Guide
The "Drift Ice Walk" held around the Utoro Coast allows you to touch the drift ice that has traveled approximately 1,000 km across the Sea of Okhotsk. During winter in the Shiretoko and Utoro areas, a unique landscape unfolds where the sea surface is completely blanketed in white ice. By wearing a specialized dry suit, you can safely walk on the ice and touch the frozen surface even in extremely cold conditions. Professional guides accompany every tour to explain the mechanisms of nature and the movement of the drift ice as you explore.
The name "Utoro" is derived from the Ainu language word "Uturuchikusi," meaning "the place where we pass through." Historically, this region has seen much movement through the narrow paths between the rocks and the sea. The area also contains traces of "Chasi" (sacred ritual sites), reflecting the deep-rooted Ainu culture that reveres nature and animals. The arrival of the drift ice each winter is a vital element of the local natural environment, and through these guided tours, the mystery of this natural phenomenon is passed on to visitors.
The greatest highlight is the sensation of actually walking on the floating drift ice. You will navigate the ice by stepping across floating chunks like stepping stones or moving through layers of ice. While the route and difficulty level change depending on the ice conditions and weather, professional guides lead the way to ensure safety, allowing you to observe the frozen world from multiple perspectives. Please note that tours may be limited or canceled depending on the ice thickness and weather conditions.
The Drift Ice Walk is typically held from February 1st to March 31st. Tours are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. Morning slots start at 6:30 AM (8:00 AM until March 15th) and 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Afternoon slots are available from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Please note that end times are approximate and subject to change based on conditions. The best time to visit is during February and March when the drift ice is most stable and abundant.
This activity involves walking on the ice while wearing a specialized dry suit. You can observe the texture and the freezing coldness of the ice up close, witnessing the sculptural beauty of nature. However, because there is a risk of falling through thin ice or slipping, following the guide's instructions is mandatory. There are certain physical requirements for participation: participants must be elementary school age or older, between 130 cm to 190 cm in height, 110 kg or less in weight, and 74 years of age or younger.
Utoro is a vital hub for Shiretoko sightseeing. The area around Utoro Port features sightseeing boat piers and a charming hot spring town. It also serves as a base for accessing the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (World Natural Heritage site) and the Kamuiwakka Heated Waterfall. The "Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shiretoku" (Roadside Station) is located nearby and serves as a common meeting point and rest area for tours. The coastline nearby is also a famous viewpoint for watching the sunset.
A specialized dry suit is provided for the tour. When booking, it is mandatory to provide the height and weight of all participants for suit sizing and safety. The meeting point is "Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shiretoku." If you are arriving by car, local assembly is recommended to ensure smooth operations and follow local protocols. Please understand that tours may be limited or canceled depending on the status of the drift ice and weather conditions.