2026 Mombetsu Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

The giant "Crab Claw" really stands out in Monbetsu! 🦀 Seeing it up close is even more impressive than you'd imagine! Just posing next to it makes for a striking photo 📸 At the nearby Okhotsk Tower (Ice Ocean Observation Tower), there was a lucky draw to win a crab claw. The draw costs 1,500 yen per try. The size of the claw you win depends on your draw, and we got the size shown in the photo. It definitely makes a statement when you put it on! 🦀 We took a break inside the tower at "Cafe on the Sea companio" for some soft serve ice cream 🍦 Here’s what we ordered: ・Premium Vanilla 　With a seal cookie - 600 yen ・Premium Vanilla + Strawberry Sauce 　With a seal cookie - 680 yen A smooth, silky ice cream made with plenty of fresh Hokkaido cream. We topped ours with a cute seal cookie and enjoyed it while gazing out at the sea. A giant crab claw monument, and eating soft serve while looking out at the ocean. It was a spot where you could experience the true essence of Monbetsu all at once ✨ 📍 Crab Claw Monument / Monbetsu City Ocean Park 📍 Okhotsk Tower (Ice Ocean Observation Tower) 🗓 Visited on May 3, 2025 * Please note that lucky draw details, merchandise, and prices are subject to change. Sightseeing

I arrived in Monbetsu on a tourist bus from Sapporo, a 3.5-hour drive, to board the drift ice sightseeing ship, the Garinko. There were many tour buses parked in the parking lot, and a fairly large crowd had gathered. The ship had seats on the first, second, and third floors, and it looked like we could even see the drift ice from the windows (though the windows were a bit dirty). People were thronging the deck... Ten minutes into the boat, an announcement was made that drift ice would not be visible today...📢😖 It's a shame, but it can't be helped, considering we're dealing with nature. Since I was there, I decided to go out onto the deck. There were a huge crowd, but we moved around in order and eventually made it to the very edge. There was a one-minute time limit, so I was able to take photos. I observed the frozen ocean and the backs of white-tailed eagles. Since I couldn't see any drift ice, I received a discount coupon (valid for one year) when I disembarked. I wonder if I'll be able to come back by next year...💦 The soft serve ice cream I had at the Marine Exchange Center, where the Garinko boards, was delicious.🍦

The Garinko-go icebreaker cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting winter scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk from January 16 to March 31, 2026. This exciting cruise allows passengers to witness the miraculous drift ice formed in the region during the cold winter months. Visitors also have the chance to see seals gliding on the ice, Steller's sea eagles, and white-tailed sea eagles. This cruise is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magnificent natural beauty of Hokkaido during winter. For families and travelers seeking adventure in eastern Hokkaido, this experience is sure to be unforgettable. Additionally, the Okhotsk Tower, known as the Sea Ice Observation Tower, is the world's first sea ice observation tower and the largest underwater observation tower in northern Japan. This attraction enhances the overall experience, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world while enjoying stunning water views. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this extraordinary winter adventure!

