The Okhotsk Ryuhyo-kan (Drift Ice Museum) on Tento-zan hill in Abashiri offers the rare experience of touching genuine drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk inside a permanently frozen exhibition hall maintained at −15°C. The museum explains the ecology of drift ice, including the microscopic ice algae that sustain the entire food chain from krill to Steller sea lions and eagles. A panoramic viewing room provides sweeping views over the Okhotsk coast and, in winter, out across the frozen sea itself. The museum operates year-round, making it accessible even for travellers who visit outside the drift-ice season.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Nature
- Season
- Year-round
- Month
- Year-round (drift ice exhibits peak interest January–March)
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Abashiri
Highlights
- ◆Sub-zero hall with real Sea of Okhotsk drift ice to touch
- ◆Exhibits on drift-ice ecology and marine wildlife
- ◆Panoramic views of the Okhotsk coastline
- ◆Cryosphere experience at −15°C with loaner coats
- ◆Year-round access with peak atmosphere in winter