At this time of year, "drift ice" is the winter weather report from the Sea of Okhotsk in the eastern part of Hokkaido. This area of Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where drift ice can be seen! This year, too, we are looking forward to the news of drift ice from the area facing the Sea of Okhotsk. However, do you really know how drift ice is formed and where it comes from?

What is drift ice?

Ice floes are ice floating in the sea, but to be precise, they are sea ice, which is ice frozen from ocean water. Sea ice drifting in the ocean currents is called drift ice, while sea ice that is stuck to the shoreline and does not move is called established ice, which is distinguished from drift ice.

Where does drift ice come from?

Here is an approximate map.

In the Sea of Okhotsk, strong northwesterly monsoon from Siberia blows out to the sea, causing sea ice to form one after another on the coasts, which is then carried away by the East Karafuto Current. The sea ice that flows along the eastern coast of Sakhalin comes to the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido, with the ice thickened by the cold.

It is not only drift ice that comes down the coast!

Clione, the "drift ice angel" (drift ice fairy), also arrives with the drift ice.

Despite their cute appearance, clione are said to have a scary eating habit. In addition to clione, seals and white-tailed boobies that have come from Russia to overwinter on the drift ice can also be seen.

What are the "first day of drift ice," "first day of drift ice berthing," and "last day of drift ice" that we often hear about?

You often hear "first day of drift ice" and "first day of drift ice berthing" in news reports. What is the difference? Have you ever wondered? Here is a simple and easy-to-understand introduction!

First day of drift ice: The day when drift ice can be seen from land with the naked eye.
The first day of drift ice: The first day when the coast is covered with drift ice and ships can no longer operate (excluding drift ice sightseeing boats).
Last day of drift ice: The day when drift ice is last seen from observation points.

Areas where drift ice can be seen and recommended spots to enjoy drift ice

Drift ice can be seen in Wakkanai City, Monbetsu City, Abashiri City, Shari Town, Rausu Town and other areas along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in eastern Hokkaido.

1 Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Garinko (Monbetsu City )

This drift ice sightseeing ship uses a large drill to break up drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. The mysterious sight of the broken drift ice floating up from the side of the ship can be enjoyed up close from the ship. The sound and vibration of the ice breaking up the drift ice is very powerful. The sound and vibration of the ice floes breaking up is a powerful experience, different from the ice floes seen from the land. In addition to regular cruises, there are also watching cruises and other cruises.

2 Tentozan Observatory and Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum (Abashiri City)

This facility features real drift ice exhibits and creatures that live in the Sea of Okhotsk. A theater with 4K video footage of drift ice, creatures living under the drift ice, and other wonderful natural images can be enjoyed in a realistic atmosphere. The panoramic view from the rooftop can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.

3 Cape Puyuni (Shari Town)

Famous for its spectacular view and sunset, Cape Puyuni offers a panoramic view of the Okhotsk coastline and Utoro Harbor, where drift ice spreads out. You can see as far as the mountains of Akan-Mashu National Park in the distance, and enjoy the drift ice and magnificent nature. This is a popular point in the Sea of Okhotsk where you can see the drift ice early.

4 Drift Ice and Ice Booms / Ryugudai Observation Deck (Yubetsu Town )

Ryugudai Observation Deck is a great place to observe drift ice so close you can almost touch it. The ice boom, which was built to prevent damage to oyster and scallop aquaculture facilities due to drift ice entering Lake Saroma, makes the drift ice even more attractive.

Please enjoy the best part of winter, which can only be seen in the Sea of Okhotsk.
*There is a possibility that you may not be able to see the drift ice due to weather conditions. Please be sure to check the official website.

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