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The Top 5 Experiences to Enjoy Drift Ice in Hokkaido!
- HOKKAIDO
- ABASHIRI
- DOTO
- SIGHTSEEING
- EXPERIENCE
- EVENT
- SPECIAL
- RYUHYO
- WINTER
- DRIFT_ICE
- RENTAL_BICYCLE
- NATURE/OUTDOORS
- SNOW
It's the middle of winter and the spectacular phenomenon of drift ice, called "ryuhyo" in Japanese, fills the sea of Okhotsk in the eastern region of Hokkaido. If you visit during this period, the area offers plenty of exciting activities to enjoy! You can take in the breathtaking view from special sightseeing trains and boats, or participate in one of the activities that get you up close with the drift ice. Don't forget about the wide variety of drift ice-inspired gourmet foods as well as gifts and goods! Read on to see our top five sightseeing activities.
Address: 361 Utoro-Higashi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
Access to Utoro Onsen: 50 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretokoshari Station (Shari Bus Terminal), get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal / 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Hours: Late January - early March, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (last admission 3:30 p.m.)
Fee: 3,500 yen (sleeping bag and chair rental fee)
Website: https://ryuhyoyoku.com/
This experience allows you to walk on the drift ice that covers the Sea of Okhotsk. This is a special activity that can only be experienced in Shiretoko. You'll wear a dry suit, walk on the drift ice and even go into the sea to see it up close. If you're lucky you may even encounter some wildlife like the Steller's sea eagle, the white-tailed sea eagle, or the Clione, a type of small floating sea slug called the "sea angel".
Address: 187-8, Utoro-Nishi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido (the meeting point for the Drift Ice Walk is the Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoku; pick-up and drop-off is available within Utoro)
Access to Utoro Onsen: 50 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretokoshari Station (Shari Bus Terminal), get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal / 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Drift Ice Walk tour hours: 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. from early February to late March.
Fee: 6,000 yen (for elementary school students and older)
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.shinra.or.jp/ryuhyo_walk.html
Another way of enjoying drift ice is while cycling! Fatbikes have very thick tires, so they are stable even on snowy roads. Even if you are not used to riding on snowy roads, don't worry: a guide will accompany you so you can enjoy the ride.
Address: 812-2, Aza-Yobito, Abashiri, Hokkaido (Connectrip, meeting place)
Access to JR Kitahama Station: 20 minutes by Abashiri Bus Memanbetsu Airport Line from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Abashirikoso-mae bus stop, 7 minutes walk.
Fat Bike Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: 6,000 yen
Website (Japanese-only): https://connectrip-okhotsk.com/
During the drift ice season, special cruises are available in the Sea of Okhotsk. From January to March, three drift ice breakers operate in the areas of Monbetsu, Abashiri and Rausu. Enjoy the view of drift ice from a boat!
Address: 1 Kaiyou Kouen, Monbetsu, Hokkaido
Access to the boat pier: 8 minutes by free shuttle bus (Monbetsu Airport ⇔ Monbetsu Bus Terminal) from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, get off at Okhotsk Tower Iriguchi.
Hours: Early January to mid-March (4-5 boats per day)
Fare: Garinko-go II 3000 yen, Garinko-go III IMERU 3500 yen (junior high school students and older)
Website (machine-translated English only): https://o-tower.co.jp/
Address: 27-1 Honmachi, Rausu-cho, Hokkaido
Access to central Rausu: From Nakashibetsu Airport, take the Nemuro Kotsu Nakashibetsu Airport Line (approx. 10 mins), transfer at Nakashibetsu Terminal to the Akan Bus Kushiro-Rausu Line (approx. 1hr 30 mins), get off at Rausu.
Operation period: late January to mid-March (2 to 3 boats per day)
Fare: 4,400 yen for 1 hour, 8,800 yen for 2.5 hours (fees for bringing in photography equipment not included)
Website: https://www.e-shiretoko.com/
The JR Ryuhyo Monogatari sightseeing train runs between Abashiri Station and Shiretokoshari Station on the JR Senmo Main Line. The train travels at a leisurely pace with a view of the Sea of Okhotsk filled with drift ice. The Ryuhyo Monogatari Train only makes two round trips a day, so we recommend that you check the schedule in advance.
