Hokkaido 3-day tour | Hokkaido winter only | Two drift ice icebreakers "Garinko-go" and "Aurora" & two silver walks: an extraordinary experience (departing from Tokyo)
- This high-quality and reliable Japan tour is planned by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel company with over 70 years of history. A team renowned for their hospitality accompanies the tour, earning high praise from customers of all 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.
- I'll be taking a ride on two icebreakers, the "Garinko" and the "Aurora"!
- Experience a snow-covered walk only available at this time of year!
- First night: Monbetsu Onsen, Monbetsu Prince Hotel; Second night: Shiretoko Shari Onsen, Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae. Please relax and unwind in 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
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Double boarding on an icebreaker!!
Day 1: Board the "Garinko" from Monbetsu, a ship that uses a drill to break through drift ice.
Day 2: Take a thrilling cruise on the "Aurora" in Abashiri, where you'll be crushing the drift ice as you go.
- Experience a snow-covered walk only available at this time of year.
Day 2: Put on a dry suit and head into the drift ice! An exciting experience on the "Drift Ice Walk"!
Day 3: Enjoy a nature guided "ice horizon walk" across the frozen sea of the Notsuke Peninsula! Take trick photos and have fun!
~Drift Ice Information (Icing and De-icing)~ ≪Analyzed by Abashiri Local Meteorological Observatory≫
2018 [First day of drift ice] January 28th [Last day of drift ice] March 31st
2019 [First day of drift ice] January 13th [Last day of drift ice] April 14th
2020 [First day of drift ice] February 9th [Last day of drift ice] April 11th
2021 [First day of drift ice] January 17th [Last day of drift ice] March 28th
2022 [First day of drift ice] February 3rd *Due to a review of the observation system starting in 2022, the announcement of all-day drift ice information has been discontinued.
2023 [First day of drift ice] February 5th
2024 [First day of drift ice] January 19th
2025 [First day of drift ice] February 16th
2026 [First day of drift ice] January 26th
*Proper winter clothing is required. Please bring a thick coat, sweater, gloves, etc. Also, to prevent falls on snowy and icy paths, please wear insulated winter boots or comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
*Dry suits are available for rent during the ice floe walk. Please include your height and weight in the comments section when making your reservation. (Please round your height and weight to two decimal places.)
[About drift ice]
① As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not be visible depending on the weather conditions on your travel date. Also, icebreaker services may be suspended depending on the drift ice's position and weather conditions.
② Even if your reservation is cancelled or changed due to this event, a cancellation fee will be charged from the date of cancellation.
③ If there is no drift ice, the icebreaker will operate in Aomi. Please note that the service may be canceled in case of bad weather. In that case, we will either guide you to an alternative sightseeing destination or refund the difference in fare.
[Regarding participation requirements]
This tour includes winter activities such as ice floe walks and ice horizon walks.
For the safety and security of our customers, the following participation conditions have been established.
Please note that we cannot accept applications that do not meet the following conditions.
●Participation requirements: Ages 6 to under 75 (at the time of participation)
●Height: 130cm or taller, Weight: less than 110kg
*Please note that participation is limited to those who can manage themselves and have the physical fitness level for hiking. We may decline participation in the drift ice walk for those who require assistance.
[Advance Notice]
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.
- Please be sure to carefully check and enter your name, age, and gender to avoid any errors. We cannot secure your airline seat unless all three of the above information is confirmed. Please ensure you enter and check this information correctly when applying.
- 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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