Complete Guide to Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing! Enjoy Winter's Spectacular Scenery on the Icebreaker 'Aurora'

3. Best Time for Drift Ice Sightseeing and Clothing Preparation

The best time for drift ice sightseeing in Abashiri is typically from late January to mid-March. February, in particular, is the peak season when the most drift ice approaches the shore, offering spectacular views.

Winter Temperatures in Abashiri and Clothing Tips

Winter in Abashiri is extremely cold, and it's not uncommon for daytime average temperatures to drop below freezing from January to February. Especially during the period when drift ice is present, daytime temperatures can be around -2°C (28°F), and nighttime temperatures can fall below -10°C (14°F).

To comfortably enjoy drift ice sightseeing, thorough cold weather preparation is essential.

• Layering: Buildings are heated, so layering clothes that can be easily put on and taken off is fundamental. Combine moisture-wicking base layers, mid-layers like fleece or sweaters, and a highly insulated outer layer.
• Outerwear: A waterproof and windproof down jacket or a thick coat is essential.
• Accessories: A hat that covers your ears, gloves, and a scarf significantly impact your perceived temperature. Especially when on the ship's deck, items that protect your face and ears from the cold wind are crucial.
• Footwear: Choose waterproof, insulated boots that are slip-resistant for snow and ice. Don't forget thick socks.

4. How to Get to Abashiri for Drift Ice Sightseeing

Access to Abashiri is possible via various methods, including airplane, JR trains, and highway buses. When planning your trip to Hokkaido in winter, it's important to allow ample time, considering potential disruptions to transportation due to snow.

Access from Major Cities

• By Airplane (using Memanbetsu Airport (女満別空港)):

  • From Tokyo (Haneda Airport (羽田空港)) to Memanbetsu Airport: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • From Sapporo (New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港) / Sapporo Okadama Airport (札幌丘珠空港)) to Memanbetsu Airport: Approx. 50 minutes.
  • From Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri Station (網走駅) front by airport shuttle bus: Approx. 30-35 minutes, fare is ¥1,050 (approx. $7).
  • From Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri city center by taxi: Approx. 20 minutes.

• By JR Train:

  • From Sapporo Station (札幌駅) to Abashiri Station by JR limited express train: Approx. 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, fare is approx. ¥11,310 (approx. $75). Consider using a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you plan extensive train travel.
  • From Asahikawa Station (旭川駅) to Abashiri Station by JR limited express train: Approx. 3 hours 50 minutes.

• By Highway Bus:

  • From Sapporo Station front to Abashiri Station front by highway bus (e.g., Dreamint Okhotsk-go (ドリーミントオホーツク号)): Approx. 6 hours.

Getting Around Abashiri City

• Access to the Icebreaker "Aurora" boarding point:

  • From JR Abashiri Station, take the "City Sightseeing Facility Tour Bus" (市内観光施設めぐりバス) and get off at "Ryuhyo Sausen Noriba" (流氷砕氷船のりば) (Drift Icebreaker Boarding Point). It's right there, taking approx. 8-10 minutes. IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca are generally accepted on local buses.
  • By taxi from JR Abashiri Station: Approx. 5 minutes.

• On-demand bus "Doko Bus" (どこバス):

  • The "Doko Bus," an on-demand new transportation service, also operates in Abashiri City and is convenient for getting to tourist spots.

5. More Than Just Drift Ice! Abashiri's Winter Tourist Spots

Beyond drift ice sightseeing, Abashiri offers numerous attractive tourist spots unique to winter.

Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum (オホーツク流氷館)

Located at the summit of Mount Tento (天都山), the "Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum" allows visitors to touch real drift ice in a -15°C (-5°F) drift ice experience room, and even enjoy the unique experience of freezing a wet towel. Rare creatures of the Sea of Okhotsk, such as the "sea angel" Clione (クリオネ) and Lumpfish (フウセンウオ), are also on display. From the observation terrace, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the drift ice-covered Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountain Range (知床連山), and Lake Abashiri (網走湖).

• Address: 244-3 Tentozan, Abashiri, Hokkaido (北海道網走市天都山244-3)
• Opening Hours:
  • May – October: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • November – April: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • December 29 – January 5: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
• Closed: Open daily
• Admission (incl. tax):
  • Adults: ¥990 (approx. $6.60)
  • High School Students: ¥880 (approx. $5.90)
  • Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥770 (approx. $5.10)
• Access: Approx. 15 minutes by City Sightseeing Facility Tour Bus from JR Abashiri Station, get