![[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_800%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_1240/s1.kkday.com/product_135943/20230804045527_X0tf8/jpg)
![[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_135943/20250912041109_Rksmy/jpg)
![[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_135943/20250909040305_e9VWP/png)
![[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_135943/20250909040304_pAH54/jpg)
![[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_135943/20221117040942_8bIWK/jpg)
[Confirmed Departure Dates] 2-Day Hokkaido Eastern Icebreaker Cruise | Garinscoting III Icebreaker Experience, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahizan Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Chinese-Speaking Guide | One Night Stay with Four Meals | Departure from Sapporo
- Winter-limited 2-day, 1-night package from Sapporo, including a snow park, penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo, Sounkyo Onsen accommodation, and a nighttime icefall festival.
- Embark on the Monbetsu "Garinko III" icebreaker deep into the ice belt of the Sea of Okhotsk, experience the icebreaking spectacle up close, and have a chance to encounter wildlife.
- Combining sightseeing and photo opportunities: Climb the Okhotsk Tower for panoramic views of the icy sea, visit the 12-meter-tall giant crab claw landmark, and enjoy a local seafood lunch.
- Hassle-free throughout: Green-plate private car + Chinese-speaking tour guide, including entrance tickets and "one night with four meals" (buffet lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2).
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 8 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, Eco-tourism, Bus tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Winter-only! Embark on a two-day, one-night dreamlike snow country journey starting from Sapporo. On the first day, visit popular attractions such as the Asahiyama Zoo and a snow park. Experience a variety of fun snow activities, watch the penguin parade (a winter-only event), enjoy a local-style lunch, and then check into a popular hot spring hotel to relax and enjoy the winter nighttime illuminations and icefall festival. The next day, travel to Mombetsu to board the icebreaker "Garinko III" and experience the breathtaking sight of cutting through the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. Lunch will be at a local market featuring fresh seafood, and you can also ascend the observation tower for panoramic views of the drift ice. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, this trip combines animals, hot springs, gourmet food, and polar natural scenery to experience the unique charm of Hokkaido in winter!
- Attraction Introduction -
【Okhotsk Tower】
The Okhotsk Tower overlooking the sea, is 38.5 meters above sea level and 7.5 meters below sea level. Weather permitting, the top floor offers panoramic views of the Shiretoko mountain range. The second-floor lobby features Hokkaido's first 360-degree immersive theater, "4D-KING," while the underground underwater level offers sound and light displays and exhibits of near-shore marine life.
Icebreaker Garinko III IMERU
Embark on a thrilling winter voyage aboard the icebreaker "Garinko III IMERU"! Every winter, the Sea of Okhotsk is covered in vast ice floes. The Garinco III uses a powerful auger to break through the thick ice, leading passengers deep into the white icefield. During the voyage, you can witness the breathtaking sight of the ice floes breaking apart, and if you're lucky, you might even spot seals or other polar wildlife. Experiencing the magnificence and mystery of Hokkaido's harsh winter is a popular winter experience in Hokkaido. The ship is fully equipped, ensuring that families, couples, and photography enthusiasts can all enjoy this icy adventure!
【Special Pattern: Giant Crab Claw Statue】
When visiting Mombetsu, Hokkaido, you absolutely can't miss this 12-meter-tall "giant crab claw" landmark! Standing tall on the coast of Okhotsk, it appears to emerge from the seabed ice, its striking and amusing design making it a super popular spot for photos. Whether you pretend to be pinched by the claw or stand in front of it looking up, it's a fun and memorable image. Originally designed to promote Mombetsu's drift ice and crab culture, this art installation has now become a symbol of the city. The winter-limited phenomenon of "claw tips freezing" is considered a good omen for a bountiful harvest by locals. Covered in snow in winter, it adds an even more fantastical touch.
【Sounkyo Hot Spring Icefall Festival】
The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival is Hokkaido's most representative large-scale ice festival. Within a vast venue spanning 10,000 square meters, approximately thirty ice sculptures and snow structures of varying sizes are displayed, offering a taste of an ice kingdom. At night, colorful lights illuminate the ice sculptures, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Preparations begin three months in advance. Water from the Ishikari River, flowing through the venue, is continuously poured onto a log frame, and the freezing and sculpting processes are repeated to meticulously create each ice sculpture.
Sounkyo is also renowned as one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring resorts. The Ishikari River, Hokkaido's longest river, flows through Sounkyo, creating a vast valley stretching for 24 kilometers with sheer cliffs. It is thanks to its rugged terrain and harsh climate that even waterfalls freeze over, creating a breathtaking winter spectacle. Experience a heart-stirring winter amidst the striking beauty of snow and ice.
