Shiretoko & Abashiri Drift Ice 2D1N Tour from Sapporo | Japan
This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour planned by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel company with over 70 years of history. A team renowned for their hospitality accompanies the tour, and it has received high praise from customers of various nationalities.
• The tour is conducted in Japanese, but we have many participants from Taiwan and Hong Kong, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.
• Selectable hotel plans
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel: The dinner buffet is very popular! Free drinks including alcohol are included! You can enjoy the drift ice from all over, including the lobby, open-air bath, and breakfast area.
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort (Departure Dates Only): Relax in our large public bath with a spectacular view of the drift ice! All-inclusive, including drinks in the lounge and during dinner! (Some items are extra.) For dinner, enjoy a buffet where you can order directly from the chefs at the counter.
・There are a total of 7 opportunities to see drift ice, and you can even experience touching it.
Enjoy a warm Ishikari hot pot lunch featuring local cuisine.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner, Arrange yourself |
| Accommodation type | Hotel, Luxury (4–5 stars) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
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.
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Board the icebreaker Aurora in Abashiri (approximately 60 minutes)
Board an icebreaker that dynamically navigates through the white, mystical drift ice! Enjoy the vast expanse of drift ice stretching across the sea, a sight you can't see from land.
- See the drift ice! Touch it! Enjoy it!
Experience the drift ice that flows all the way from Russia's Amur River with all your senses! Enjoy a hands-on ice-touching experience with a local guide. Take photos from the closest possible vantage point to the drift ice!
- Stay at a "5-star hotel"
- Important Notice -
1. Since drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not always be visible.
2. If there is no drift ice along the route, the tour will be a sea excursion to Cape Notoro.
3. The cruise may be canceled due to bad weather, high waves, etc. In that case, the fare will be refunded by the tour guide.
4. This product is a "request reservation," and it will take some time to confirm your reservation. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so depending on the situation, you may be placed on a waiting list or your reservation may not be accepted. The final confirmation of your reservation will be made when the voucher is issued. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled due to being fully booked or other reasons, we will contact you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be placed on a waiting list, you can cancel (refund) your reservation.
5. This tour will be conducted in Japanese only.
Please note that all information provided by the tour guide during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (meeting place, departure time, etc.).
Please observe the following rules when participating.
Please make your reservation using your correct name and email address.
Please be punctual during the tour. If you are late, the tour will depart.
- The infant fare includes bus seating during the trip and actual costs such as facility usage fees and entrance fees, but generally does not include hotel beds or meals.
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel Accommodation Plan: This hotel boasts a location overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. Enjoy the natural beauty of this World Heritage site, with views of drift ice from the lobby, the large public bath, and the breakfast restaurant! (Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not always be visible.) Relax and enjoy the Utoro Onsen hot spring, known as the "beauty spring," in the spacious public bath! The dinner venue, Marusukoi, offers approximately 80 different dishes and is popular with families with children! Free drinks, including alcohol, are included with dinner!
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort Accommodation Plan: Dinner is served in a style where you order directly from the chefs at the counter. A free-order style buffet is available! Please enjoy whatever you like! There is also a lounge where you can enjoy art and books related to Shiretoko, as well as views of the Sea of Okhotsk. *Alcohol is served only in the evening.
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Sapporo/Shiretoko
Duration of trip: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Elm Sightseeing Bus or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 1 time
Accommodation used:
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel: West Wing, East Wing, or Shizen Wing / Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms (twin), Japanese-Western style rooms
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort: Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms (twin), Japanese-Western style rooms
*Please note that some rooms may only have a shower booth.
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member 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 14 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 12:00). 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 6
For groups of an odd number, bus seating will generally be shared. Please be aware of this.
Please bring warm clothing (down jacket, overpants, scarf, hat, gloves, earmuffs, etc.). For shoes, please wear non-slip shoes with grooves on the soles or non-slip footwear.
The order of the itinerary may be changed.
For changes to meals due to severe food allergies, medical dietary restrictions, religious reasons, etc., a fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged, plus any difference in cost. Please make your request at least 10 days before departure.
