Around the end of January, when the severity of winter increases, drift ice arrives in the Sea of Okhotsk every year. Why not take a one-hour drift ice viewing cruise on the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Ohrora, which dynamically breaks up the drift ice as it passes by.

The ship is heated for your comfort. The first-floor cabins are unreservedly furnished with sofas facing the sea, and the side deck, which is connected to the cabins, is a comfortable place to sit on a sofa facing the sea. The first-floor guest rooms are unreservedly furnished with sofas facing the sea, and the side deck is connected to the guest rooms, offering the best view of the drift ice from the closest point on the ocean. For those who wish to spend a more relaxing time, we recommend the special guest rooms on the second floor. These are reserved seats where you can watch the ship break up the drift ice as it moves forward. The first 50 seats in the special guest rooms are limited, so be sure to check in early. For a more dynamic experience, go to the observation deck. The sound and impact of the ice floes breaking up is a powerful sight to behold.

The drift ice sightseeing icebreaker operates from late January to late March. Direct buses run from Memanbetsu Airport and Abashiri Station for easy access. If you are lucky, you may see seals lying on the drift ice, Steller's sea eagles resting their wings, and other wildlife.

In 2023, a new small sightseeing ship, the Oorora 3, will be in operation. There will be a new experience of underwater drone to capture real-time images of ice floes from under the sea and project them on the ship's monitor. The emerald green color of the ship's hull reflects the desire to create a new era together with the great nature of Abashiri's drift ice and Shiretoko's World Natural Heritage site.

*Please be sure to check the organizer's official website for information on the status of the event.