Hokkaido Drift Ice Icebreaker Cruise Day Tour | Mombetsu Okhotsk Land & Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival | Departing from Sapporo
- Cruise through the fascinating northern Okhotsk Sea and witness the spectacular sight of massive drift ice floating on the sea, a phenomenon unique to winter.
- The icebreaker 'Garinkogo' 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, and vending machines to provide guests with a comfortable cruising experience.
- At the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, you can see ice sculptures formed by frozen waterfalls cascading down cliffs. The illuminated festival site is mysterious and colorful—a must-see!
- The bus travels directly from Sapporo to Mombetsu, saving time and providing peace of mind! On the return trip, there will be a stop at a shop to purchase local seafood specialties.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| 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
- 【Drift Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU Experience】
Board the newly built drift icebreaker 'GARINKO III IMERU' and witness the shocking scene of the two large propellers at the bow crushing the drift ice with powerful force. As the ship moves, you can clearly feel the sound and vibration of the ice breaking, and the moment the broken ice flips up from the side of the ship is breathtaking. This cruise will take you deep into Japan's northernmost Okhotsk Sea, allowing you to experience one of the most iconic natural wonders of winter in Hokkaido. If you are lucky, you may even encounter white-tailed eagles or Steller's sea eagles resting on the drift ice, or cute seals peeking out from the gaps in the ice, adding surprises to your journey. Drift Ice Viewing Notes: Drift ice is a natural phenomenon. Viewing conditions vary depending on the weather and the ice drift situation on the day; there is no guarantee that drift ice will be visible.
- 【Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum】
Free Exploration: The 'Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum' is the boarding point for the Garinko cruise and is designated as a 'Sea Station.' The museum has a souvenir shop selling original Garinko merchandise, snacks, and local Mombetsu specialties, perfect for browsing before or after your cruise. Free time: Explore the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum area; you can choose to experience the Okhotsk Tower or Seal Land at your own expense. Ticket prices are for reference only and are subject to on-site charges.
【Okhotsk Tower】(Underwater floor requires an admission fee: 1,000 JPY) Renovated and reopened in 2016! During the drift ice season, you can observe the marine ecosystem beneath the drift ice up close in the underwater observation room and see the 'Ice Fairy' (Clione). The facility also features a brand new 360° 3D immersive theater '4D-KING' (300 JPY per session), bringing you an unprecedented sense of realism.
【Seal Center & Seal Land】(Requires admission fee: 400 JPY) 'Tokkari' means 'seal' in the Ainu language. This is the only facility in Japan dedicated to raising seals, where you can observe the energetic seals swimming and playing up close.
- 【Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival Night Illumination】
Located on the banks of the Ishikari River, this 10,000-square-meter ice and snow kingdom appears only in the depths of winter. It makes full use of the natural terrain of the Daisetsuzan foothills, turning the massive ice waterfall group formed by frozen cliffs and waterfalls into magnificent ice art. The illuminated ice sculptures at night emit a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere under the colorful lights, making it an annual event to experience the ultimate cold beauty of Hokkaido.
GARINKO III, an icebreaker for drift ice
Cengyun Gorge Icefall Ceremony - Nighttime Illumination
Purchase Notice
- If you are unable to complete the icebreaker cruise, please refer to the following compensation options:
1) If the icebreaker ship "Garinkogo" is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, a refund of 5,000 yen per adult and 4,000 yen per child will be given.
2) If the icebreaker ship "Garinkogo" is suspended and cannot reach Monbetsu, a refund of 3,000 yen per adult and 2,000 yen per child will be given and the tour will be taken to the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion as an alternative.
【Travel Conditions】
- Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido
- Travel days: Round trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus Company Name: Zalan Bus/HCS Tourism
- Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum number of people in a group: 1 person
- Team leader: 0
- Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Operating company name: PC-TAKU Co., Ltd.
- Address: Level 6, Suehiro Town, 5-2-3 Sokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- License exemption number: Tokyo Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-7301
- Travel Industry Association Name: Member of National Travel Industry Association
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
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Pregnant women, Asthma, High blood pressure
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please note that due to weather conditions, it may not be possible to see drift ice (no refunds will be provided). The itinerary may be subject to change or the time spent at each attraction may be shortened due to traffic congestion or other force majeure events.
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.
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.