*The train that you see in the pictures below was in operation until 2020. From 2021 a new train will be in operation.
Address: JR Senmo Main Line Abashiri Station - Shiretokoshari Station
Access to Abashiri Station: 30 minutes on the Abashiri Bus Memanbetsu Airport Line from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Abashiri Station.
Operation period: January 30 - February 28, 2021 (2 round trips per day)
Fare: 970 yen one-way
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/travel/ryuhyo/
*Information is updated as of December 2020. Operation dates are subject to change.
While enjoying the beauty of winter Hokkaido, you can also enjoy some gourmet food and shopping. In Abashiri you will find many foods and souvenirs themed after drift ice.
Read the full article here ⇒ Enjoy Hokkaido Winter with "Drift Ice Gourmet"
*For more information about the East Hokkaido Express Bus, please visit the following website.
https://easthokkaido.com/en/expressbus_winter/
*The winter scenery can usually be enjoyed from January to February every year (subject to weather conditions). The Lake Akan Ice Festival is usually held from early February to early March. Please check the official website for details (Japanese-only).
https://www.tsurugagroup.com/plans/fuyu_hanabi/
*The above article is based on information from December 2020.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Be sure to check the official websites for updated information before your visit.
1. Drift Ice Bathing: A Healing Activity to Experience the Drift Ice
THE KIMUN-KAMUY opened on the Shiretoko Peninsula in February 2020. Here you can enjoy a new kind of activity called “Ryuhyou-yoku” which literally means "drift ice bathing". The concept is that of slowing down and taking the time to feel the scenery with all senses by making yourself literally "do nothing". Get all nice and comfy on a chair while wrapped in a sleeping bag on the drift ice coast of Shiretoko, and let yourself feel the drift ice.During the drift ice season, the air is so clear that you can see the ice horizon in the distance. Enjoy a view that you rarely get to see.
While you enjoy the view enveloped in silence, you can also sip on hot a drink.
You can also get a drone video taken. Don't forget to have your phone ready so they can give you the data after your experience!
Information
THE KIMUN-KAMUY | ザ・キムンカムイAddress: 361 Utoro-Higashi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
Access to Utoro Onsen: 50 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretokoshari Station (Shari Bus Terminal), get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal / 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Hours: Late January - early March, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (last admission 3:30 p.m.)
Fee: 3,500 yen (sleeping bag and chair rental fee)
Website: https://ryuhyoyoku.com/
2. Drift Ice Walk: Discover an Unusual and Mysterious World!
This experience allows you to walk on the drift ice that covers the Sea of Okhotsk. This is a special activity that can only be experienced in Shiretoko. You'll wear a dry suit, walk on the drift ice and even go into the sea to see it up close. If you're lucky you may even encounter some wildlife like the Steller's sea eagle, the white-tailed sea eagle, or the Clione, a type of small floating sea slug called the "sea angel".
It might look like we're just walking on snow, but we're actually on ice floating in the sea! The guide will lead the way while making sure everyone is safe.
Walking on the drift ice is a unique and precious experience.
This special dry suit with integrated shoes can be worn over regular clothes. It's both waterproof and buoyant, so you can play in the water and enjoy the drift ice without a worry.
Information
Shinra | シンラAddress: 187-8, Utoro-Nishi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido (the meeting point for the Drift Ice Walk is the Roadside Station Utoro-Shirietoku; pick-up and drop-off is available within Utoro)
Access to Utoro Onsen: 50 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretokoshari Station (Shari Bus Terminal), get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal / 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Drift Ice Walk tour hours: 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. from early February to late March.
