Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker, Hokkaido, Japan

Abashiri is at 44 degrees north latitude and the Okhotsk coast is the southern limit where the sea freezes. Appearing on the frigid Amur River, the drifting ice drifting south into a white earth will soon become dazzling. Enjoy the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker “Aurora”.

Drift ice
From the Amur River, the largest river in the Far East, which flows along the border between China and Russia, the freshwater that flows into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk freezes and grows further south. Around the end of January, its white and mysterious appearance will be seen along the Okhotsk coast. The day when it is visible on the horizon with the naked eye is called “the first day of drift ice,” and the icebreakers “Aurora” and “Aurora 2” will come into play.

Various wild animals also show their faces as the drift ice comes. You can see sea animals and birds, such as seals, standing on the drift ice, such as the drift ice angel Clione, which comes with the drift ice. Occasionally, land animals such as the red fox and sika deer appear.

Sightseeing boat

1st floor rooms
Rooms on the first floor have unreserved seats. In addition, because it is connected to the side deck, you can see the drift ice from a low position up close.

Stand
The inboard shop sells original postcards and Aurora goods.

toilet
There are separate toilets for men and women on the first and second floors.

2nd floor rooms

Special room
A special room where you can watch the breaking ice of the drift ice in front of you.

Observation deck
An observation deck where you can enjoy the sound and impact of ice breaking. Because it hits the sea breeze of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, if you can stand on the deck, perfect protection against cold weather.

Company
Doto Tourism Development Co., Ltd. is a company that is headquartered in Abashiri, Hokkaido, and conducts shipping business.

business
Established in 1961 for the purpose of launching a sightseeing boat from Abashiri to Shiretoko, it entered service the following year in 1962. In the same year, the Nagoya Railway joined the capital and joined the Meitetsu Group. At the same time, the company also began operating Abashiri Onsen Center (the predecessor of Abashiri Kanko Hotel), which became a subsidiary of Meitetsu.

The shares held by Nagoya Railway were transferred to Takahashi, headquartered in Abashiri, Hokkaido, on April 2, 2012, and operated by local capital for the first time in about half a century.

The offices are headquarters, Abashiri office, and Utoro office. Other than the head office, they operate only during each sightseeing boat business period.

Ship business
In late April-October, Shiretoko sightseeing boat will be operated in Shari-cho, Shari-gun. In mid-January-March, Abashiri drift ice sightseeing icebreaker will be operated in Abashiri. Both use the same vessel, “Aurora” and “Aurora II” are in service.

Shiretoko sightseeing boats operated from the beginning of business once used to be a regular route departing from Abashiri and sometimes operated to Rausu town, but after the road conditions improved such as the opening of the Shiretoko Pass, the sightseeing tour route to and from Utoro Port Operated by There are two routes, the Iwozan route (required time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes) and the Shiretoko Cape route (required time: about 3 hours and 45 minutes).

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker was announced in 1989 (Heisei Era) and will be in service in 1991 (Heisei Era). The required time is about 60 minutes, and the route will be changed depending on the condition of drift ice. However, the operation regulations will be reviewed due to a stuck accident [4] that occurred in 1995 (Heisei 7), and it may be shortened depending on the situation.

Operating vessels

Aurora
Completed in 1990, entered service in 1991. 491 gross tonnage, total length 45.0m, total width 10.0m, output 3,000 horsepower, maximum speed 14 knots, ice sea speed 3 knots.
There are 420 passengers and 10 crew members. Built Narazaki Shipbuilding.

Aurora 2
Completed in 1995 and entered service. 489 gross tons, total length 45.0m, total width 10.0m, output 3,000 horsepower, maximum speed 14 knots, ice sea speed 3 knots.
There are 420 passengers and 10 crew members. Built Narazaki Shipbuilding.