Hokkaido Drift Ice 2-Day Tour | Drift Ice Walking & Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
- Take a ride on the Abashiri icebreaker "Aurora": witness the breathtaking winter spectacle of giant ice floes breaking and shattering up close from the sea.
- Experience the limited-time "Drift Ice Walking": Wear a special dry suit, float safely in the icy sea, and have close contact with drift ice.
- Enjoy the same price as a double room for single occupants: Thoughtfully planned so that each person can have their own room without extra charge, making solo travel easy and worry-free.
- Stay at the Shiretoko-Shari Station Front Onsen Hotel: Just a 2-minute walk away, enjoy the hotel's natural hot spring bath to relax and rejuvenate.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | None |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Room type | Double room |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Hokuto Kotsu or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 1 time
Accommodation used: Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae (Western-style single/twin room)
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the group.
[Travel planning/execution]
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 industry association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 20 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 14 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Drift ice may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
In case of bad weather, the drift ice walking tour may be canceled.
The tour will proceed regardless of the ice floe's position near the shore. However, if the tour is cancelled or modified due to ice floe conditions, the standard cancellation fee will still apply.
If you are unable to see the drift ice, alternative options will be provided by the tour guide (TD) accompanying you on the day of the tour. Please note that due to the itinerary, location, and season, the number of facilities we can offer as alternatives may be limited.
We will not contact you regarding the sea ice conditions before your departure. Please refer to the "Sea Ice Forecast Map" and other information issued on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website.
The operation of the icebreaker ship is not dependent on the presence or absence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice in the route, the tour will be changed to a sea cruise, but no refunds will be given. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, high waves, etc., we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing destination or refund the difference at a later date. Also, depending on the departure time of the "Aurora Icebreaker Ship," the order of the itinerary may be changed, so the arrival time at Sapporo Station may vary.
On the second day, the drift ice walk will involve walking on the drift ice and taking photos in the seawater. A professional guide will accompany you for approximately one hour. Please check the following restrictions before applying.
Participation Requirements: Age: 6 to under 75 years old / Height: 130cm or taller / Weight: under 120kg
To determine the appropriate drysuit size for your ice floe walk, please provide your height, weight (approximate), and shoe size.
Please refrain from wearing skirts. Comfortable clothing such as sweatshirts, trousers, or tracksuits is recommended. Since you will be tucking your trouser hems into your socks, please wear long socks and collarless clothing.
Participation is open to those who can manage their own physical condition and have the physical fitness level for hiking. Pregnant women are not permitted to participate.
If you bring a camera or smartphone, our staff will store it in a waterproof bag (one per group), but we cannot be held responsible for any damage or water damage. Bringing in SLR cameras is not permitted due to their high cost.
For changes to meals due to severe food allergies, medically mandated dietary restrictions, religious reasons, etc., a fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged, plus any difference in cost.
Delays due to transportation delays, or non-participation, will also be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the stated departure time.
FAQ
The prime season for viewing drift ice in Hokkaido is typically from mid-February to early March each year. During this period, the ice coverage is high and stable, making it ideal for taking the Aurora icebreaker cruise to venture deep into the ice and feel the impressive impact of the ship against the ice. Additionally, many limited-time drift ice walking tours are also available at this time, allowing you to experience the remarkable phenomenon of drift ice up close.
In March, you can generally still have the opportunity to experience the Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking tours in Hokkaido, although the drift ice conditions can vary depending on the annual climate. Typically, drift ice conditions are more stable in early March. As spring temperatures gradually rise, the ice will begin to melt. If you plan to visit in March, it is recommended to arrange your itinerary as early as possible to increase your chances of seeing the drift ice.
To book popular tours such as the Hokkaido Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking, you can do so through online travel platforms. Booking with KKday offers the convenience of a wide selection of tours, a simple booking process, and support from Chinese-speaking customer service. As drift ice tours are seasonal and highly sought after, availability is limited. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
The Aurora icebreaker is designed with a special structure and powerful engines. Its bow is angled to 'climb' onto the surface of the drift ice, then uses the ship's own weight to crush the thick ice layers, rather than ramming it directly. This ice-breaking method allows the ship to navigate steadily through the drift ice, producing unique sounds of ice compression. This provides passengers with an immersive and close-up experience of the ice's power, offering a unique sightseeing journey.
The drift ice walking experience is a unique winter-only activity in Hokkaido. You will wear a special dry suit and, under the guidance of a professional guide, safely step onto the surface of the drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. The activity is not limited to just walking; you can also try lying on the ice or experiencing the wondrous sensation of floating in the icy sea, allowing for the most intimate interaction with the drift ice and an appreciation of its cold beauty and vastness.
Yes, this two-day drift ice bus tour departing from Sapporo includes accommodation arrangements, allowing you to rest fully after exploring the magnificent drift ice. The tour features a large public bath within the hotel, where you can enjoy a warm and comfortable hot spring experience after your cold outdoor activities, relaxing your body and mind, and easing the day's fatigue, thereby enhancing your overall travel comfort and enjoyment.
This drift ice bus tour from Sapporo offers a special 'guaranteed departure for all chosen dates' policy. This means that regardless of the number of bookings, your selected departure date is ensured to proceed as scheduled, without concern for cancellation due to insufficient participants. This provides great convenience and peace of mind for travelers planning to visit Hokkaido to see the drift ice, ensuring their travel plans are not subject to change.
In addition to cruising through magnificent drift ice on the Aurora icebreaker, Hokkaido's drift ice tours also include the limited-time 'drift ice walking' experience. This unique activity allows you to wear a professional dry suit and, under the guidance of an instructor, personally walk on the drift ice, touch the ice blocks, and even have the chance to experience the thrilling sensation of floating on the cold sea surface. It offers a more in-depth and interactive drift ice adventure than simply viewing.
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