Experience Drift Ice Sightseeing in Abashiri

2025-12-15

Abashiri is widely known as a representative destination for drift ice sightseeing, offering visitors a close view of the natural environment of the Sea of Okhotsk. By understanding the scale of the drift ice and sightseeing cruise details in advance, it is possible to plan efficiently even with limited time.

The following sections organize the basic information of the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora, along with its highlights and ways to combine the cruise with nearby sightseeing. The structure makes it easier for first-time visitors to understand the overall experience.

Contents

Visitor Info for Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora

Abashiri Drift Ice Icebreaker Aurora exterior

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora is a drift ice cruise operating in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, Japan. The vessel travels through drift ice fields across the Sea of Okhotsk, allowing passengers to observe icebreaking sounds, vibrations, and surrounding drift ice scenery from onboard.

Highlights and Nearby Spots Around Aurora

Highlights of the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora

A dynamic cruising experience while breaking through drift ice
Drift ice scenery viewed up close from the observation deck
Stable viewing from indoor cabins equipped with heating

Spots Within 30 Minutes

Learn about the history of Hokkaido’s development at the Abashiri Prison Museum
Experience drift ice exhibits and extreme cold environments at the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum
View Abashiri City and the Sea of Okhotsk from the Tento-zan Observatory

Onboard Experience on Icebreaker Aurora

Onboard, visitors can observe the vessel breaking through drift ice and enjoy views of the Sea of Okhotsk from the observation deck or indoor cabins. After disembarking, travelers often visit Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri for meals and shopping, then plan itineraries combined with nearby sightseeing facilities.

Access to Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora

Check the latest weather forecast before your visit.

Travel from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport, then proceed to Abashiri City by airport shuttle bus or taxi service. From the city center, taxis are used to reach the drift ice icebreaker boarding area.

Local buses also operate from Abashiri Station and the Abashiri Bus Terminal to the icebreaker terminal. As visitor use increases during the operating season, planning with sufficient time is required.

Operation Details of Icebreaker Aurora

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora is a sightseeing cruise operated in accordance with the drift ice season. The ship is equipped with heated cabins and an observation deck, and navigation is adjusted according to weather and drift ice conditions.

Information

Operations run from late January through the end of March each year.

Sailings are scheduled on most days, but services may be canceled when weather conditions become severe. Around four departures per day are typical, while during February, when drift ice is most frequently observed, schedules may increase to up to seven departures.

The boarding time is approximately 60 minutes
Adults pay 5,000–6,000 yen, with children charged half the fare

There are no reservations, so applications are made on the day by submitting the required form at the reception desk and paying the fee. It is recommended to download the form from the official website, complete it in advance, and bring it with you.

Payment is accepted in Japanese yen cash only.

As scenery and onboard experiences vary depending on drift ice conditions, views may differ even within the same season. Because operations are easily affected by weather and peak demand, please check the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora Official Website for the latest information.

Drift Ice Experience in Abashiri

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora offers a valuable sightseeing experience that allows visitors to observe drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk from the ship. By planning access together with nearby sightseeing, it is possible to experience the attractions of Abashiri efficiently, even during a limited stay.

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