2D1N Eastern Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour from Sapporo: Icebreaker Garinco III, Sounkyo Onsen Ice Festival, Asahikawa Snow Park, Asahiyama Zoo, Mombetsu Sea of Okhotsk | Mandarin/English Guide & Four Meals
- Winter-limited 2-day, 1-night package from Sapporo, including a snow park, penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo, Sounkyo Onsen accommodation, and a nighttime icefall festival.
- Embark on the Monbetsu "Garinko III" icebreaker deep into the ice belt of the Sea of Okhotsk, experience the icebreaking spectacle up close, and have a chance to encounter wildlife.
- Combining sightseeing and photo opportunities: Climb the Okhotsk Tower for panoramic views of the icy sea, visit the 12-meter-tall giant crab claw landmark, and enjoy a local seafood lunch.
- Hassle-free throughout: Green-plate private car + Chinese-speaking tour guide, including entrance tickets and "one night with four meals" (buffet lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2).
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 8 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, Eco-tourism, Bus tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, 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.
Winter-only! Embark on a two-day, one-night dreamlike snow country journey starting from Sapporo. On the first day, visit popular attractions such as the Asahiyama Zoo and a snow park. Experience a variety of fun snow activities, watch the penguin parade (a winter-only event), enjoy a local-style lunch, and then check into a popular hot spring hotel to relax and enjoy the winter nighttime illuminations and icefall festival. The next day, travel to Mombetsu to board the icebreaker "Garinko III" and experience the breathtaking sight of cutting through the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. Lunch will be at a local market featuring fresh seafood, and you can also ascend the observation tower for panoramic views of the drift ice. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, this trip combines animals, hot springs, gourmet food, and polar natural scenery to experience the unique charm of Hokkaido in winter!
- Attraction Introduction -
【Okhotsk Tower】
The Okhotsk Tower overlooking the sea, is 38.5 meters above sea level and 7.5 meters below sea level. Weather permitting, the top floor offers panoramic views of the Shiretoko mountain range. The second-floor lobby features Hokkaido's first 360-degree immersive theater, "4D-KING," while the underground underwater level offers sound and light displays and exhibits of near-shore marine life.
Icebreaker Garinko III IMERU
Embark on a thrilling winter voyage aboard the icebreaker "Garinko III IMERU"! Every winter, the Sea of Okhotsk is covered in vast ice floes. The Garinco III uses a powerful auger to break through the thick ice, leading passengers deep into the white icefield. During the voyage, you can witness the breathtaking sight of the ice floes breaking apart, and if you're lucky, you might even spot seals or other polar wildlife. Experiencing the magnificence and mystery of Hokkaido's harsh winter is a popular winter experience in Hokkaido. The ship is fully equipped, ensuring that families, couples, and photography enthusiasts can all enjoy this icy adventure!
【Special Pattern: Giant Crab Claw Statue】
When visiting Mombetsu, Hokkaido, you absolutely can't miss this 12-meter-tall "giant crab claw" landmark! Standing tall on the coast of Okhotsk, it appears to emerge from the seabed ice, its striking and amusing design making it a super popular spot for photos. Whether you pretend to be pinched by the claw or stand in front of it looking up, it's a fun and memorable image. Originally designed to promote Mombetsu's drift ice and crab culture, this art installation has now become a symbol of the city. The winter-limited phenomenon of "claw tips freezing" is considered a good omen for a bountiful harvest by locals. Covered in snow in winter, it adds an even more fantastical touch.
【Sounkyo Hot Spring Icefall Festival】
The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival is Hokkaido's most representative large-scale ice festival. Within a vast venue spanning 10,000 square meters, approximately thirty ice sculptures and snow structures of varying sizes are displayed, offering a taste of an ice kingdom. At night, colorful lights illuminate the ice sculptures, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Preparations begin three months in advance. Water from the Ishikari River, flowing through the venue, is continuously poured onto a log frame, repeating the freezing and sculpting process to meticulously create each ice sculpture. Sounkyo is also renowned as one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring resorts. The Ishikari River, Hokkaido's longest river, flows through Sounkyo, forming a vast valley with 24 kilometers of sheer cliffs. It is thanks to its rugged terrain and harsh climate that such winter art, where even waterfalls freeze, has been created. Experience a breathtaking winter amidst the striking beauty of towering ice and snow.
【Meteor Shower & Ginga Waterfalls】
"Ryusei Waterfalls" flows swiftly like a shooting star flashing across the night sky, while "Ginga Waterfalls" cascades down as delicately as white silk. These two famous scenic spots in Sounkyo, each with its own unique charm, have both been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. Ryusei Waterfalls is majestic and imposing, like a male waterfall, and is called the "Male Waterfall"; while Ginga Waterfalls is gentle and graceful, like a female waterfall, and is called the "Female Waterfall." Together, they are known as the "Couple Waterfalls."
