Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing ＆ Icebreaker Ship "Aurora"
- An exciting experience as you move forward while breaking through the drifting ice: It's as if you can feel the breath of the earth.
- The peace of mind and comfort of a large ship: You can enjoy viewing the drifting ice in comfort, even in the frigid Sea of Okhotsk.
- Encounter with wild animals: You have the chance to encounter rare wildlife such as seals and the Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle, which are designated as natural monuments.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Note : Children aged 0 to 5 enter for free. Please provide their full name, age, nationality, and passport number in the comment section when making your reservation.
Due to natural phenomena, it may not be possible to see the drift ice
Please complete boarding procedures approximately 20 minutes before departure.
Note: Due to natural phenomena, it may not be possible to see the drift ice in winter.
When there is no drift ice, the large ship Aurora will operate a sea cruise to Cape Notoro.
Sailing is confirmed for departures between January 20 and March 14; cruises departing on or after March 15 may be canceled due to insufficient passenger numbers.
Advance reservations for special seats are not accepted. Reserved seats are located at the front of the second floor of the ship. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seats are limited to 50. The fare is ¥500. Payment on the day is cash only (no credit cards accepted).
If you are late for the departure time, there is a possibility that you will not be able to complete the tour as planned.
Full refunds due to cancellation caused by weather, as well as partial price difference refunds resulting from route changes due to force majeure, will be processed exclusively online. Please allow a few business days for the funds to return to your account. Please note that cash refunds cannot be processed on-site.
If you have any questions, please contact us at the address below:
Email: [email protected]
Reminders
F＆Q
Q. Can I livestream on social media?
A. To avoid disturbing other guests and protect their privacy,
we do not allow livestreaming by individual guests for monetization purposes.
Q: Do the cruises operate in the rain?
A: We base our operational decisions on wave height, wind speed, and visibility. If rain causes visibility to drop below our safety standards, the cruise will be canceled. In the event of a cancellation, a full refund will be issued online. Please note that using an umbrella while sailing is extremely dangerous, so we kindly ask that you prepare waterproof and warm clothing in advance.
Q: Will we be able to see wildlife?
A: Because these are wild animals, we cannot guarantee sightings during the cruise. However, if you are lucky, you might spot brown bears or dolphins, and on very rare occasions, even whales may appear. We highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to get the best possible view of the animals!
Q: What should I wear on board?
A: In Winter: The ship is air-conditioned, but it can be very cold outdoors, such as on the observation deck or side deck. Depending on the season and weather, temperatures range from -10 to 0°C, and it gets even colder out at sea.We recommend bringing not only thick outerwear, but also earmuffs, scarves, and other warm gear.
Q: Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
A: On board Aurora, our staff are happy to assist you when boarding and disembarking. However, please note that movement inside the vessel requires using stairs, which significantly limits wheelchair access onboard.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. What is the best viewing season for Abashiri drift ice?
The prime season for viewing Abashiri drift ice is typically from late January to mid-March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk off Abashiri's coast is usually covered with extensive ice fields, offering the most spectacular and reliable drift ice sightings. The "Aurora" icebreaker operates daily within this window, providing consistent opportunities to experience the phenomenon.
2. What makes Abashiri a unique winter destination for experiencing drift ice?
Abashiri is unique due to its location as a primary gateway to experiencing the Okhotsk Sea drift ice, a natural phenomenon originating from the Amur River. It offers the "Aurora" icebreaker, allowing visitors to actively break through thick ice sheets. This direct interaction, combined with the chance to see rare wildlife like Steller's sea eagles against a vast icy backdrop, makes it a distinctive and memorable winter destination.
3. What is the drift ice phenomenon observed during the Abashiri sightseeing tour?
The drift ice phenomenon involves sheets of freshwater ice that form in the Amur River and flow into the Sea of Okhotsk, eventually reaching Hokkaido's coast. These massive ice floes create a unique, ever-changing landscape. During the "Aurora" icebreaker tour, you'll witness the ship's powerful hull breaking through these ice formations, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of nature's force.
4. How long does the Abashiri Aurora icebreaker experience typically last?
The Abashiri Aurora icebreaker experience typically lasts approximately one hour. This duration allows for ample time to venture out into the Sea of Okhotsk, navigate through the drift ice, observe the icy landscape, and potentially spot local wildlife, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable sightseeing tour.
5. What kind of unique experience can I expect when the Aurora icebreaker navigates through the drift ice?
On the Aurora icebreaker, you can expect an exhilarating experience as the ship powerfully breaks through vast sheets of drift ice. You'll feel the ship's vibrations and hear the crunching sounds of ice, creating a profound sense of nature's raw power. The panoramic views from the deck or warm indoor cabins allow for stunning photographic opportunities of the icy seascape.
6. What wildlife can visitors hope to see during the Abashiri drift ice sightseeing cruise?
During the Abashiri drift ice sightseeing cruise, visitors have the chance to spot various fascinating winter wildlife. Keep an eye out for seals, which often rest on the ice floes. You might also glimpse majestic Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, designated natural monuments, soaring above or perched on the ice, adding to the unique Arctic-like atmosphere.
7. What amenities are available on the Aurora icebreaker to ensure a comfortable drift ice viewing experience?
The Aurora icebreaker is designed for comfort, even in cold conditions. It features spacious indoor cabins with large windows, providing warmth and clear views of the drift ice. There are also outdoor decks for those wishing to brave the cold and get closer to the action. Onboard facilities typically include restrooms and a small shop for snacks and souvenirs, ensuring a pleasant journey.
8. Are there other notable winter activities or attractions to explore around Abashiri besides the drift ice cruise?
Beyond the drift ice cruise, Abashiri offers other engaging winter attractions. You can visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum to learn more about drift ice and its ecosystem, or explore the Abashiri Prison Museum for a glimpse into Japan's history. Nearby, Lake Abashiri offers smelt ice fishing, providing a unique local winter experience.
