3-Days Journey to Enjoy the Two Major Drift Ice Cruises in Winter! Monbetsu and Abashiri Stay in Monbetsu / Shiretoko Utoro
- # Garinko
- # Shiretoko Goko Lakes Walk
- # Drift Ice Walk
Highlights
This tour is recommended for those who wish to enjoy drift ice to the fullest! You can board two drift ice cruises in Abashiri and Monbetsu, and also go on a "drift ice walk" in Shiretoko. There is a good chance that you can see drift ice on this tour.
Recommended Points of This Tour!
✔︎ Enjoy the spectacular winter scenery! Be sure not to miss the ice flowers called "frost flowers" on Lake Akan, and the spectacular scenery of Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo!
✔︎ Enjoy the drift ice in two ways! In Abashiri, you will board the drift ice cruise vessel "Aurora", and in Shiretoko, you will enjoy the "drift ice walk" on the drift ice.
✔︎ On the last day, walk on the "ice horizon" of the Notsuke Peninsula, where you can walk on the sea that has turned into an ice field! It is also recommended to stay in Kushiro for an extra night.
Schedule
DAY1
Abashiri (or Monbetsu Airport)
Monbetsu Garinko Station
Monbetsu
DAY2
Monbetsu
Rest Stop Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri
Road to Heaven
Shiretoko Utoro
DAY3
Shiretoko Utoro
Abashiri Station or Memanbetsu Airport
Course Details
DAY1
Arrive in Abashiri or Monbetsu Airport
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Departure: Abashiri Station at 13:50 | Arrival: at 15:55
Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus No. 2
16:15 or 16:30 Monbetsu Garinko Station – Board the Garinko III IMERU Icebreaker Ship
The newly built "Garinko-go III IMERU", launched in 2021, offers a more spacious and comfortable interior compared to its predecessor, Garinko-go II. With increased capacity, more seating, and faster cruising speeds, the new vessel can now take passengers even farther into the drift ice fields, enhancing the adventure and experience.
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Monbetsu Prince Hotel
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Monbetsu
DAY2
Monbetsu
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Departure: Monbetsu at 10:00 | Arrival: Shiretoko Utoro at 12:45
Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus No. 1
Rest Stop Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri – Board The Aurora
Board the Aurora Icebreaker Cruise at the Ticket Counter Inside Roadside Station Abashiri, and embark on an unforgettable journey! This large ship, with a capacity of 450 passengers, allows you to witness drift ice up close from both the deck and inside. Experience the thrill as the ship powers through the ice, breaking it under its weight for a truly exhilarating cruise.
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Road to Heaven
The Road that Leads to the Sky, so named for its straight path extending far into the distance as if reaching the heavens, has been selected as one of Hokkaido’s Top 100 Most Inspiring Moments. This 27.5 km straight road, beginning from the top of a hill, offers a breathtaking view that highlights the vastness of Hokkaido’s majestic landscape.
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Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
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Shiretoko Utoro
DAY3
Shiretoko Utoro
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Experience the Drift Ice Walk
Dress in a special dry suit and take a walk on the drift ice covering the sea in Utoro. Feel the ice beneath your feet, and even float in the icy waters if you wish! This is a unique experience only Shiretoko can offer during this season.
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12:20–14:04
Shiretoko Airport Liner ¥2,800
Abashiri Station or Memanbetsu Airport
Various locations