For those heading to Hokkaido in winter, who doesn’t want to chase the blue ice sea on an icebreaker! But stuck between Abashiri or Monbetsu? This article will help you figure it out, with car charter itineraries + self-guided travel tips~ 🌟Monbetsu 1-day tour (for car charter lovers! Easy round trip in one day) ✅Suitable for: Those who want to ride the icebreaker but don’t want to stay overnight, departing from Sapporo 🚗Car charter itinerary (example from Sapporo): 8:00 Pick up from Sapporo hotel → 10:30 Arrive at Monbetsu Port (2.5h drive, enjoy snowy plain scenery along the way) 11. 00 Ride the “Garinko” icebreaker (1.5h experience! The “crack” sound of the ship breaking the floating ice is super impressive, you can shoot blue ice and drift ice up close on the deck, and if lucky, see seals sunbathing on the ice) 12. 30 Lunch: Eat northern crab set meal near Monbetsu Port, the crab meat is fresh and juicy to the max 14. 00 Monbetsu Port Ice Sculpture Park (free! Check out the giant ice slide, drift ice-themed ice sculptures, and capture atmospheric snowy scenes) 15. 00 Drift Ice Museum (experience the -20℃ ice bar, have a cup of Hokkaido sake with ice, the cups are made of ice!) 16. 00 Return to Sapporo → 18:30 Arrive at hotel ✨Advantages of car charter: No need to rush JR schedules, can spend more time taking photos at the ice sculpture park anytime, and the driver will help with luggage~ 🌌Abashiri 2 days 1 night (deep experience! Stay at a hot spring hotel, super relaxing) ✅Suitable for: Those who want to explore slowly and check out the surroundings of Abashiri 🚗Car charter itinerary (departing from Sapporo): Day 1 9:00 Pick up from Sapporo → 12:30 Lunch in Abashiri city (try Genghis Khan grilled lamb, paired with Hokkaido beer, amazing) 14:00 Ride the “Aurora” icebreaker (2h! Longer than Monbetsu route, can go deep into the drift ice area, hot drinks available on deck so you won’t feel cold) 16:30 Ice activities on Lake Abashiri (ice fishing for pond smelt, cook them directly in hot pot! Or ride snowmobiles) 18. 00 Dinner: Abashiri seafood hot pot, scallops and Arctic surf clams so fresh they’ll blow your mind 19. 30 Check in at Abashiri hot spring hotel (soak in the open-air hot spring while watching the snowy plain night view, relieve the day’s fatigue) Day 2 9:00 After hotel breakfast → 10:00 Abashiri Prison Museum (winter snow scenery + red brick buildings, take vintage-style photos, learn about the drift ice era history) 12. 00 Lunch: Abashiri specialty salt-flavored ramen 13. 30 Kitami Fox Village (pet the soft white foxes! In winter, the foxes wear little scarves, super cute) 15:00 Return to Sapporo → 18:30 Arrive 🚌 How to get there on your own? ❌Disadvantages: Tight schedule + inconvenient transfers, JR trains often delayed in winter ⚠️Important reminder! Car charters in Hokkaido are super popular in winter! Especially during the drift ice season in January and February, our company’s 7-seat business vehicles (with heater + luggage space) are often fully booked a month in advance. If you want peace of mind, book early! Chinese-speaking drivers accompany you throughout and can help take stunning snow photos~ This winter, stop hesitating! Choose Monbetsu for a relaxed single-day trip, or Abashiri for a deep exploration. Car charter will maximize your winter romance~

Day 1: Take the once-daily ANA flight from Haneda to Monbetsu Day 2: See lots of seals! You can even feed them ^_^ Day 3: Take the once-daily ANA flight from Monbetsu to Haneda [Recommended Spots] Seal Land, Okhotsk Tower [Recommended Food] Marutomi's Scallop Rice Bowl, Salmon Oyako Rice Bowl [Recommended Hotel] Okhotsk Palace Hotel Right next to the bus terminal! Supermarket and public bath within walking distance [Photo Spots] View from the hotel You realize so many things you don't notice living in the city. My heart was healed.

