Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Drift Ice Sunset Cruise Day Tour from Sapporo
- Visit the highly popular Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido and get up close to animals including polar bears, arctic foxes, raccoons, and sika deer as they welcome the winter season.
- Take a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea, the northernmost sea in Japan, and enjoy the drift ice and sunset views sculpted by nature from the ship.
- The 'Garinkogo' icebreaker is specially designed for sightseeing, with a total weight of 150 tons and a capacity of up to 195 passengers. The ship is equipped with air conditioning, heating, vending machines, etc., to provide guests with a comfortable cruising experience.
- Departing from Sapporo, enjoy two of Hokkaido's iconic winter experiences in one day—Asahiyama Zoo and the 'GARINKO' icebreaker cruise—and feel the dual charm of animal vitality and the power of drift ice.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
ーTour Highlightsー
Departing from Sapporo, enjoy two of Hokkaido's iconic winter experiences in one day—Asahiyama Zoo and the 'GARINKO' icebreaker cruise—and feel the dual charm of animal vitality and the power of drift ice.
ーAttraction Introductionー
- Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan, famous for its unique 'behavioral displays.' Through carefully designed exhibition spaces, animals are able to show their most natural and active selves. You can observe northern animals like polar bears, penguins, and seals up close and feel their energy and charm.
- 'GARINKO' Icebreaker Cruise
Board the 'GARINKO' icebreaker, which uses large screws to crush the drift ice, and experience the powerful sensation of the ship breaking through the ice. The sound and vibration of the crushed ice churning up from the sides of the ship make for an immersive and unforgettable winter Hokkaido experience. If you are lucky, you might even spot white-tailed eagles or cute seals on the drift ice.
If Mombetsu cannot be reached due to road conditions: A partial refund will be provided, and the itinerary will be changed to visit the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival as an alternative. (Includes admission fee to the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival)
If the icebreaker cruise is canceled due to weather or other factors: A partial refund will be provided, and the itinerary will be changed to visit the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum of Hokkaido 'Giza' as an alternative.
Purchase Notice
- It is possible that you may not be able to see drift ice on the day of departure. In such cases, please refer to the following cancellation details and cash refund policies:
1) If the drift ice breaker ship is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, a refund of 5000 JPY per adult / 4000 JPY per child will be provided, and the itinerary will be changed to visit the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum.
2) If it is impossible to reach Mombetsu due to road conditions, a refund of 5000 JPY per adult / 4000 JPY per child will be provided, and the itinerary will be changed to visit the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival (including admission ticket to the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival).
【Travel Conditions】
- Travel Origin/Destination: Hokkaido
- Duration: Same-day round trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus Company Name: Saran Bus / HCS Kanko
- Meals Included: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum Number of Participants: 1 person
- Tour Leader: 0
- Tour Guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Operating Company Name: PC-TAKU Co., Ltd.
- Address: 6F, Assorti Suehirocho, 5-2-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- License Number: Tokyo Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-7301
- Travel Agency Association: All Nippon Travel Agents Association Member
Reminders
A minimum of 1 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 4 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 18:00). 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
In the event of traffic jams or other force majeure factors, the itinerary may be changed or the stay time at various attractions may be shortened.
Return arrival time may be delayed due to traffic conditions. In addition, if there is bad weather or other uncontrollable factors, the itinerary may be changed or delayed. In this case, if the reservation is canceled on the day of departure, the tour price will not be refunded.
It is not recommended to join this tour on your last day in Hokkaido as traffic jams or other delays may occur. In this case no refund will be given.
The winter sea tour is very cold; please be sure to dress warmly and take necessary precautions. Guests with limited mobility may join this tour, but they must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
Drift ice is a natural phenomenon, and viewing conditions may vary depending on the weather or ice drift on the day. If the icebreaker cruise is canceled due to severe weather, the itinerary will be changed to an alternative attraction, and a partial refund will be provided according to regulations. The tour schedule may be delayed or adjusted due to road conditions or weather factors.
