The drift ice, a winter messenger from the Sea of Okhotsk in eastern Hokkaido.
The drift ice season is drawing to a close in the areas facing the Sea of Okhotsk. In various locations, you can still have precious experiences like seeing, touching, and even walking on the drift ice!

The sight of the ice floes jostling and piling up, and the sound of them grinding together, known as "ryuhyo-naki" (the cry of the drift ice), are truly captivating. However, cruising through the sparser ice as spring approaches is also highly recommended. Here are some ways you can enjoy the drift ice season to the fullest.

(If you want to learn more about drift ice, check this out! → "Hokkaido's Winter Spectacle! Do You Really Know About Drift Ice?")

Enjoying Drift Ice in Shari Town (Shiretoko)

(Photo courtesy of SHINRA (Shiretoko Nature Guide Tour Inc.))

The "Drift Ice Walk" in Shari Town is a special tour where you wear a special drysuit and walk on the drift ice floating on the sea surface. A guide ensures your safety, so you can relax and enjoy! The route and difficulty level change depending on the day's ice conditions, offering a new experience each time.

(Photo courtesy of Shiretoko Arpa)

With the "Drift Ice Kayak & Walk" in Shari Town, you can enjoy a mini-voyage, floating in a kayak among the drift ice. Paddle your way to a large ice floe and land on it with your kayak. Since you'll be wearing a drysuit, you can even float in the sea with the ice! This unique Drift Ice Kayak & Walk experience is said to be available only in Shiretoko.

Enjoying Drift Ice in Monbetsu City

The "Icebreaker Ship Garinko-go" cruises through the ice-filled waters of Monbetsu, plowing forward by crushing the vast expanse of Okhotsk Sea drift ice with its large drills. It's a thrilling cruise where you can witness the mystical colors created by the broken ice and seawater, and the powerful sight of crushed ice rising up alongside the ship. Only those on board can see and experience this wondrous and captivating world.
Located by the Sea of Okhotsk in Monbetsu City, the Hokkaido Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Science Center "GIZA" has real drift ice on display. The Sub-zero Experience Room recreates a -20°C world, where you can directly touch the displayed drift ice and participate in experiments. Being indoors, you can enjoy the drift ice even on days with bad weather.

Enjoying Drift Ice in Abashiri City

(Photo courtesy of Abashiri City Tourism Association)

The "A Tour for All Five Senses!! Fat Bike Experience" held in Abashiri City is a tour where you cycle along the Okhotsk coastline, where drift ice gathers in the middle of winter. There are a total of four courses: three with predetermined destinations and one where you can specify your own destination, allowing you to choose based on your fat bike experience and the scenery you want to see.
There are many other tours, experiences, and exhibition facilities in the Okhotsk coastal region, so be sure to look for them!
These are sights and experiences that can only be found in a limited area of the vast Hokkaido, so don't miss this opportunity to enjoy them.

*Please note that you may not be able to see the drift ice depending on the weather. Always check the official websites for the latest information.
*It is dangerous to climb onto the drift ice on your own. Please be sure to participate in tours or events organized by the respective municipalities.