Traveling to Japan with kids? Don't miss this guide! Winter activities, Shiroi Koibito Park, Lake Toya, and Hakodate night view are great choices for family travel! · - Japan is located in East Asia and has a rich history. 🗾 From the ancient city of Kyoto 🏞️ to the bustling city of Tokyo 🌆, Japan is full of unique charm. It is often called the "Land of Cherry Blossoms" 🌸 and attracts countless tourists every spring. · - Route suggestion: 🌟Explore Hokkaido on a 7-day tour🌟 Day 1: Mount Hakodate Climb to the top of Mount Hakodate to enjoy the charming night view and experience the fusion of the sea and the city. Day 2: Onuma Quasi-National Park - Hakodate Morning Market - Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden - Hachiman-zaka Slope - Motomachi - Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Explore the natural scenery, taste authentic seafood, stroll through historic streets, and experience the diverse cultural charm of Hokkaido. Day 3: Silo Observatory - Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch - Noboribetsu Jigokudani - Otaru Canal - Shiroi Koibito Park - Tanukikoji Shopping Street From spectacular volcanic landscapes to warm canal scenery and sweet theme parks, this day will be full of surprises. Day 4: Former Hokkaido Government Office - Clock Tower - Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa Ramen Village Travel through historic buildings, feel the passage of time, get close to cute animals, and taste authentic ramen. Day 5: Monbetsu Garinko Icebreaker - Lake Akan - Ainu Kotan Take an icebreaker to explore the world of ice and snow, enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Akan, and experience the unique charm of Ainu culture. Day 6: Lake Kussharo - Mount Io - Lake Mashu - Tsurumidai - Nusamai Bridge Immerse yourself in the natural scenery of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu, and feel the tranquility and magnificence of nature. Day 7: Hokkaido 🛫 Tokyo 🛬 Beijing End your wonderful trip to Hokkaido and return home with fond memories and experiences. · - Some tips: · 📝 Remember to apply for a visa in advance for your trip to Japan. · 💰 The exchange rate of the Japanese yen fluctuates frequently, so pay attention to it before you travel. · ❄️ Japan is cold in January, so remember to dress warmly! · 🎁 The prices of Japanese specialties vary, so it's recommended to compare prices before buying. · - 🎉 Travel around Japan and experience its unique cultural charm. Will you choose to visit Japan again on your next trip? 🌸

❤Recommended reasons: 🔹An icebreaker cruise is a must-do experience in Hokkaido in winter! 🔹Head to the end of the world and sail on the frozen Sea of Okhotsk. Feel the thrill of breaking through the ice and see the icebreaker drill through the ice floes with a spiral drill. Experience the power of the icebreaker and enjoy the magnificent ice floe scenery in this isolated world of ice and snow. 🕙Opening hours: There are two places in Hokkaido where you can experience an icebreaker cruise: Monbetsu and Abashiri. Reservations are now open, so make sure to do your research early! 🔹【Abashiri Icebreaker】Runs daily from January 20 to March 31 (1/20–1/31) 9:00/11:00/13:00/15:00 (2/1–3/14) 9:30/11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30 (3/15–3/31) 9:30/11:30/13:30 🔹【Monbetsu Icebreaker】2025 winter icebreaker cruise reservations are now open - from 14:00 on October 11 Garinkoll will operate from January 25 to March 9, 2025 (except Wednesdays). Garincolll will operate daily from January 17 to March 31, 2025.

No need to go to the North Pole or Antarctica, just fly to Hokkaido in 3-4 hours to see drift ice! It is known as one of "Japan's most beautiful sights you must see in your lifetime". [Monbetsu Icebreaker] The 2025 winter drift ice cruise is now accepting reservations - starting at 14:00 on October 11 Garinkoll will operate from January 25, 2025 to March 9, 2025 (except Wednesdays). Garincolll will operate daily from January 17 to March 31, 2025. 【Abashiri Icebreaker】operates daily from January 20 to March 31 (January 20 to January 31) 09:00/11:00/13:00/15:00 (February 1 to March 14) 09:30/11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30 (March 15 to March 31) 09:30/11:30/13:30 📝Note: The transportation in the eastern part of Hokkaido is relatively inconvenient, and it is also difficult to book boat tickets. It is recommended to participate in the icebreaker activity with a group.

