Drift ice

Eastern Hokkaido (Do-to)

Location of the world’s furthest southern drift ice observation

Hokkaido is the world’s furthest southern area where drift ice (ryuhyo) reaches the seashore. From around early February, drift ice floes start arriving on the Hokkaido shores of the Sea of Okhotsk — gradually nearing Monbetsu and Abashiri, moving around the Shiretoko Peninsula, and eventually reaching the shore of Rausu. On the Monbetsu seashore, the furthest northern point in Hokkaido for drift ice observation, you can encounter an entirely frozen seascape. At Rausu and Nemuro to the south of Shiretoko, drift ice can sometimes be observed in April, and the floes are smaller. What kind of seascape do you want to see? Choose an observation point depending on the location and the season when you can visit.

A large vessel to see striking seascapes, or a small boat for swift maneuvering?

Ice floes can be viewed from inland, but if you’d like to observe the drift ice seascapes at closer range, it’s best to take a cruise tour. Various cruisers (large and small) are available at each departure point. Popular large vessels include the Aurora with capacity for approx. 400 passengers and the icebreaker Garinko-go II, which has drilling equipment to grind a path through the drift ice. On the other hand, it’s exciting fun to be aboard a small boat with capacity about 10 people, following wild sea creatures and fishing vessels seeking a catch. Due to limited cruise availability, you usually need a reservation for such tours.

Sunrise and sunset — the best times for drift ice experience

If you want more dramatic adventures in drift ice viewing, try sunrise or sunset cruises departing from port at dawn or dusk. You can witness the sky dyed red by the sun above drift ice floes with pale blue faces emerging from the sea. And you may encounter fantastic seascapes with sea eagles and white-tailed eagles swooping over the ice. Such dynamic scenes are the coolest part of travel in Hokkaido.

For reference

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Price

Boarding fare of drift ice (ryuhyo) cruises ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 yen.
Recommended seasons

February to March

Access

(1) Access to the nearest airport to Monbetsu (Monbetsu Airport)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 1 hour and 40 minutes

(2) Access to the nearest airport to Abashiri (Memanbetsu Airport)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 2 hours
From New Kansai International Airport - 2 hours and 30 minutes
From Chūbu Centrair International Airport - 2 hours
From New Chitose Airport - 50 minutes
* 30 minutes by shuttle bus from Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Station

(3) Access to the nearest airport to Rausu (Nakashibetu Airport)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 1 hour and 30 minutes
From New Chitose Airport - 50 minutes
*10 minutes by train from Nakashibetsu Airport to Nakashibetsu Bus Terminal and then
1 hour and 30 minutes by bus from Nakashibetsu Bus Terminal to Rausu
* As of September 2014