Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Aurora” – Hokkaido

Overview

The Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Aurora” is a unique cruise experience operating from Abashiri Port in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. It offers visitors the rare opportunity to ride an icebreaker ship through vast fields of drift ice carried south from the Arctic Ocean via the Sea of Okhotsk.

This experience is one of the most iconic winter attractions in Japan and is internationally recognized as the southernmost place in the Northern Hemisphere where drift ice can be observed by ship.

What Is Drift Ice?

Drift ice forms in the Amur River basin in Siberia and travels more than 1,000 kilometers southward before reaching the Sea of Okhotsk along the Hokkaido coast. Unlike icebergs, drift ice is:

• Flat and plate-like

• Formed from frozen seawater

• Rich in nutrients that support marine ecosystems

The arrival of drift ice is essential to the local fishing industry and symbolizes winter in eastern Hokkaido.

The Icebreaker Ship “Aurora”

Ship Specifications

• Length: approximately 61 meters

• Passenger capacity: about 450 people

• Reinforced steel hull designed to break thick ice

• Stable design suitable for cold and rough conditions

The ship is purpose-built to safely push through heavy ice floes, producing loud cracking sounds as the hull crushes the ice beneath.

Onboard Facilities

• Indoor heated cabins with panoramic windows

• Outdoor observation deck for photography

• Public announcement system with sightseeing explanations

• Restrooms and seating areas

The interior is warm and comfortable, making the cruise accessible even for visitors unfamiliar with severe winter climates.

The Cruise Experience

Duration

Each cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes.

What You Will See

• Massive fields of drifting sea ice

• Ice being crushed directly beneath the ship

• Seabirds such as Steller’s sea eagles and black-tailed gulls

• Expansive views of the frozen Sea of Okhotsk

On particularly clear days, the contrast between the white ice, blue sea, and winter sky is striking.

Sound and Sensation

One of the most memorable aspects of the cruise is the deep cracking and grinding sound as the ship breaks the ice. The vibrations and resistance felt underfoot highlight the raw power of the Arctic environment.

Best Time to Experience Drift Ice

Operating Season

• Typically from late January to late March

• Peak drift ice conditions usually occur from early to mid-February

Actual ice conditions vary by year and depend on weather patterns. Cruises operate even with light ice, but heavy ice coverage offers the most dramatic experience.

Weather and Sea Conditions

• Temperatures often range from -10°C to -2°C

• Strong winds are common

• Visibility can change quickly due to snow

Cruises may be canceled due to severe weather or unsafe sea conditions.

Ticket Information

How to Purchase

• Tickets can be purchased at the terminal on the day of departure

• Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season

• Online booking options may be available depending on the season

Pricing

• Adult and child fares differ

• Discounts may be available for groups

Exact prices vary by season and year.

Getting There

Access to Abashiri

• By train: JR Sekihoku Line from Asahikawa

• By air: Flights to Memanbetsu Airport, then bus or taxi to Abashiri

• By car: Winter driving requires caution and proper tires

Departure Point

• Abashiri Port, within walking distance of nearby attractions

Nearby Attractions

Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum

A museum dedicated to drift ice science and ecology, featuring:

• Real drift ice exhibits

• Frozen seawater aquariums

• Panoramic observation deck

Abashiri Prison Museum

A historical open-air museum detailing the harsh lives of prisoners who built Hokkaido’s infrastructure.

What to Wear

Proper winter clothing is essential:

• Down jacket or insulated coat

• Thermal layers

• Gloves and scarf

• Hat that covers ears

• Non-slip winter boots

The outdoor deck can be extremely cold due to wind.

Photography Tips

• Use gloves that allow camera operation

• Protect cameras from condensation

• Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing ice fields

• Early morning cruises often offer softer light

Travel Tips and Considerations

• English announcements may be limited; printed guides are helpful

• Restrooms are available onboard

• Motion sickness is rare but possible in rough seas

• Children and elderly visitors can safely enjoy the cruise

Why You Should Experience the Aurora Icebreaker

The Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Aurora” offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness one of nature’s most dramatic seasonal phenomena in a safe and accessible way. It combines natural beauty, scientific significance, and pure sensory impact.

For international travelers seeking an authentic winter experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere in Japan, this cruise stands as one of Hokkaido’s most unforgettable attractions.

Related articles

Official Website

https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/

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Agoda

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