As of today, out of season, returns ~November. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
When early winter temperatures and gentle current conditions coincide on the Kushiro River, frazil and slush ice aggregate into thin, round floating plates that look like lotus leaves.
Locally called renban koori, the phenomenon is visually striking along calm stretches and river mouths in late autumn and early winter.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Kushiro River Estuary (near Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO) |
| Hosooka Observatory, Kushiro Shitsugen (Hosooka Lookout) |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.