Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
流氷観光砕氷船おーろら
An icebreaker sightseeing boat that departs from the Michi-no-Eki 'Ryuhyo Street Abashiri' and sails into the drift ice fields of the Sea of Okhotsk in about an hour. It is Abashiri's top winter experience.
The Aurora Icebreaker is Abashiri's signature winter attraction. The ship crushes sea ice as it advances, and from the deck you can see endless fields of drifting ice. If you're lucky, you may spot seals, Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. It sails about several times a day from late January to March, and the trip takes about 60 minutes. Adult fares are around 5,000 yen (check the official website for current prices), and it is best to book online in advance during peak season. The boarding point is at Michi-no-Eki 'Ryuhyo Street Abashiri', about 10 minutes by car from JR Abashiri Station. Note that when the ice does not reach the shore, the trip becomes a sea sightseeing cruise. The deck is extremely cold, so bring waterproof gloves and a hat.
Opening hours
Late Jan–late Mar; several departures daily (subject to ice conditions)
Nearby sights
- Moyoro Shell Mound Museum
- Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
- Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
- Abashiri Prison Museum
- Cape Notoro
- Kitahama Station
- Lake Abashiri
- Lake Tofutsu