The Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora" (網走流氷観光砕氷船おーろら), was uploaded by "Aurora Channel" (おーろら チャンネル).

One of the most spectacular winter sights in the Sea of Okhotsk, east of Hokkaido, is drift ice. When the drift ice arrives in Abashiri, the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora becomes active.
In this video, you can see the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora moving boldly through the drift ice blanketing the surface of the sea. Enjoy the magnificent view of the drift ice and even a majestic Steller's sea eagle taking off from the pure white drift ice!

When Can You See Drift Ice in Abashiri?

Photo：Drift ice seen from the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora

The best time to see drift ice in Abashiri, located in eastern Hokkaido, is usually from mid-February to early March.

The first day of the drift ice season (the first day when drift ice is visible to the naked eye from the coast) is in late January. After that, the first contact between the drift ice and the shore is usually in early to mid-February, and the best time to see drift ice is any time after that. After the drift ice has reached the coastline, there are no navigable waterways for ships.

Abashiri's drift ice comes from the fresh water of the Amur River, which flows along the border between China and Russia. The fresh water poured into the Sea of Okhotsk becomes small ice cubes when exposed to the severe cold at sea. The small pieces of ice are then carried by cold seasonal winds and ocean currents, and slowly move southward across the Sea of Okhotsk, forming large chunks. Then, in late January or early February, the large blocks of ice arrive off the coast of Abashiri.

The Tentozan Observation Deck, which is attached to the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum (オホーツク流氷館, Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum), is a popular tourist spot, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the ice floes from a great distance.

Drift Ice Cruises on the Aurora, a Sightseeing Ice Breaker – Reservations, Prices, & More

Photo：Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora

The Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora is a large ship with the power to break the ice. The ship's ice-breaking mechanism can withstand heavy impacts, and the power of the ship's ice-breaking system is impressive as it boldly hits the ice floes and breaks them into pieces.
[Video] 3:15 - Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora Breaking a Large Piece of Ice

On board the Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora, passengers can view the drift ice from various locations.
・On the observation deck, passengers can enjoy the powerful sound of the ice floes breaking.
・The first-floor guest rooms are unreserved seating with sofas facing the sea, and the first-floor deck offers the best view of the ice floes from the lowest point near the surface of the sea.
・The special guest room at the front of the second floor offers a view of the ice breaking from comfortable seating. Special seating cannot be reserved in advance. Seats are limited to the first 50 arrivals on the day of the tour.
Below is information on how to make reservations for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora, as well as the fees and required time.

●Reservations
Reservations for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora can be made by phone or via the Internet.
If there are still rooms available on the day of the tour, you can board without a reservation, but advance reservations are more reliable.

●Fees
Individual Adults: ¥4,000, Elementary school students: ¥2,000
Groups (15 or more people): Adults: ¥3,600, Elementary school students: ¥1,800
Special seating: +¥400/Payment on the day: cash only

●Time required
Approximately 1 hour

Location Information + Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri

Photo：Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri

The arrival and departure terminals for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora are located at Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri. The tourist information center on the first floor of the Roadside Station provides not only tourist information, but also information on local events, dining, and a variety of other information. In addition, during the winter, information on drift ice is provided via satellite.

There's also a corner selling local specialties with a variety of unique souvenirs from Abashiri, and a multi-purpose exchange space where events are held.
At the take-out corner and food court, you can taste popular dishes of Abashiri, such as Abashiri Burgers, Abashiri Zangi Manju (steamed buns with a unique type of fried chicken), Drift Ice Soft Serve ice cream, Drift Ice Curry and more.

You can fill your stomach while waiting to board the ship, buy souvenirs, or walk along the deck and enjoy a view of the Abashiri River, the Sea of Okhotsk, and Boshi Iwa (a rock shaped like a hat).

Summary of the Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora is 10 minutes from Abashiri Station by direct bus from the city center. There are no age restrictions, so families can board the ship together.

This is a winter-only, Hokkaido-only drift ice sightseeing tour. On a clear day, the contrast between the blue sky and the pure white drift ice floating on the sea makes for beautiful photos.
We recommend wearing outerwear that is easy to put on and take off, such as a windproof down jacket, and hats and gloves to protect yourself from the cold and wind. Please come to Abashiri to see the spectacular winter scenery.

If you are lucky, you may see seals and Steller's sea eagles too!
[Video] 2:36 - A Steller's Sea Eagle Resting Its Wings on Drift Ice

【Official Website】Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora