Hokkaido's Abashiri Local Meteorological Observatory announced on the morning of the 2nd that drift ice could be confirmed with the naked eye from the observatory, and that it was the "first day of drift ice."


At Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, drift ice was seen coming in contact with the shore for the first time this season.

Before 11:00 am on the 2nd, the Abashiri Local Meteorological Observatory confirmed a band of drift ice on the horizon north of the observatory and announced the first day of drift ice for this season.



The first day of drift ice in Abashiri City was 11 days later than normal and 9 days later than last year.



The observation on February 2 is the fifth slowest record since statistics began in 1946.



On the 2nd, Abashiri City was covered in thick clouds and snow during the day, but from the scenic spot of Cape Notoro, we were able to see drift ice spreading near the coast.

In addition, the Shiretoko Nature Center in Shari Town, which independently observes drift ice in Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, confirmed that drift ice had come ashore for the first time this season.

Images from cameras installed by NHK in Utoro, Shari Town, also confirmed that drift ice was pouring over the area around the port.



According to the meteorological observatory, drift ice is gradually approaching the coastal areas of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, and the full-scale drift ice sightseeing season will soon begin in various places.

Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum "Drift ice that can be seen at the southern limit, please come and see"

On the 2nd, when the first day of drift ice in Abashiri City was announced, at the tourist facility "Okhotsk Ryuhyokan" in the city, the drift ice off the coast could not be seen due to the snow, and tourists visiting from Tokyo said, "I came to see the drift ice. However, it was a pity that the weather was bad today and I couldn't get on the drift ice sightseeing boat."



Katsura Taguchi, president of Okhotsk Ryuhyokan, said, "I feel like I've finally arrived. There are many tourists from overseas, so I expect that the number of domestic tourists will continue to increase. Southern limit. I would like you to come and see the drift ice that can be seen in the sea."