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Sapporo Snow Festival, SL Train & Drift Ice 3-Day Tour | 5 Hokkaido Highlights: Kushiro SL Winter Wetland Train, Drift Ice Cruise, and Sapporo Snow Festival 3-Day Tour [Departing from Tokyo]
・This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour planned by Club Tourism International Inc, a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. Our tour guides are well-regarded for their hospitality and have received high praise from international guests.
・While the tour is conducted in Japanese, many guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong participate, so first-time travelers can join with peace of mind.
Efficiently explore the spectacular winter scenery of Hokkaido over 3 days
・SL Winter Wetland Train: A limited-time train! See the black express train standing out against the silver-covered Kushiro Wetland.
・Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship: Board the Aurora. Witness the powerful sight of the ship breaking through the ice with its own weight.
・2027 Sapporo Snow Festival: Enjoy Hokkaido's premier winter festival featuring impressive large snow sculptures.
・We will also guide you to Kitahama Station, the closest station to the Sea of Okhotsk, as well as Tsurumidai in Kushiro and the Hokuto Observatory in Kushiro Wetland.
・Stay at hotels conveniently located near the station for both nights!
Package Options
Product Info
【SL Winter Wetland Train】
A limited-time train! Ride the 'Black Express' that stands out against the silver-tinted Kushiro Wetland.
From the train windows, you can see the Akan mountain range, the old and new Iwahokibokumon floodgates, and the meandering Kushiro River right before your eyes. You might even spot Ezo deer or red-crowned cranes in the wetlands!♪
【Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora】
A large ship that powers through thick ice! The sight of the ship breaking through the ice with a 'boom! boom!' sound as it crushes it under its weight is a spectacular scene you cannot experience on any other drift ice cruise!
・Drift ice is a natural phenomenon. Depending on weather conditions (tides, wind direction, etc.) on the day of your trip, you may not be able to see it. Additionally, the drift ice sightseeing ship may be suspended due to drift ice docking conditions or weather conditions. Even if the ship departs, you may not be able to see drift ice due to tides, wind direction, etc. Please understand that in such cases, cancellation fees will be charged as usual from the designated cancellation date if you choose to cancel or change your trip.
・If there is no drift ice, the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora will operate as an Okhotsk Sea sightseeing cruise (approx. 45 minutes), and any price difference will be refunded. In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot or refund the price difference.
【2027 Sapporo Snow Festival】
Dates: Scheduled for February 4 (Thu) – February 11 (Thu, Holiday), 2027
Enjoy Hokkaido's premier winter festival, featuring impressive large snow sculptures.
【Guided tour to the fantastic silver landscapes created by nature!】
Kitahama Station: The station closest to the Sea of Okhotsk. The majestic Sea of Okhotsk spreads out right before you from the platform. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko mountain range!
Kushiro/Tsurumidai: A habitat for red-crowned cranes, a special natural monument of Japan. You can see many red-crowned cranes in winter.
Kushiro Wetland/Hokuto Observatory: Get a panoramic view of the Kushiro River meandering through the Kushiro Wetland and the vast expanse of the wetland itself!
You can enjoy the scenery of the wetlands as it changes with the seasons.
【Accommodation】
- Stay at hotels with great locations right in front of the station for both nights! Rooms are Western-style only!
・This product is a 'Request Booking', and it takes time to confirm your reservation. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, we may be placed on a waiting list or be unable to accept your reservation depending on availability. The final booking status will be confirmed upon the issuance of your voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot be operated due to being fully booked, we will notify you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (with a refund) is also possible.
- This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please note that all guidance provided by the tour conductor during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, for the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information as much as possible using translation apps (meeting locations, departure times, etc.).
Please observe the following when participating:
・Please book with your correct name and email address.
・Please be punctual with meeting times during the tour. If you miss the meeting time, the tour will depart without you.
Experience an impressive drift ice cruise! (Image *Drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be visible)
Black Express standing out against the silver-covered Kushiro Wetland (SL Winter Wetland Train/Image)
Kushiro Tsurumidai Red-crowned Cranes (Image) *As these are wild animals, they may not be visible.
