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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Abashiri Drift Ice & Aurora Icebreaker

Abashiri & ShiretokoDrift ice & frozen lake❄ Best season: Late Jan – Early Mar
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Overview

Overview

Abashiri, where drift ice pushes in across the Sea of Okhotsk, is the leading base for drift ice sightseeing in winter Hokkaido. On the Aurora drift ice sightseeing icebreaker, you can feel the power of the ship crushing through the ice and see the drift ice fields spread out like white land right in front of you.

Address
Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri, 4-5-1 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Abashiri, Hokkaido 093-0003
Closures & winter suspensions
The small ship Aurora 3 does not sail when there is no drift ice. Sailings may also be cancelled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached
Official website
https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually late January to early March
December
January
February
March

Wind and currents can push the drift ice offshore, and in some years there are days when it cannot be seen. When there is no drift ice, the large Aurora runs a sea cruise to Cape Notoro instead

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

The Aurora icebreaker departs from Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri and has a spacious heated cabin as well as outdoor observation decks, so even people who dislike the cold can view the drift ice fields. On land, Cape Notoro, with cliffs 40–50 m high, is a famous spot for viewing drift ice; when the ice reaches the shore, the whole sea is covered in ice.

📷 Best views
Aurora drift ice sightseeing icebreaker

The classic experience of viewing the drift ice fields up close from a ship breaking through the ice

Cape Notoro

A famous spot looking down from 40–50 m cliffs over a sea covered white with drift ice that has reached the shore

Hours

Opening hours

Aurora departure times in January9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00

The number of sailings and times change in February and March. Check the official website for the latest timetable

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Aurora regular route (individuals)Adults ¥5,000 (¥6,000 in February), elementary school students ¥2,500 (¥3,000 in February)

Junior high school students and older pay the adult fare; preschoolers free. Special seats cost an extra ¥500 (first come, first served on board on the day). Fares may be revised, so check the official website for the latest

Aurora offshore route (individuals)Adults ¥9,800, elementary school students ¥4,900

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓On the Aurora you can also watch the drift ice from the spacious heated cabin, so it is fine even if you dislike the cold
  • ✓At the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum’s -15°C experience room, you can touch real drift ice even on days when it cannot be seen at sea
  • ✓If you drive to Cape Notoro, watch out for icy roads; if you are not used to winter driving, use public transport or a tour
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Abashiri Station (JR Sekihoku Main Line and Senmo Main Line)About 10 min by bus, about 8 min by carBoarding is at Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri
From major stations & airports
  • Memanbetsu Airport: Car (About 30 min)
Driving & winter roads
Use the parking lot at Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri (free). Cape Notoro has free parking for 40 cars
Getting back
  • Check in for boarding about 20 minutes before departure. Reservations for extra sailings open once they are confirmed to run
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
February normals for Abashiri: high -2.0°C, low -9.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Winds are strong at sea and on the cape, so it feels even colder
What to wear & bring
Wear a heavy down jacket or similar with a hat, gloves and a neck warmer. On the deck and the cape, gear that covers your ears and non-slip winter boots are essential
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Check in for boarding about 20 minutes before departure
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Available at Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Abashiri Drift Ice & Aurora IcebreakerPR

PRSee more places to stay near Abashiri Drift Ice & Aurora Icebreaker on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Hokkaido

Old town

Otaru Canal in Winter

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Jan

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookAbashiri & Shiretoko Utoro Private Charter (5 or 7 Hours)A private car plan traveling between Abashiri and Shiretoko Utoro. You can combine the Aurora drift ice sightseeing icebreaker, Abashiri Prison, the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum and moreView