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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Shiretoko Utoro Drift Ice

Utoro, ShariDrift ice & frozen lake❄ Best season: Late Jan – Early Mar
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Overview

Overview

At Utoro, the gateway to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, the Sea of Okhotsk is covered in drift ice in winter. Besides viewing the white sea from observation points, guided tours where you put on a special dry suit and walk on the drift ice are popular.

Address
Utoro, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido 099-4100
Time needed
The drift ice walk takes about 1.5 hours
Official website
https://www.shiretoko.asia/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually late January to early March
December
January
February
March

The drift ice can move offshore, and when it arrives and reaches the shore varies greatly from year to year

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

Highlights

Highlights

Cape Puyuni near Utoro is known as the spot where drift ice can be seen earliest on the Sea of Okhotsk, and the drift ice fields tinted by the setting sun are magical. On a guided drift ice walk, you can put on a dry suit, walk on the drift ice and float in the sea between the floes.

📷 Best views
Cape Puyuni Observation Point

A sweeping view of Utoro Port and the Sea of Okhotsk. One of the Eight Views of Shiretoko, beautiful with drift ice and the setting sun

Admission

Admission & fares

Drift ice walk (guided tour)Adults from ¥7,000

Prices and times vary by guide company and season. For ages from elementary school to 74, with requirements for height, weight and more

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

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓To walk on the drift ice, join a drift ice walk run by a guide company that lends a full dry suit set (there are requirements for age, build and more)
  • ✓There are no toilets at Cape Puyuni, so use the ones in Utoro town or at the Shiretoko Nature Center first
  • ✓If you are not used to winter driving, a bus or tour is the safer choice
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal (Shari Bus Shiretoko Line)About 5 min by bus to Cape Puyuni
From major stations & airports
  • Shiretoko-Shari Station: Shari Bus Shiretoko Line (About 40 min)
  • Memanbetsu Airport: Car (About 90 min)
Driving & winter roads
Cape Puyuni has no dedicated parking; use the Shiretoko Nature Center parking lot
Getting back
  • Buses are limited in winter, so check the return services in advance
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). Utoro is on the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula and exposed to the wind
What to wear & bring
A heavy down jacket, a hat, gloves, a neck warmer and non-slip, waterproof winter boots. Dry suits are provided for the drift ice walk
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
None at Cape Puyuni. Use facilities such as Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shiretoko Utoro Drift IcePR

PRSee more places to stay near Shiretoko Utoro Drift Ice 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 customize destinations such as the Shiretoko Five Lakes and Oshinkoshin FallsView