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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Mombetsu Drift Ice & Garinko Icebreaker

MombetsuDrift ice & frozen lake❄ Best season: Mid Feb – Early Mar
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Overview

Overview

Mombetsu, facing the Sea of Okhotsk, is a drift ice sightseeing town on par with Abashiri. On the Garinko icebreaker, which crushes drift ice with large drills at its bow as it moves forward, you can head out onto the sea of drift ice.

Address
Kaiyo Koryukan Garinko Station, 1 Kaiyo Koen, Mombetsu, Hokkaido 094-0031
Closures & winter suspensions
Sailings that do not reach the minimum number of passengers (15) are cancelled
Time needed
About 60 min (may be extended)
Official website
https://o-tower.co.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually first sighted in late January, peaking from mid-February to early March
December
January
February
March

Drift ice moves toward and away from the shore with the wind and currents, so it may not be visible even on days the ship sails

This season’s events & operating dates

Garinko III IMERU 2027 winter cruises run daily January 15 – March 31

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

Highlights

Highlights

The biggest highlight of the Garinko III IMERU is the way it smashes through drift ice with two giant drills at its bow. You can enjoy up close the sight of broken ice floating up alongside the hull and the colors created by the ice and seawater.

📷 Best views
Garinko III IMERU

See the drift ice fields up close from a ship drilling its way through the ice

Hours

Opening hours

January departure times10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00

More sailings from February. Check-in opens 60 minutes and closes 30 minutes before departure

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

Admission

Admission & fares

Garinko III IMERU drift ice sightseeing cruiseAdults (13 and over) ¥5,000, children (ages 6–12) ¥2,500, age 5 and under free

Discounts available for people with disabilities

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

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Advance booking is recommended. Same-day boarding is possible if seats are available
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Okhotsk Mombetsu AirportAbout 10 min by car
From major stations & airports
  • Ukishima IC (Asahikawa-Mombetsu Expressway): Car (About 90 min)
Driving & winter roads
400 spaces at Garinko Station (free)
Getting back
  • In winter, the Gariya-go shuttle bus connects sightseeing spots and hotels (daily in February, weekends only in January and March)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
It gets crowded in the height of the drift ice season, so advance booking is recommended
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
February normals for Abashiri: high -2.0°C, low -9.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The wind at sea is cold
What to wear & bring
Warm outerwear, thermal base layers, thick socks and waterproof shoes with grip. On board, gloves, hand warmers, a knit hat and ear muffs are reassuring
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Check-in opens 60 minutes and closes 30 minutes before departure
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Mombetsu Drift Ice & Garinko IcebreakerPR

PRSee more places to stay near Mombetsu Drift Ice & Garinko 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

PRKlookMombetsu Icebreaker, Asahiyama Zoo & Sounkyo 2-Day Tour from SapporoA 2-day, 1-night bus tour from and back to Sapporo. Board the Garinko III in Mombetsu and also visit Asahiyama Zoo and Sounkyo (Chinese-speaking guide)View