Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Experience the winter wilderness of Shiretoko by walking across the vast drift ice that blankets the Sea of Okhotsk.  

The Drift Ice Walk® in the Shiretoko-Utoro area is one of the region’s most captivating winter activities, offering a rare opportunity to explore the frozen sea on foot. This seasonal adventure takes place on drifting ice that has traveled over 1,000 kilometers across the ocean, carried by winds and currents.  

Participants wear a special full-body dry suit with built-in boots over their regular clothes, allowing them to stay completely warm while stepping out onto the ice. Take your first step, and a pristine white landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, creating the feeling of entering another world. The deep creaking of the ice beneath your feet adds to the excitement of this unforgettable experience.  

The adventure goes beyond walking, as you can also float safely in the icy sea. Thanks to the suit’s excellent buoyancy, you can relax and drift among the ice floes while taking in the surrounding scenery.  

Shiretoko is also an important winter habitat for Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. If you’re lucky, you may spot these magnificent birds soaring overhead. From the frozen sea, you can also enjoy dramatic coastal scenery that is normally visible only from boats during the summer months.  

Embrace the powerful beauty of this World Natural Heritage site and create unforgettable winter memories in Shiretoko.