Abashiri | Beyond the Drift Ice: Snowshoe Adventure to Winter Icefalls & the Sea of Okhotsk 068
Itinerary Details
Winter’s Hidden Icefall: Discover a Frozen World in the Forest
During the harsh winter months, groundwater flowing from rock walls outside Abashiri freezes into towering curtains of ice, creating spectacular natural icefalls in shades of white and blue. These seasonal formations remain relatively unknown even to many locals. Equipped with snowshoes, walk through untouched winter forest and listen to the crisp sound of fresh snow beneath your feet before arriving at this remarkable hidden landscape.
Meet the Frozen North: A Coastal Drift Ice Adventure
Drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter phenomena. Rather than simply viewing it from a distance, this experience takes you along the coastline to search for ice floes that have reached the shore. If conditions allow and the guide determines it is safe, you may have the chance to carefully approach or briefly step onto stable drift ice. Even when the ice has not yet arrived, the rugged coastline, winter scenery, and local wildlife offer plenty to discover.
Itinerary
Gear Up & Hike to the Hidden Icefall
Meet Your Guide & Prepare for the Adventure
Meet your guide at the designated location and travel to the trailhead. Before setting out, your guide will check your clothing and snowshoes, explain the safety procedures, and introduce the day’s route and conditions.
Snowshoe Through the Forest to a Hidden Icefall
Strap on your snowshoes and enter the snow-covered forest. Follow your guide through deep snow and sections of uneven or steep terrain, using the flotation of your snowshoes to move comfortably across the winter landscape. After the hike, arrive at a spectacular icefall rarely seen by visitors and take time to appreciate its immense scale and intricate frozen formations.
Search for Drift Ice Along the Sea of Okhotsk
Walk the Coast & Experience the Drift Ice
Leave the forest trail and head toward the Sea of Okhotsk. Walk along the snow-covered shoreline while searching for large pieces of drift ice washed ashore. When conditions are suitable, your guide may lead you closer to stable ice or allow you to briefly step onto it after checking the conditions, creating a memorable photo opportunity at the edge of the frozen sea.
Return to Your Accommodation or Next Abashiri Adventure
Return to the meeting point after your winter adventure. Your guide will then drop you off at your accommodation, the train station, or the departure area for an icebreaker cruise, allowing you to continue exploring Abashiri for the rest of the day.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- Physical requirements: The experience involves approximately 2–3 km of walking, including steep sections. Participants must be comfortable walking on uneven and snowy terrain. For safety reasons, participants weighing over 100 kg, pregnant participants, and those with significant balance difficulties cannot participate.
- Clothing and footwear: Please wear waterproof, high-cut hiking boots and warm, waterproof, and windproof outdoor clothing. Ski or snowboarding clothing is recommended in winter.
- Facilities: This experience takes place in a remote natural environment with no restroom facilities. Please use the restroom before departure.
- Drift ice conditions: The presence, location, and accessibility of drift ice depend on natural conditions. The guide will determine whether approaching or stepping onto the ice is safe on the day.
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel for personal reasons after making a reservation, a 5% system cancellation fee will apply.
- 7–4 days before departure: 20%
- 3 days before departure to the day before departure: 50%
- On the day of departure: 100%
