift ice until the day of your visit, but the contrast between the blue and white of the sea and the drift ice is a mysterious beauty that is hard to describe!
If the weather is fine, you can even see Mt. Rausu and other mountains in the Shiretoko mountain range beyond the drift ice.
If the weather is good, you may even be able to see Steller's sea eagles, Steller's sea eagles, and seals resting on the drift ice!
The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker "Oorora" will be in operation daily until Friday, March 31, 2023.
This winter, why not experience the powerful nature of the Okhotsk Sea that you can only see here and now on the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker?
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Location
4-5-1, Minami 3-jo Higashi, Abashiri, Hokkaido 093-0003 , Japan
Roadside Station Drift Ice Road Abashiri
Access
JR] JR Seihoku Line:Sapporo Station -AbashiriStation, 5hours and 30minutes by express train.
Asahikawa Station～ Abashiri Asahikawa Station Approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes by express train about 3 hours and 50 minutes minutes by express train
Kushiro Station～ Abashiri Asahikawa Station Approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes by express train Time
Time table and other information, For details, please refer to the JR Hokkaido website.
Abashiri From Kushiro Station, 10 min. by bus, 10 min. by rental car or taxi. Rent a car or take a cab Approximately 8 minutes by rental car or taxi. minutes by express train
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
*The contents and services in this article may be subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
*Please note that the way you feel may vary from person to person, so the image of the actual experience may differ.