[Tour Guaranteed with Minimum of 1 Traveler] Hokkaido Winter Wonderland: Garinko No. III IMERU Cruise and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival (Meal Options Available; Departing from Sapporo)
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Garinko icebreaker cruise and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival. Immerse in Hokkaido's winter wonders—a blend of icy thrills and fantastic illuminations!
- Witness the mighty icebreaker Garinko No. III IMERU plowing through drift ice—a spectacle like no other!
- Explore the enchanting Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, where dazzling lights bring the ice to life
- Lunch-included plans are also available.
- [Important] A passport number is required when boarding. Please ensure you bring your passport or note your passport number on the day of your visit
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included, Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| 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.
— What You Can Expect —
Get two exciting winter experiences in one package! Visit the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, glowing with enchanting illuminations! Marvel at the icebreaker's might, breaking through drift ice—an awe-inspiring sight!
Glide onboard the freshly crafted "Garinko No. III IMERU" for an unforgettable cruise. The ship boasts two large screws at the bow, creating a distinctive "graunching" as it plows through ice. Sense the breaking ice through onboard vibrations. Delight in the thrill as drift ice emerges alongside—immersing in Hokkaido's beloved winter spectacle! Encounter the magic and exhilaration of drift ice firsthand!
— Tour Highlights —
- Garinko No. III・IMERU - The Newly Built Icebreaker Ship
Savor the mesmerizing sight of drift ice in the northernmost Okhotsk Sea of Japan. Let go of the chill and the clock, relishing the thrill of the unknown! Catch a glimpse of majestic birds—Steller's sea eagles, White-tailed sea eagles, and Slaty-backed gulls—perched on the ice. Spot adorable seals peeking through the drifting ice if luck is on your side.
- Free Time at Garinko Station - "Ocean Exchange Center”
Recognized as a "Umi-no-Eki" (Station of the Sea), the Ocean Exchange Center serves as a key sightseeing hub, hosting the boarding terminal for Garinko. Hop on a complimentary shuttle to the Okhotsk Tower/Ice Sea Observation Tower. Explore the center's shop, brimming with Mombetsu souvenirs—think unique Garinko merchandise and local snacks!
Explore the Okhotsk Tower/Ice Sea Observation Tower (JP¥500 for the undersea floor) since its October 2016 reopening! In drift ice season, delve into the Undersea Nature Observation Room, showcasing northern sea life and enchanting clione. Experience the all-new "4D-KING" for just JP¥300 per show, offering a 360-degree stereoscopic thrill!
[Tokkari Center Seal Land] (Admission: ¥400)
“Tokkari” means “seal” in the Ainu language. This is the only facility in Japan dedicated exclusively to seals, where visitors can see these energetic animals up close.
- Highlights of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Transforming a 10,000-square-meter venue along Ishikari River's banks, Sounkyo Onsen unveils an enchanting ice kingdom during winter. Nestled at Daisetsuzan's base, the festival showcases colossal icefalls cascading from columnar joint cliffs. Illuminated by vibrant lights, the magical sculptures radiate beauty and mystery. Dive into the heart of frigid Hokkaido, directly experiencing nature's icy marvels. Don't miss the breathtaking ice sculptures!
— Lunch Options —
- [Plan without Lunch]
Savor lunch at the Ocean Exchange Center which offers a cafeteria, ramen restaurant, and convenience store. Arrive at the Center around 1:00 pm.
- [Plan with a Bowl of Drift Ice]
Indulge in the fresh seafood of the Sea of Okhotsk with the exquisite a Bowl of Drift Ice (Ryuhyo-don) at Marukaichi Suisan!
This luxurious seafood bowl features the finest flavors of the Okhotsk Sea, including snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops. Enjoy this delectable dish, packed with plenty of crab, accompanied by a warm crab miso soup. After eating, enjoy a delightful shopping spree!
- [Lunch: Drift Ice Rice Bowl]
Relish the "Drift Ice Rice Bowl" at Marukaichi Suisan! Satisfy your palate with the freshest seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk bundled in a luxurious seafood rice bowl filled with snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops. Topped generously with crab, the bowl comes with a flavorful crab soup. After eating, enjoy a delightful shopping spree!
*Photos are for reference only.
— Important Information —
Pick-up Locations:
- ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo: Meet at 8:20 am, Depart at 8:30 am
- The pick-up location is the 1st-floor lobby of the hotel
Drop-off Locations:
- Sapporo Station North Exit
- Important Notes: Drop-off at the chosen pick-up location is not allowed
- The estimated time of arrival at the drop-off location is around 9:00 pm
The icebreaker ship Garinko No.III IMERU is a sightseeing ship with a gross tonnage of 370 tons and a capacity of 235 passengers, designed for the purpose of drift ice sightseeing, which is also known as one of Hokkaido Heritage. With air-conditioned cabins, vending machines and vendor stalls, the icebreaker ship offers a comfortable drift ice cruising experience.
Purchase Notice
[Important] A passport number is required when boarding. Please ensure you bring your passport or note your passport number on the day of your visit. Staff will ask you for your passport number on the day of the cruise. If you do not know your passport number, you will not be allowed to board the ship.
Please note that drift ice may not be visible depending on the weather and ice conditions.
■Alternatives and Refund Policy in Case of Drift Ice Unavailability or Garinko-go Cancellation■
① If cancellation is due to the weather:
- In the event of cancellation, the tour will stop by the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center “GIZA” as an alternative.