Guests with limited mobility may participate in this tour, provided they are accompanied by at least one paying adult. The winter sea tour is very cold; please ensure you dress warmly and take necessary precautions against the cold.
The tour guide service for this itinerary is primarily in Japanese, and there may be local Japanese tourists participating in the same group.
This tour will travel on the same bus as another tour that includes lunch, but this tour does not provide lunch.
If the icebreaker cruise is canceled or roads are closed due to severe weather, the company will adjust the itinerary to visit other attractions to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly. Please understand that if passengers decide to cancel their booking due to these changes, they will still be subject to the original cancellation policy.
Dinner will be available for purchase on-site on the day of the trip. Payment must be made in cash, and you can choose a Sea of Okhotsk seafood bento.
Please be sure to bring your passport with you for the trip. If you do not bring your passport, you will not be able to board the icebreaker.
Please note that stops at Maruichi Suisan are only available starting in February. If there are delays or if the shop is closed (Feb 2, Feb 15, Feb 23, Mar 2), this stop will be skipped.
FAQ
1. What is the best month to experience the icebreaker cruise in Monbetsu, Hokkaido?
The prime time to experience the icebreaker cruise in Monbetsu, Hokkaido, is typically from late January to early March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk has the most abundant ice floes, making it the golden season to witness the spectacular drift ice scenery. The actual ice conditions are influenced by the annual climate, so it's recommended to check local drift ice information before your trip to ensure the best viewing experience.
2. How can I book a one-day icebreaker cruise tour in Monbetsu, Hokkaido?
You can book this one-day icebreaker cruise tour in Monbetsu, Hokkaido, through KKday. KKday offers a convenient online booking service, allowing you to plan your itinerary in advance and secure your spot, avoiding the hassle of purchasing tickets on-site. The tour includes bus transfers from Sapporo, the icebreaker cruise experience, and visits to other attractions, making your journey effortless and enjoyable.
3. Can I still see drift ice and take an icebreaker cruise in Monbetsu in March?
In early March, there is usually still a chance to see drift ice and take an icebreaker cruise in the Monbetsu area of Hokkaido, but the ice conditions gradually decrease. By mid-March, as temperatures rise, the ice floes begin to melt more rapidly, reducing the chances of viewing them. We recommend checking the latest drift ice information or choosing to visit in February for the best viewing experience.
4. What are the main highlights of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival?
The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival is held annually in winter at the Sounkyo Onsen area in Hokkaido. Its main feature is the magnificent display of giant ice sculptures formed from frozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. These ice sculptures are illuminated at night with brilliant lights, creating a mystical and colorful spectacle. There may also be facilities like ice slides and ice caves, offering a limited-time visual feast during winter.
5. What are the recommended attractions within Monbetsu Marine Park?
Monbetsu Marine Park (Okhotsk Tokkari Center) includes facilities such as the Monbetsu Marine Exchange Hall and the Seal Center. At the Seal Center, visitors can observe cute spotted seals up close, learn about their ecological habits, and even have the opportunity to participate in feeding activities. It's a recommended spot for family fun and getting close to marine life.
6. What are the unique designs or features of the Garinkogo icebreaker?
The Garinkogo is an icebreaker specifically designed for sightseeing, weighing 150 tons and capable of carrying up to 195 passengers. Its sturdy hull is effective at breaking through drift ice, allowing visitors to witness the ice floes up close. The cabin is equipped with air conditioning, heating, and a vending machine, providing a comfortable and warm environment for passengers to enjoy the icebreaking experience even in the harsh winter.
7. What is the transportation method from Sapporo to the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise?
For this one-day tour, transportation from Sapporo to the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise is by bus transfer. The tour includes a dedicated bus that departs from designated locations in Sapporo city and takes you directly to Monbetsu, eliminating the need to plan transfers and transportation yourself, making your journey more relaxed and convenient. You can focus on enjoying the scenery along the way.
8. Will there be an opportunity to purchase local seafood specialties on the way back from the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise day tour?
Yes, on the return trip of the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise day tour, the bus will stop at local shops. You will have the opportunity to purchase fresh seafood specialties from the Monbetsu area, such as scallops, crab, or other processed seafood products. This is a great chance to take home the unique flavors of Hokkaido or to give as souvenirs to friends and family.