Please note that if a traveler chooses to cancel their booking because the itinerary has been changed to an alternative plan, cancellation fees will still apply according to the standard cancellation policy.
Please note that depending on weather conditions, it may not be possible to see drift ice (no refunds will be given).
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions must consult a doctor before taking this tour. Please note that this trip involves long distance transportation and they may not be able to seek immediate medical attention.
This trip will be attended by local Japanese tourists.
Dinner will be available for purchase on the day of the tour, with cash payment accepted. An Okhotsk Sea seafood bento box is an option. (Prices vary depending on the bento box chosen that day.)
FAQ
1. What time is the penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo?
The famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo is a highly anticipated winter-only event, typically held twice daily. The exact timings can vary based on weather conditions, snow accumulation, and the penguins' health. It is strongly recommended to check the zoo's official announcements or information boards upon arrival for the precise daily schedule, as these are subject to change.
2. What are the famous attractions and highlights at Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique and immersive enclosures, designed to allow visitors to observe animals from close and innovative perspectives. Key highlights include the underwater tunnel for polar bears, where they swim directly overhead, and the glass dome for seals, allowing you to see them vertically. Other popular exhibits feature arctic foxes, raccoons, and sika deer, all presented in stimulating environments that showcase their natural behaviors.
3. How much time is recommended for visiting Asahiyama Zoo?
For a fulfilling visit to Asahiyama Zoo, it's generally recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This duration allows ample time to explore the various unique animal exhibits, enjoy the innovative viewing points, and potentially catch special events like the penguin walk. Your pace and interest in specific animals may influence the exact time needed for a comprehensive experience.
4. Is a day trip from Sapporo to Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo and the Okhotsk Sea feasible in winter?
Yes, a day trip from Sapporo that includes both Asahiyama Zoo and an Okhotsk Sea drift ice cruise is indeed feasible, particularly when joining an organized tour. These tours are specifically designed to manage the logistics of visiting these distinct locations in one day, providing comfortable transportation and maximizing your time to experience Hokkaido's iconic winter attractions without the complexities of independent travel.
5. What unique winter activities, beyond skiing, can be experienced on the Sea of Okhotsk?
Beyond skiing, a truly unique winter activity available on the Sea of Okhotsk is the drift ice cruise. Aboard a specially designed icebreaker like the Garinkogo, you can witness vast expanses of drift ice, which forms in the Amur River and floats down to Japan's northern coast. This provides opportunities to spot wild animals such as seals and various seabirds in their natural icy habitat, often concluding with a breathtaking sunset view over the frozen sea.
6. What makes Hokkaido winter travel appealing, especially for experiences like the Garinkogo Icebreaker?
Hokkaido winter travel is highly appealing for its spectacular snowscapes and unique seasonal activities. The region offers unparalleled opportunities to witness natural phenomena, such as the drift ice, and observe diverse wildlife. Experiences like the Garinkogo Icebreaker cruise provide a comfortable and exciting way to engage with these natural wonders, offering close-up views of the icy seascape and its inhabitants, creating truly memorable and distinct travel moments.
7. How does one reach the Asahiyama Zoo from Sapporo for a winter day trip?
For a winter day trip from Sapporo that involves visiting Asahiyama Zoo and potentially other distant attractions, joining an organized tour is the most convenient and recommended option. These tours typically provide direct bus transportation from Sapporo, eliminating the need to navigate potentially challenging winter road conditions or coordinate multiple train and local bus connections, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
8. What can visitors expect when taking the Garinkogo Icebreaker cruise to see the drift ice?
When taking the Garinkogo Icebreaker cruise, visitors can expect an exciting and comfortable journey through the Sea of Okhotsk's drift ice. The vessel is specifically designed to navigate through the ice, offering passengers close-up views of the frozen landscape and opportunities to observe wildlife like seals and various seabirds. Onboard amenities such as heating, air conditioning, and vending machines ensure a pleasant experience even in cold weather while enjoying this unique natural spectacle.