🌟Backstory Mombetsu Icebreaker is a unique winter tourism experience located in Mombetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan. This icebreaker is mainly used for sightseeing, allowing tourists to sail on the frozen sea and enjoy the spectacular ice scenery and the beauty of northern nature. 🧊 Ice-breaking sailing Visitors can board an icebreaker and experience the thrill of sailing on thick ice. With its powerful ice-breaking ability, the ship can easily cut through the ice surface, allowing you to observe the shape and color of the ice up close. This is a rare opportunity for you to experience first-hand the unique charm of the polar environment. 🌅 Magnificent ice scenery During the cruise, you will enjoy stunning ice scenery, especially when the ice and icebergs shine in the sun. These spectacular natural landscapes will add endless memories to your trip and provide excellent photo opportunities. 🐬 Seal show Before boarding the ship, don’t forget to go to the Monbetsu Okhotsk Seal Center to watch the wonderful seal show. Here you can not only observe cute seals up close, but also learn about their living habits and protection knowledge. This will add a fun and educational dimension to your trip. 🌟 Travel Highlights Icebreaker cruises usually take place between December and March in the winter, which is the best time to enjoy the ice scenery. During the voyage, you can enjoy icebergs, snowfields and magnificent sunrises and sunsets, adding endless wonderful memories to your trip. 📝 Tips It is recommended to book your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure you can participate in this unique experience. Be sure to wear warm clothing such as a bunch of warm eggs, gloves, and a thick jacket (it gets really cold) to protect yourself from the cold weather, and bring your camera to capture those rare moments! 📸❄️ 📍 Address: 1 Kaiyokoen, Mombetsu, Hokkaido 094-0031 Japan 🕰️Business hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 19:00 💸 Price: Due to the remote location, it is recommended to go with a tour group. The price gap is relatively large depending on the plan. #naturalscape #outdoor activities #cold #hokkaidomust-go

I was pretty exhausted after driving for 7.5 hours yesterday, so I slept in, naturally waking up just in time to check out at 10:00 AM. I sat in the car writing my travel journal until 10:30 AM before finally hitting the road. After a 1.5-hour drive north, I arrived at "Hotel Okhotsk Palace Monbetsu" in Monbetsu City, eager to try their local specialty: "Monbetsu White Curry." This unique curry is made with a generous amount of fresh milk and cream, giving it a rich and milky flavor. After all, I’ve tried almost every quirky curry across Japan—Fukuoka's baked curry, Tottori's pink curry, Shizuoka's dark green tea curry, Mount Fuji's blue and red curries, Hokkaido's soup curry, and the blue-and-white drift ice curry. This was the only one left on my bucket list. Unfortunately, upon arrival, I discovered the restaurant was closed. It turns out you mostly only have a chance to try it on weekends, which contradicted the hours listed on their official website. But making a wasted trip wasn't a big deal. I just headed over to "Roadside Station Okhotsk Monbetsu" to snap a photo of the famous crab claw landmark and look around. I picked up an adorable "surrendering brown bear" souvenir at the gift shop before hitting the road toward Asahikawa. 20260528 Summer Scenic Highlights D4-2 While stopping for gas in Engaru Town along the way, I spotted a road sign for the Maruseppu "Wisteria Garden" and decided to make a quick detour. Heading up the hillside, the first thing I came across was "Koseiji Temple" of the Koyasan Shingon sect. It featured short purple wisteria in full bloom with plenty of trellises. Further up the hill was "Heiwayama Park," which also boasted a lot of wisteria flowers. Although the scale couldn't compare to the famous wisteria parks, it was still a lovely local spot for flower viewing.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Hit the road and cruise up to Mombetsu, then check in to your hotel right next to the bus terminal—super convenient for arrivals! Don’t forget to book your Garinko-go III drift ice cruise in advance on the official website—tickets go FAST and you don’t wanna miss out. (Tip: The bus terminal address is nearby, so you’re basically at the center of the action!) Day 2: Start your day with a killer sunrise over the sea—those orange and yellow vibes are unreal! Gobble up a sooo good breakfast at your hotel before a quick 10-minute drive to the cruise boarding point. Exchange your tickets and get ready for an epic ride. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot wild drift ice and maybe even some wildlife 🦭! Next, level up your adventure with a visit to the Observation Tower (just ¥500!). It’s got the most insane underwater views—literally a window to the sea’s secrets. The address: Okhotsk Tower, 1 Chome-57, Mombetsu-shi, Hokkaido (Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 most days, but always check ahead). 🏨 Accommodation: Okhotsk Palace Hotel (ホテルオホーツクパレス紋別) Address: 1-2-20, Honcho, Mombetsu, Hokkaido 094-0005, Japan Super cozy vibes and close to all your must-see spots. 🍴 Food Recommendations: Scope out the central area for local eats—just a heads up, choices might be limited and opening hours can be random during snowy, winter months. Always peek at Trip.com for the freshest food updates! 📌 Tips: Stay updated on the drift ice season via the news and internet—it changes every year! Always book your cruise ticket BEFORE making the trip to Mombetsu, especially if you want the best seat on Garinko-go III. This experience is pure magic—city skyline, sea, and sunsets that’ll leave you shook! Don’t forget your camera, and get ready to soak up some crazy cool vibes.#driftice #mombetsu

