The Shiretoko Peninsula, which is the third designated world heritage site in Japan since 2005, is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Shiretoko Peninsula is also at the lowest latitude in the world, at the zone where the sea water is frozen, the Ryuhyo (drift ice) which created in the Amur River during the winter season flows towards south slowly and reach Shiretoko peninsula at the late of January, and gradually fill the Sea of Okhotsk. Besides, it is also possible for the tourist to touch the ice, walk on the ice or diving to cross the floating ice. Today, we are going to introduce for the activities to enjoy Ryuhyo at Shiretoko area during Ryuhyo season.
"Ryuhyo (Ice) Walk" where you can experience only during Ryuhyo (ice) season
"Ryuhyo Walk” is an activity which is only available at the east of Hokkaido, Sea of Okhotsk and only available for one month period throughout the year. Since “Ryuhyo” is rarely to be seen, don’t you feel it is strange for us to walk on the ice?
By the way, it is not just walking on the ice. You can wear a dry suit and lie down on the Ryuhyo, go into the sea and floating with the Ryuhyo. If you are lucky, you may be able to see earless seals on Ryuhyo, sea eagle over the sky, and Clione in the sea. Why don’t you experience the wonderful nature at a new angle from this Ryuhyo at Okhotsk Sea?
Spot information
- Spot name： Ryuhyo Walk
- Date：1st February – 31st March
(There are cases where it may be canceled depending on condition of Ryuhyo getting nearer to the shore. Besides, it may be canceled due to the Ryuhyo flow or stormy weather.) - Fees：
- Junior high school students and above: 5,100 yen
- Primary school students: 2,600 yen
- Access：
- Take Shiretoko line bus at JR "Shiretoko Shari station" for approximately 60 minutes
- Take Shiretoko Airport liner for 45 minutes and get off at "Shiretoko (Utoro) Station"
Attention to diving professional fans! Let’s dive into the mysterious world under Ryuhyo
You can view the Ryuhyo from the undersea, and also to view the scenery of aquatic creatures through drift ice diving through Ryuhyo diving. However you will need a professional diving license in order to join the tour. This diving activity is safe since the diving area is chosen based on the Ryuhyo’s condition and there are staff standby all the time on the Ryuhyo. You can enjoy the Ryuhyo diving safely and securely at the safe depth of 2 meters to 8 meters. If you are a professional diver, please enjoy this special atmosphere which is different from ordinary diving.
Spot information
- Spot name：Ryuhyo Diving
- Date：End of January to March (Period when Ryuhyo approaches shore)
- Fees：From 54,000 yen (based on each vendor)
- Access：
- Take Shiretoko line bus at JR "Shiretoko Shari station" for approximately 60 minutes
- Take Shiretoko Airport liner for 45 minutes and get off at "Shiretoko (Utoro) Station"
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