Drift ice
This was the real thing — incredibly powerful and impressive.
Whether it was the drift ice frozen along the shore or the massive ice fields we encountered offshore by icebreaking boat, it was simply amazing — truly amazing!
I used to believe that the sea just froze because it was bitterly cold. But this time, I learned something new.In winter, a huge amount of fresh water from Russia’s Amur River flows into the Sea of Okhotsk, lowering the salt content of the seawater. The less salty water freezes more easily, forming ice. Carried by the wind and ocean currents, that ice becomes what we call “drift ice.”
Red-crowned Cranes
The Kushiro Wetlands are famous as a wintering ground for red-crowned cranes.
This time, we were able to see many of them at Tsurumidai.
While traveling by road, we even encountered a few cranes that suddenly stepped out onto the street.
In Japan, cranes are symbols of longevity and prosperity — qualities we can only hope to share in.
Steller’s Sea Eagles & White-tailed Eagles
Setting out from Rausu Port, we were greeted by flocks of lively seagulls as we sailed for about 30 minutes. Soon, we entered the magnificent drift ice zone along the Rausu side of the Shiretoko Peninsula. The bluish ice floes were alive with the awe-inspiring sight of countless Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, soaring and perched in majestic splendor. A truly unforgettable experience—Noripy was spellbound.
Gifts from the Sea
At the restaurants and local shops, we were welcomed by an exquisite abundance of seafood, drawn from the pristine northern waters.
To live here would be to savor the finest treasures of the sea each day — a quiet and enduring luxury.
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu is often called “the Misty Lake Mashu” because fog frequently rolls in, making it hard to see the surface.
But when Noripy visited, the lake was crystal clear.
The view was so beautiful and serene that it was simply mesmerizing.
Kitahama Station
The Senmō Line, connecting Kushiro and Abashiri, is a scenic local railway running along the Sea of Okhotsk. Amazingly, you can even see drift ice right from the station platform!
Sea of Okhotsk
The sunset I saw from the window of my hotel in Utoro was absolutely beautiful. Along the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk, drift ice had gathered and was floating quietly.
We were also able to enjoy views of the drift ice along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk from the window of our tour bus.
Foodie’s Delight!
This time, foodie Noripy chose the beautifully clear, blue Abashiri Cider.
I finished it on the deck of the drift-ice sightseeing ship “Aurora” as we cruised across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk.
The chilled cider perfectly refreshed my throat, still excited from the breathtaking sight of the drifting ice.
Foodie, satisfied!
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