(Hours of Operation 9:00-18:00) TEL.81-152-43-6000
The Best of Winter・Drift Ice sightseeing Ryuhyo
An icy world before your eyes
Abashiri is located at 44 degrees north latitude, and the shores of Okhotsk are the Southernmost point where the ocean freezes.
Drift ice sightseeing " icebreaking ship Aurora takes you out amid the shocking brilliance " whiteness of the ice that spreads South around the Amur river in midwinter.
Ryuhyo map
The greatest river in the Far East, the Amur traverses the borders of China and Russia before emptying into the Sea of Okhotsk, the frozen mass of freshwater and saltwater then spreading South.
This white, mysterious mass can be seen from the Okhotsk shores around the end of January.
When the naked eye perceives the ice to have surpassed the horizon, it is the First Day of Drift Ice, and time for the icebreakers Aurora and Aurora 2 to go to work.
> Directions to the boarding place
Animals of the ice
A variety of wild animals can be seen with the coming of drift ice season.
As the drift ice arrives, so do the Clione, or Sea Angels. Seals and other marine wildlife and birds can also be seen resting on the ice.
From time to time, animals like the Ezo Red Fox and Yezo Deer can be seen on land.
Fares・Time Tables
Period of operation
| Ships run daily between January 20th & April 3 |
Fares
| Individual | Group (15 people & up) | Special seat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | ¥3,500 | ¥3,150 | ¥+400 |
| Elementary school students | ¥1,750 | ¥1,580 |
*Prices include consumption tax.
*Junior high school students & up pay adult fee, infants ride at no charge.
Time Table
| 1/20～31 | 2/1～2/28 | 3/1～3/31 | April | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | 9:00 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 11:30 |
| No. 2 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:30 | 13:30 |
| No. 3 | 13:00 | 12:30 | 13:30 | |
| No. 4 | 15:00 | 14:00 | 15:30 | |
| No. 5 | 15:30 |
| Sunset Cruise From 7th February to 8th March. (Operating only Friday, Saturday and Sunday.) 16:30 |
|---|
*Boarding process must be completed by 15 minutes prior to departure time.
*Boarding time is about 1 hour. (Subject to change according to drift ice conditions).
*Route switches to a pleasure cruise to the Cape of Notoro when there are no drift ice.
*From March 15 onwards, the ship may not sail if at least 15 people have not made reservations by the day before.
*In the case that there is no drift ice, sunset cruise will be canceled.
Inquiries | Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments about the Aurora.
About the Course
Click on the 「zoom」 in the photo to see more detailed images
Route switches to a pleasure cruise to the Cape of Notoro when there is no drift ice.
About the Ship
point01| Safe and comfortable, the large-scale Aurora ships are a steady ride! Even when breaking through ice, there is very little vibration.
point02| Stroll about freely in our spacious settings! Experience the intense appeal of the ice on our observation deck! 1st & 2nd-floor rooms let you relax and enjoy the ride. The generous amount of space lets you move around freely.
point03| Toasty inside! Fully equipped! The ship’s interior heating will keep you nice and warm. Ships feature coffee lounge, shop, and of course, toilet facilities.
Click on the 「 」 in the photo to see more detailed images
Transportation Access
Transportation Access
Enlarge or reduce the map scale by clicking on the 「+ 」「- 」 buttons. You can also drag to navigate the map.
Arrivals by air
Memanbetsu Airport・JR Abashiri Station
Direct buses run from bus terminals at both.
Arrivals by JR Trains
Inquiries
Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments about the Aurora.