- The revised tour fee will be ¥5,000 for adults / ¥4,000 for children. If road conditions prevent travel to Monbetsu
② If cancellation is due to the inability to reach Mombetsu due to road conditions, travelers will be refunded according to the plan availed:
- [No-Lunch Plan] – ¥5,000 for adults / ¥4,000 for children. The tour will stop by the Ice Pavilion as an alternative.
- [Drift Ice Bowl Lunch-Included Plan] – A refund of ¥7,000 for adults / ¥6,000 for children will be issued. The tour will stop by the Ice Pavilion as an alternative.
*Note: In case of a refund, the whole amount refunded includes the meal cost therefore, no meals will be provided. In these cases, enjoy lunch at your expense instead
[Travel Conditions]
- Departure/Return: Sapporo
- Duration: 1 day (day trip)
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Operating Company: Sapporo Bus or Hokkaido Area Bus, others
- Meals: Lunch and dinner will depend on the plan availed; no breakfast is included
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum Participants: 1
- Tour Conductor: 1
- Guide: None
[Travel Planning/Operation]
- Company: Wonder Tours
- Address: 7F, Enasquare Odori Building, 10-4 Odori Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Registration: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Agency No. 2-862
- Membership: None
[Commissioned Sales]
- Company: KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- Address: 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, WESTALL Yotsuya Building 2F
- Registration: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Business No. 2045
- Membership: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
[Important] A passport number is required when boarding. Please ensure you bring your passport or note your passport number on the day of your visit. Staff will ask you for your passport number on the day of the cruise. If you do not know your passport number, you will not be allowed to board the ship.
You cannot get off at the hotel where you boarded. Drop-off location: Sapporo Station North Exit.
After the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart at the discretion of our staff, so please be on time for the meeting.
Participants for [Plan without lunch] and [Plan with lunch] will be sharing the same bus.
Please note that the bus and crew may change between the outbound and inbound routes due to bus operation adjustments.
Smoking is prohibited on the buses used on the tour. Please be noted that the bus does not have a toilet. We will take toilet breaks and stop at sightseeing spots as appropriate.
Large luggage such as suitcases will be stored in the trunk of the bus. You will not be able to take your luggage in or out during the tour, so please prepare everything you need for sightseeing in your hand baggage. If you have a luggage to be stored in the trunk, please inform the staff member on the day of the tour.
We recommend that you do not register for this tour if you have a fixed schedule on the night of the tour, such as a flight reservation.
Bus arrival may be delayed depending on road conditions. Please note that we cannot provide any guarantees in the event that the bus arrives after the last possible time for public transportation. In the unlikely event that the bus arrives late and you will need to take a taxi or stay overnight, we will not be responsible for the cost of the taxi or overnight stay.
Route changes or delays may occur due to road conditions, bad weather, etc. In such cases, please note that no refunds will be made for cancellations made on the day of the tour.
If you are traveling to Sapporo, Hokkaido, please refrain from participating on the last day of your trip. (There is no compensation for bus delays.)
Child rates apply for ages 3-11.
Chinese and English are available via the app.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The winter operating season for the 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker cruise typically runs from late January to late March each year. This period is the prime time for drift ice sightseeing in Hokkaido, offering the best chance to witness the spectacular drift ice landscapes of the Sea of Okhotsk. Specific dates may vary depending on the year's weather and drift ice conditions, so it's recommended to check the latest information before planning your trip.
There is still a chance to see drift ice in March when taking the 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' in Monbetsu, especially in early March. While the amount of drift ice might gradually decrease and start moving south, if temperatures remain low, the sea surface may still be covered with ice. The actual drift ice conditions are influenced by the year's climate, so it's advisable to check the latest drift ice forecasts or sightseeing information before your departure.
The specific boarding location for the 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker cruise is at the 'Monbetsu Marine Exchange Center' in Monbetsu City, Hokkaido. This is the dedicated pier for Okhotsk Sea drift ice sightseeing boats, with parking and rest areas conveniently located nearby for passengers.
The most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to the boarding location of the 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker cruise (Monbetsu Marine Exchange Center) is by joining a day trip bus tour, which usually includes round-trip transportation between Sapporo and Monbetsu. If you choose to travel independently, you can take a JR train to Engaru Station and then transfer to a bus to Monbetsu; alternatively, driving will take approximately four to five hours.
The 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker cruise is designed with a robust hull that allows it to directly break through thick drift ice. This provides passengers with an up-close experience of the dramatic sensation of ice cracking and the vessel navigating through the frozen sea. It can venture into areas with dense ice floes, offering a more immersive, winter-exclusive experience, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like seals resting on the ice.
The 'Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival' is a representative winter celebration in Hokkaido, distinguished by its spectacular ice world created from frozen Ishikari River water, forming giant ice sculptures and caves. At night, these ice formations are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere. The festival typically runs from late January to mid-March.
When boarding the 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker cruise, please be sure to bring your passport or have your passport number readily available, as it is required for boarding. Additionally, Hokkaido's winter temperatures are extremely low, so it is recommended to wear warm clothing such as a thick coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. Wearing non-slip shoes is also important to ensure comfort and safety while viewing the drift ice on deck.
The 'Garinko Go III･IMERU' icebreaker primarily breaks ice using its sturdy bow and a specially designed propeller system at the bottom of the hull. The wide and strong bow directly impacts the ice layer, causing it to crack, while the special propeller generates a powerful current that pushes broken ice aside, helping the vessel move smoothly across the ice. This unique design ensures its navigability in the Sea of Okhotsk.
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