Abashiri, on the Okhotsk coast, is the base for the Aurora icebreaker cruise into the drift ice. The Aurora runs from January 20 to March 31, 2027, and in an average year the drift ice is first seen at Abashiri on January 22 and reaches the shore on February 4. Drift ice is never guaranteed on a given day.
Winter 2026–27 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Aurora icebreaker season | January 20 – March 31, 2027 |
| Aurora adult fare (large ship) | ¥5,000 in January and March, ¥6,000 in February |
| Drift ice first seen (average) | January 22 |
| Ice reaches the shore (average) | February 4 |
| Sea opens again (average) | March 15 |
Cruise details are from the operator's price and timetable page, checked 12 October 2026; the ice dates are the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 averages for Abashiri, not a forecast. Our drift ice guide compares the Aurora with Monbetsu's Garinko-go and explains what happens on a day without ice.
Winter weather
| Month | Average high / low | Snowfall | Deepest snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 0.7 / -6.0°C | 71 cm | 29 cm |
| January | -2.2 / -8.9°C | 90 cm | 46 cm |
| February | -2.0 / -9.6°C | 69 cm | 58 cm |
These are the JMA's 1991–2020 normals. Abashiri gets less snow than Sapporo, but it is colder: February nights average -9.6°C, against -6.2°C in Sapporo. In an average year snow first settles in Abashiri on November 17, and the lasting snow cover runs from December 8 to April 1 (JMA Sapporo Regional Headquarters, normals for August 1990 to July 2020). On the open deck of a cruise it feels colder still; see our winter packing list.
Getting there
The Aurora's operator lists direct buses to the boarding area from Memanbetsu Airport and from JR Abashiri Station and the bus terminal; by taxi from JR Abashiri Station it is about 8 minutes and about ¥1,000. Check the bus times for your cruise before you book.
On land
The Abashiri Prison Museum, a museum on the history of Abashiri Prison, lists opening hours of 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00) and adult admission of ¥1,500 on its official site, checked 20 October 2026; check its calendar for closures before you go.
Planning a winter visit
These are our suggestions, not official advice.
- Stay two nights if the ice matters. With ice never guaranteed, a spare day gives you a second chance; see the contingency advice in our drift ice guide.
- Aim for February to early March if seeing ice is the priority; on average that is when it is most often near the coast.
- Dress for the deck. Abashiri is colder than Sapporo, and wind on the water makes it feel colder.
- Combine with eastern Hokkaido. Abashiri shares the Okhotsk region with Shiretoko; see our eastern Hokkaido guide.
For the season as a whole, see Hokkaido in winter, Hokkaido in January and Hokkaido in February.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see drift ice in Abashiri? On average the ice is first seen on January 22 and reaches the shore on February 4 (JMA, 1991–2020). The Aurora runs from January 20 to March 31, 2027.
How much is the Aurora icebreaker? Adults pay ¥5,000 in January and March and ¥6,000 in February on the large ship.
How cold is Abashiri in winter? February averages -2.0°C by day and -9.6°C at night (JMA normals).
How do I get to the Aurora from the airport? The operator lists a direct bus from Memanbetsu Airport.
Sources: Aurora (Doto Kanko Kaihatsu) price and timetable and access pages (checked 12 October 2026); Japan Meteorological Agency coastal sea-ice normals, climate normals 1991–2020 and Sapporo Regional Headquarters snow-date normals (checked 19–20 October 2026); Abashiri Prison Museum (checked 20 October 2026). Planning suggestions are our editorial judgement.
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Northern Land Hokkaido Team — Sapporo, Japan