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[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)
[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)
[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)
[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)
[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)

[Departing from Sapporo | 2-Day Drift Ice Experience] Abashiri drift icebreaker Aurora, drift ice touch & mini walk experience, special king crab rice bowl, 5-star hotel (Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel designated)


Booking confirmation: within 13 days before the departure
Duration:2 day(s)
Guided language: Japanese
Free cancellation 21 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • This special tour not only allows you to ride an icebreaker, but also lets you directly touch the drift ice and even walk on it! A local nature tour guide will accompany you, making it even safer.
  • Your accommodation will be at the 5-star Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel. For dinner, enjoy a buffet with approximately 80 different dishes at the hotel's huge restaurant, Marusukoi.
  • On the second day, we'll be offering a special king crab rice bowl for lunch, as well as drift ice-flavored soft serve ice cream! You can fully enjoy Hokkaido's gourmet food.
  • This bus tour is operated by the reliable Hankyu Travel Agency. (Hankyu Travel Agency is a huge private railway group company centered in Osaka.)


[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

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Product Info

  1. Boarding the icebreaker "Aurora"

Drift ice forms when freshwater from the Amur River, the largest river in the Far East that flows along the border between China and Russia, freezes into the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and grows larger as it moves southward.

The "Aurora" is a large ship, so the rocking during icebreaking is minimal, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience! Enjoy the view from the cabins on the first and second floors, or take in the breathtaking spectacle of drift ice from the observation deck!

■ Drift ice experience rate (2026): 77% [According to Doto Tourism Development]

■First day of drift ice (2026): January 26 [According to the Sea Ice Information Center]

■Last day of drift ice (2026): April 16 [According to the Sea Ice Information Center]

*Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be visible.

*The icebreaker Aurora operates regardless of whether or not there is drift ice. If there is no drift ice, the cruise will be a sea excursion to Cape Notoro.

*If the icebreaker Aurora is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, the boarding fee will be refunded. Alternative sightseeing will be announced by the tour guide on the day of the tour.


2. You can also experience drift ice ice touching and drift ice mini-walking!

A local nature tour guide with extensive knowledge of drift ice will accompany you.

*Since you will be walking on drift ice, please wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

*Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be available for viewing.

*In case of bad weather or no drift ice, we will guide you to the Shiretoko Museum.

(Note) If the local nature tour guide is unwell or otherwise unavailable, another specialist guide will be assigned.


3. Accommodation will be at the 5-star hotel "Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel" (Shiretoko Utoro Onsen).

Both breakfast and dinner are buffet style at "Marsukoi," the hotel's restaurant overlooking the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.

For dinner, sushi and tempura are cooked to order, so you can enjoy them fresh! (90 minutes) Includes unlimited drinks, including alcohol.

For breakfast, enjoy a buffet with approximately 80 different dishes, including freshly baked French toast.

Nestled in the magnificent natural surroundings of Shiretoko, Utoro Onsen is characterized by its ability to warm the body to the core and retain heat for a long time after bathing.

Icebreaker Aurora

Icebreaker Aurora

Drift ice mini-walk experience

Drift ice mini-walk experience

A buffet with approximately 80 different dishes at the restaurant inside Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel.

A buffet with approximately 80 different dishes at the restaurant inside Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel.

Purchase Notice

[Travel conditions]

Departure point/Destination: Sapporo / Abashiri/Shari

Travel days: 2

Transportation used: Chartered bus

Bus company operating the service: Abashiri Kanko Bus or a bus company operating in the Hokkaido area (according to our company's standards)

Meal plan: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches (1 of which is a packed lunch), 1 dinner

Accommodation: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel (designated)

Minimum number of participants: 25

Tour guide: 1 (Japanese language support only)

Guide: 0

[Travel planning/execution]

Company Name: Hankyu Travel Co., Ltd. Sapporo Branch

Address: 6th Floor, 2-5, Kita 5-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan

Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 1847

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 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 13 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 14:00). Notifications will then be sent via email

  • 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 6

  • Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 6 and are required to be purchased on-site

  • This tour is primarily a local tour for Japanese tourists. The tour guide will communicate in Japanese, but necessary information will be provided in written form in English and Chinese. In emergencies, we will use translation apps on tablet devices and combine them with gestures to ensure clear communication. The tour guide will manage the tour itinerary (they will not act as a tour guide).

  • The meeting time is in Japan Standard Time, and punctuality is essential. Even if a customer does not appear at the meeting time, neither our company nor the tour guide will contact the customer, and the tour will depart as scheduled.

  • At the meeting point, a staff member will be waiting for you holding a "Hankyu Travel" sign (board or flag). Please confirm the course name and complete the registration using the name of the group representative. Please note that registration will only be completed once all members of your group have arrived.

