Ryuhyo Drift Ice Cruises

Hokkaido, Japan

Although it's the coldest place in Japan, Hokkaido is a popular destination for travelers in winter. In addition to snow and ice festivals held all over Hokkaido, "ryuhyo" (drift ice) in the Sea of Okhotsk attracts many travelers. It's said that a half million people visit the northeast Hokkaido to see ryuhyo ice every year. The Okhotsk Sea in Hokkaido freezes by the cold wind from Siberia from late January through to early April. Winds break and move the layers of ice, and the ice layers get thicker.

Ryuhyo tour boats break through the sea covered by drift ice. These thrilling tours are very popular among tourists who visit Hokkaido. Ryuhyo cruises are available from late January to March. Please make sure to make a reservation before you go. Contact a Japanese travel agency if you need.

Ryuhyo Drift Ice Cruises

Aurora-gou, (Abashiri-city)
Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport to Memambetsu Airport (1hour and 45 min.) From Memambetsu Airport to Abashiri by bus. (30 min.)
Contact: Doutou Kantou Kaihatsu at 81-152-43-6000

Garinko-gou, (Monbetsu city)
Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport to Asahikawa Airport (1 hour and 20 min.) From Asahikawa Airport to Monbetsu by bus (3 hours) Or From Tokyo Haneda Airport to Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport (2 hours) From Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport to Monbetsu by bus (10 min.)
*Garinko-gou operates 5-8 times a day. One cruise takes about one hour. You need to make a reservation in advance. (Adult 3,000yen / Child 1,500yen)
Phone: 81-1582-4-8000 / Fax: 81-1582-4-4040