Shiretoko & Abashiri Drift Ice 2D1N Tour from Sapporo | Japan
Book your Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise on the Icebreaker Ship Aurora with dinner buffet now on KKday! Enjoy a hands-on drift ice experience perfect for winter travelers, including special schedules during Lunar New Year.
- Guaranteed departures from February 5 to February 27!
- Enjoy up to seven chances to see drift ice and experience the unique Drift Ice Touch aboard the Aurora icebreaker in Abashiri
- Stay at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel with all-you-can-drink and scenic views from every corner
- Relax in Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort’s panoramic bath with all-inclusive drinks (some charged) and chef-served buffet dinner
- Savor delicious local dishes, including a hearty Ishikari hot pot for lunch
- While the tour is conducted in Japanese, international participants can enjoy the experience with key information provided via translation apps and enjoy opportunities for cultural exchange with Japanese guests
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.
100% Guaranteed Departure for Two Consecutive Years! In 2024, all 11 scheduled tours departed successfully with around 450 participants. In 2025, all 23 tours ran as planned with approximately 1,000 travelers!
－ What You Can Expect －
- Hop on the Abashiri Drift Icebreaker Ship Aurora (Approx. 60 minutes)
Climb aboard a powerful icebreaker and cut through the mysterious, snowy drift ice. Witness the breathtaking, icy seascape stretching far beyond the shore—a view you can't see from land!
- See it! Touch it! Enjoy it!
Experience the mysterious drift ice carried from Russia’s distant Amur River with all five senses. Join a local guide for a rare chance to touch the ice and snap unforgettable photos right beside it!
- Accommodation at a 5-Star Hotel
－ Important info －
- Drift ice is a natural phenomenon, please note it may not always be available.
- If there is no drift ice on the route, the schedule will change to a sea excursion to Cape Notoro.
- Tours may be canceled due to bad weather or high waves. In such cases, the boarding fee will be refunded by the tour conductor.
- This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
- All guidance from the tour conductor will be in Japanese. However, to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the tour, information will be provided using a translation app (meeting place, departure time, etc)
- Provide a correct name and email address when making reservation.
- Please be on time for the meetings. After the meeting time, the tour departs without waiting.
- The toddler fee includes actual expenses such as bus seats, facility usage fees, entrance fees, etc. during the itinerary; however, hotel beds and meals are generally not provided.
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel Accommodation Plan: A hotel located with a commanding view of the Sea of Okhotsk. Enjoy the World Heritage nature with drift ice views from the lobby, main bath, and breakfast restaurant! (Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not always be visible.) Enjoy the Utoro Onsen, known as "beauty hot spring," in a spacious public bath! Spend a relaxing time. The dinner venue, Marusukoi, with about 80 menu items, is popular with families! In 2026, enjoy free drinks including alcohol during dinner!
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort Accommodation Plan: Enjoy a relaxing stay with a dinner buffet where you can order your favorite dishes directly from the chefs at the live kitchen counters. Savor what you love, freshly prepared just for you! The resort also features a cozy lounge with books and artwork inspired by Shiretoko, along with beautiful views of the Sea of Okhotsk. *Alcohol is available in the evening only
Purchase Notice
- Travel Conditions -
- Departure/Destination: Sapporo/Shiretoko
- Travel Days: 1 night 2 days
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Operating Bus Company: Sapporo Kanko Bus or equivalent
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Accommodation:
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel [A] West Wing, East Wing, or Shizen-kan
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort Guest Rooms: Japanese-style room, Western-style room (twin), Japanese-Western style room. Please note that some rooms may only have a shower booth. - Minimum Number of Participants: 20
- Tour Leader: 1
- Tour Guide: 0
— Travel Planning and Operation —
- Company Name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
- Address: 東京都江東区枝川一丁目9-6
- Registration Number: Registered travel agency No. 1693 approved by the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
- Membership: Regular member of the 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
Please note that, in principle, groups with an odd number of participants must share seats with other groups on the bus
Prepare warm clothing (puffer jacket, snow pants, scarf, hat, gloves, earmuffs, etc.). Wear non-slip shoes with grooves on the sole
Please note that the order of the itinerary may change
This tour is conducted in Japanese only
This is a comprehensive group tour and requests to change meal contents cannot be accepted, except in cases of potential health risks, such as allergies or dietary restrictions based on medical advice. In those cases, It is recommended to prepare meals in advance. Meal fees cannot be refunded, and takeaway meals are not provided.
Cancellation fees will be charged for non-participation or delays due to transportation issues. The tour will depart at the scheduled time
When staying in a Japanese-style or Japanese-Western style room, guests may be asked to lay out their own futon
As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not be possible to see it depending on weather conditions (tides, wind direction, etc.).
The tour will be held regardless of the drift ice situation. If the drift ice has not arrived at the shore, a cancellation fee will be charged in the event of cancellation or change.
We will not inform customers of the drift ice conditions before departure. Please refer to the "Sea Ice Forecast" published on the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.
If you are unable to see the drift ice, the accompanying tour guide (TD) will provide you with alternative options. Please note that there may be limitations to the facilities we can provide depending on the itinerary, location, and season.
The operation of the drift ice icebreaker does not depend on the presence or absence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice on the route, the tour will be a sea tour, but there are no refunds. In the event of a cancellation due to bad weather or high waves, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot or refund the difference in fare at a later date. Also, depending on the departure time of the "Drift Ice Icebreaker Aurora", the order of the itinerary may be changed, so the arrival time at Sapporo Station may be delayed or advanced.
If the drift ice touching experience is canceled, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot.
If you are traveling with an infant aged 3-5, they will not be counted in the number of people in the room type. (For example, if you are traveling with "2 adults and 1 infant aged 3-5," please select a room for 2 people, and if you are traveling with "2 adults, 1 child, and 1 infant aged 3-5," please select a room for 3 people.)
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 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
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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