Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum

Located in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, Japan, the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the unique natural phenomenon of drift ice. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and wonder of the Okhotsk Sea, which is located to the east of Hokkaido and is known for its abundant marine life and seasonal drift ice.

The museum features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the Okhotsk Sea and its surrounding environment. One of the main attractions of the museum is the large aquarium, which houses a wide variety of marine life from the Okhotsk Sea, including sea urchins, crabs, and fish. Visitors can also watch a video presentation about the drift ice phenomenon and learn about the history and culture of the Ainu people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

The highlight of the museum is the drift ice room, which is kept at a chilly -15 degrees Celsius to recreate the conditions of the Okhotsk Sea in winter. Visitors can walk through the room and admire the stunning ice sculptures and formations, which are created by freezing seawater into intricate shapes. The museum also offers guided tours of the surrounding area, where visitors can see the drift ice up close and even take a ride on an icebreaker ship.

The Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum is open year-round, with extended hours during the winter months when the drift ice is most visible. Admission is affordable, and the museum is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, be sure to add the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum to your itinerary for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Latitude: 44.0205° N

Longitude: 144.2738° E