Hokkaido 3-Day Tour | Hokkaido Winter Exclusive | Two Drift Ice Breakers 'Garinko & Aurora' & Two Silver World Walks (Departing from Tokyo)
- This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour planned by 'Club Tourism,' a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. Our tour leaders are renowned for their hospitality and have received high praise from international guests.
- While the tour is conducted in Japanese, many guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong participate, so first-time visitors can join with confidence.
- Double the fun with rides on two drift ice breakers: the 'Garinko' and the 'Aurora'!
- Experience a seasonal 'silver world' walk!
- Night 1: Monbetsu Onsen, Monbetsu Prince Hotel; Night 2: Shiretoko Shari Onsen, Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae. Please relax and enjoy the hot springs.
Package Options
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
- Double the fun with two icebreaker cruises!!
Day 1: Board the 'Garinko-go' in Mombetsu, which uses a drill to crush through the drift ice.
Day 2: Experience an impressive cruise in Abashiri aboard the 'Aurora,' which pushes through the drift ice.
- Experience a silver world walk available only during this season
Day 2: Put on a dry suit and head into the drift ice! An exciting 'Drift Ice Walk' experience!!
Day 3: Walk on the frozen sea at Notsuke Peninsula with the 'Ice Horizon Walk,' led by a nature guide! Enjoy activities like taking trick photos!
～Drift Ice Information (Arrival/Departure)～ ≪Source: Abashiri Local Meteorological Office≫
2018 [First day of drift ice] Jan 28 [Last day of drift ice] Mar 31
2019 [First day of drift ice] Jan 13 [Last day of drift ice] Apr 14
2020 [First day of drift ice] Feb 9 [Last day of drift ice] Apr 11
2021 [First day of drift ice] Jan 17 [Last day of drift ice] Mar 28
2022 [First day of drift ice] Feb 3 *Due to a review of observation systems starting in 2022, the final day of drift ice is no longer announced.
2023 [First day of drift ice] Feb 5
2024 [First day of drift ice] Jan 19
2025 [First day of drift ice] Feb 16
2026 [First day of drift ice] Jan 26
*Full-scale winter gear is required. Please prepare a thick coat, sweater, gloves, etc. Also, please wear winter shoes or boots with non-slip soles or comfortable shoes you are used to walking in to prevent falling on snowy or frozen roads.
*We provide dry suits for the Drift Ice Walk. Please kindly enter your height and weight in the remarks section when booking. (Please enter height and weight to two decimal places.)
【About Drift Ice】
(1) Drift ice is a natural phenomenon, so there may be cases where it cannot be seen depending on the weather conditions on the day of your trip. Additionally, drift ice cruises may be suspended depending on the ice conditions and weather.
(2) Even if you cancel or change your booking due to these circumstances, cancellation fees will apply if the date falls within the cancellation period.
(3) If there is no drift ice, the icebreaker cruise will operate as a regular sightseeing cruise. Please note that cruises may be cancelled in case of bad weather. In such cases, we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot or provide a refund for the price difference.
【Participation Requirements】
This course includes winter activities such as the Drift Ice Walk and the Ice Horizon Walk.
For safety management reasons, we have established the following participation requirements.
Please note that we cannot accept bookings if you do not meet the following conditions.
● Participation age: 6 to under 75 years old (at the time of participation)
● Height: 130cm or taller, Weight: under 110kg
*Participants must be able to manage themselves and have the physical strength for hiking. We may refuse participation in the Drift Ice Walk for those who require assistance.
【Advance Notice】
- This product is a 'Request Booking,' and it takes time to confirm your reservation. As bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, we may be unable to accept your booking or you may be placed on a waiting list depending on availability. The final booking status will be confirmed upon the issuance of your voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot be operated due to being fully booked, we will contact you within the specified time. If you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (with a refund) is possible, so please be aware of this in advance.
- Please ensure your name, age, and gender are entered correctly. We cannot secure airline seats without confirming all three of these items. Please double-check your information when booking.
- Please note that all guidance from the tour conductor 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 (e.g., meeting locations, departure times).
- Please observe the following when participating:
- Please book with your correct name and email address.
- Please adhere to the meeting time during the tour. If you arrive past the meeting time, the tour will depart without you.
Double boarding on an icebreaker! (Garinko-go *Image / Ice floes may not be visible depending on weather conditions)
Ice floe walking tour *Image
Aurora (image)
Trick photo (image)
Trick photo (image)
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
Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not always be visible. Furthermore, icebreaker services may be suspended depending on the drift ice's position and weather conditions. Cancellation fees will apply from the date of cancellation if your reservation is cancelled or changed due to these circumstances.
If there is no drift ice, the icebreaker will operate to Aomi. Please note that services may be canceled in case of bad weather. In such cases, we will either guide you to an alternative sightseeing destination or refund the difference in fare.
Please be sure to carefully check and enter your name (in Kanji and phonetic script), age, and gender to avoid any errors. We cannot secure your airline seat unless all three of the above items are confirmed. When applying, please be sure to enter and check the information carefully to avoid any mistakes.
To arrange for a dry suit rental for your ice floe walk, please provide your height and weight at least 14 days before your departure.
The order of accommodations and sightseeing may be changed.
The listed meal contents may be subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances related to local sourcing.
Even if you book a room for two people, you may be assigned to two separate rooms.
Due to the seating arrangement on airplanes and buses, even if you book as a group of two or more people, you may not be seated next to each other (you may be seated in a row).
This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please be sure to check the participation requirements for the drift ice walk.
FAQ
1. When is the best time to experience drift ice viewing in Hokkaido?
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.
2. What exactly is drift ice, and how does it form around Hokkaido?
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.
3. What are the main locations for experiencing drift ice in Hokkaido, and which icebreakers are used?
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.
4. What kind of unique "silver walk" experiences can visitors expect during Hokkaido's drift ice season?
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.
5. How is travel managed between different viewing locations and accommodations during a Hokkaido drift ice tour?
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.
6. What kind of accommodation options are provided during a multi-day drift ice viewing tour in Hokkaido?
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.
7. What are the differences between the "Garinko-go" and "Aurora" icebreaker experiences?
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.
8. What are the typical weather conditions and what should visitors wear for drift ice viewing in Hokkaido?
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.