  • We do not offer shared rooms. Please choose a room type that matches the actual number of people in your reservation. Please note that if the number of people does not match, additional charges may apply or your reservation may be cancelled.

  • Depending on the number of participants, you may unfortunately be seated with other passengers on the bus or at the lunch venue, either sitting in front of or behind others. We appreciate your understanding.

  • Children aged 6 and over will be charged the same price as adults. For children aged 3 to under 6, only the bus seat fee is included. Hotel bedding, meals, icebreaker cruise fees, and other miscellaneous expenses incurred during the trip are not included.

  • [About the Aurora Icebreaker] As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, there is a possibility that you may not be able to see it. The Aurora icebreaker will operate regardless of whether or not there is drift ice. If there is no drift ice, the cruise will be a sea excursion to Cape Notoro. If the Aurora icebreaker is canceled due to weather or other reasons, the fare will be refunded. In addition, alternative sightseeing will be announced by the tour guide on the day of the cruise.

  • [About the Drift Ice Mini Walk] Since you will be walking on drift ice, please wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not always be possible to experience it. If the weather is bad or there is no drift ice during the drift ice walk, we will guide you to the Shiretoko Museum. If the local nature tour guide is unwell or otherwise unwell, another specialist guide may be assigned.

  • The above schedule may be subject to change due to transportation issues (buses, etc.), weather, local conditions, road conditions, etc., including the itinerary, sightseeing locations, order of visits, meal details, and return time. Road conditions may also cause some changes to the itinerary or delays in the return to the departure point. The return location may differ from the meeting point. Furthermore, the order of the itinerary may be rearranged depending on the departure date.

  • All photos are for illustrative purposes only. The flowering period of flowers may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, etc. Menu items may change depending on the season and availability of ingredients.

FAQ

1. How can I book the Abashiri Drift Icebreaker Aurora tour?

You can book this special 2-day Abashiri drift ice experience, which includes the Aurora Icebreaker, through KKday. Booking through KKday allows you to easily secure your spot for this popular winter tour, ensuring a smooth and convenient reservation process for a comprehensive itinerary departing from Sapporo.

2. What are the main differences between the Aurora Icebreaker and other drift ice experiences like the Garinko-go?

While both offer drift ice viewing, this particular Aurora Icebreaker tour stands out by providing not only a cruise but also a unique "drift ice touch" and "mini-walk" experience directly on the ice. A local nature tour guide accompanies the group, enhancing safety and providing expert insights during these special activities, which is a key differentiator from standard cruises.

3. What unique experiences does the Abashiri Drift Icebreaker Aurora tour offer beyond just cruising?

Beyond the exciting drift icebreaker Aurora cruise, this tour offers exclusive experiences like directly touching the drift ice and participating in a "drift ice mini-walk." These activities allow for a more immersive encounter with the frozen landscape, all while being accompanied by a local nature tour guide for safety and deeper understanding of the environment.

4. When is the best time of year to experience the drift ice in Abashiri and see the Aurora Icebreaker?

The best season to experience the drift ice in Abashiri and see the Aurora Icebreaker is typically from late January to mid-March. The peak viewing period for the most extensive drift ice coverage often falls in mid-February, depending on annual weather conditions. During this winter period, you have the highest chance to witness the spectacular phenomenon.

5. Are there specific safety precautions for the drift ice touch and mini-walk experience in Abashiri?

Yes, for the drift ice touch and mini-walk experience, safety is prioritized. A local nature tour guide accompanies all participants throughout these activities, providing expert guidance and ensuring a secure environment. Following the guide's instructions is essential to safely enjoy the unique experience on the drift ice.

6. How long does the drift icebreaker Aurora cruise and the drift ice touch and mini-walk experience typically last?

The drift icebreaker Aurora cruise and the subsequent drift ice touch and mini-walk experience are key components of this comprehensive 2-day tour. While specific individual durations vary within the tour itinerary, these activities are designed to provide a full and immersive encounter with the Abashiri drift ice phenomenon, guided by a local nature expert.

7. What kind of accommodation is provided during the 2-day Abashiri drift ice tour?

This 2-day tour includes a stay at the 5-star Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel. Guests can enjoy a wide array of options at the hotel's large "Marukosui" restaurant for dinner, featuring a buffet with approximately 80 different dishes to choose from.

8. What dining experiences are included with the Abashiri drift ice tour?

The Abashiri drift ice tour offers delightful dining experiences. On the first evening, you'll enjoy a diverse dinner buffet with about 80 dishes at the 5-star Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel's "Marukosui" restaurant. On the second day, a special King Crab Bowl is provided for lunch, along with a refreshing drift ice soft cream.

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