A spectacular view of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk from the icebreaker Garinko

After a five-hour drive from Furano to Abashiri, I wanted to catch the last 4:40 PM icebreaker, only to be told that the last ferry with tickets bought at the last minute was the 3:30 PM one. The earliest ticket I could buy the next day was for 9:00 AM, so I stayed an extra night. I rushed to buy tickets at 8:00 AM, only to be told before boarding that there were no ice floes that day. So I headed to Mombetsu for the icebreaker, but Google Maps didn't find the exact location. You need to search for "Momonbetsu Marine Park, Mombetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan 094-0031" for a more accurate location; you'll see a model icebreaker on land. I arrived in Mombetsu at 11:00 AM, only to be told that all the ferry services were full, and the earliest was the 2:30 PM ferry, but there were no ice floes that day either. I could only take pictures of the ship from the outside, which was a disappointing trip.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo - Clock Tower - Red Brick Building Day 2: Meet at 8:20 AM - Monbetsu Drift Ice Tour Boarding the Garinko-go and Sounkyo Ice Festival Bus Tour Disband at 9:30 PM Day 3: Otaru Aquarium - Yoichi Nikka Whisky - Otaru Canal Walking Day 4: Sapporo Snow Festival - Susukino Ice Sculpture Festival Depart Sapporo 🏨 Accommodation ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel (As this was the tour meeting point) 🍴 Food Spots Sushi and Robata Shiki Hanamaru Affordable prices and great robatayaki. Reservations required. Robatayaki Utari Authentic robatayaki with a great atmosphere. Reservations are difficult to get. 📌 Useful Information

I went in November (which is considered off-season), but there was an event going on, so I managed to complete it as well. This place is very peaceful; please don't expect it to be as bustling as Kyoto or Tokyo. 📅 Itinerary Day 1: First stop: Mombetsu City Museum Second stop: Machinaka Art Museum Day 2: First stop: Kanino Tsurugi Second stop: Okhotsk Seal Park Third stop: Asarashishi Paradis Fourth stop: Okhotsk Ocean View Tower Fifth stop: Ocean Exchange Center Sixth stop: Hokkaido Municipal Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center Day 3: Take a bus back to Sapporo 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation Moubetsu Prince Hotel The hotel has a good location; it's only about a 15-minute drive to and from Mombetsu Airport. The breakfast is very good! 🍴 Food Recommendation The raw seafood I bought at the supermarket was absolutely amazing!! 📌 Useful Tips Besides driving, you can fly to Mombetsu from Haneda Airport or take a bus from Sapporo. If you exercise regularly, walking around the city is also a good option. Within the city, you mainly drive or take taxis; buses are mostly long-distance. There's only one bus per day between the airport and the city center, so be careful! #UnconventionalRoute #Seals #OffSeasonTravel

The meal consisted of three main dishes, the same as above, but for dinner we had the three major crabs, including a sashimi roll. ¥40,000/2 people👍🏻 [King crab, hairy crab, snow crab: Three major crabs packed menu] Appetizer: 🦀 Crab miso tofu Sashimi: 🦀 Snow crab sashimi and three other assorted dishes Hot pot: 🦀 Snow crab shabu-shabu hot pot Hot dish: 🦀 Live hairy crab steamed in a bamboo steamer (one serving per person) Simmered dish: 🦀 King crab stew Fried dish: 🦀 King crab tempura Stew: 🦀 Crab shumai Main course: 🦀 Four pieces of crab sushi Dinner: 🦀 Crab meatball soup Dessert: 🍦 Soft serve ice cream (from Ikutahara Nordic Farm) 👉🏻 🦀Live hairy crab ~ fresh sweet, each person has a lot of food [points R], the real crab shell can be boiled and cooked, but the place is exposed to food, so it's a good meal [harmful R] 👉🏻 🦀Simmered food ~ 3 pieces of hemp land, and a wasting left boat emperor crab 👉🏻 🦀Others are still OK 🏠Monbetsu Prince Hotel #Monbetsu