【Meteor Shower & Ginga Waterfalls】
"Ryusei Waterfalls" flows swiftly like a shooting star flashing across the night sky, while "Ginga Waterfalls" cascades down as delicately as white silk. These two famous scenic spots in Sounkyo, each with its own unique charm, have both been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. Ryusei Waterfalls is majestic and imposing, like a male waterfall, and is called the "Male Waterfall"; while Ginga Waterfalls is gentle and graceful, like a female waterfall, and is called the "Female Waterfall." Together, they are known as the "Couple Waterfalls."
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahikawa Zoo, located in the northernmost part of Japan, was built in 1967 (Showa 42) and has now become a representative tourist attraction of Hokkaido. Its approximately 152,000 square kilometers of grounds are home to about 120 species of animals. At one point, it almost had to close due to a decline in visitor numbers. After improving its facilities, it moved beyond simply displaying the animals' physical forms, instead showcasing their lives through interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to witness their vibrant ecology up close. This sparked a buzz and attracted tourists from all over the country, making it an incredibly popular zoo. Now, foreign tourists also flock to the zoo, making it a bustling hub. The penguin walk is one of the most popular shows in winter. As soon as the zoo opens, visitors rush to queue up to watch the penguins walk. The penguin walk is intended to increase the penguins' exercise and help them lose weight, but it ironically attracts more tourists.
Snow Park
Experience a variety of fun snow activities in a snow-covered winter wonderland! Whether you're an adult or a child, you can enjoy a fairytale-like snow paradise.
From the thrilling yet safe "Snow Tubing" to the "Bubble Ball Experience" where you tumble inside a giant transparent sphere, and the "Fat Bike" perfect for outdoor adventures, there's also the fun-filled "Snow Soccer" with friends. In addition, there's a rooftop observation deck offering stunning views of the snow-covered landscape, and a "Snow Play Area" for children to build snowmen and play with snowballs. With such a variety of snow activities, you can fully enjoy the charm of Hokkaido's winter without even having to ski!
Please refer to the information below for details on drift ice over the years:
~Ice Flood Arrival Information~ Information sourced from the Maritime Information Department of the Japan Coast Guard.
• First Day of Drift Ice: The day when drift ice is first seen at a weather station
• The day the drift ice disappeared from sight: The day the drift ice disappeared from sight (usually determined retrospectively).
2018 [The first day of drift ice] ◆ February 1st [The last day of drift ice] ◆ February 26
2019 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 28 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 22
2020 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 28 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ March 27
2021 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 22 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ March 20
2022 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 20 *Due to a review of the observation system starting in 2022, information on the last day of drift ice will no longer be published.
2023 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 4
2024 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 19
2025 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 1
※ 根據最新冰情監測數據，2025 年 12 月的流冰初期觀測規模與覆蓋率較 2024 年同期出現激增。綜合此成長趨勢與歷史規律研判，預計 2026 年 1 月中下旬於鄂霍次克海沿岸觀測到流冰景觀的可能性非常高。
Ａ方案雪上活動包含項目
Ｂ方案雪上活動包含項目
Purchase Notice
- Please provide the dimensions and number of your luggage upon registration. Failure to do so may result in the tour guide refusing to allow your luggage on board, and the luggage will exceed the permitted number of passengers and luggage capacity. Guests will be required to store their luggage elsewhere at their own expense. If you are unable to board the bus due to luggage being unable to be stored, no refund or compensation will be provided.
- If you are booking for multiple people, please be sure to indicate the number of rooms in the remarks column.
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido, Hokkaido
Travel duration: 1 night and 2 days
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: Central Tourism
Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Sounkyo Kanko Hotel, Chaoyang Resort Hotel or similar
Minimum group size: 8
Team leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Hakkazu Co., Ltd.
