Beach relaxation Japanese style: Why tourists travel every year to the Okhotsk Sea to see the drifting ice
In Japan's Sanin Kaigan Geopark, tourists from all over the country can witness a coastline covered with snow and ice drifting to form chaotic shapes. This rare phenomenon occurs exclusively along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in Hokkaido between late January and early February.
This spectacle is attributed to cold westerly winds that carry ice from the northern part of the Amur River in Russia to the Japanese shores. ClickOrlando reported that the river begins to freeze at the end of October, and the winds from Eastern Siberia transport ice formations to the Japanese shores, creating a remarkable pattern of fresh and saltwater.
Tourists typically embark on boat cruises to observe this phenomenon firsthand. Additionally, in the geopark on the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can walk on this ice and spot sea eagles or sea lions.
It's worth mentioning that upon the arrival of the Siberian Okhotsk ice, the Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival is held in February. During this time, visitors can admire unique creations and enormous sculptures crafted from snow and ice.