Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker Day Tour | Abashiri Aurora Icebreaker Cruise, Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, Meruhen-no-oka | Depart from Sapporo
- Depart from Sapporo | Explore Eastern Hokkaido by bus without the hassle of planning transportation.
- Enjoy a 1-hour cruise on the Aurora icebreaker ship and witness the spectacular sight of ice breaking when drift ice reaches the shore.
- Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum | Experience the world of drift ice at -15°C.
- Pass by the snowy fields of Meruhen-no-oka (Fairy Tale Hill) with a stop of about 15 minutes (may be changed to viewing from the bus window depending on road conditions).
Package options
Product Info
Depart from Sapporo to explore the drift ice in Abashiri without the hassle of planning transportation. Board the Aurora icebreaker ship, experience the Ryuhyo Museum, and spend a day visiting the Abashiri drift ice, Hokkaido's snowy landscapes, and winter-exclusive wonders!
![[Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Ship Aurora] The cruise lasts about 1 hour. The drift ice season is usually from late January to early March. The icebreaker sails directly into the Sea of Okhotsk, cutting through layers of drift ice, allowing you to witness the most breathtaking maritime wonder of Hokkaido's winter.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_32286/20261028074355_gBI6y/jpg)
[Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Ship Aurora] The cruise lasts about 1 hour. The drift ice season is usually from late January to early March. The icebreaker sails directly into the Sea of Okhotsk, cutting through layers of drift ice, allowing you to witness the most breathtaking maritime wonder of Hokkaido's winter.
Feel the power of nature as drift ice surges and interweaves with the waves.
Visit the Ryuhyo Museum and step into a sub-zero space of -15°C.
Endless pure white snowfields, a winter-exclusive landscape in Hokkaido.
Create lasting memories of your trip to Hokkaido.
![[Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum] Located on Mount Tento, you can touch real drift ice inside. The rooftop observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk. Ascend to the Mount Tento Observation Deck to take in the vastness of the Sea of Okhotsk.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_32286/20261028074750_K2mgU/jpg)
[Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum] Located on Mount Tento, you can touch real drift ice inside. The rooftop observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk. Ascend to the Mount Tento Observation Deck to take in the vastness of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Hokkaido
Duration: 1-day round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Kita-Tabi Travel Agency
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Minimum participants: 15
Tour leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: Toranomon Central Building 7F, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1892
Travel Agency Association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 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 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
Vehicles are assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also acts as an on-board assistant will provide tour services throughout the trip. No separate tour leader will be assigned. Please be aware that you will explore the attractions on your own upon arrival.
The scheduled route and stay durations are for reference only. The order of attractions may be adjusted due to traffic conditions, local events, restaurant reservations, or changes in facility operating hours. Thank you for your understanding.
The actual boarding time for the drift ice sightseeing cruise will be adjusted based on the cruise operator's booking status, daily schedule, and weather conditions. Please refer to the final itinerary notification provided before departure.
The above itinerary times are estimates. Traffic conditions are unpredictable. Please avoid scheduling other activities for the evening. We appreciate your understanding in case of any delays.
This tour involves a long drive between Sapporo and Abashiri. Please carefully assess your physical stamina and tolerance for long-distance travel before booking. Thank you for your understanding.
Images are for reference only; some photos containing people are AI-generated illustrations. Actual scenery, facilities, and activities may vary due to season, weather, natural environment, shooting time, and on-site conditions. Please refer to the actual situation on the day of your tour. Thank you for your understanding.
The icebreaker cruise boarding time may be adjusted based on bookings and on-site conditions. If the icebreaker cruise is canceled on the day of your tour, the itinerary will be changed to the Abashiri Prison Museum, and the cruise fee will be refunded on-site. Thank you for your understanding.
Travel times in Hokkaido during winter may be affected by snowfall, snow accumulation, and road conditions. The times listed in the itinerary are estimates. The actual itinerary, stay durations, and order of attractions may be adjusted due to traffic, weather, road closures, local events, restaurant reservations, or facility operating hours. We may also shorten stay durations or cancel certain attractions if necessary. Thank you for your understanding.
Drift ice is a natural phenomenon. Due to weather and ice conditions, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see it.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to see drift ice during the Aurora Icebreaker tour in Abashiri?
The drift ice season in Abashiri typically runs from late January to late March. While the presence of drift ice is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, this period offers the highest chance of witnessing the spectacular ice-breaking scenes from the Aurora Icebreaker.
2. What are the highlights of the Aurora Icebreaker experience in Abashiri?
The primary highlight is cruising aboard the Aurora Icebreaker for approximately one hour, witnessing the impressive spectacle of the ship breaking through thick drift ice when it reaches the shore. This provides a unique opportunity to experience the vast, icy landscapes of the Okhotsk Sea up close.
3. Is seasickness a concern on the Aurora Icebreaker, and what precautions can visitors take?
While the Aurora Icebreaker is a large vessel designed for navigating icy waters, some individuals may still experience mild seasickness depending on sea conditions. It's recommended to choose a spot on the deck with a good view of the horizon, stay in fresh air, and consider taking motion sickness medication beforehand if you are prone to seasickness.
4. What can visitors experience at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum?
At the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of drift ice. The main highlight is the experience room where you can personally feel the extreme cold of minus 15°C, similar to the environment of the drift ice. It offers an educational and hands-on understanding of this unique natural phenomenon.
5. How does the Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker day tour simplify transportation from Sapporo?
This day tour simplifies transportation by providing round-trip bus service directly from Sapporo. This means travelers do not need to plan intricate public transport routes or worry about driving on winter roads, allowing them to relax and enjoy the journey to Hokkaido's eastern region with ease.
6. How long is the stop at Fairytale Hill during the Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker day tour?
During the Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker day tour, there is a stop at Fairytale Hill snowfield for approximately 15 minutes. Please note that depending on road conditions and weather, this stop might occasionally be changed to a scenic viewing from the bus window for safety and convenience.
7. How can I book the Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker day tour?
You can conveniently book the Hokkaido Winter Drift Icebreaker day tour through KKday. Booking through KKday allows you to easily secure your spot in advance, review tour details, and manage your reservation with transparent information, ensuring a smooth planning process for your winter adventure.
8. Is drift ice guaranteed during the Aurora Icebreaker journey?
No, the presence of drift ice during the Aurora Icebreaker journey is a natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed. While the tour operates during the optimal season, actual visibility depends on weather and ocean conditions each day.
