From aboard the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora, passengers can view the ever-changing icy world of the Sea of Okhotsk. The drift ice here is created when the the fresh water of the Amur River that flows between China and Russia freezes, eventually arriving at the Okhotsk shore of Abashiri. During the drift ice period, sea angels, seals, and other birds and marine animals often appear. If they're lucky, visitors might even be able to see land animals such as Ezo red foxes and Hokkaido sika deer. The ships themselves also have a stronger structure than regular boats, made specifically for breaking a course through the ice. By all means, go up to the observation deck on the boat and listen to the sounds of the breaking ice and experience the vibrations as the boat passes through.

Photograph provided by Abashiri City Tourist Association