When you visit Abashiri in Hokkaido, one thing you absolutely shouldn't miss is the Abashiri drift ice cruises!
◦ The Origin of Icebreaker Ships
In the beginning, icebreaker ships weren't meant for sightseeing. Every year, at the start of spring, fishermen from Abashiri head out to the Sea of Okhotsk to catch fish. During this period, there was a lot of drifting ice in the sea, which came in various sizes and made it tough for fishing boats to move around. To solve this problem, they equipped icebreaker ships with specialized equipment at the front of the boat. These ships played a crucial role during the thawing period by breaking up and clearing away the drifting ice, making it safer and easier for fishing boats.
◦ AURORA: Abashiri Icebreaker Ship
Every year, from mid-January to late March, ice flows from the mouth of the Heilongjiang into Hokkaido. During this period, icebreaker ships can sail into the frozen Sea of Okhotsk, providing passengers with the opportunity to see incredible and unique scenery.
This unique icebreaking experience isn't just limited to specific seasons; it also requires advance reservations. I hope there will be more opportunities in the future to revisit the pale blue world!
AURORA（おーろら號） ➤ Book Now