Fee: 6,000 yen (for elementary school students and older)
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.shinra.or.jp/ryuhyo_walk.html
3. Fatbike: Enjoy Cycling While Watching the Drift Ice!
Another way of enjoying drift ice is while cycling! Fatbikes have very thick tires, so they are stable even on snowy roads. Even if you are not used to riding on snowy roads, don't worry: a guide will accompany you so you can enjoy the ride.
You will cycle along the Sea of Okhotsk. Be sure to wear warm clothes and protect yourself from the cold.
You can see the ice horizon in the distance. The magnificent presence of nature will make you forget about the cold.
This is another experience where you might get the chance to see some local wildlife as well!
Information
Connectrip | コネクトリップAddress: 812-2, Aza-Yobito, Abashiri, Hokkaido (Connectrip, meeting place)
Access to JR Kitahama Station: 20 minutes by Abashiri Bus Memanbetsu Airport Line from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Abashirikoso-mae bus stop, 7 minutes walk.
Fat Bike Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: 6,000 yen
Website (Japanese-only): https://connectrip-okhotsk.com/
4. Icebreaker Cruises: Introducing Three Drift Ice Sightseeing Boats
During the drift ice season, special cruises are available in the Sea of Okhotsk. From January to March, three drift ice breakers operate in the areas of Monbetsu, Abashiri and Rausu. Enjoy the view of drift ice from a boat!
■Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Garinko-go (Mombetsu)
The "Drift Ice Sightseeing Ship Garinko-go" crushes ice by rotating a propeller attached to the bow of the ship. The sound of the breaking ice, together with the oscillation of the ship make for a thrilling experience. In 2021, a new ship called the "Drift Ice Sightseeing Ship Garinko-go III IMERU," was launched. The new ship is able to travel faster and take passengers even deeper into the drift ice.
In the picture: Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Garinko-go III IMERU
Information
Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Garinko-go | 流氷観光船ガリンコ号Address: 1 Kaiyou Kouen, Monbetsu, Hokkaido
Access to the boat pier: 8 minutes by free shuttle bus (Monbetsu Airport ⇔ Monbetsu Bus Terminal) from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, get off at Okhotsk Tower Iriguchi.
Hours: Early January to mid-March (4-5 boats per day)
Fare: Garinko-go II 3000 yen, Garinko-go III IMERU 3500 yen (junior high school students and older)
Website (machine-translated English only): https://o-tower.co.jp/
■Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora
Photo courtesy of Abashiri City Tourism Association
Similar to an Antarctic sightseeing ship, the "Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora" is a sightseeing ship that rides its bow into the ice and breaks it using the power of its own weight. The cabins are on three levels, and from the highest one you can enjoy a stunning view.
Information
Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora | 網走流氷観光砕氷船 おーろら
Address: Roadside Station Michi no Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri, 4-5-1, Minami 3 Johigashi, Abashiri, Hokkaido
Access to the Roadside Station: From Memanbetsu Airport, take the Abashiri Bus (Memanbetsu Airport Line) for about 40 minutes, and get off at the Aurora Terminal (the bus bound for the Aurora Terminal operates only when Aurora is in operation. During other times, get off at Abashiri Bus Terminal and take a taxi or walk.
Operation period: mid-January to early April (2 to 6 boats per day)
Fare: 3,500 yen
Website: https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/
■Shiretoko Nature Cruise (Rausu)
A cruise ship piloted by an experienced captain will take you to the winter sea where drift ice floats. Not only will you be able to follow the wildlife, but if the timing is right, you can also watch the pollock fishing boats from up close.
Information
Shiretoko Nature Cruise | 知床ネイチャークルーズAddress: 27-1 Honmachi, Rausu-cho, Hokkaido
Access to central Rausu: From Nakashibetsu Airport, take the Nemuro Kotsu Nakashibetsu Airport Line (approx. 10 mins), transfer at Nakashibetsu Terminal to the Akan Bus Kushiro-Rausu Line (approx. 1hr 30 mins), get off at Rausu.
