Hokkaido Drift Ice 2-Day Tour | Drift Ice Walking & Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
- Board the Aurora icebreaker ship and watch the drift ice being crushed right before your eyes from the sea.
- Experience the limited-time 'Drift Ice Walk,' where you can wear a dry suit to float among and touch the drift ice for a truly unique experience.
- Relax and enjoy the hot spring at the hotel's large public bath.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | None |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Room type | Double room |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
When it comes to spectacular winter scenery in Hokkaido, drift ice is a must-see!
- Abashiri: Aurora Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat
Board a powerful icebreaker ship and journey through the white, mystical drift ice. You will experience more than just the view; you will engage all your senses as you witness the vast expanse of ice that cannot be seen from land, hear the crunching sounds of the ice being broken, and feel the impact of the ship colliding with the floes. *Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not always be visible.
- Utoro: Drift Ice Walk
A seasonal activity available only for a limited time. Experience the drift ice by seeing, touching, and playing on it!
This is a special experience where you don't just walk on the drift ice—you wear a dry suit to lie down on it or even enter the sea to float among the ice. Since the suits provide insulation and buoyancy, even those who cannot swim can enjoy this activity. If you are lucky, you might spot seals on the ice, Steller's sea eagles in the sky, or clione (sea angels) in the water.
*For safety reasons, those aged 75 or older or under 130cm in height cannot participate.
- You can enjoy the drift ice until March each year!
(*Please refer to the drift ice information below.)
【Drift Ice Information (Arrival/Departure)】
~Drift Ice Information (Arrival/Departure)~ ≪Source: Abashiri Local Meteorological Office≫
・First day of drift ice: The day the drift ice is first sighted by the meteorological office.
・Last day of drift ice: The day the drift ice disappears from view (usually determined retrospectively).
2018 [First Day]◆Jan 28 [Last Day]◆Mar 31
2019 [First Day]◆Jan 13 [Last Day]◆Apr 14
2020 [First Day]◆Feb 9 [Last Day]◆Apr 11
2021 [First Day]◆Jan 17 [Last Day]◆Mar 28
2022 [First Day]◆Feb 3 *Due to a review of observation procedures starting in 2022, the last day of drift ice information is no longer announced.
2023 [First Day]◆Feb 5
2024 [First Day]◆Jan 19
2025 [First Day]◆Feb 15
*Full winter gear is required. Please bring a thick coat, sweater, gloves, etc. Also, to prevent slipping on snowy or frozen roads, please wear winter boots with non-slip soles or shoes you are accustomed to walking in.
- After sightseeing, relax in a hot spring...
Accommodation: Route-Inn Grantia Shiretoko-Shari Ekimae
Stay at a hotel with a hot spring, conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Shiretoko-Shari Station.
Important Notice
- This product is a 'Request Booking,' and it takes time to confirm your reservation. Since bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, your request may be placed on a waiting list or may not be accepted depending on availability. The final status of your reservation will be confirmed upon the issuance of your voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot proceed due to being fully booked, we will notify you within the specified timeframe. Please note that if you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (with a full refund) is possible.
・This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
・Please be aware that all guidance from the tour conductor during the trip will be provided 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 points, departure times).
Please observe the following when participating:
・Please book with your correct name and email address.
・Please be punctual for meeting times during the tour. If you arrive after the meeting time, the tour will depart without you.
■ドライスーツで流氷の海へ！知床・流氷遊ウォーク体験 北海道ならではの貴重な体験！期間限定！この機会を逃さずに！ ドライスーツを着て、知床の流氷に直接触れる特別な冬のアクティビティ。流氷の上を歩くだけでなく、十分な浮力を活かして流氷の海に浮かぶ体験も楽しめます。
■網走流氷砕氷船「おーろら」乗船！迫力の流氷クルーズ 網走を代表する冬の観光体験。流氷を砕きながら進む砕氷船に乗船し、オホーツク海に広がる白銀の景色を船上から満喫。
■「オホーツク海に一番近い駅」として知られる、JR釧網本線の北浜駅。 駅から海岸まではわずか約20mで、目の前には雄大なオホーツク海が広がります。冬の流冰シーズンには、海一面を埋め尽くす流冰を間近で眺めることができ、天気が良ければ遠くに知床連山を望むこともできます。レトロな無人駅舎と一面の流冰が織りなす、北海道ならではの冬景色をお楽しみください。
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Hokuto Kotsu or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 1 time
Accommodation used: Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae (Western-style single/twin room)
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the group.
[Travel planning/execution]
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 industry association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member 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 14 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
Drift ice may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
In case of bad weather, the drift ice walking tour may be canceled.
The tour will proceed regardless of the ice floe's position near the shore. However, if the tour is cancelled or modified due to ice floe conditions, the standard cancellation fee will still apply.
If you are unable to see the drift ice, alternative options will be provided by the tour guide (TD) accompanying you on the day of the tour. Please note that due to the itinerary, location, and season, the number of facilities we can offer as alternatives may be limited.
We will not contact you regarding the sea ice conditions before your departure. Please refer to the "Sea Ice Forecast Map" and other information issued on the Japan Meteorological Agency's website.