Delays due to transportation delays, or non-participation, will also be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the stated departure time.
Since drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not be visible depending on weather conditions (currents, wind direction, etc.).
The tour will proceed regardless of the ice floe's position near the shore. However, if the tour is cancelled or modified due to ice floe conditions, the standard cancellation fee will still apply.
We will not contact you regarding the sea ice conditions before your departure. Please refer to the "Sea Ice Forecast Map" and other information issued on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website.
If you are unable to see the drift ice, alternative options will be provided by the tour guide (TD) accompanying you on the day of the tour. Please note that due to the itinerary, location, and season, the number of facilities we can offer as alternatives may be limited.
The operation of the icebreaker ship is not dependent on the presence or absence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice in the route, the tour will be changed to a sea excursion, but no refunds will be given. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, high waves, etc., we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing destination or refund the difference at a later date. Also, depending on the departure time of the "Aurora Icebreaker Ship," the order of the itinerary may be changed, so the arrival time at Sapporo Station may vary.
If the drift ice touching experience is canceled, we will guide you to an alternative tourist destination.
Children aged 3-5 years old are not counted towards the room occupancy. (For example, if you have "2 adults and 1 child aged 3-5," please select a room for 2 people. If you have "2 adults, 1 child, and 1 child aged 3-5," please select a room for 3 people.)
FAQ
Abashiri is renowned for its captivating drift ice phenomenon, offering a unique winter spectacle. Beyond the ice, visitors can explore the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum and experience local seafood. It provides a comprehensive winter experience combining natural wonders with cultural insights. The unique 'Drift Ice Touch' experience aboard the Aurora icebreaker also adds to its appeal.
The Aurora icebreaker provides an immersive drift ice viewing experience in Abashiri. Guests can witness the powerful ship break through thick ice, creating a dramatic pathway. It offers up to seven chances to encounter drift ice and features a special "Drift Ice Touch" activity, allowing direct interaction with the ice. Panoramic views from the deck enhance the breathtaking scenery of the Okhotsk Sea.
The optimal season for experiencing drift ice in Hokkaido's Abashiri and Shiretoko regions typically spans from early February to late February, extending into early March. During this period, the ice floes from the Amur River are most abundant, offering the best conditions for icebreaker cruises and viewing the unique winter landscape. Guaranteed departures are often available in February.
While Abashiri is famous for its icebreaker cruises, the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another premier location for drift ice viewing. Shiretoko offers different perspectives, including coastal walks, nature trails, and unique wildlife viewing opportunities amidst the ice. The region provides a more pristine and wild drift ice experience, complementing Abashiri's accessibility.
In Shiretoko, visitors can expect luxurious and scenic stays. Options like Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel offer all-you-can-drink services and panoramic views from every room. Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort boasts a panoramic bath and a chef-served buffet dinner with all-inclusive drinks. Dining features delicious local dishes, including a hearty Ishikari hot pot for lunch, showcasing Hokkaido's rich culinary traditions.
The 'Drift Ice Touch' is a unique hands-on activity offered on the Aurora icebreaker in Abashiri. It allows participants to directly interact with pieces of real drift ice collected by the crew, providing a tangible connection to this natural phenomenon. Participants can enjoy this experience onboard the icebreaker, making the journey more engaging and memorable for winter travelers.
Although tours in Abashiri and Shiretoko are generally conducted in Japanese, international participants are fully supported. Key information is often provided through translation applications, ensuring vital details are communicated. This setup also fosters opportunities for cultural exchange with Japanese guests, enhancing the overall travel experience for non-Japanese speakers.
During a visit to Abashiri and Shiretoko in winter, guests can savor a range of delicious local cuisine. A notable highlight is the Ishikari hot pot, a hearty and warming dish featuring salmon and fresh Hokkaido vegetables in a miso-based broth. Other culinary delights include fresh seafood from the Okhotsk Sea and various local specialties that provide comfort during the cold season.
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