[1-Person Departure Package Available] Hokkaido Icebreaker 2-Day Tour: Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival, Snowmobile, Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum & Asahiyama Zoo | Japan
Experience ice-breaking, snowmobile rides, and the Snow Banana Boat from Sapporo. Discover the icy wonderland at the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival with amazing sculptures and colorful light projections.
- Savor fresh Hokkaido seafood dishes delivered directly to you
- Participate with activities like snowmobiling and Snow Banana Boat adventures on snowy terrain
- Observe penguins, seals, polar bears, and other fascinating animals at Asahiyama Zoo
- Experience the seasonal wonder of the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival. Marvel at enchanting ice sculptures and illuminated structures
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Room type | Double room, Triple room |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks |
| Transport | Charter car, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- 07:40Gather at the JR Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Boarding Point at 7:40 am, with departure scheduled for 8:00 am
- 08:00Embark on an exhilarating journey as we set off for the Hokkaido Icebreaker Two-Day adventure
- Explore the captivating world of Asahiyama Zoo and see amazing creatures (100 minutes)
- Witness adorable penguins swaying together right before your eyes during Asahiyama Zoo's annual penguin walks, held from late December to mid-March every year
- Indulge in a delectable lunch featuring the Grilled Cheese Crab Seafood Toban-yaki set
- Package A & B: Enjoy free time for a snow sledding experience and the chance to choose Hokkaido specialty products
- Join in thrilling snow activities when you avail of Plans C or D (60 minutes)
- Experience snowmobiling, the Snow Banana Boat, toboggan, and visit an alpaca ranch (Plans C or D only)
- Discover the enchanting Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival. Please bear in mind that the festival's schedule may be subject to official announcements, including times of closures or temporary suspensions due to weather conditions and other official instructions
- Enjoy an overnight stay at an onsen hotel in the Sounkyo area (Hotel Taisetsu, Sounkyo Choyotei, Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel, Sounkaku Grand Hotel, Sounkyo Kankou Hotel, Sounkyo Mount View Hotel, or an equivalent-grade hotel)
- Indulge in a luxurious hotel buffet or Japanese banquet feast
- Please note that the pictures are for reference only and are subject to actual conditions
2 Day
- Depart after a satisfying breakfast at the hotel
- Explore the breathtaking Ginga no Taki and Ryusei no Taki waterfalls
- Experience the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III
- Savor a delightful lunch featuring a deluxe set meal with crab legs, scallops, and Robata-yaki
- Delve into the captivating world of the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
- The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, JR Sapporo Station, with an estimated arrival time of around 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Please note that the pictures are for reference only and are subject to actual conditions
Purchase Notice
— Important Notice —
Group or individual package tours are subject to the Standard Form Contract for Domestic Travel issued by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China. By completing your reservation, you agree to and accept the terms outlined in the Standard Form Contract for Overseas Travel
Includes/Excludes
Reminders
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 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
Some packages offer guaranteed departure for solo travelers; however, under normal circumstances, the minimum number of participants is 20. If the number of participants does not meet the required minimum, the tour will be canceled, and a cancellation notice will be sent via e-mail 14 days prior to departure.
Please confirm the tour number on-site and meet at the group bus boarding area located at the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station
The room types will be provided by the hotel
If you have any special requests, such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy concerns, kindly inform us in advance by using the "Request Remarks" section. Please note that room assignments will be made by the hotel and cannot be specified
Given the cold winter climate in Hokkaido, we recommend preparing warm clothing, including jackets, and wearing non-slip shoes to ensure your comfort and safety during the snowy season
Please be aware that depending on weather conditions, it may not be possible to enjoy snow-related activities at some attractions
Please note that the itinerary schedule provided above may be subject to adjustments due to factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, and other unforeseen reasons
Please be aware that attractions may be subject to change without advance notice, and some activities may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Participants should understand that refunds or fee reductions cannot be claimed for such reasons
Please note that on the day of the tour, there may be adjustments to the length of stay at certain locations or the cancellation of some sightseeing spots due to road conditions. The return trip's arrival time may also be significantly delayed. It is advisable to avoid scheduling any activities for the evening of that day
Leaving the tour in the middle of the trip will be considered an automatic abandonment, and no refunds will be provided. Additionally, should any harm or damage occur to yourself or your property, you will be responsible for the consequences
Please be advised to exercise caution with your personal belongings and refrain from carrying valuables during the tour. You are held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your property
Infants under 1 year old who do not occupy a seat or bed can join the experience for free. One adult is only allowed to bring one infant who does not occupy a seat or bed. If you are traveling with additional infants, please inform us in the "Requests & Remarks" section when placing your order.
If the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU is temporarily suspended due to weather conditions or official announcements, the cruise will be replaced with a visit to the Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA, and any price difference will be refunded. We appreciate your understanding.
Ice drift amounts vary based on climate conditions, a natural phenomenon. We cannot guarantee the amount of drifts due to this variability
Please note that the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is subject to official announcements. In the event of a temporary suspension of operation due to weather or official announcements, the trip will be suspended, and you will receive a refund
The Asahikawa Zoo Penguin Walking Time is determined by the zoo and may be subject to change or suspension based on the conditions of the penguins or the weather
Plans C and D offer an array of exciting snow activities, including snowmobiling, the Snow Banana Boat, toboggan, a visit to an alpaca ranch, and a complimentary bottle of warm tea. However, if there is a temporary suspension of operation due to weather or official announcements, the trip will be suspended, and you will receive a refund
Please be advised that participants must be aged 16 years and above to ride a snowmobile
Children under 102 cm in height are not allowed to ride the snowmobile.
