Enjoy the wintertime natural landscape of Abashiri to the fullest!
Abashiri Drift Ice Symphony in Hokkaido
Located in eastern Hokkaido, the Abashiri area is a diverse, beautiful tapestry woven by the Sea of Okhotsk and the majestic natural landscape.
Drift ice is an iconic feature of winter in Abashiri. The sight of the Sea of Okhotsk blanketed in white ice is a spectacular vista you can see nowhere else. If you ride the Aurora icebreaker, you can have the thrilling experience of carving a path through the drift ice.
In this premium tour, a luxury bus will pick you up at your accommodations, and you can enjoy a day filled with extraordinary experiences. This luxurious tour allows you to enjoy all of Abashiri’s wintertime attractions through activities like drift ice kayaking, a drift ice sauna, and riding on the icebreaker Aurora.
Tour Highlights
Travel by luxury bus, attended by dedicated tour guides all day
Travel from the hotel to the locations for each experience will use an exclusive luxury bus for customers only. You will also be attended by English and Chinese-speaking guides well-versed in Abashiri’s activities throughout the tour.
Cover all of Abashiri’s signature winter activities
You can experience popular activities that are hard to book, including kayaking and fat bike cycling on the drift ice. When you are chilly after enjoying yourself, cap off the day by warming up in a drift ice sauna!
An extraordinary sailing experience on the icebreaker Aurora
Riding on the icebreaker Aurora is a signature winter activity in Abashiri. The sight of it carving through the drift ice covering the sea is breathtaking!
Special drift ice dinner show by a popular chef
A special dinner will be served while you gaze upon the drift ice at night. Chef Kamata, who has won numerous awards, will treat you to a course menu featuring an abundance of ingredients from Hokkaido.
A drift ice light-up show is planned, so please enjoy your dinner while watching the beautiful show.
Activities
Riding on the icebreaker Aurora is a signature winter activity in Abashiri. The sight of it carving through the drift ice covering the sea is breathtaking!
This special tour lets you spend all day experiencing popular activities that are hard to book, including drift ice kayaking and fat bike cycling.
*The bus appearing in the video is not the same bus used for the tour.
Schedule
8:30
Transport from the hotel
8:45 - 11:00
Drift Ice Kayaking
11:00 - 12:00
Lunch in snow hut
12:15 - 13:45
Icebreaker Aurora
14:15 - 15:00
Drift Ice Fat Bike Cycling
15:00 - 16:15
Drift Ice Sauna
17:30 - 19:00
Special Drift Ice Dinner Show
Plan
Departure dates:
February 4th to February 8th, 2026
Chef
Takeshi Kamada
Profile
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1979. After working at Manyutei in Sapporo and Tokyo Gas Aoyama Club in Minami-Aoyama, he became the master chef of Kagurazaka Oishinbo in July 2011, located in the charming cobblestone area of Kagurazaka.
He went on to open Hyotanzaka Oishinbo and Japanese Restaurant Tonami, and also showcased his brilliance through a wide range of initiatives, including producing dishes for the Hokkaido Restaurant Bus and developing gift items. He has been appointed as the Executive Chef of Kinari Inc.
In 2022, he launched Kagurazaka BASE Tokyo and continues his efforts to express the charm of various regions through his cuisine.
Titles
Previous company: "Kinari"
Current position: Representative Director, Kagurazaka BASE Tokyo, Inc.
Tokyo Choyukai Club Chairman
Awards Received
-
2011
National Competition for the Promotion of Japanese Culinary Arts
The Private Placement Services Association of Japan Chairman’s Prize -
2012
National Competition for the Promotion of Japanese Culinary Arts
Japan Ryokan Association Chairman’s Prize -
2013
National Competition for the Promotion of Japanese Culinary Arts
National Federation of Craftmen’s Associations Chairman’s Prize -
2015
National Competition for the Promotion of Japanese Culinary Arts
National Federation of Craftmen’s Associations Chairman’s Prize -
2016
National Japanese Cuisine Contest
MAFF Food Industry Affairs Bureau Director’s Prize -
2017
National Japanese Cuisine Contest
Research Foundation of Food And Culture Chairman’s Prize -
2017
National Competition for the Promotion of Japanese Culinary Arts
The Private Placement Services Association of Japan Chairman’s Prize -
2018
National Japanese Cuisine Contest
Tokyo Governor’s Prize -
2019
National Japanese Cuisine Contest
METI Minister's Prize -
2019
60th Longane Gelato Expo Gastronomic Gelato Contest
Gelato a Due World Championship Winner
Luxury Bus
These premium seats are designed to provide a special private space where you can relax and spend quality time with family and friends
- The seat slides forward and backward along with the reclining backrest.
- The bucket sections of the backrest and seat are double-cushioned.
- A large, expandable table is built into the armrest.
- A partition is equipped on the aisle side.
Plan
Departure dates:
February 4th to February 8th, 2026
Tour Outline
| Departure dates | February 4th to February 8th, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tour Days | Activity Plan: 1 day Hotel & Activity Plan: 3 days and 2 night |
| Number of Participants | 6 people |
| Minimum number of participants required | 1 person |
| Booking deadline | 14 days before departure |
| Tour guide | Included (English, Chinese) |
| Meals | Included (Lunch, Dinner) |
| Included in the tour |
|
FAQ
When can I see the drift ice?
Drift ice can typically be seen from late January to mid-March.
However, as conditions vary depending on the weather, we recommend checking the latest drift ice information on our official website or social media.
Is it guaranteed that I will see the drift ice?
Since drift ice is a natural phenomenon, depending on the wind direction and ocean currents on the day, it may not be ashore and may only be visible offshore, or it may not be visible at all.
What happens to the fee if I can't see the drift ice?
Please be aware that the tour content may be partially changed depending on the presence of drift ice, but there will be no refund of the fee.
Will the icebreaker cruise be canceled in case of bad weather?
Yes, the tour may be canceled if we determine that the safety of our customers cannot be guaranteed due to bad weather such as strong winds or high waves.
The decision will be made on the day of the tour, and we will contact you in case of cancellation.
What kind of clothing should I wear?
The winter Okhotsk Sea is extremely cold, and the deck is particularly windy. We recommend wearing clothing with cold protection, waterproofing, and windproofing features, such as ski wear. Winter accessories such as hats, gloves, earmuffs, and scarves are also essential.
What kind of shoes are recommended?
The ground is slippery due to snow, so winter boots or snow boots that are non-slip, waterproof, and warm are ideal.
I'm worried about getting seasick on the icebreaker.
The icebreaker may sway depending on the weather. If you are concerned about motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication beforehand.
Are there toilets on the icebreaker?
Yes, there are toilets on board.
I have booked an 'experience only' plan. Could you please recommend some nearby hotels?
For more details please see the website below.
https://visit-abashiri.jp/en/stay/
Is language support available in languages other than English or Chinese?
We cannot provide support in other languages.
Can children, elderly people, or people with disabilities participate? Are there any restrictions?
We strive to make our tours accessible for small children, the elderly, and guests with disabilities, but some activities may be difficult to accommodate. Please inquire when you book.
Can you accommodate vegetarian diets or allergies?
We cannot provide vegetarian meals.
If you have any allergies, please contact the email address below.
https://willer-travel.com/st/3/en/pc/contact/