Hokkaido 3-day tour | Hokkaido winter only | Two drift ice icebreakers "Garinko-go" and "Aurora" & two silver walks: an extraordinary experience (departing from Tokyo)
- Take a double ride on the two drift ice icebreakers, "Garinko-go" and "Aurora"!
- Experience a walk through the silvery white snow that is only available at this time of year!
- First night at Monbetsu Onsen Monbetsu Prince Hotel, second night at Shiretoko Shari Onsen Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae. Relax in the hot springs.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, With dinner, Arrange yourself |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Room type | Double room |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Walking, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Tokyo/Hokkaido
Trip duration: 2 nights and 3 days
Transportation: Plane, chartered bus
Bus company: Akan Bus or equivalent
Meal conditions: 2 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodation: [1st night] Monbetsu Prince Hotel [B]: Japanese-style room or Western-style room (single/twin)
[2nd night] Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae [B]: Western-style room (single/twin)
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour conductor: Partially accompanied (Hokkaido only)
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) * No guide-interpreter will accompany
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
Address: 1-9-6, Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 20 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 21 day(s) before the departure date
Drift ice may not be visible due to natural phenomena. Also, the icebreaker may be suspended depending on the drift ice's approaching status and weather conditions. If you cancel or change your trip due to this event, a cancellation fee will be charged from the cancellation date.
If there is no drift ice, the icebreaker will operate from Aomi. However, the tour may be canceled in the event of bad weather. In that case, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot or refund the difference in the fare.
Please be sure to check and input your name (in kanji and furigana), age, and gender correctly. We cannot reserve a seat on the aircraft unless we can confirm all three of the above points. When applying, please be sure to input and check your information correctly.
Please let us know your height and weight at least 14 days before your departure in order to rent a dry suit for the drift ice walk.
The order of accommodation and sightseeing may be changed.
The listed meal contents may be subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances depending on the local procurement situation.
Even if you apply for a room for two people, you may be assigned to two separate rooms.
Due to seating arrangements on airplanes and buses, even if you have booked as a group of two or more people, you may not be seated next to each other (seating vertically).
This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please be sure to check the conditions for participating in the drift ice walk.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 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 40% 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
Drift ice viewing in Hokkaido is typically possible from late January to mid-March. The peak season, offering the most expansive ice floes, usually occurs in February. However, the exact timing and extent of the drift ice depend on weather and ocean currents each year, so it's advisable to check the latest forecasts closer to your travel dates for the best experience.
Drift ice refers to sea ice that forms in the Amur River region of Siberia and then drifts south into the Sea of Okhotsk, eventually reaching the northern and eastern coasts of Hokkaido. It forms when fresh water from the river freezes, creating freshwater ice that then grows in salinity as it mixes with seawater, forming vast, shimmering sheets that travel with ocean currents.
The primary locations for experiencing drift ice in Hokkaido are Monbetsu and Abashiri, both on the Sea of Okhotsk coast. In Monbetsu, visitors can board the "Garinko-go" icebreaker, known for its screw propellers that actively break through the ice. From Abashiri, the "Aurora" icebreaker provides a similar but distinct experience, cruising through the drift ice fields for panoramic views.
During Hokkaido's drift ice season, a "silver walk" typically refers to an immersive experience of exploring the pristine, snow-covered landscapes, often near the coast or in national parks. These walks allow visitors to witness the unique silvery-white scenery created by fresh snow and ice, offering opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation of the winter environment. Some experiences include walking on frozen lakes or designated snowy trails.
During a multi-day Hokkaido drift ice tour, transportation between various viewing locations, such as Monbetsu and Abashiri, and your accommodations is typically managed by comfortable tour coaches. This arranged travel ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic winter landscapes without the need for personal navigation or coordinating multiple transport options.
A multi-day drift ice viewing tour in Hokkaido often includes stays at well-appointed hotels. For instance, the first night might be at the Monbetsu Onsen Monbetsu Prince Hotel, followed by a second night at the Shiretoko Shari Onsen Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae. These accommodations typically offer comfortable stays and access to relaxing hot springs, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of winter adventures.
While both the "Garinko-go" and "Aurora" offer incredible drift ice viewing, they operate from different ports and have distinct characteristics. The "Garinko-go" departs from Monbetsu and is renowned for its large screw propellers that actively cut through the ice, often providing a more dynamic and close-up experience of the ice breaking. The "Aurora" sails from Abashiri, typically a larger vessel designed for smooth cruising through the ice, offering expansive observation decks for panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk and its drift ice.
Hokkaido's drift ice season features very cold temperatures, often below freezing, with strong winds and occasional snowfall. Visitors should dress in multiple warm layers, including thermal underwear, sweaters, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Essential accessories include a warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, and waterproof, insulated boots with good grip to ensure comfort and safety while outdoors viewing the drift ice.
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