Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour | Drift Ice Spectacle, Penguin Walk, Abashiri Prison Museum, Snow Countryside Scenery | Departing from Sapporo
- Winter Limited Time Offer: Enjoy a Visit to Asahiyama Zoo | Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo
- Witness the wonders of nature - drift ice | Venture into the world of drift ice aboard an icebreaker
- Location of Akira Kurosawa's film "Dreams" | Fairy Tale Hill
- Visiting the filming location of the classic film "Abashiri Prison" starring Japanese national treasure actor Ken Takakura: Abashiri Prison Museum
- Hot spring hotel accommodation | A relaxing trip
- Departing from Sapporo | Worry-free transportation arrangements
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.
Every winter, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in northeastern Hokkaido transforms into a magnificent world of ice and snow. From January to March, the biting cold sweeps across the land, and the sea freezes into endless ice floes. Huge ice blocks float with the ocean currents, creating a "land of ice" handcrafted by nature itself.
This winter journey from Sapporo will take you on a journey to collect the classic winter scenery of northern Hokkaido. Board an icebreaker sightseeing boat and sail into the depths of the Sea of Okhotsk against the biting cold wind, witnessing the drift ice firsthand, venturing into the icy sea, and experiencing the breathtaking moment of ice colliding with the sea.
Besides the drift ice experience, there's also the chance to witness Hokkaido's winter-limited penguin parade, watching the penguins waddle along in formation across the silvery snow; stroll through the snow-covered landscape, and visit "Fairytale Hill," one of Hokkaido's Eight Views of the Sky, experiencing Hokkaido's unique tranquility and grandeur. The trip also includes a visit to Abashiri Prison, a museum widely known for the classic Japanese film "Abashiri Prison," starring national treasure actor Ken Takakura, where you can explore the historical buildings and prison culture, learning about the unique pioneering history of this northern city.
From drift ice seas and snow-covered penguins to pristine white fields and filming locations, experience the most representative natural and cultural landscapes of Hokkaido in winter. This is not just an ordinary sightseeing trip, but a journey to directly encounter Hokkaido's extreme cold nature—see vast expanses of ice, venture into drift ice seas, feel the most pristine and magnificent border scenery of Hokkaido, and personally experience the unique beauty and power of Hokkaido's border regions.
A 2-day tour departing from Sapporo, covering Hokkaido's most worthwhile winter attractions: drift ice, penguin parades, snow country scenery, and classic cultural spots in Abashiri.
Enjoy a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, a popular attraction in Hokkaido, where the "active display" concept creates a unique animal observation experience. Breaking away from traditional cage displays, visitors can observe the animals' natural behaviors up close from different angles, such as a glass tunnel and multi-level viewing areas. Winter opening hours: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (actual times may vary depending on the season and official announcements). The "Penguin Walk" is a winter-only event, starting around 11:00 AM, with morning sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes. It is usually held from late December to mid-March. Event times may be adjusted based on weather, snow conditions, and animal condition; please check with the on-site announcements upon arrival.
Take a ride on an icebreaker sightseeing cruise and experience firsthand the awe-inspiring moment as the ship crashes through thick ice floes and moves forward. Get up close to vast ice floes floating on the Sea of Okhotsk and feel the magnificent scenery of the icy sea and the power of nature. If you're lucky, you might even encounter seals roaming among the ice floes, adding a touch of surprise to your journey.
Meruhen-no-oka Fairy Tale Hill, one of the Eight Views of the Sky, features seven larch trees against a backdrop of vast farmlands and rolling hills, creating a unique pastoral landscape in Hokkaido. It was featured in Akira Kurosawa's film "Dreams" and has long been a favorite among photography enthusiasts.
Visiting the Abashiri Prison Museum allows you to experience the pioneering stories of the Meiji era. Those prisoners sent to Hokkaido built roads in the extreme cold, and many never returned to Furusato. The high red brick walls and heavy wooden doors of Abashiri Prison, set against a snowy backdrop, evoke a sense of time travel in photographs. Stepping into the park, the winter snow further enhances the somber atmosphere with a quietude.
