Drift ice (Ryūhyō) is known as a mysterious and spectacular sight that can be observed in Hokkaido during winter. Many people undoubtedly wish to see and experience it firsthand.

Therefore, this article will summarize and introduce the highlights of drift ice, a winter tradition of Hokkaido!

※This text is an English translation of the original Japanese document, created using Google Gemini.

1：Monbetsu Drift Ice Sightseeing Cruise “Garinko-go”

The icebreaker Garinko-go II and III, with their striking red hulls, are sightseeing boats that depart from Monbetsu City, located along the Okhotsk Sea coast in northeastern Hokkaido, for drift ice viewing. Garinko-go III, which debuted in 2021, is faster than the conventional Garinko-go II, allowing for cruises further offshore. It also accommodates more passengers than the previous vessel, with a capacity of 235 people. (Note: Garinko-go II was retired in April 2025.)

The key feature of the Garinko-go is the screw installed at the front of the hull to break the drift ice. The powerful spectacle of the ship crunching (“gari-gari”) through the ice is the unique appeal of the Garinko-go.

The operation period is from January 16th to March 31st. However, the highest probability of encountering drift ice is in February, and reservations during this time are especially popular and often difficult to secure. We highly recommend making your reservations early.

It is particularly anticipated that reservations for 2026 will be harder to secure, as the service will be operated solely by Garinko-go III following the retirement of Garinko-go II in the previous year.

The icebreaker Ship Garinko-go

Departure Location: Monbetsu Garinko Station (Kaiyo Koryukan), 1 Kaiyo Park, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido.

2：Abashiri Drift Ice Icebreaker Sightseeing Cruise “Aurora”

About 120 km southeast of Monbetsu, where the Garinko-go operates, is Abashiri City, one of the leading port towns in the Okhotsk region. The drift ice cruise that departs from here is the icebreaker sightseeing ship Aurora.

The Aurora is a large vessel capable of accommodating 450 people, characterized by its dynamic method of crushing the drift ice using the weight of its bow. A key highlight is the ample seating inside and the ability to look out over the drift ice-filled sea from the spacious deck. A new drift ice sightseeing ship, Aurora 3, debuted in 2023.

The Aurora generally operates from January 20th to March 31st annually. Similarly, February is the period with the highest chance of encountering drift ice and is the most popular time for bookings.

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora
Departure Location: Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri, Minami 3-jo Higashi 4-chome 5-1, Abashiri City, Hokkaido.

3：”Drift Ice Walk Experience,” A Popular Activity to Enjoy in Shiretoko

Along with the drift ice cruises in Monbetsu and Abashiri, the Drift Ice Walk is highly popular and can be experienced on the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site.

A Drift Ice Walk is exactly what it sounds like: an experience of walking on the drift ice. By wearing a thick, dry suit that prevents water from getting in, you can walk on the ice, or occasionally float in the sea between the blocks of ice—an experience you can rarely have anywhere else.

Incidentally, the reason why the Drift Ice Walk experience is possible in Shiretoko is due to the unique topography on the northern side of the peninsula, where drift ice flowing in from the Okhotsk Sea tends to get caught and stay around the peninsula. This means that even though drift ice typically moves daily with the wind, you have a high probability of encountering it here in Shiretoko during the season.

Example of an outdoor company offering the Drift Ice Walk experience

Shinra (Shiretoko Nature Guide Tour Co., Ltd.)
A leading outdoor operator in Shiretoko, and the first to offer the Drift Ice Walk experience. (Note: “Drift Ice Walk” is a registered trademark of this company.)

Godzilla Iwa Sightseeing (Drift Ice Yu Walk)
This is an outdoor operator that has long specialized in cruises, based in Utoro and Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula.。

4：Drift Ice Nature Cruise operating in Rausu, on the eastern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula

Finally, we introduce a drift ice cruise that can be experienced in Rausu, located on the eastern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Rausu, situated at the eastern edge of Hokkaido where you can view Kunashiri Island (one of the Northern Territories), offers cruises mainly from mid-February to March where you can see drift ice that has flowed past Shiretoko Cape up close.

The distinguishing feature of the Rausu drift ice cruise is the opportunity to observe wild birds. Since the very rare Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles overwinter in Rausu, you can see both the drift ice and these precious birds soaring above it at the same time. Photo enthusiasts from all over the world, not just from Japan, visit Rausu during this season.

Godzilla Iwa Sightseeing (Nemuro Strait Cruise)

Shiretoko Nature Cruise (Drift Ice and Bird Watching Cruise)

Above, we have introduced the main drift ice experiences that you can enjoy in Monbetsu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko.

Incidentally, due to the impact of global warming, the volume of drift ice is decreasing. The percentage of days when drift ice cannot be seen, even during the peak season from late January to early March, is increasing year by year, and it is even said that the ice may disappear in a few decades.

Why not take this opportunity to see and experience the drift ice with your own eyes?

※This text is an English translation of the original Japanese document, created using Google Gemini.