Operation period: late January to mid-March (2 to 3 boats per day)
Fare: 4,400 yen for 1 hour, 8,800 yen for 2.5 hours (fees for bringing in photography equipment not included)
Website: https://www.e-shiretoko.com/
5. JR Ryuhyo Monogatari: Enjoy the View of Drift Ice From a Train Window!
The JR Ryuhyo Monogatari sightseeing train runs between Abashiri Station and Shiretokoshari Station on the JR Senmo Main Line. The train travels at a leisurely pace with a view of the Sea of Okhotsk filled with drift ice. The Ryuhyo Monogatari Train only makes two round trips a day, so we recommend that you check the schedule in advance.
*The train that you see in the pictures below was in operation until 2020. From 2021 a new train will be in operation.
From the train window, you can gaze at the drift ice that has washed up on the shore, and enjoy its power and beauty. If the weather is good, you can also see the Shiretoko mountain range in the distance.
The ride is about 1 hour each way. The Ryuhyo Monogatari No. 1 slows down between Katsuradai and Masuura (near Abashiri Port), Kitahama and Hama-koshimizu (near the Tofutsugawa Bridge), and Hamakoshimizu and Yamubetsu (near the Tomobetsu River Bridge), where the scenery is best.
From the observatory adjacent to the Kitahama station building, you can see the Shiretoko mountain range and drift ice, and since the train stops for about 10 minutes (only on the Abashiri-Shiretokoshari route, not on the way back), you can hop off for a quick photo opportunity.
Photo by JR Hokkaido
Information
JR Ryuhyo Monogatari Train | JR流氷物語号Address: JR Senmo Main Line Abashiri Station - Shiretokoshari Station
Access to Abashiri Station: 30 minutes on the Abashiri Bus Memanbetsu Airport Line from Memanbetsu Airport, get off at Abashiri Station.
Operation period: January 30 - February 28, 2021 (2 round trips per day)
Fare: 970 yen one-way
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/travel/ryuhyo/
*Information is updated as of December 2020. Operation dates are subject to change.
Bonus: Drift ice gourmet and shopping!
While enjoying the beauty of winter Hokkaido, you can also enjoy some gourmet food and shopping. In Abashiri you will find many foods and souvenirs themed after drift ice.
Read the full article here ⇒ Enjoy Hokkaido Winter with "Drift Ice Gourmet"
A Travel Itinerary to Help You Plan Your Trip
Drift ice spots are scattered along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. In winter, JR and local buses are the main means of transportation. Below, we have come up with an example of a travel itinerary that includes the spots introduced in this article. We also included accommodation spots, transportation info and additional sightseeing spots along the way.
■5-Day Travel Itinerary
Kushiro Airport
↓
Bus
↓
○Akan River
○"Frost Flowers" in Akanko Onsen
○Lake Akan Ice Festival
Akanko Onsen (accommodation)
↓
East Hokkaido Express Bus
Akan→Notsuke&Nakashibetsu→Utoro No.7
↓
○Ice horizon
○Scenic spot "Road to Sky"
○Drift ice and sunset
Utoro Onsen (accommodation)
↓
●Drift Ice Bathing
●Drift Ice Walk
↓
Bus
↓
Shiretokoshari Station
↓
●JR Ryuhyo Monogatari Train
Abashiri (accommodation, 2 nights)
↓
Bus
↓
●Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora
●Fatbike
↓
East Hokkaido Express Bus
Akan→Notsuke&Nakashibetsu→Utoro No.7
↓
●Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Garinko-go
Abashiri
↓
Bus
↓
Memanbetsu Airport
*For more information about the East Hokkaido Express Bus, please visit the following website.
https://easthokkaido.com/en/expressbus_winter/
*The winter scenery can usually be enjoyed from January to February every year (subject to weather conditions). The Lake Akan Ice Festival is usually held from early February to early March. Please check the official website for details (Japanese-only).
https://www.tsurugagroup.com/plans/fuyu_hanabi/
*The above article is based on information from December 2020.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change. Be sure to check the official websites for updated information before your visit.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 02 22,2021 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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