Icebreaker, the song of winter in Hokkaido

📍Location: Monbetsu, Abashiri. Both cities can be reached by public transportation, but do not arrange a round-trip day trip to Sapporo. If you live in Asahikawa, you can arrange a day trip on the Monbetsu icebreaker boat (self-drive or charter, choose a boat after 10:30); if you are going to Shiretoko, Kushiro Akan, and Nemuro in Eastern Hokkaido, it is recommended to arrange Abashiri transportation. 📄Recommended accommodation: Stay in Monbetsu and Abashiri, check in one night in advance, take the boat the next morning, and go to the next stop or return in the afternoon. 📍Best time: Mid-February to early March is the peak period of drift ice days. Drift ice landing date and drift ice landing peak period are two concepts. Generally, drift ice landing can be observed in Hokkaido in mid-January, but there is not drift ice every day. It is recommended to arrange an icebreaker trip during the peak period. 📍Characteristics of drift ice in the two places: Monbetsu: upstream drift ice, drift ice is larger and thicker Abashiri: downstream drift ice, drift ice is more but small There is almost no difference in marine life on the drift ice in the two places 📍Characteristics of icebreakers in the two places: Monbetsu: medium-sized ship with icebreaker drill, more explore vibe Abashiri: medium-to-large sightseeing ship, more stable and chill Neither is prone to seasickness, noise, weather and other aspects are also similar, and both ships sell hot and cold drinks 📍Characteristics of cities and ports in the two places: Monbetsu: few tourists, few businesses, original flavor. There is Monbetsu Park halfway up the mountain to see the panoramic view. There is the Okhotsk Observation Tower in the port, and the cafe upstairs and the underwater mini aquarium are very interesting. Abashiri: larger than Monbetsu, with more hotels, and nearby there are Cape Notoro, Kitahama Station, where the movie "If You Are the One" was filmed. There are prison museums and drift ice museums in the city. Barbecue and beer are recommended. 📍Ticket purchase and reservation method: Reservation on the official website!!! Everyone must go to the official website to make reservations! In the past two months, many ticket agents have asked me if they can book tickets because they have accepted the reservations of customers but cannot book seats. The ship schedule and ship type are clearly written on the official websites of both companies, and you can also book a joint ticket for the Observation Tower in Monbetsu. There is one more spot for the 8-person team in Hokkaido from 3/6 to 3/11 (including the Monbetsu icebreaker) #A city with snow and sea #How romantic is the sea in winter #Winter niche tourism #Hokkaido #Icebreaker #Monbetsu #Abashiri