1 Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora

The icebreaker ship "Aurora" is a classic for winter drift ice sightseeing. The power of the ship as it vibrates while crashing through the vast sheets of ice on the Sea of Okhotsk is a breathtaking sight. The condition of the drift ice changes with the day's weather, so part of the cruise's charm is not knowing what kind of scenery you'll see. If you're lucky, you might even spot Steller's sea eagles or seals relaxing on the ice.

2 Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum

This facility not only features real drift ice on display but also allows you to experience the changing scenery of a day in Abashiri with drift ice in a magical space enhanced by light and sound. The "Drift Ice Undersea Live" exhibit uses 360-degree camera footage to make you feel as if you're actually diving into the sea of drift ice. The impressive "Five-Sided Theater" showcases 4K footage of drift ice and the creatures and nature that live beneath it. Additionally, the rooftop observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view throughout the seasons.

3 Cape Notoro

At Cape Notoro, which juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk, you'll find only a lighthouse and its office. With nothing to obstruct the view, the scenery is absolutely stunning! You can see the Sea of Okhotsk, Lake Notoro, the coast of Tokoro Town, and even the distant Shiretoko Mountain Range. In winter, you can look directly down at the drift ice surging into the Sea of Okhotsk. Enjoy the vast nature of Hokkaido and a landscape that can only be seen on the Sea of Okhotsk.

1 The 60th Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

This is a major winter event in Abashiri, the town of drift ice. It features a variety of attractions, including the ever-popular ice slide, snow and ice sculptures created by locals, a drift ice ring toss where you can win luxurious seafood like crab, and stage events. You can also enjoy local Abashiri dishes that will warm you up, such as Abashiri Champon noodles and shijimi clam soup.

2 Enjoy with All Five Senses!! Fat Bike Experience Tour

This is an experience tour where you can enjoy the harsh winter of Abashiri with all five senses while riding a fat bike with thick tires. You'll cycle along the Okhotsk coastline, which is covered in drift ice in the middle of winter. What you'll see of the sea depends on the day. A guide will accompany you, so it's safe for everyone from fat bike beginners to adults and children.

3 Frozen Waterfall Snow Adventure

This is a walking activity to see the stunning scenery of drift ice and a frozen waterfall. You'll take a leisurely stroll through a quiet, glistening white forest on snowshoes, heading towards the dynamic frozen waterfall and the drift ice floating on the Sea of Okhotsk. Walking along the Okhotsk coast where the drift ice has come ashore is a powerful experience.

4 Drift Ice Kayak Experience

This is a tour for a grand adventure on the winter Sea of Okhotsk by kayak. You can experience the magical sea, dotted with floating drift ice, up close from your kayak.

1 Drift Ice Sightseeing Ship Garinko-go

When it comes to drift ice sightseeing in Monbetsu, it's all about the "Drift Ice Sightseeing Ship Garinko-go," which plows forward with its large drills. The sight of the ship's hull breaking through the ice and the shattered pieces jostling and piling up is truly powerful. Experience the beautiful colors created by the broken ice and seawater, and a mystical world that can only be seen by those on board. Two ships are in operation: the predecessor "Garinko-go II" and the "Garinko-go III IMERU."

2 Okhotsk Tower

This is the world's first underwater observation tower in an ice-covered sea, standing at the end of a breakwater about one kilometer from the coast. From the observation room, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Okhotsk scenery. On the seabed floor, there are 11 underwater windows for observing marine life, a photo corner featuring sea angels (clione), and exhibits on the marine creatures of the Sea of Okhotsk. You can observe the diverse ecology of marine life not just during the winter drift ice season, but throughout the year.

3 Hokkaido Okhotsk Ryuhyo Science Center "GIZA"

Located by the Sea of Okhotsk, this science museum allows you to experience drift ice. Its main attraction is the exhibit rooms where you can actually see, touch, and experience things related to drift ice. The Severe Cold Experience Room, which recreates a mid-winter world of -20°C, is a popular corner. You can also touch real drift ice on display and try making frozen soap bubbles.

1 The 62nd Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival

This is Monbetsu's major winter event, where you can enjoy magical ice sculptures and a variety of events. The main ice sculpture, a replica of "Sojiji Soin Temple" made from natural ice prized for its clarity, is a masterpiece! There are also plenty of activities, including the "Okhotsk Drift Ice Pulling Human Ban'ei Race," held for the first time in five years, an ice slide, and an ice rink. Furthermore, there will be stage events featuring popular comedians and enka singers, as well as a food market with delicious Monbetsu cuisine.

2 Drift Ice Excursion 2025

This is an experience event where you can fully enjoy the winter scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk covered in drift ice. While walking a 2.5km snow path, you can learn deeply about wild birds and drift ice with commentary from an expert guide on the Shiokaze no Hama beach. A walk through the magnificent nature in the clear air is exceptional. After reaching the goal, warm tonjiru (pork and vegetable soup) will be served to warm you up body and soul. You can also enjoy winter activities like snow rafting and banana boating.

1 Cape Puyuni

A famous spot for its spectacular views, offering a panoramic look at the beautiful Okhotsk coastline and Utoro Port. Located on the uphill road from Utoro to the Shiretoko Nature Center, it's one of the first places on the Sea of Okhotsk where you can see drift ice in winter. You can even see the mountains of Akan-Mashu National Park in the far distance. The daytime view is, of course, wonderful, but it's also a great spot for sunsets, where the contrast between the drift ice and the setting sun enhances the beauty of the scene.

2 Ikushina Primeval Flower Garden

This is a scenic spot facing the Sea of Okhotsk with views of the Shiretoko Mountain Range. From February to March, you can see the vast expanse of drift ice up close as it covers the sea. In contrast, from late June to late July in early summer, the area is filled with blooming rugosa roses and Ezzo daylilies, creating a unique atmosphere typical of a primeval flower garden. It's a spot where you can experience the charm of Okhotsk's nature in every season.

1 Godzilla Rock Sightseeing Drift Ice Walk

This is an activity where you can freely enjoy the drift ice that comes to Shiretoko by walking on it, climbing on the ice, and at times, even floating in the chilly sea. Even if you can't swim, you can move around comfortably by wearing a dry suit made of buoyant material.

2 Shinra Drift Ice Walk®

An activity to experience the Sea of Okhotsk, covered in pure white ice. The field of drift ice stretching far into the Sea of Okhotsk is a magnificent sight.