![Explore Japan](/nhkworld/en/news/special/08/3089/images/IzfuADNz3MWpn1MESMEq2X1HdmLqnH0GT20mNVpa.jpeg)
Drift-ice viewing peak season
Seas off the coast of Hokkaido's Abashiri are now covered with drift ice, chunks of freshwater ice that emerge from the Amur River. The largest pieces are more than ten meters across and some are used as viewpoints by impressive Steller's sea eagles. The Aurora sightseeing boat began operating on January 20 and takes 380 sightseers out at full capacity.