In search of jewelry ice and ice art | Toyokoro Town, Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

In search of jewelry ice and ice art | Toyokoro Town, Tokachi

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: Last updated: September 10, 2018

Table of contents

1. What is jewelry ice?

　1-1. Where can I watch it?

　1-2. When will it be available to watch?

2. Let's go see the jewelry ice!

　2-1. What is the best time to see them?

　2-2. Beware of the cold! What should I wear?

　2-3. Are there restrooms or shops?

　2-4. How do I get to the coast?

3. Tourist spots you might want to visit together

　Final thoughts

Jewelry Ice Image These ice jewels can only be seen in winter in Toyokoro town, located in the Tokachi region.
"Jewelry ice" is currently becoming a hot trend in Hokkaido during the winter.

Jewelry ice is formed when frozen river water flows into the sea and is washed ashore.

Until recently, it was only known quietly among photographers, but its popularity has gradually increased, and it has now become a new and noteworthy tourist spot in Hokkaido, with the entire town promoting it.

This time, we've compiled information about this mystical jewelry ice, including the best time to see it and things to keep in mind when visiting.

I hope this will be helpful for those who want to go and see it in person!

Table of contents
1. What is jewelry ice?
　1-1. Where can I watch it?
　1-2. When will it be available to watch?
2. Let's go see the jewelry ice!
　2-1. What is the best time to see them?
　2-2. Beware of the cold! What should I wear?
　2-3. Are there restrooms or shops?
　2-4. How do I get to the coast?
3. Tourist spots you might want to visit together
Final thoughts

1. What is jewelry ice?

The Tokachi River flows through the vast plains of Tokachi. In winter, the Tokachi River freezes over, and the ice flows out into the Pacific Ocean.

Ice that flows into the sea is washed ashore by the waves.

Jewelry Ice Image Before the ice reaches the shore, it is tossed about by the waves, which smooths out its edges and makes it round like a jewel.

Because of the beauty of the ice, it came to be called "Jewelry Ice," and its name became known not only within Hokkaido but also throughout Japan and the world.

Last year, an estimated 2000 people (*) visited the town to see the jewelry ice.
(*...From the Planning Division of Toyokoro Town Hall)

Jewelry Ice Image Unlike the drift ice found in the Okhotsk region, a distinctive feature of jewelry ice is that it is transparent.

Whether illuminated vividly by the rising or setting sun, or lightly covered in snow, the scenery changes color depending on the time of day and weather, truly a work of art created by nature.

1-1. Where can I watch it?

Jewelry ice can be seen at Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town.

Because it is an extremely rare natural phenomenon, it is said that it can only be seen here.

Toyokoro Town is located about 40 minutes by car from Obihiro. From Sapporo, it takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes using the expressway.

It takes another 20 minutes by car from the center of Toyokoro town to Otsu Beach.

If you're going directly to the coast from Obihiro, allow about an hour for travel time.

1-2. When will it be available to watch?

Jewelry ice typically appears from mid-January to late February, during the coldest part of the year.

Since it's ice from a frozen river, it seems that the colder it gets, the larger the ice chunks that form.

The Planning Division of Toyokoro Town Hall has been providing information about "Jewelry Ice" on its official website since 2015.

This site includes photos of the Tokachi River estuary and coastline, so checking it out before you go might increase your chances of seeing jewelry ice!
[Toyokoro Tourist Guide]http://www.toyokoro.jp/tourism/news/

By the way, in the summer it's just a normal beach.

Jewelry Ice Image Apparently, you can catch salmon from summer to autumn.

2. Let's go see the jewelry ice!

2-1. What is the best time to see them?

Jewelry Ice Image If you want to see jewelry ice like the one in the picture, early morning is recommended.

You will be amazed by the beautiful colors that change one after another as the sun rises.

Similarly, there are plenty of photo opportunities in the evening as well.

Jewelry Ice Image The busiest time is early in the morning, and it's slightly busier on weekends than on weekdays. Apparently, many people also visit during the day to enjoy the various shapes of ice formations.

Additionally, when cold air from inland collides with warm seawater, the ocean can become covered in a fog-like condition known as "kearashi" (sea fog).

Jewelry Ice Image The jewel-like ice floes that wash ashore amidst the mist are said to be incredibly magical.

I'd like to capture some beautiful photos that include the scenery.

2-2. Beware of the cold! What should I wear?

During this time of year, temperatures in this region drop to between -20 and -30 degrees Celsius. It's colder than a freezer.

The temperature drops the most, especially in the early morning, so it might be best to dress in what feels like "too many layers."

Layer warm innerwear like Heattech with a sweater or thick hoodie.

Jewelry Ice Image Furthermore, when strong winds blow from wide plains or the sea, the perceived temperature will feel even lower.

A jacket made of windproof fabric or clothing with a hood that can cover your ears is recommended.

If you're trying to capture a photo opportunity with your camera, the cold will seep in quickly if you stay still. It's a good idea to wear sturdy gloves and bring hand warmers for added comfort.

Toyokoro Town is not a place that receives a lot of snow, but apparently the coastline is generally not cleared of snow.

If there's snow on the ground, it's difficult to walk to the water's edge in short boots.

Ideally, warm winter boots are best, but any long boots will do. Putting foot warmers in your shoes is also a good idea.

2-3. Are there restrooms or shops?

There are no shops near the coast, and the nearest convenience store (Seicomart) is 20 kilometers away.

If you have items to buy, be sure to prepare them in advance.

There are portable toilets available at the rest area near the coast, so you can use them with peace of mind. (Toilet paper is also provided.)

Additionally, there's a 24-hour restroom near the Toyokoro Town Hall, so you might want to use that first.

2-4. How do I get to the coast?

There is no public transportation to Otsu Beach, where you can see the jewelry ice; you have no choice but to travel by car.

There are plenty of directional signs in the vicinity, so you can rest assured.

There is a parking lot near the beach, so you can park your car there and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the beach.
(Apparently, you used to be able to drive close to the coast, but due to anticipated congestion, vehicle access has been closed.)

*The area with the parking lot is a residential area, so please be considerate of the neighbors.

If you are traveling by private car or rental car, please be careful of winter road conditions and drive safely.

[Reference article]
What to watch out for when driving in Hokkaido in winter: A local's detailed advice!
https://hokkaido-labo.com/hokkaido-winter-drive-7066

3. Tourist spots you might want to visit together

Since you've come all the way to Toyokoro Town, why not visit some of the other tourist spots in the town?

Japanese elm

Jewelry Ice Image The Japanese elm tree has become a symbol of the town. It is a popular tourist spot in the town, sometimes used for filming various projects, and its estimated age is about 140 years.
In the early winter mornings, the trees are enveloped in the river mist from the nearby Tokachi River, and their branches are covered in a beautiful layer of pure white frost, revealing a stunning sight.

You can park your car in the parking lot of a rest area called Harunire House, which is located in the town center, and go to see it.

- Near the mouth of the Tokachi River

Near the coast where the jewelry ice can be seen, close to the mouth of the Tokachi River, seals and Steller's sea eagles can sometimes be spotted on the frozen river.

Seeing both jewelry ice and seals would surely bring good fortune, wouldn't it?

You can also walk there from the coast, so if you have the time, please do go and check it out.

Final thoughts

Jewelry Ice Image How was that.
These are magical ice jewels that can only be seen in regions with harsh winters. While transportation is somewhat inconvenient, I believe they are well worth the trip.