Ryuhyo Monogatari Train - Abashiri to Shiretoko-Shari
The Ryuhyo Monogatari Train was probably one of the shortest sightseeing trains I’ve taken in Japan. It only runs in winter, travelling from Abashiri Station to Shiretoko-Shari Station, with stops that let you take in views of the Sea of Okhotsk drift ice and the Shiretoko mountain range.
When I bought my ticket, I made sure to book a seat on the ocean side for both the outbound and return journeys in different cars. Trains No. 1 and 3 (heading to Shiretoko-Shari) make a ten-minute stop at Kitahama Station, where you can climb up to the Kitahama Observatory Deck for a beautiful view of the Sea of Okhotsk. On the return, Trains No. 2 and 4 (bound for Abashiri) stop at Hama-Koshimizu Station for twenty minutes, giving passengers time to browse the small roadside market attached to the station.
The day I travelled, the wind was fierce. I’d checked the forecast beforehand and knew there wouldn’t be any drift ice visible, but I didn’t mind. I was more interested in the experience itself. The train was quiet, with only a handful of passengers, which made the ride feel even more peaceful.
At Kitahama Station, everyone stepped off to take photos of the train with the Sea of Okhotsk in the background. Because of the wind, most people stayed below, while a few of us braved the climb to the wooden observatory deck. I managed a few quick photos before nearly being blown over and decided that was enough.
Once back inside the warm train, we carried on towards Shiretoko-Shari. When we arrived, there were about eighteen minutes before the return trip, just enough time to look around the small station. On the way back, we stopped again at Hama-Koshimizu for twenty minutes, where I wandered through the roadside market but didn’t end up buying anything.
If you’d like to see the drift ice but are prone to seasickness—or simply want to save a bit of money—this winter train is a perfect alternative to a sightseeing boat. It’s a short, scenic ride filled with quiet charm and unforgettable coastal views.
Background
The Ryuhyo Monogatari Train (流氷物語号) is a seasonal JR Hokkaido sightseeing train running in winter between Abashiri and Shiretoko-Shari. Launched in 2017 to replace the Ryuhyo Norokko, it showcases the Sea of Okhotsk drift ice, a rare natural phenomenon in eastern Hokkaido. The train features a decorated interior, volunteer guides, and photo stops at scenic stations like Kitahama. Its name, “Drift Ice Story,” perfectly captures its role in highlighting this unique winter attraction.
Getting There
You can reach Abashiri by air, train, highway bus, or car. If you’re coming from outside Hokkaido, flying from a major hub is the easiest option. From within Hokkaido, especially Sapporo, the train or highway bus is the most affordable choice—just be prepared for a longer trip.
There are two direct trains daily and several daytime highway buses between Sapporo and Abashiri. The train costs around ¥10,870 and takes about 5.5 hours, while buses are roughly half the price and take about 6 hours. Driving takes a similar amount of time, but unless you’re experienced with winter driving, it’s best avoided.
Route Overview
Train: Abashiri Station (網走駅) → Shiretoko-Shari Station (知床斜里駅)
Duration: 50 min (2 stops)
Route Note: Reservation required. Operates daily only in January and February.
Booking Info: Tickets can be booked at any JR Hokkaido station using a ticket machine — just select the train name, date, and time. You can choose a seat side on the machine or specify your preference at the ticket counter. I booked both my outbound and return trips this way. For the latest info, see the official JR Hokkaido website or the YouTube video about this train.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Abashiri Station → Shiretoko-Shari Station — ¥1,500
Train: Shiretoko-Shari Station → Abashiri Station — ¥1,500
Souvenir: ¥1,200