Onne-yu Onsen Roadside Rest Stop is located in Kitami City, Hokkaido, and is famous for the world's largest mechanical cuckoo clock tower, "Kamurin," the Kita no Daichi Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium), and local specialty shops. Kamurin Tower: Approximately 20 meters tall, it features the world-famous large cuckoo clock that chimes every hour on the hour. Kita no Daichi Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium): Showcases Hokkaido freshwater fish, including Japan's largest freshwater fish, the "Itō." Local Specialty Shops: Sells Hokkaido souvenirs such as Kitami onions, cantaloupe products, potato chips, and white beans. Food Court: Enjoy Hokkaido ice cream, croquettes, ramen, and local snacks.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: North Travel Agency
Meals: Breakfast once, lunch once, dinner once
Accommodation: Lakeside Resort or similar hot spring hotel
Minimum group size: 35
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 1 (When there are fewer than 10 people, the driver will also act as the tour guide)
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (General Incorporated Company), Regular Member
Reminders
A minimum of 35 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
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
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
The itinerary sequence, stop times, and arrival times are for reference only and are subject to adjustment based on weather, road conditions, and on-site circumstances. The actual arrangements will be announced by the tour leader and on-site staff. If some attractions cannot be visited or the itinerary is changed or cancelled due to weather, traffic control, road closures, or other force majeure events, no refunds or reductions will be provided. Return arrival times may also be delayed due to traffic conditions; it is recommended not to schedule other activities that evening. If the itinerary is cancelled due to force majeure, a refund will be issued for the unfulfilled portion after deducting incurred expenses; additional expenses such as return transportation and accommodation must be borne by the traveler. The return journey is expected to stop at the "Onneyu Onsen Road Station" for travelers to have lunch, purchase souvenirs, and rest. If this stop is cancelled due to road conditions or highway closures, other rest stops or road stations (such as Rikubetsu Road Station) will be used instead. Thank you for your understanding.
Images are for reference only; some photos containing people are AI-generated illustrations. Actual scenery, facilities, and activities may vary depending on factors such as season, weather, natural environment, shooting time, and on-site conditions. Please refer to the actual situation on the day of your visit. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Each passenger is limited to one suitcase. The maximum size of luggage that can be stored in the bus's luggage compartment is 120 cm in total length on three sides. If customers have special-sized luggage (such as golf clubs/strollers/skis/surfboards/wheelchairs/non-suitcase luggage, etc.), please indicate the type, quantity, and size of the items in the remarks when making the reservation. The bus company reserves the right to determine whether the luggage can be carried.
If you need to leave the group during the trip, please inform us in advance when registering and sign a departure consent form with the tour leader/guide on the day of the activity. Travelers who leave the group midway through the trip or do not complete the entire itinerary will be considered to have automatically forfeited the remaining itinerary and related rights, and no refunds will be given. Travelers are solely responsible for their own transportation arrangements, personal safety, and the safekeeping of their belongings after leaving the group. The organizer will not be liable for any losses or expenses incurred as a result. During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. If you ignore warnings and an accident or loss occurs, you will be solely responsible.
Icebreaker boarding times may be adjusted based on reservations and on-site conditions; if the icebreaker service is cancelled due to weather or sea conditions on the day of your trip, the "Tian Du Shan Observatory & Okhotsk Ice Stream Museum" will be provided instead. We appreciate your understanding.
This itinerary includes ample time to explore Asahiyama Zoo, aiming to increase the chances of seeing the winter-limited "Penguin Walk," but there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the penguins. Hokkaido's winter weather is unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances such as heavy snow, blizzards, highway closures, and traffic delays may prevent you from arriving at Asahiyama Zoo on time and thus missing the seasonal events like the "Penguin Walk."
This is a group tour for individual travelers. The tour guide may provide services in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, and Japanese. It is not possible to specify a single-language tour guide; your understanding is appreciated. Tour guide configuration: For groups of 10 or fewer, the driver will also act as the tour guide; for groups of 10 or more, a professional tour guide will be provided.
This is a group tour for individual travelers. The tour guide service may be available in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, and Japanese. We regret that we cannot accept a guide who speaks only one language. We appreciate your understanding. Tour guide arrangements are as follows: For groups of 10 or fewer, the driver will act as the tour guide and provide foreign language customer service assistance; for groups of 10 or more, a professional tour guide will accompany the group.
Infants under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat or bed can participate for free on the day of the event. Each adult can bring one eligible infant. If you are bringing an infant, please fill in the relevant information in the order remarks column. Children aged 2-5 years old who do not occupy a bed can purchase a child price; if they need a bed, please purchase a child price. When booking, please set the child's birth year to the year that qualifies them for eligibility and indicate the actual date of birth in the remarks column for processing. Breakfast for children aged 2-5 years old is generally provided free of charge, but the actual policy depends on each hotel. If additional payment is required, please pay on-site. Guests aged 12 years and above are charged the adult price. Guests under 18 years of age cannot participate alone and must be accompanied by a guest aged 18 years or older.
We recommend wearing cold-weather gear (below -10℃). The journey is quite long, so please assess your physical condition before registering.
