Okhotsk Ryuhyokan (Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum)

Overview

The Okhotsk Ryuhyokan is an Abashiri City science museum located on the summit of Tentozan in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, themed around drift ice and the Okhotsk Sea. A new building opened in 2015, boasting exhibits that allow you to experience the mystery of drift ice with all five senses. In the drift ice experience room, kept at a chilly -15℃, you can touch real drift ice and experience its coldness and hardness. The popular "Drift Ice Underwater Live" exhibit, featuring 360-degree camera footage, gives you the sensation of being submerged in a sea of drift ice, showcasing its beauty and power. The museum also features a corner where you can observe the ecology of creatures inhabiting the drift ice sea. Exhibits of rare creatures, such as the clione, known as the "angel of the drift ice," and the bizarre-looking icefish, captivate both children and adults. From the observatory on the third floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, taking in the Okhotsk Sea, Lake Abashiri, Lake Notoro, Lake Toubutsu, Lake Mokuto, the Shiretoko mountain range, and even the Akan mountain range. The magnificent scenery changes with each season, offering breathtaking views year-round. The Okhotsk Ryuhyokan is a highly recommended tourist spot where you can experience the mystery of drift ice and enjoy the rich nature of the Okhotsk Sea.