#September2025 The outdoor playground at Monbetsu Ryuhyo Park is a uniquely northern children's play space. It features a large wooden play structure where children can explore and challenge themselves with its intricate climbing nets, slides, and tunnels. Swings and trampolines of varying difficulty levels are also available, suitable for children of all ages. The park offers expansive views of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, allowing parents to enjoy the scenery while accompanying their children. Admission is free, and there's a large parking lot nearby, perfect for those traveling by car.

Lavender fields are the representative scenery of Hokkaido in summer. Many tourists like to go to Furano to enjoy them, but because they are too famous, there are many people. This time we came to Monbetsu City in the east of Hokkaido, and it turned out that there is also lavender to enjoy! Okhotsk Drift Ice Park is very large, and the lavender fields are limited to summer, open from June to August every year. We arrived at the end of June, and the lavender was not the most brilliant, but the endless lavender fields were filled with fragrant flowers, which was refreshing! The most important thing is that there are not many tourists, and you can walk into the lavender fields. If you don’t like crowds, I recommend coming here!

Hokkaido is famous for eating crabs, this is the second time I have come to this hotel located in Mobetsu, the hotel is quite old but is called clean and tidy 🛏 There are many types of rooms, before living in an ordinary double room felt too small, so I chose a large double bedroom, the space is really much larger ♨️ The hotel's large bath is nothing special 🦀Dinner chose two big crabs ~ sashimi 🦀, hot pot 🦀, grilled 🦀, steamed 🦀 (crab meat siu mai), tempura 🦀 are all, and crab meat kabu rice 🦀 ~ really any style to eat 🤣 🥢 Breakfast has a lot to choose from, sashimi is also 7-8 kinds, salad hot bread. . . . There is also 🦀 bean curd soup, really rich 👍🏻 #Matsubetsu Hotel

#Travel itinerary I have a mini-trip within the trip, 1 night 2 days Memanbetsu IN Monbetsu OUT by domestic flight in Japan. I returned to Monbetsu to use the 47th airport in Japan. In March, the limited express Okhotsk weekday operation was reduced by 50% with the Diamond account, so my schedule became very varied.🤣 I will stay at Kitami. I will leave my suitcase at Memanbetsu Airport and take a limousine bus to Abashiri. I will also visit Shibazakura Park in Abashiri by bus and taxi. I will eat at Michi-no-eki and go to Memanbetsu Airport via Abashiri and go to Kitami. I will go to Starbucks, the northernmost Starbucks in Kitami. Since there is no transportation to Kitami between 7 and 10 AM, I will leave for Engaru at 6 AM. I will go to the Pokemon Manhole in Abashiri and Monbetsu. Thanks to DIA💎, I am forced to tour Monbetsu, where I only stayed 5 years ago. The trip continues somehow. I am heading from Monbetsu to Haneda. Thank you. #JapanTravel #1Night2Days #HokkaidoTravel #MemanbetsuAirport #MonbetsuAirport #Kitami #Abashiri

Spectacular panoramic view of Monbetsu Park Monbetsu Park, located on a hill in Monbetsu city, Hokkaido, is loved as a great vantage point for overlooking the sea, city, and seasonal scenery. ⸻ 🏞 View from the drift ice observation deck · From the observation deck, located at an altitude of about 80m, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Monbetsu city, Monbetsu Port, and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.  . · In winter (late January to mid-March), drift ice spreads out below you, creating a mysterious world of silver that is a masterpiece. . · The composition that connects the city and the sea is called the "Sun Road - the road to the sun -" and is also a popular spot for watching the sunrise and night views. . ⸻ 🌸 Green hills and flowers from spring to summer · Cherry blossom trees and moss pinks bloom on the southern slope, creating a pale pink carpet that is unique to spring . · The park also features the Okhotsk Garden and a flower hill, where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll with the contrast between the green and the sea . ⸻ 🌙 Night views and winter drift ice illuminations · At night, you can see the night view of Monbetsu and the lights of the harbor, and it is also famous as a spot for taking night views from near the observation deck. In winter, the illuminated snow scenery is fantastic. · The first sunrise of the year is also shown to the public on New Year's Day, and it is popular among local residents as a "sunrise spot" . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

