【Hokkaido】A place to experience drift ice all year round【Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum】.

Take a sightseeing bus from Abashiri Station and climb Mount Tento for about 15 minutes to reach the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum. After completing the reception on the first floor, head down to the basement where you’ll find aquarium exhibits and panels about the Okhotsk Sea. A staff member provided explanations using a tablet. The staff was very polite and passionate, creating a pleasant atmosphere as they answered any questions. Photography is prohibited only in the "Drift Ice Fantasy Theater." Here, you can watch 4K footage showcasing drift ice and the marine life inhabiting the sea. In the "Drift Ice Experience Room," you can feel a world of minus 15 degrees Celsius. You’re given a wet towel, and when you swing it around inside, it freezes! The chilly environment is not only felt but also visually experienced. Additionally, there’s real drift ice here that you can touch, allowing you to enjoy drift ice all year round! On the rooftop, there’s an observation terrace where you can enjoy views of Abashiri city from Mount Tento. You can see Lake Abashiri, the Okhotsk Sea, and surrounding mountains. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great on the day I visited, and the wind was very strong! Despite this, my excitement remained high, and I’m sure the view would be stunning on a clear day. On the first floor, there’s a souvenir shop and a specialty drift ice soft serve ice cream made with salt from the Okhotsk Sea, offering a relaxing experience. If you visit Abashiri, be sure to stop by! 📍 Address: 244-3-1 Tentozan, Abashiri City, Hokkaido 🚎 Access: About 15 minutes by sightseeing bus from Abashiri Station 📞 Phone: 0152-43-5951 Opening Hours: May–October: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM November–April: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Closed: Open year-round (New Year’s hours: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM) Admission Fee: Adults ¥990, High School Students ¥880, Elementary/Middle School Students ¥770 Parking: Available