Abashiri’s roadside station “Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri” is adjacent to the Abashiri River and is also a river station.The drift ice sightseeing boat Orola takes passengers on a cruise from the Abashiri River to the Sea of Okhotsk, breaking up the drift ice as it goes.When I went on February 26, 2022, there was a limited time sunset cruise going on.For an hour before sunset, I could see the mysterious drift ice changing from red to blue.

Cruise ship Orola leaving Abashiri River

From Abashiri River to the Sea of Okhotsk

Drift ice tinted pink

The sun sets and the ice floes turn blue

Sea with drift ice extending to the horizon

The Orola returning to the roadside station after the cruise

















