One of the unique winter spectacles that you can witness in Japan is drift ice in Hokkaido. On board the Garinko cruise, you’ll be able to witness this stunning beauty. If you’re lucky you can spot wildlife like seals and birds, too. Keep reading to find out more about how you can plan a trip to see drift ice.
What is drift ice?
Known in Japanese as ryuhyo, drift ice is a term used to describe large masses of floating ice that move with the currents of the ocean or a river. This can be typically in areas of high latitudes where the ocean surface freezes during the winter months.
In the case of Hokkaido, drift ice comes from the Amur River on the Russian-Chinese border and flows to the Sea of Okhotsk. The freshwater freezes on top of the saltwater forming ice floes that are then carried by winds and currents. This phenomenon can typically be observed in January and February, but because of global warming, we see fewer each year and for shorter periods of time. There also have been cases where the drift ice does not reach Hokkaido at all.
The Two Drift Ice Cruises in Hokkaido
There are two main drift ice cruises in Hokkaido: Aurora in Abashiri and Garinko in Mombetsu.
Aurora
The icebreaker Aurora sets sail from Abashiri Terminal, a well-known tourist spot famous for Abashiri Prison and Drift Ice Museum. One of the main attractions of this cruise is the opportunity to witness the drifting ice up close and personal, as the ship dynamically advances by crushing through the massive ice sheets with its 491-ton weight.
Passengers can appreciate the beauty of the drifting ice at a leisurely pace, while comfortably aboard the cozy and warm ship. Alternatively, they can also head up to the observation deck to experience the stunning scenery of the drift ice using all five senses.
Garinko
The Garinko cruise departs from the Garinko Station in Monbetsu. Compared to Aurora which can pack 450 passengers, the Garinko is smaller with a passenger capacity of 235. Its bright red-orange color makes it stand out from the whites and blues of the Sea of Okhotsk.
While the Aurora uses its ship weight to break through the ice as it moves forward, Garinko has two drills attached to its front that break the ice as it advances. Both rides are dynamic and offer unique experiences, so it is recommended to try them both and compare. Personally, I chose the Garinko cruise because of its proximity to the Tokkari Center, where visitors can interact with seals.
Hokkaido Drift Ice Cruise Comparison Table: Aurora vs Garinko
| Cruise Name | Aurora | Garinko |
|---|---|---|
| Departure point | Abashiri | Monbetsu |
| Capacity | 450 | 235 |
| Cruise time | 60 mins | 60 to 90 mins |
| Frequency | 4 to 7 times a day | 4 to 6 times a day |
| Nearby Attractions | Drift Ice Museum, Abashiri Prison Museum | Okhotsk Tower, Tokkari Center |
| Fare | Adults (13 & above) – ¥4,000 Children – (12 & below) – ¥2.000 Infant – (5 and below) – Free | Adults (13 & above) – ¥4,000 Children – (12 & below) – ¥2.000 Infant – (5 and below) – Free |
Garinko Station
To board the Garinko cruise, you have to go to the Garinko Station. There’s a small convenience store inside, as well as a place for eating. There’s even a crane game that sells small stuffed toys. Only snacks are sold on board the Garinko, so if you need a quick meal before boarding, you can have one here. You can also explore the nearby attractions such as the Ryuhyo Tower, which overlooks the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Tokkari Center where you can see seals up close.
Inside the Garinko Cruise
The ship has three floors. The widest floor is at the base level, where there are comfortable sofa seats and slender tables. The windows here are large and allow you to see the surface of the water up close. It’s hard to get clean footage from here, though, because the windows outside get dirty easily and the water stains obscure the view.
The second floor is slightly smaller. It has a small shop that sells snacks like yakitori and potato chips as well as soft drinks and alcohol. It also has trinkets and stuffed toys.
During my visit, I spotted a stuffed seal, which had a lottery system. You pay ¥1,000 and draw a piece of paper where you can win 1st to 4th prize. Sadly, I only got 4th, which is the smallest size.
The third floor is the smallest area with just a few seats available. Both the second and third floors have observation decks which get pretty crowded quickly, but the turnover is also rather high because people can’t stay for long stretches of time in the cold.
My advice would be to first secure a seat on the first floor, park your items, and go to the observation decks when you’re ready to capture photos or videos, or just enjoy the view.
Garinko Cruise Video
The Garinko drift ice cruise is featured in the following video, around 2:05.
Travel Tips
If you’re planning on taking the Garinko drift ice cruise in Hokkaido, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Hokkaido winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, so it’s important to wear warm clothing, gloves, and a hat. Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day.
- Consider booking your cruise in advance. The Garinko drift ice cruise is a popular activity, especially during peak winter months, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time to ensure availability.
- Alternatively, if you will be staying in Sapporo and would like to go on a day trip to Monbetsu, booking a tour would be an efficient way to do it. Since the Garinko cruise can also cancel if the minimum number of passengers is not met, joining a bus tour would make sure the required number is met.
- Be prepared for potential changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions. The Garinko drift ice cruise operates in a natural environment, and weather can be unpredictable, so it’s possible that the cruise may need to be rescheduled or canceled. Make sure to check the weather forecast before your scheduled cruise and be flexible with your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to take the Garinko drift ice cruise is typically from late January to early March, when the drift ice is at its thickest and most visible.
The cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to observe the drift ice and take in the surrounding scenery. If the drift ice requires more time to get to, the cruise may be extended to 90 minutes.
There are no age restrictions for the cruise, but keep in mind that it can be very cold during the winter months. It’s recommended to dress warmly and bring extra layers for young children.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board. You can also buy snacks at the convenience store at Garinko Station or buy on board on the second floor. Do keep in mind the food selection inside the cruise is limited.
Yes, passengers in wheelchairs may board the cruise and stay on the second floor, however, moving to the first or third floor would not be possible because they can only be accessed through stairs.
You may buy same-day tickets if there are spots available. February is peak season and can get crowded, so it’s recommended that reserve online or by phone. Alternatively, you can join bus tours that depart from Sapporo.
Drift ice is a natural phenomenon, so we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see it. Depending on the weather conditions, you may not be able to see it on the day.
How to Get to the Garinko Drift Ice Cruise
The boarding point for the Ice Break Garinko Cruise is the Garinko Station in Monbetsu. It’s around 11 minutes by bus from the Monbetsu Airport if you ride the limousine bus and get off at Kaiyo Koryu Kan. By car, Monbetsu is 3 hours from Asahikawa and 5 hours from Sapporo. You can also join bus tours departing from Sapporo for easier access.
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