Sapporo Snow Festival (Image) *Events may have their dates changed or be cancelled due to weather or unavoidable circumstances on the part of the organizers.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Tokyo/Hokkaido
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Transportation: Airplane, chartered bus
Bus Operator: Kushiro Bus or equivalent class
Airlines: Japan Airlines, ANA, AIRDO
Meals: Breakfast: 2, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
Accommodation:
Night 1: Asahikawa - Hotel Route-Inn Asahikawa Ekimae Ichijodori (Western-style [Single, Twin, Double])
Night 2: Kushiro - Kushiro Prince Hotel [B] (Western-style [Single, Twin, Double])
*Kushiro Prince Hotel does not have a large public bath. Please use the bathroom in your guest room.
Minimum Participants: 25
Tour Conductor: Partially accompanied (only within Hokkaido)
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *No interpreter-guide will accompany the tour.
【Travel Planning/Operation】
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated Travel Association: Full member of Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
【Contracted Sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
WESTALL Yotsuya Bldg. 2F, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated Organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 25 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 21 day(s) before the departure date
For this tour, guests traveling in odd-numbered groups will generally be required to share seats on the bus.
The order of accommodation and sightseeing spots may be swapped, or the tour may be conducted in reverse. (*Sightseeing spots will not be omitted or shortened.)
The drift ice cruise and the SL Winter Wetland Train may be suspended due to bad weather or vehicle malfunctions.
Drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
Please note that you may not be able to see wild animals.
Meal contents may be subject to change due to poor catches or supply conditions.
Due to the seating configuration on flights, guests in the same group may be seated apart, and even for bookings of two, seats may not be adjacent (e.g., one behind the other).
Events such as the 2027 Sapporo Snow Festival may have their dates changed or be cancelled due to weather or unavoidable circumstances on the part of the organizers.
The assignment of smoking/non-smoking rooms at the hotels is at our discretion.
FAQ
1. When is the 2027 Sapporo Snow Festival scheduled to take place?
The tour is specifically designed to include a visit to the 2027 Sapporo Snow Festival. While specific dates vary annually, the festival typically occurs in early February, transforming Sapporo into a winter wonderland with stunning ice and snow sculptures. This tour ensures you experience this iconic event.
2. What are the key attractions and highlights to see at the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is renowned for its impressive large snow sculptures and intricate ice statues. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, explore different sites like Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, each featuring unique displays from massive, intricate creations to smaller, artistic ice carvings.
3. What kind of scenery and experience does the Kushiro SL Winter Marshland Train provide?
The Kushiro SL Winter Marshland Train offers a unique, limited-time experience. You'll journey through the pristine, snow-covered Kushiro Wetland aboard a "black express" steam locomotive, witnessing stunning winter landscapes and perhaps glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat, creating a nostalgic and picturesque journey.
4. What can be seen and experienced during the Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise on the 'Aurora' icebreaker?
On the Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise, you'll board the "Aurora" icebreaker to witness the dramatic sight of the ship cutting through thick drift ice. This powerful experience allows you to get up close to the vast, icy expanse of the Okhotsk Sea, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot seals or other arctic wildlife.
5. Which specific locations like Kitahama Station or Tsurumidai are visited on this Hokkaido winter tour?
In addition to the major attractions, the tour includes visits to several unique locations. You'll explore Kitahama Station, known as the closest station to the Okhotsk Sea, Kushiro Tsurumidai, a renowned spot for observing red-crowned cranes, and the Kushiro Wetland Hokuto Observatory, offering panoramic views of the vast wetland.
6. How are travelers transported between the various attractions like the Sapporo Snow Festival and Drift Ice Cruise during the tour?
As a guided tour, transportation between attractions such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, the SL train, and the Drift Ice Cruise is efficiently arranged. Travelers are accompanied by an experienced tour leader, ensuring smooth transit and convenience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of planning individual routes.
7. What kind of accommodation is provided during a multi-day tour visiting Sapporo Snow Festival, the SL Winter Marshland Train, and the Drift Ice Cruise?
The multi-day tour provides comfortable accommodation for two nights at well-located hotels. These hotels are conveniently situated near stations, offering easy access and ensuring a comfortable rest after exploring winter attractions like the Sapporo Snow Festival, SL Winter Marshland Train, and the Drift Ice Cruise.
8. What makes a guided multi-day tour an efficient way to experience Sapporo Snow Festival, the SL Train, and the Drift Ice Cruise?
A guided multi-day tour is highly efficient for experiencing Hokkaido's winter highlights because it's meticulously planned to cover major attractions like the Sapporo Snow Festival, SL Winter Marshland Train, and Drift Ice Cruise within three days. Expert tour leaders handle logistics, ensuring seamless travel and maximizing your time to enjoy each unique winter spectacle.