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahikawa Zoo, located in the northernmost part of Japan, was built in 1967 (Showa 42) and has now become a representative tourist attraction of Hokkaido. Its approximately 152,000 square kilometers of grounds are home to about 120 species of animals. At one point, it almost had to close due to a decline in visitor numbers. After improving its facilities, it moved beyond simply displaying the animals' physical forms, instead showcasing their lives through interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to witness their vibrant ecology up close. This sparked a buzz and attracted tourists from all over the country, making it an incredibly popular zoo. Now, foreign tourists also flock to the zoo, making it a bustling hub. The penguin walk is one of the most popular shows in winter. As soon as the zoo opens, visitors rush to queue up to watch the penguins walk. The penguin walk is intended to increase the penguins' exercise and help them lose weight, but it ironically attracts more tourists.
Snow Park
Experience a variety of fun-filled snow activities in a snow-covered wonderland! Adults and children alike can enjoy a fairytale-like snow paradise. From the thrilling yet safe "Snow Tubing" to the "Bubble Ball Experience" where you tumble inside a giant transparent sphere, and the "Fat Bike" perfect for outdoor adventures. You can also enjoy a fun-filled game of "Snow Soccer" with friends. Furthermore, there's a rooftop observation deck offering stunning views of the snow-covered landscape, and a "Snow Play Area" where children can build snowmen and play with snowballs. With such a diverse range of snow activities, you can fully enjoy the charm of Hokkaido's winter without even having to ski! For information on drift ice over the years, please refer to the information below:
~Ice Flood Arrival Information~ Information sourced from the Maritime Information Department of the Japan Coast Guard.
• First Day of Drift Ice: The day when drift ice was first seen at a weather station
• The day the drift ice disappeared from sight: The day the drift ice disappeared from sight (usually determined retrospectively).
2018 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 1st [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 26
2019 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 28 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 22
2020 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 28 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ March 27
2021 [The First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 22 [The Last Day of Drift Ice] ◆ March 20
2022 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 20 *Due to a review of the observation system starting in 2022, information on the last day of drift ice will no longer be published.
2023 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 4
2024 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 19
2025 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ February 1
2026 [First Day of Drift Ice] ◆ January 28
Other recommended itineraries from Sapporo:
Spring Flower Field Stroll: Cherry Blossom & Tulip Day Tour: Kutchan, Niseko, Yōtei Mt. Namesui Park, Takino Suzuran Hills Park, Jozankei (with Specialty Lunch)
Summer Seaside Culinary Tour: Summer Day Tour: Sekitan, Yoichi, Otaru & Tenguzan Ropeway | Includes Admission, Lunch (Seafood/Sea Urchin Donburi) , All-you-can-eat Fruit
Romantic Autumn Foliage: Sapporo Suburbs Autumn Day Tour: Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI no UTA Buffet, Houheikyou, Suzuran Park, Mitsui Outlet
Winter Ice Adventure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Day Tour: Tsuruga Buffet Lunch + Takino Suzuran Hillside Park + Mitsui Outlet Park
Plan A includes the following snow activities:
Option B includes the following snow activities:
Purchase Notice
- Please provide the dimensions and number of your luggage upon registration. Failure to do so may result in the tour guide refusing to allow your luggage on board, and the luggage will exceed the permitted number of passengers and luggage capacity. Guests will be required to store their luggage elsewhere at their own expense. If you are unable to board the bus due to luggage being unable to be stored, no refund or compensation will be provided.
- If you are booking for multiple people, please be sure to indicate the number of rooms in the remarks column.
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido, Hokkaido
Travel duration: 1 night and 2 days
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: Central Tourism
Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Sounkyo Kanko Hotel, Chaoyang Resort Hotel or similar
Minimum group size: 8
Team leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Hakkazu Co., Ltd.
Address: 3F, Daiichi Yamazaki Hall 2-12, Kitorokujo Nishi 6-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-863
Travel Industry Association Name: ANTA
Reminders
A minimum of 8 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 7 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 12:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
The bus departs at fixed times and locations. Please arrive at the designated meeting point on time and strictly adhere to the departure time. Latecomers will not be waited for to avoid infringing on the rights of others.
For those who leave the tour midway due to personal reasons, the tour fee will not be refunded.