🎣 Okhotsk Tower [Mini Aquarium on the Undersea Floor] The mini aquarium on the undersea floor of the Okhotsk Tower, an underwater observation tower in Monbetsu, offers a unique experience at the world's first "undersea ice observation tower"! ⸻ 🐟 Highlights · 11 underwater observation windows: Approximately 7.5m deep. You can get a realistic feel for the Okhotsk seabed . · Rare marine life exhibits: You can observe creatures unique to cold regions, such as clionids (ice angels), balloon fish, and wolffish . · Mysterious space like an underwater cave: The ceiling and walls are designed to look like caves, and the lighting creates a deep-sea feel, creating a perfect atmosphere . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

The symbol of Monbetsu, the Okhotsk Tower, is an attractive spot where you can enjoy "play", "cafe" and "cinema" all in one place. We will introduce the highlights of each! ⸻ 🎠 1st floor: Playground (kids area) · Mini Garinko: A mini train modeled after the Garinko makes three laps. Wear a uniform and hat to feel like a captain, and ride for 200 yen . · Ship-shaped slide and ball pool: There are playground equipment for small children, and they can play freely in a safe space. ⸻ ☕ 3rd floor: Companio, a cafe on the sea · A cafe where you can relax while enjoying a 360° panoramic sea view. · Popular menu items: Freshly baked waffles (made with local ingredients), whey drinks, drift ice salt cider, etc. . · You can enjoy the night view and drinks at night: Local S-BASE is open at night, and the atmosphere is great . ⸻ 🎬 2nd floor: Video and experience theater · 4D theater "Okhotsk Theater": Experience the thrill of moving chairs, wind, and sound . · There is also a 360° dome screening, where you can enjoy the story behind the tower's birth and videos of drifting ice and the ocean in a powerful way . ⸻ 🌊 Undersea floor: Mini aquarium (additional charge) · Marine life observation windows (11 windows): You can see the fish of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the ocean floor ▶ 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children . · There are also small activities such as feeding sturgeons . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Monbetsu Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA This unique science museum is attached to the "Okhotsk Monbetsu Roadside Station" in Monbetsu, and is a facility where you can experience drift ice with all five senses.  ⸻ 🌡 1. Extreme Cold Experience Room -20℃ Surprise · Enter a freezing room that recreates the midwinter of Okhotsk, · Touch ice blocks · Freeze soap bubbles · Freeze a towel by shaking it  The hands-on exhibits have been met with many surprised voices! ⸻ 📽 2. Full-dome theater · The images of drift ice and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk projected on a 360° screen are very impressive. You can experience the snowy fields and icebreaker scenes as if you were there.  ⸻ 🧊 3. Drift ice aquarium & sea angels exhibit · See the sea creatures trapped in the highly transparent ice. · You can observe the "drift ice angels," the largest number of sea angels on display in Japan.  ⸻ 🌐 4. Permanent exhibits & drift ice observation corner · Models and panels provide easy-to-understand explanations of the topography and ocean currents of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, and the mechanisms of drift ice formation. · There are also drift ice observation cameras and data, making it ideal for science studies. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Welcome to the freezing world. Experience the extreme cold of -20℃! A quick trip to a world that freezes even in midsummer. At the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Museum's specialty "Extreme Cold Experience Room," you can actually experience the world of -20℃. The moment you open the door, the cold air pierces your skin. Inside, you can touch real drift ice, and experience the "freezing experiment" where you can shake a towel and it instantly freezes hard! The sound of the air being tense and the mystery of soap bubbles freezing, which can only be experienced in a world below freezing. This is a precious space where you can casually experience a part of Hokkaido's harsh winter. ⸻ 📸 It's also photogenic! Hold up your frozen towel and take a picture as a souvenir of your trip. 🧣You don't need warm clothes, but you might give up after a few minutes!? Come and experience it for yourself. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