Address: 3F, Daiichi Yamazaki Hall 2-12, Kitorokujo Nishi 6-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-863
Travel Industry Association Name: ANTA
Reminders
A minimum of 8 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 12:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
巴士定時定點出發，請準時於指定地點集合，嚴格遵守集合出發時間，逾時不候，以免影響他人權益。
因個人因素中途離團者，團費恕不退還。
當天根據交通狀況等會在行程順序上進行調整。
如因交通、天氣或其他不可抗力因素導致行程延誤、變更、中止或景點取消， 本公司將以安全為最優先考量，必要時將視情況折返或調整行程，未能前往及享用之景點與餐食將不另作安排或退款，敬請理解，亦恕不提供任何賠償。
當日參觀各景點的實際時間，須視乎途中車流狀況及參加人數等而定，如遇景點公休或限制入場時間，行程將視情況調整，敬請見諒。
雪況、流冰、星空、飄雪等均屬自然現象，本公司無法保證一定觀賞得到，敬請見諒。
由於飯店房間供應有限，如遇房滿，將安排入住其他同級飯店。
如果參團人數較少，可能會使用海獅或小巴，這時司機會同時兼任領隊，帶領大家完成行程。
一月底前之出團可能無法參加冰瀑祭。冰瀑祭活動由主辦單位決定舉辦時間，通常於每年1月底開幕，如遇尚未開放之情形，敬請理解。
若對餐食有特殊需求，請報名時提前告知。（例如不吃牛肉、素食等等）我們會為您備注特殊需求給餐廳。
房型依照酒店提供為主，無法指定。若有吸菸房/禁菸房或指定需求等，請事先備注，依照酒店安排為主。
請旅客自備暈車藥、雨具等。
建議旅客自行購買個人旅遊保險。
滑雪／雪上活動／溫泉／騎馬／水上活動等均屬具有風險之活動，請旅客自行衡量風險並投保旅遊保險；如因不可抗力因素導致財物損失、身體傷害或傷亡，本公司、員工及合作夥伴不承擔任何責任，惟將盡力協助處理。
依據日本海上運送法規定，自2024年4月起搭乘破冰船「ガリンコ號」需登錄乘客名簿， 因此訂位時請於旅客資料中的證件號碼欄填寫護照號碼。如若未填寫或填寫錯誤，造成當日無法登船，恕不予退費，敬請見諒。
優惠活動期間因每日優惠名額有限，將依訂購順序安排。若優惠額滿，有可能取消，最終以是否取得兌換憑證為準，敬請見諒。
本服務商保留所有解釋權。
【關於海外旅遊保險的溫馨提醒】 海外就醫及緊急救援費用較高，為了讓您的旅途更加安心順利，建議您在出行前自行購買可涵蓋海外醫療及意外的旅遊保險。
FAQ
The drift ice season in the Okhotsk Sea off Monbetsu typically runs from late January to early March. The prime viewing period is February, when the ice coverage is at its maximum, allowing the icebreaker to venture deep into the ice floes for the most spectacular experience. You may still have a chance to witness the magnificent drift ice even in early March.
The Garinko III icebreaker departs from Monbetsu Port in Monbetsu City, Hokkaido. Passengers board at the Monbetsu Ocean Exchange Center (Drift Ice Museum). Monbetsu is an important port city on the Okhotsk coast, renowned for its unique winter drift ice scenery.
You can book a 2-day Eastern Hokkaido drift ice tour through KKday. This tour includes the Garinko III icebreaker experience, the Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Ice Festival, and the Asahiyama Snow Land winter activities. It also comes with a Chinese-speaking guide and private transportation, saving you the hassle of planning your own travel and allowing you to fully enjoy your winter trip to Hokkaido.
The Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Ice Festival is an annual winter event in Hokkaido, usually held from late January to mid-March. The exact dates vary each year, so it's recommended to check the official announcement for the current year before planning your trip. During the festival, the illuminated ice sculptures at night create a dreamlike landscape.
Asahiyama Snow Land offers a variety of winter activities. Visitors can enjoy easy and fun snow facilities like sledding, snow donuts, and snow tubing, which are perfect for family fun. Additionally, there are play areas specifically designed for snow, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Hokkaido's snowy world.
The winter-exclusive Penguin Walk event at Asahiyama Zoo typically runs during the snow season, from around mid-December to mid-March. There are several sessions each day, where the penguins walk from a dedicated passage, coming close to visitors. It's advisable to arrive early at the viewing spot to secure a good vantage point.
In Monbetsu, you can ascend the Okhotsk Tower for panoramic views of the ice sea, experiencing the grandeur of the drift ice. Next to the tower is the famous 12-meter giant crab claw landmark, a popular spot for photos. Sounkyo offers the stunning ice sculptures of the Hyobaku Ice Festival, as well as natural beauty like the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls, all of which are excellent spots for photos.
This 2-day tour includes private 'Green Car' shuttle service, departing from Sapporo, with a Chinese-speaking guide throughout, eliminating the need to plan your own transportation. Meals are covered by an 'one night, four meals' plan, consisting of a buffet lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day, ensuring you don't have to worry about dining during your trip and can fully enjoy the cuisine.
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