Hokkaido Drift Ice Walk & Cruise | Best Season & What to Wear
Drift ice is one of winter Hokkaido's signature natural phenomena. Along the Sea of Okhotsk coast in Mombetsu and Abashiri, and at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko, you can take an icebreaker cruise or don a dry suit for a "drift ice walk" across the frozen sea itself. This guide covers what makes each area unique, the best season, what to wear, and how to get there.
Why Experience Drift Ice in Hokkaido
Drift ice is a winter-only phenomenon: frozen seawater that originates far away in Siberia's Amur River, carried to the Okhotsk coast by seasonal winds and ocean currents. An icebreaker cruise lets you feel the sheer force of a ship carving through a dynamic sea of ice, while a drift ice walk — done in a dry suit — lets you actually walk across the ice and take in the silent, all-white world with your whole body.
If you're lucky, you might also spot wildlife unique to this season, such as Steller's or white-tailed sea eagles resting on the ice.
Recommended Drift Ice Areas
Mombetsu
Home to the icebreaker "Garinko-go," this area offers a thrilling cruise as the ship's large bow-mounted screw carves through the ice. Trips run a manageable 45–60 minutes, making it an easy activity to fit into your day.
Abashiri
Home to the large drift-ice sightseeing icebreaker "Aurora." Its size means relatively little rocking, so it's a reassuring choice even for anyone nervous about being on a boat. The heated cabin and observation deck let you take in the drift ice up close in comfort.
Shiretoko / Utoro
This is the birthplace of the "drift ice walk," where you don a dry suit and walk across the ice field in the waters of the World Heritage site of Shiretoko. Some tours even let you float in the water between the ice floes, buoyed by the suit itself.
Rausu
On the other side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Rausu offers cruises that combine drift ice viewing with birdwatching for Steller's and white-tailed sea eagles.
Best Time for Drift Ice
Drift ice season typically runs from mid-January to late March. Since how close the ice comes to shore varies year to year, it's worth checking the latest drift ice reports from operators or tourism associations before you go.
| Time of Year | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Mid–late January | Drift ice season begins. How close it comes to shore varies by year |
| February | The most reliable time to see drift ice. Ice festivals are held around the region |
| Early–late March | Late season. As temperatures rise, the ice gradually drifts away |
Typical Pricing
Mombetsu's Garinko-go icebreaker cruise (45–60 minutes) costs roughly ¥3,500 per adult (with a discount if no ice is spotted). Shiretoko's drift ice & birdwatching cruise runs about ¥5,000 per adult for a 1-hour trip, with a roughly 2.5-hour option around ¥9,000. Drift ice walk pricing varies by operator, so please check each official website for the latest rates.
* Prices change, so please check each operator's official website for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Drift ice walks use a dedicated dry suit that keeps you warm and afloat, so you don't need to worry about the cold or the ice giving way. Guides give a safety briefing before you start, so it's a fine first winter-Hokkaido experience even if you've never done anything similar. Icebreaker cruises are mostly seated or standing on deck, so they're a great option even if you're not particularly active.
Family-Friendly for Kids?
Some drift ice walk tours accept children from around age 6, and icebreaker cruises can be watched comfortably from your seat, making both suitable for families with younger children. That said, this is a deep-winter, outdoor, on-the-water activity, so pay close attention to warm clothing and everyone's condition.
What to Wear & Bring
- Warm, layered winter clothing, gloves, and a hat that covers your ears
- Non-slip winter boots
- Sunglasses or goggles (to protect your eyes from glare off the ice and sea)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Dry suits for the drift ice walk are generally included in the rental — but some operators don't rent other gear, so check the pre-tour information carefully
Getting There
Mombetsu, Abashiri, Shiretoko (Utoro), and Rausu are all in eastern Hokkaido, more than 300km and roughly a 5–7 hour drive from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo. The typical route is to fly into Memanbetsu Airport (Abashiri) and then continue by rental car or bus.
From New Chitose Airport / Sapporo
By plane: About 50 minutes to 1 hour from New Chitose or Okadama Airport to Memanbetsu Airport.
By car: About 5–7 hours one-way from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Abashiri/Mombetsu, mostly on regular roads.
By taxi: Direct travel from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo covers a long distance and isn't practical as a day trip. We're happy to discuss a multi-day private charter touring eastern Hokkaido — just let us know your planned itinerary.
Related Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When can I see drift ice in Hokkaido?
A. Typically mid-January through late March, with February considered the most reliable month.
Q. Is drift ice guaranteed?
A. No — how close the ice comes to shore varies by year and weather conditions, so it isn't guaranteed. We recommend checking the latest drift ice reports from operators or tourism associations before your trip.
Q. Can beginners join?
A. Yes — drift ice walks use a dedicated dry suit and a guide accompanies you throughout, so no experience is needed.
Q. Can children join?
A. Some drift ice walk tours accept children from around age 6. Icebreaker cruises are mostly seated viewing, so they're easy for young children too.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo?
A. Not realistically, given the distance. Most visitors fly via Memanbetsu Airport and plan for 1–2 nights.
Q. Can I take a taxi directly from New Chitose Airport?
A. It's about a 5–7 hour drive one-way, so it's not suited to a day-trip transfer — but we're happy to discuss a multi-day private charter touring eastern Hokkaido.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Most operators require advance booking. Tours may be cancelled or changed depending on weather and ice conditions.