🌊 The charm of the Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Monbetsu) 🦭 The only facility in Japan where you can observe seals up close · "Tokkari" means seal in Ainu language, and is a specialized facility that protects injured and weakened spotted seals and ringed seals and returns them to the wild after recovery . · More than 20 seals are kept indoors and outdoors, and you can watch them swimming right next to you through the glass . ⸻ 🍽 Feeding time is too cute! · There are feeding times five times a day (10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:00), and you can enjoy the sight of the seals eating and their cuteness along with the explanations from the zookeepers . · The scene where the seals gather together "like a flower blooming" is sure to look great on video! 。 · Staff will feed the seals. It's a viewing style, so anyone can enjoy it with peace of mind. ⸻ 👨👩👧👦 Participation experience program · At "Seal Sea Paradise," you can also experience raising the seals by signing up. The trust between the staff and the seals is overwhelming. · In August 2024, a "care experience" was reported, and the cuteness of feeding the seals using a bucket became a hot topic on social media. ⸻ 📸 Lots of cute expressions · The seals show a variety of expressions and movements, such as "popping out a face," "crunching," and "crying to beg," which has a great healing effect. · There are plenty of moments that will make you laugh, such as when they wait for food or lick their tongues. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

The Aozora Exchange Center at Monbetsu Okhotsk Drift Ice Park is an all-weather facility for children, equipped with an indoor playroom and indoor activity room. Here, you can play to your heart's content without worrying about the weather. . ⸻ 🌲 Attractive points of indoor athletics · Large wooden combination playground equipment: Steps and maze structure inspired by drift ice and the sea. There are also roller slides and net playground equipment, so you can climb and crawl through them for an adventurous feeling. . · Wooden ball pool (wooden ball pool): A ball pool made of natural materials called the "sea of ​​wooden balls," where the soft balls are fun to touch. . · Soft playground equipment and fluffy mats: There are trampoline-like domes, building block-style blocks, and health playground equipment, so you can play with your whole body. . · Pretend play and kids' space: Children who want to play quietly can rest assured. There are play houses and educational toys, so people of all ages can play . ⸻ ✅ Ample support facilities · Children's toilets and nursing rooms: Facilities that are safe for those with infants and small children . · Rest and snack corner: Enjoy local snacks and drinks in the window-side rest area . · Multipurpose room and craft space: You can also experience woodworking and simple cooking in the "craft house" and "kitchen house" . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

The B block of the Monbetsu Okhotsk Drift Ice Park, "Playground of the Sea and Earth," is packed with athletic play equipment. Here is a lineup that is sure to be enjoyed by parents and children! ⸻ 🧗♂️ Authentic wooden combination play equipment · The pit combination play equipment is an exploration type with an ancient dwelling motif. · The dome jungle gym is a giant jungle gym inspired by Mt. Daisen in Monbetsu, and you can climb and play in three dimensions . ⸻ 🏂 Big wave slide & roller slide · The **"Big wave slide"** stands out against the blue sky and recreates the sea of ​​Shiretoko, with multiple slopes lined up for visual enjoyment . · There is also a roller slide, and the feeling of cutting through the wind with your butt is exhilarating . ⸻ 🏔 Jump Mountain & Swing Playground Equipment · Jump Mountain is a fluffy dome like a trampoline. You can enjoy high jumps and it is very popular with children . · There are also swing playground equipment (swings) and see-saws, so you can play to stimulate your sense of balance . ⸻ 🧱 Building Block Playground Equipment & Healthy Walkway · The cushioned building block playground equipment is made of safe materials and can be freely assembled. · The healthy walkway is lined with exercise equipment that adults can enjoy, so parents and children can get active . ⸻ 🌳 Surrounding Area & Facilities · At the picnic area, you can enjoy a meal and play together around the covered BBQ area . · The Aozora Exchange Center also has an indoor playroom and wooden playground equipment. It is OK even in rainy days and winter . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip