> Stopping by to see the historic First Generation Garinko Go (初代ガリンコ号) on static display at Monbetsu Ocean Park during our summer road trip along the Okhotsk coast was a deeply cool, fascinating highlight. Preserved on land right near Seal Land and the harbor waterfront, this legendary vessel holds a special place in maritime history as the world’s very first drift ice sightseeing ship and a designated Hokkaido Heritage landmark. Walking right up to the vessel allows you to admire its most striking feature up close—the four massive, red Archimedean screws mounted on the bow, which were designed to spin and literally drill directly through thick sea ice in the frozen Okhotsk Sea. Standing beneath the hull and marveling at those giant spiral drills gives you such a tangible appreciation for the pioneering engineering and bold spirit of Monbetsu’s local history, showing how a harsh winter phenomenon was creatively transformed into a world-class tourism tradition. The display area is completely free, peaceful, and meticulously maintained, complete with informative plaques explaining its origin from a 1980s experimental vessel into an iconic tourist icebreaker. It takes just ten to fifteen minutes to explore, making it an effortless, deeply rewarding historical pit stop while walking around the Monbetsu Ocean Park area. If you are exploring the Okhotsk coast, taking a moment to stand beside this impressive piece of Japanese maritime history is an absolute must-visit for travelers and engineering fans alike!

The First Generation Garinko Exhibit is a fascinating display located within the grounds of Kaiyokoen in Mombetsu City, Hokkaido. This historical icebreaker ship, which once navigated the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, now stands as a monument to the region’s maritime history. Situated near the Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Seal Land), the exhibit offers visitors a chance to admire this engineering marvel up close. While there isn’t much to do other than observe and take photos, it’s a great stop for those interested in ships or the history of Arctic exploration. The striking design of the Garinko makes it a unique backdrop for memorable pictures. If you’re visiting nearby attractions like Seal Land or exploring Kaiyokoen, the Garinko exhibit is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. It’s a simple yet intriguing way to connect with the maritime heritage of Mombetsu.

Great example of an ice-breaking ship! You can clearly see the 4 screws that grind up the ice.

I stopped by while touring Hokkaido in 2020. Because of the COVID pandemic, there was absolutely no one around, so I could look around at leisure. The exhibit is old, and you can feel its age. If I get the chance, I'd like to ride the actual Garinko Go that still operates today to see the drift ice.

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Monbetsu's drift icebreaker, the first-generation Garinko Go. Seeing the real thing right before me, its presence was greater than I'd imagined. Especially the enormous drills attached to the bow—as if they'd leaped straight out of a manga, a mass of exaggeration and romantic adventure. It's a real vehicle, yet it feels unreal. A strange power and a little cuteness coexist. It exudes the ruggedness of a machine that spent years breaking drift ice, with a presence that almost conveys the smell of iron. Rather than visiting a tourist attraction, it feels more like witnessing “manga-like romantic adventure that actually exists.” In photos, it fits like a single panel, becoming a strikingly distinctive presence in a travel album. The first-generation Garinko Go wasn't merely a ship; it was “fiction that wandered into reality” itself.

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