When is the best time to go on an Abashiri Cruise?

The best time to experience the Abashiri Cruise is from late January to early March when the drift ice is at its peak.

What type of ship is used for the Abashiri Cruise?

The Abashiri Cruise typically uses icebreaker ships such as the Aurora and Aurora II, designed to cut through thick ice and provide passengers with a safe and comfortable experience.

Are there any wildlife sightings during the Abashiri Cruise?

Yes, passengers often spot various wildlife, such as seals, sea eagles, and seabirds, which inhabit the drift ice region.

How long does the Abashiri Cruise last?

The cruise usually lasts about one hour, providing ample time to experience the drift ice and the surrounding scenery.

What should I wear for the Abashiri Cruise?

It is essential to dress warmly in layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and waterproof boots, as the temperatures on the Sea of Okhotsk can be extremely cold.

A large ferry filled with people travels through icy waters under a bright sun, breaking through floating ice sheets on a clear winter day.

View from the bow of a ship navigating through sea ice under a cloudy sky at sunset or sunrise, with a flag flying at the front and scattered ice floes in the water ahead.

A frozen sea with large cracks in the ice stretches toward a distant shore under a dramatic sky at sunset, with hints of orange light on the horizon and dark clouds above.

A white passenger ship travels through a vast, icy sea filled with floating sheets of ice under a clear blue sky. The boat is surrounded by snow and ice, with no land in sight.

A close-up of a seagull with mottled gray and white feathers stands in front of a partially frozen sea, with floating ice chunks and distant land visible under a clear blue sky.

Hokkaido

Abashiri Cruise

4.3 (2290)Ferry ServiceTourist AttractionTrain Ticket OfficeTour AgencyTravel AgencyTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestServiceEstablishment

The Abashiri Cruise in Hokkaido is an exhilarating winter adventure. The Okhotsk Sea becomes a frozen wonderland from late January to early April. Imagine a ship cutting through thick drift ice, creating a pathway through a sea of white. This experience is not just about the cold; it's about the stunning views, the crisp air, and the incredible wildlife.

During the cruise, passengers often see Steller's sea eagles soaring above and seals lounging on the ice. The contrast between the bright, clear sky and the endless ice floes is breathtaking. The ships have warm cabins, ensuring everyone stays cozy while enjoying the spectacle outside.

The cruise is around 90 minutes long, perfect for taking in the sights and learning from the guides. These experts share fascinating facts about the drift ice, its formation, and its role in the local ecosystem.

Abashiri itself is more than just the port. The Abashiri Prison Museum offers a look into the past, showing how prisoners lived and worked in harsh conditions. The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum lets visitors explore the science of drift ice with hands-on exhibits and even an ice room.

Pairing the cruise with these attractions makes for a truly memorable trip. You get the thrill of breaking through the ice, the beauty of the natural world, and a deeper understanding of the area's history and environment.

Phone

+81 152-43-6000

Website

ms-aurora.com

The area

Address

4-chōme-５の１ Minami 3 Jōhigashi, Abashiri, Hokkaido 093-0003, Japan

Phone

+81 152-43-6000

Website

ms-aurora.com

What other travelers are saying about Abashiri Cruise

Incredible! Well worth a visit in the snowy conditions. Once in a lifetime experience highly recommend but book well in advance for February

F D

Feb 14, 2026

Before heading here. It is recommended to make a booking on their website. The site is fully in Japanese and needs a translation. There’s two kind of boat here. Small boat (2 hour) and Big boat (1 hour). The small boat may not run depending on the thickness of the ice. Price is 8000 Yen for small boat and 4500 Yen for big boat. This is adult price. If you decide to call them, be prepared that they do not understand English! All cash payment only. Fantastic experience with super close view of the ice. The big boat has 3 different level to view. At the deck, middle and lower. I suggest splitting the time to view it differently. Highly recommended experience during winter.

Great experience and a must do if you’re in Abashiri. The experience is usually 1 hour (30 minutes out to sea and 30 minutes back). You can see the drift ice only at certain times of the year Jan through to very early March. A call out is that there is no guarantee to see it so please keep that in mind. The boat itself is very warm indoors and you can leave your luggage in coin lockers or for 500 yen with staff in the office while you do the boat tour. If you want to see more photos and tips, feel free to check out my Instagram → @6yearsinjapan

Adults: about 3,800-5,000 yen, children: about 1,900-2,500 yen. A little expensive, but very comfortable. The large ship is stable and comfortable. The interior is fully heated, and you can admire the drift ice through the glass, so you don't have to worry about the cold. It is popular with families and older people. If comfort and stability are important to you, then the ‘Aurora' is more suitable than the 'Garinko'.

I visited on February 27th on a sunny day and the drift ice was at its peak, with the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range as a stunning backdrop. However, it was quite crowded and the ice breaking ship seemed old. I recommend making a reservation in advance as people from all over the world, as well as Japan, flock to see the drift ice during its peak season. While the ice breaking ship trip can get a bit boring after a while, I was still happy because I got to see the drift ice up close at its fullest. Overall, this is a very touristy trip, but if you're interested in seeing the drift ice up close with the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range, it's definitely worth checking out.