Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora

A Thrilling Cruise Through the Drift Ice of the Sea of Okhotsk

Every year from late January, drift ice reaches the coast of Abashiri, covering the Sea of Okhotsk in a vast expanse of white. The Aurora is a large sightseeing icebreaker that powers its way through the drift ice, offering an exhilarating winter cruise.


Inside the heated cabin, guests can enjoy spectacular views through large panoramic windows, while the observation deck brings them closer to the action. The deep cracking sounds of the ice and powerful jolts beneath your feet convey the sheer force of the frozen sea. Feel the crisp winter air on your face as you take in the grandeur of the Okhotsk wilderness up close. If you are lucky, you may spot Steller’s sea eagles or seals resting on the ice.


Since 2023, the Aurora 3 has also been in operation. Equipped with an underwater drone, it captures real-time images of the drift ice beneath the surface and displays them on monitors inside the vessel. In addition to the vast expanse of ice above the water, passengers can observe the intricate shapes of the ice in the clear blue sea below.


From the warmth of the cabin, discover the beauty of the drift ice both above and below the surface on a unique cruise in Abashiri.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
  • * The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Event period
2026/1/20-3/31
Postal code
〒093-0003　
Address
北海道網走市南3条東4丁目5-1道の駅流氷街道網走内
Telephone Number
0152-43-6000（Doutou Kanko Kaihatsu）
Open
Daily flights, cancelled in bad weather
9:00/11:00/13:00/15:00(January)
9:30/11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30(February)
9:30/11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30(early March)
9:30/11:30/13:30(late March)
Closed
Open every day during the period
Prices
Various discounts available (see related links)
Car Park
106 spaces, free
Directions
●By car: About 10 minutes from JR Abashiri Station
●By car: About 30 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport
Website

Official site

Safety measures and safety operation initiatives of sightseeing ship operators, etc.

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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