The operation of the icebreaker ship is not dependent on the presence or absence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice in the route, the tour will be changed to a sea cruise, but no refunds will be given. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, high waves, etc., we will guide you to an alternative sightseeing destination or refund the difference at a later date. Also, depending on the departure time of the "Aurora Icebreaker Ship," the order of the itinerary may be changed, so the arrival time at Sapporo Station may vary.
On the second day, the drift ice walk will involve walking on the drift ice and taking photos in the seawater. A professional guide will accompany you for approximately one hour. Please check the following restrictions before applying.
Participation Requirements: Age: 6 to under 75 years old / Height: 130cm or taller / Weight: under 120kg
To determine the appropriate drysuit size for your ice floe walk, please provide your height, weight (approximate), and shoe size.
Please refrain from wearing skirts. Comfortable clothing such as sweatshirts, trousers, or tracksuits is recommended. Since you will be tucking your trouser hems into your socks, please wear long socks and collarless clothing.
Participation is open to those who can manage their own physical condition and have the physical fitness level for hiking. Pregnant women are not permitted to participate.
If you bring a camera or smartphone, our staff will store it in a waterproof bag (one per group), but we cannot be held responsible for any damage or water damage. Bringing in SLR cameras is not permitted due to their high cost.
For changes to meals due to severe food allergies, medically mandated dietary restrictions, religious reasons, etc., a fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged, plus any difference in cost.
Delays due to transportation delays, or non-participation, will also be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the stated departure time.
FAQ
1. What are the best months to see drift ice and experience the Aurora icebreaker cruise in Hokkaido?
The prime season for viewing drift ice in Hokkaido is typically from mid-February to early March each year. During this period, the ice coverage is high and stable, making it ideal for taking the Aurora icebreaker cruise to venture deep into the ice and feel the impressive impact of the ship against the ice. Additionally, many limited-time drift ice walking tours are also available at this time, allowing you to experience the remarkable phenomenon of drift ice up close.
2. Can I still experience the Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking tours in Hokkaido in March?
In March, you can generally still have the opportunity to experience the Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking tours in Hokkaido, although the drift ice conditions can vary depending on the annual climate. Typically, drift ice conditions are more stable in early March. As spring temperatures gradually rise, the ice will begin to melt. If you plan to visit in March, it is recommended to arrange your itinerary as early as possible to increase your chances of seeing the drift ice.
3. What are the common booking methods for Hokkaido Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking tours?
To book popular tours such as the Hokkaido Aurora icebreaker cruise and drift ice walking, you can do so through online travel platforms. Booking with KKday offers the convenience of a wide selection of tours, a simple booking process, and support from Chinese-speaking customer service. As drift ice tours are seasonal and highly sought after, availability is limited. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
4. How does the Aurora icebreaker ship navigate through thick drift ice to offer a unique sightseeing experience?
The Aurora icebreaker is designed with a special structure and powerful engines. Its bow is angled to 'climb' onto the surface of the drift ice, then uses the ship's own weight to crush the thick ice layers, rather than ramming it directly. This ice-breaking method allows the ship to navigate steadily through the drift ice, producing unique sounds of ice compression. This provides passengers with an immersive and close-up experience of the ice's power, offering a unique sightseeing journey.
5. What unique interactions are included in the drift ice walking experience?
The drift ice walking experience is a unique winter-only activity in Hokkaido. You will wear a special dry suit and, under the guidance of a professional guide, safely step onto the surface of the drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. The activity is not limited to just walking; you can also try lying on the ice or experiencing the wondrous sensation of floating in the icy sea, allowing for the most intimate interaction with the drift ice and an appreciation of its cold beauty and vastness.
6. Does the Hokkaido drift ice two-day tour include hot spring facilities or accommodation?
Yes, this two-day drift ice bus tour departing from Sapporo includes accommodation arrangements, allowing you to rest fully after exploring the magnificent drift ice. The tour features a large public bath within the hotel, where you can enjoy a warm and comfortable hot spring experience after your cold outdoor activities, relaxing your body and mind, and easing the day's fatigue, thereby enhancing your overall travel comfort and enjoyment.
7. What guarantees are provided for tour confirmation on the drift ice bus tour from Sapporo?
This drift ice bus tour from Sapporo offers a special 'guaranteed departure for all chosen dates' policy. This means that regardless of the number of bookings, your selected departure date is ensured to proceed as scheduled, without concern for cancellation due to insufficient participants. This provides great convenience and peace of mind for travelers planning to visit Hokkaido to see the drift ice, ensuring their travel plans are not subject to change.
8. Besides the icebreaker cruise, what other limited-time activities can be experienced on Hokkaido's drift ice tours?
In addition to cruising through magnificent drift ice on the Aurora icebreaker, Hokkaido's drift ice tours also include the limited-time 'drift ice walking' experience. This unique activity allows you to wear a professional dry suit and, under the guidance of an instructor, personally walk on the drift ice, touch the ice blocks, and even have the chance to experience the thrilling sensation of floating on the cold sea surface. It offers a more in-depth and interactive drift ice adventure than simply viewing.
