Visit Eastern Hokkaido

Drift Ice & Birdwatching Cruise

From late January to mid-March, this special cruise departs from Rausu Port to explore the drift ice offshore of the Shiretoko Peninsula. The area becomes a winter haven for raptors like Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, both designated as National Natural Monuments of Japan.

You can photograph these magnificent birds at close range as they gather on and around the ice. The experience offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the most dramatic winter wildlife scenes in Japan.

Two cruise options are available:

• Early Morning Cruise (Approx. 1 hour): Best for photographers hoping to capture birds in soft morning light.
• Standard Cruise (Approx. 2.5 hours): Operates mid-morning or afternoon for a more in-depth birdwatching experience.

Shiretoko Nature Cruise: https://www.e-shiretoko.com/

Drift Ice Walk

From February to mid-March, the shores of Utoro are covered in drift ice—a rare phenomenon seen only in this part of Japan. The Drift Ice Walk lets you step out onto this frozen world in a dry suit, guided by local experts.

This fully guided experience includes a safety briefing and instructions on how to walk and float on the ice. Participants can lie down on the floes, float between ice cracks, and take in surreal views of Shiretoko’s winter coastline.Tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours. Exact meeting points and start times vary by operator.

Shinra: https://shinrashiretoko.wixsite.com/shinra/ice-walking
Picchio Shiretoko: https://www.wildlife-picchio.com/tours/drift-ice-walking-360/
LANTOKO: https://drift-ice.com/en/

Smelt Ice Fishing on Lake Akan

From January to March, the frozen surface of Lake Akan becomes a unique fishing ground where visitors can try traditional smelt ice fishing. This classic winter activity involves drilling a hole in the thick ice, dropping a line, and waiting for the fish to bite.

Fishing takes place inside tents or vinyl shelters set up on the ice, keeping you warm and protected from the wind. All necessary gear is available to rent, and first-timers are welcome. Some operators even offer to cook your freshly caught smelt into tempura right on the spot.

Available: January to March (depending on ice conditions)
Fishing Land Akan: https://www.koudai-akan.com/fishingland.html

Lake Mashu Crater Rim Snowshoeing

The summer hiking trail to Mt. Mashu transforms into a scenic snowshoeing route in winter.

Stepping onto the crater rim from Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1, you will find a pristine snow trail overlooking the lake, famous for having some of the clearest waters in the world. The route alternates between snow-covered forests and open, windswept terrain. Under the right conditions, you may encounter magical winter phenomena such as rime ice and diamond dust.

Although the ridge is exposed to the elements, the profound silence and the chance to spot wildlife tracks in the snow make this a truly unique seasonal experience.

Rental Information: Snowshoes are available for rent at Kamui Terrace, located next to the observatory.

Notsuke Bay Ice Horizon Walk

This special winter experience takes place when Notsuke Bay is completely frozen. Visitors walk out onto the ice to witness the “Ice Horizon,” a vast, seamless panorama where the frozen surface appears to merge with the sky.

To ensure safety amidst rapidly changing ice conditions, access to the frozen bay is exclusively available through guided tours provided by the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center. Walking on the ice independently is not permitted, and all tours are subject to weather and ice stability. This experience allows visitors to quietly immerse themselves in the pristine environment of Notsuke Bay.

Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center: https://notsuke.jp/ice-horizon/index_en.html

Drift Ice Cruise “Aurora”

Operating only in winter, the Aurora icebreaker cruise offers a thrilling ride through the frozen Sea of Okhotsk. The ship is designed to crush thick drift ice as it moves forward, creating deep, rumbling vibrations and dramatic cracking sounds you can feel throughout your body.

On the ice, you might see Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles resting, while seals swim between the floes and gulls circle overhead. The cruise lasts about 1 hour and depends on ice conditions near the shore.

Shiretoko Sightseeing Boat Aurora: https://www.ms-aurora.com/abashiri/

Smelt Ice Fishing on Lake Abashiri

From mid-January to late March, the frozen Lake Abashiri becomes a winter fishing ground. You’ll drill a hole through the ice and try your hand at catching wakasagi (Japanese smelt)—a favorite local winter pastime. All gear, including rods and tents, is available for rent, so no preparation is needed. The best part? You can enjoy your catch freshly fried as tempura on site.

Okhotsk Jinendo: https://www.jinendo.net/