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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Jewelry Ice (Otsu Beach, Toyokoro)

ToyokoroDrift ice & frozen lake❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

At Otsu Beach near the mouth of the Tokachi River, clear chunks of ice wash up on the sand in midwinter and sparkle like jewels in the morning sun. Known as Jewelry Ice, it is a spectacular sight unique to Tokachi in winter.

Address
Otsu Beach, Otsu Motomachi, Toyokoro-cho, Nakagawa-gun, Hokkaido 089-5461
Official website
https://www.toyokoro.jp/site/kanko/1401.html
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually mid-January to late February
December
January
February

The amount of ice washed ashore varies greatly from day to day with the weather and waves

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

Highlights

Highlights

Ice that freezes on the Tokachi River flows out into the Pacific, and clear pieces, their edges smoothed by the waves, line the beach. Their colors change with the time of day in the light of sunrise and sunset, and they look especially beautiful in the cold hours around sunrise.

📷 Best views
Otsu Beach (sandy beach near the Tokachi River mouth)

Clear chunks of ice lined up on the sand, sparkling in the morning sun

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The best time is around 6:30–7:30, before and after sunrise
  • ✓Footing on the ice and frozen sand is unstable and slippery, so take care
Access

Getting there

From major stations & airports
  • Obihiro Station: Car (About 60 min)
  • Obihiro Airport: Car (About 60 min)
Driving & winter roads
100 spaces (free). There is no public transport, so come by car or on a tour
Getting back
  • The nearest convenience store is about 20 km away, so bring drinks and other supplies in advance
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Obihiro: high -1.5°C, low -13.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The beach can fall below -20°C in the early morning, with wind chill reaching -25 to -30°C
What to wear & bring
Prepare for extreme early-morning cold with a heavy down jacket, insulated pants, a hat, gloves, a face mask, snow boots and hand warmers
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Keep quiet near homes. Be especially careful about noise and idling engines in the early morning
  • !Stay away from the water’s edge, as there is a danger of being swept away by high waves
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
In winter, toilets near the beach are open 24 hours (for a limited period)
Attractions

Attractions in Obihiro & Tokachi

Zoo

Obihiro Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Obihiro & Tokachi

A city-run zoo inside Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro. In addition to its summer season from spring to autumn, it opens on weekends and holidays from December to February for the winter season. Admission is free for junior high school age and under, and with its play area it's a family-friendly zoo.

See all attractions →
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

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