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All departures confirmed! Drift Ice Day Trip | Winter Asahiyama Zoo and Drift Icebreaker 'Garinko-go III IMERU' Day Cruise [Departing from Sapporo]
- This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour planned by Club Tourism International Inc, a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. Our tour guides, known for their hospitality, will accompany you, and we have received high praise from international guests.
- ・The tour is conducted in Japanese, but many guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong participate, so first-time visitors can join with peace of mind.
- One of the highlights of winter in Hokkaido! Board the drift icebreaker 'Garinko-go III IMERU' and head to the drift ice fields.
- We will also take you to Asahiyama Zoo in winter. Come and see the adorable animals.
- All departures confirmed!
Package Options
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.
・One of the highlights of winter in Hokkaido! Board the newly built icebreaker ship, Garinko-go III IMERU!
Enjoy the vibrations as the ship breaks through the drift ice with its drill, and the mystical scenery created by the broken ice, the sea, and the light!
*As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, there may be cases where it cannot be seen.
＜About the Drift Ice Cruise＞
・If there is no drift ice on the route, it may proceed as a sea sightseeing tour.
・In the event of cancellation due to weather, etc., we will refund the group boarding fee included in the tour price, so please be aware of this in advance.
・We will also take you to Asahiyama Zoo in winter♪
The 'behavioral exhibition' that allows you to catch a glimpse of the animals' lively nature is one of the popular attractions! Come and see the adorable animals.
・This product is a 'request booking' and it takes time to confirm your reservation. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, there may be cases where you are placed on a waiting list or we are unable to accept your booking depending on availability. The final confirmation of your reservation will be determined by the issuance of a voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot be operated due to being fully booked, we will contact you by the specified number of days in advance. Please note that if you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (refund) is possible.
Please note that all guidance from the tour conductor during the trip will be provided in Japanese only. However, for the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (meeting points, departure times, etc.).
Please observe the following when participating:
- Please book with your correct name and email address.
- Please observe the meeting time during the tour. If you miss the meeting time, the tour will depart.
Heading to the drift ice field on Garinko-go III (Photo provided by: Mombetsu Tourism Promotion Corporation / Image)
Polar Bear House ・Equipped with a giant pool, you can observe them diving dynamically and swimming!
Penguin (Image)
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Sapporo
Duration: Day Trip
Transportation: Chartered Bus
Bus Operator: Sapporo Kanko Bus or equivalent class
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Participants: 1
Tour Conductor: 1
Guide: 0 (Guided in Japanese) *No interpreter-guide will accompany the tour
【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
Affiliated Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
【Entrusted Sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
WESTALL Yotsuya Bldg. 2F, 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 1 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 10 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not provided on this tour. Please prepare your own in advance or purchase them at the tourist spots along the way.
For foreign nationals, a passport number is required.
As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, there may be cases where it cannot be seen due to weather conditions (ocean currents, wind direction, etc.).
The tour will proceed regardless of whether the drift ice has reached the shore. Even if the ice has not reached the shore, cancellation or changes will be subject to the prescribed cancellation fees.
We will not contact you regarding the status of the drift ice before departure. Please refer to the 'Sea Ice Forecast' published on the Japan Meteorological Agency website or similar sources.
The operation of the drift icebreaker is not dependent on the presence of drift ice; if there is no drift ice on the route, the cruise will proceed as a sea sightseeing tour, and no refunds will be provided. *In the event of cancellation due to weather, etc., we will refund the group boarding fee included in the tour price, so please be aware of this in advance.
The cruise is scheduled for 60 minutes, but if the drift ice zone is further away, the cruise time may be extended up to 90 minutes. Please note that in such cases, the return time may be delayed.
Please be sure to prepare warm clothing (down jackets, overpants, scarves, hats, gloves, earmuffs, etc.). For footwear, please wear non-slip shoes with grooves on the soles or use anti-slip attachments.
FAQ
1. Can tickets for the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise be purchased on the day of departure?
For the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice and Asahiyama Zoo day tour, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. This ensures your spot on the popular cruise, especially during peak drift ice season, and avoids the possibility of tours being fully booked. Booking through KKday allows for convenient pre-purchase and confirmation, securing your experience ahead of time.
2. What kind of unique experiences are offered on the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise?
The Garinko-go III IMERU is a newly built icebreaker that offers a unique experience navigating through vast drift ice fields. You can witness the power of the ship as it breaks through the ice, creating stunning patterns, and observe the serene winter landscape of Hokkaido. This cruise provides an immersive way to experience the natural phenomenon of drift ice from onboard.
3. When is the best season to experience drift ice with the Garinko-go III IMERU cruise?
The Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise typically operates during the winter season in Hokkaido, which is when drift ice is present off the coast. While the exact period can vary each year depending on weather and ice conditions, the prime viewing season is generally considered to be from late January to early March.
4. Does the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise involve walking on the drift ice?
The Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise primarily involves experiencing the drift ice from aboard the icebreaker ship. Passengers remain on the vessel as it navigates through the ice floes. The tour focuses on enjoying the panoramic views and the unique sensation of breaking through the ice from the safety and comfort of the ship, rather than walking on the ice.
5. What safety measures are in place for participants on the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise?
The Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice cruise prioritizes passenger safety. The tour is organized by a reputable Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, ensuring high-quality and reliable service. A dedicated tour leader accompanies the group, and the icebreaker itself is specifically designed for navigating icy conditions, adhering to standard maritime safety protocols.
6. What is the typical duration of the Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice and Asahiyama Zoo tour from Sapporo?
This Garinko-go III IMERU drift ice and Asahiyama Zoo tour is structured as a full-day trip, departing from and returning to Sapporo. It is designed to allow participants to comfortably experience both the thrilling drift ice cruise and the popular zoo within a single day, providing a comprehensive winter Hokkaido adventure without requiring an overnight stay.
7. What can visitors expect to see at Asahiyama Zoo during this tour?
At Asahiyama Zoo, visitors can enjoy seeing various animals in their natural habitats, often exhibiting unique behaviors specific to the winter season. The zoo is renowned for its innovative enclosures that allow close-up viewing of animals like polar bears, penguins, seals, and wolves, creating memorable and engaging encounters for all ages.
8. Is the tour guide for the Garinko-go III IMERU and Asahiyama Zoo tour multilingual?
The tour guidance for the Garinko-go III IMERU and Asahiyama Zoo tour is provided in Japanese. While the main language is Japanese, the tour is well-regarded and popular among international visitors, including those from Taiwan and Hong Kong, and is designed to be welcoming and easily enjoyable for first-time participants from various backgrounds.
