Guida
The 'Drift Ice Walk' held around the Utoro Coast is an activity where you can directly touch the drift ice that has traveled approximately 1,000 km across the Okhotsk Sea. In the winter, the area around Shiretoko and Utoro is covered in a unique, pure white landscape of floating ice. By wearing a specialized dry suit, you can safely walk on the ice and touch the frozen sea even in extreme cold. Professional guides accompany you to explain the mechanisms of nature and the movement of the ice while guiding you through the experience.
The name 'Utoro' is derived from the Ainu language 'Uturuchikushi,' meaning 'the place where we pass through.' Historically, this region has been a place where people traveled through narrow paths between rocks to reach the sea. The area also contains traces of 'Chasi' (sacred ritual sites), reflecting the deep-rooted Ainu culture that respects nature and animals. The arrival of drift ice in winter is a vital element of this land's natural environment, and its mysterious phenomena are shared through local nature guide tours.
The biggest highlight is actually walking on the drift ice floating on the sea surface. You will experience moving across floating ice like stepping stones or navigating through layers of ice. While the route and difficulty change depending on the ice conditions and weather, professional guides lead the way to ensure safety, allowing you to observe the world of ice from multiple perspectives. Please note that operations may be limited depending on the ice-to-shore situation and weather conditions.
The Drift Ice Walk typically runs from February 1st to March 31st. Tours are divided into morning and afternoon slots. Morning slots are available at 6:30 (until 8:00 until March 15th) and 9:30–11:00. Afternoon slots are 13:00–14:30 and 15:30–17:00. End times are estimates and may vary based on the situation. The period when drift ice is most stable between February and March is the best time for activity.
This is a walking experience on the ice wearing a specialized dry suit. You can observe the texture and coldness of the ice while feeling the beauty of natural formations up close. However, because there is a risk of falling or slipping, following the guide's instructions is mandatory. There are certain requirements: participants must be elementary school age or older, with height between 130cm–190cm, weight under 110kg, and age 74 or younger.
Utoro is a vital base for Shiretoko sightseeing. The area around Utoro Port features sightseeing boat terminals and hot spring towns. It also serves as an access point for the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (World Natural Heritage) and Kamuiwakka Falls. The 'Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku' is used as a meeting point and rest area for tours. The nearby coastline is also a famous viewpoint for watching the sunset.
Specialized dry suits are provided for the tour. When booking, it is mandatory to provide the height and weight of all participants for suit sizing. The meeting point is 'Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku.' If arriving by car, meeting directly at the site is recommended for smooth operation and infection control. Please understand that tours may be limited or canceled depending on the drift ice and weather conditions.