Please note that the Exciting Snow Activity Package does not offer refunds for any unused facilities or activities, regardless of whether they are utilized or not
Onsen bathhouses in hotels in the Sankyo area do not provide towels, so remember to bring bath towels from your room to use in each bathhouse
The opening hours of the hotel's hot spring facilities are subject to the hotel's official announcement. Please check with the hotel for the most up-to-date information regarding their hours of operation
Please arrive at the meeting point well in advance, as the bus will depart punctually.If you are late, refunds or rescheduling will not be possible
Due to limited luggage compartment space, each passenger is allowed to bring only one large suitcase. If you plan to bring more than one, please indicate the quantity in the remarks column when booking. Whether a second suitcase can be accommodated will depend on space availability on the day. If there is no room in the compartment, additional luggage will not be accepted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The car models used for this tour will be assigned based on the number of participants. When traveling with a small group, a tour leader may not be assigned; however, the driver will provide full service. You are free to explore the attractions at your own pace
Please be aware that meal customization is not available. If you have specific dietary preferences, such as being a vegetarian, kindly inform us in the "Request & Remarks" column when placing your order
Drunk driving is prohibited, and drinking under 18 years of age is prohibited. Excessive drinking is harmful to health
Winery tasting activities are provided by the winery itself and are solely responsible for handling. KKday has nothing to do with it. If you have any questions, please contact the winery
After the trip departs, if the trip is terminated due to force majeure factors such as weather conditions or natural disasters, the unfulfilled itinerary will be refunded based on the actual expenses incurred. Only return transportation expenses or local accommodation expenses and other additional expenses must be refunded
Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a traveler over the age of 18, or they will not be allowed to participate
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire hotel. If you need to smoke, please use the designated smoking area provided by the hotel. If no smoking area is available, smoking is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the hotel premises. Smoking in non-designated areas will incur a cleaning fee as specified by the hotel. If smoking triggers the smoke detector, the hotel may contact the authorities, and any repair costs and responsibilities will be borne by the guest. Thank you for your understanding
During the tour, bus and restaurant seating may be shared with fellow travelers from the same group. Seating arrangements will depend on the tour guide and the facility's setup on the day of the tour
According to Japanese customs, individuals with tattoos are prohibited from entering the hot spring facilities. Thank you for your understanding
Due to Japanese regulations, a passport number is required to board the icebreaker ship. Please enter your passport number in the document number field when placing your order. If you are unable to board the ship due to missing or false passport number, there will be no refund.
Due to the participant limit of the snow activities, it requires reservation in advance. If you have booked a package without snow activities, and wish to change to one with snow activities, please change it at least 7 days earlier before the departure. Snow activities cannot be added on on the day of tour
Day 2 | Lunch: Deluxe Crab Leg & Scallop Teppanyaki Set. If the restaurant is unavailable due to a private booking, it will be replaced with a deluxe all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet
Bus seating will be arranged on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Meeting Point
Location Name: Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Station
Experience Location
Location Name: Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 41 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Absolutely. The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is a spectacular winter event in Hokkaido. Visitors can marvel at numerous colossal ice sculptures and structures, illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival features ice tunnels, domes, and stages, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship of ice artists. It's a unique opportunity to experience Hokkaido's severe winter beauty in an artistic and enjoyable way, making it a memorable highlight for any winter trip.
The optimal season for drift ice viewing on the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO is typically from late January to mid-March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk off Monbetsu is usually covered with vast expanses of drift ice, originating from Russia's Amur River. The icebreaker specifically navigates through these frozen waters, offering a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon up close. Early February to early March often provides the most reliable chances for thick drift ice.
Aboard the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO, visitors experience the thrill of the ship cutting through thick drift ice with its powerful augers. This creates impressive cracks and sounds as the ice breaks apart. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the icy seascape from the deck, observe wildlife such as seals and various sea birds on the ice, and learn about the drift ice phenomenon through onboard explanations. It's a captivating blend of adventure and natural wonder.
At the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival, visitors can explore a fantastical world crafted from ice and snow. Expect to see grand ice sculptures, intricate ice tunnels, and illuminated ice castles created by freezing the natural hot spring waterfall. The festival often features an ice stage for performances, a small shrine, and ice slides. In the evenings, the entire venue is dramatically lit with colorful lights, transforming it into a dazzling, ethereal landscape perfect for photography and winter enjoyment.
For snowmobile activities in Hokkaido, participants typically need to be at least elementary school age, with specific age and height requirements varying by operator for driving versus riding as a passenger. A valid driver's license is not required for guided recreational snowmobiling on designated courses. Safety briefings and instructions are always provided before the activity. It is essential to wear warm winter clothing, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and sturdy winter boots, which may sometimes be rented on-site.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique "behavioral exhibition" concept, allowing visitors to see animals in natural, engaging ways. Key attractions include the Penguin Walk, where penguins stroll freely in winter, the cylindrical glass tunnel in the Seal House for underwater views, and the Polar Bear exhibit offering close-up perspectives. To enhance your visit, arrive early, especially during peak season, and check the feeding schedules for various animals, as these provide excellent viewing opportunities. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly in winter.
A tour of the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum offers insights into the history and traditional craftsmanship of sake brewing, particularly Otokoyama, one of Hokkaido's most famous sake brands. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing ancient brewing tools, learn about the sake-making process, and understand the significance of water quality and rice in production. The highlight is often the tasting session, where guests can sample various types of sake, including limited editions, and purchase bottles directly from the brewery.
For the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO and Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival, warm, layered winter clothing is crucial due to Hokkaido's cold temperatures and strong winds. Essential items include a waterproof and windproof outer jacket and pants, thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down), a hat covering the ears, a scarf or neck warmer, waterproof gloves or mittens, and insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction. Hand warmers can also provide extra comfort, especially when spending time outdoors on the icebreaker deck or at the festival.
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