The itinerary may be adjusted on the day depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
In the event of delays, changes, cancellations, or attraction cancellations due to traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors, our company will prioritize safety and may, if necessary, reroute or adjust the itinerary. No alternative arrangements or refunds will be made for attractions and meals that cannot be visited or enjoyed. We appreciate your understanding and regret that no compensation will be provided.
The actual time spent visiting each attraction on the day depends on traffic conditions and the number of participants. If an attraction is closed or has restricted entry times, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Snowfall, drift ice , starry skies, and drifting snow are all natural phenomena, and our company cannot guarantee that these can be seen. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Due to limited room availability, if the hotel is fully booked, guests will be accommodated in other hotels of the same standard.
If the group is small, a minibus or a Hiace may be used. In this case, the driver will also act as the tour guide through the trip.
Tours departing before the end of January may not be able to attend the Icefall Festival. The Icefall Festival's dates are determined by the organizers and usually are at the end of January each year.
If you have any dietary requirements, please inform us in advance in the booking (e.g., no beef, vegetarian, etc.). We will note your special requirements for the restaurant.
Room types are subject to availability and cannot be requested. If you require a smoking/non-smoking room or have other specific needs, please make a note in advance. Final arrangements subject to the hotel
Passengers are advised to bring their own motion sickness medication, rain gear, etc.
Travelers are advised to purchase personal travel insurance.
Skiing, snow activities, hot springs, horseback riding, and water activities are all activities with inherent risks. Travelers are advised to assess the risks themselves and purchase travel insurance. In the event of property loss, bodily injury, or death due to force majeure, our company, employees, and partners shall not be liable for any such loss, but will do our best to assist in handling the matter.
According to the Maritime Transport Law of Japan, starting from April 2024, passengers on the icebreaker "Garinko" must register in the passenger registry. Therefore, please fill in your passport number when making your reservation. If you fail to fill in the passport number incorrectly or at all, resulting in your denied boarding on the day of the trip, no refund will be given.
Due to the limited number of daily discount slots during the promotion period, availability will be arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. The offer may be cancelled if the daily quota is reached, and the final decision rests with the receipt of a redemption voucher.
This service provider reserves all rights of interpretation.
Friendly Reminder Regarding Overseas Travel Insurance: Overseas medical treatment and emergency rescue costs are high. To ensure a safer and smoother trip, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance that covers overseas medical care and accidents before your trip.
FAQ
The drift ice season in the Okhotsk Sea off Monbetsu typically runs from late January to early March. The prime viewing period is February, when the ice coverage is at its maximum, allowing the icebreaker to venture deep into the ice floes for the most spectacular experience. You may still have a chance to witness the magnificent drift ice even in early March.
The Garinko III icebreaker departs from Monbetsu Port in Monbetsu City, Hokkaido. Passengers board at the Monbetsu Ocean Exchange Center (Drift Ice Museum). Monbetsu is an important port city on the Okhotsk coast, renowned for its unique winter drift ice scenery.
You can book a 2-day Eastern Hokkaido drift ice tour through KKday. This tour includes the Garinko III icebreaker experience, the Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Ice Festival, and the Asahiyama Snow Land winter activities. It also comes with a Chinese-speaking guide and private transportation, saving you the hassle of planning your own travel and allowing you to fully enjoy your winter trip to Hokkaido.
The Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Ice Festival is an annual winter event in Hokkaido, usually held from late January to mid-March. The exact dates vary each year, so it's recommended to check the official announcement for the current year before planning your trip. During the festival, the illuminated ice sculptures at night create a dreamlike landscape.
Asahiyama Snow Land offers a variety of winter activities. Visitors can enjoy easy and fun snow facilities like sledding, snow donuts, and snow tubing, which are perfect for family fun. Additionally, there are play areas specifically designed for snow, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Hokkaido's snowy world.
The winter-exclusive Penguin Walk event at Asahiyama Zoo typically runs during the snow season, from around mid-December to mid-March. There are several sessions each day, where the penguins walk from a dedicated passage, coming close to visitors. It's advisable to arrive early at the viewing spot to secure a good vantage point.
In Monbetsu, you can ascend the Okhotsk Tower for panoramic views of the ice sea, experiencing the grandeur of the drift ice. Next to the tower is the famous 12-meter giant crab claw landmark, a popular spot for photos. Sounkyo offers the stunning ice sculptures of the Hyobaku Ice Festival, as well as natural beauty like the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls, all of which are excellent spots for photos.
This 2-day tour includes private 'Green Car' shuttle service, departing from Sapporo, with a Chinese-speaking guide throughout, eliminating the need to plan your own transportation. Meals are covered by an 'one night, four meals' plan, consisting of a buffet lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day, ensuring you don't have to worry about dining during your trip and can fully enjoy the cuisine.
Get Help
