Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Drift Ice Sunset Cruise Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo
•Visit the particularly popular Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido and get up close and personal with animals including polar bears, arctic foxes, raccoons, and sika deer at the winter zoo.
•Take a boat trip to the Sea of Okhotsk, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of drift ice and sunset shaped by nature on the sea from the boat
• The icebreaker "Garinkogo" is specially designed for sightseeing. It has a total weight of 150 tons and can accommodate up to 195 people on board. The ship is equipped with air conditioning, heating, vending machines, etc. to provide guests with a comfortable boating experience.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- There is a possibility that drift ice may not be visible on the day of departure. In this case, please refer to the following cancellation policy and cash refund:
1) If the icebreaker cruise is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, a refund of 5,000 yen per adult and 4,000 yen per child will be issued, and the tour will be replaced with a visit to the Okhotsk Ice Science Center.
2) If the road conditions prevent access to Monbetsu, a refund of 3,000 yen per adult and 2,000 yen per child will be issued, and the trip will be changed to the Sounkyo Icefall Festival (including Sounkyo Icefall Festival admission ticket).
[Tourism Conditions]
- Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
- Trip duration: Day trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company name: Zhalan Bus / HCS Kanko
- Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum group size: 1 person
- Team Leader: 0
- Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Operating Company Name: PC-TAKU Co., Ltd.
- Address: Level 6, Suehiro Town, 5-2-3 Sokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- License Number: Tokyo Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-7301
- Travel Association Name: National Travel Association Member
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
In the event of traffic jams or other force majeure factors, the itinerary may be changed or the stay time at various attractions may be shortened.
Return arrival time may be delayed due to traffic conditions. In addition, if there is bad weather or other uncontrollable factors, the itinerary may be changed or delayed. In this case, if the reservation is canceled on the day of departure, the tour price will not be refunded.
It is not recommended to join this tour on your last day in Hokkaido as traffic jams or other delays may occur. In this case no refund will be given.
This tour is accessible to people with reduced mobility but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
It is very cold during the sea trip in winter, so be sure to dress carefully and keep warm.
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions must consult a doctor before taking this tour. Please note that this trip involves long distance transportation and they may not be able to seek immediate medical attention.
This trip will be attended by local Japanese tourists.
Dinner will be available for purchase on the day of the tour, with cash payment accepted. An Okhotsk Sea seafood bento box is an option. (Prices vary depending on the bento box chosen that day.)
Please be sure to bring your passport with you for the trip. If you do not bring your passport, you will not be able to board the icebreaker.
Please note that depending on weather conditions, it may not be possible to see drift ice (no refunds will be given).
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 11 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo is a highly anticipated winter-only event, typically held twice daily. The exact timings can vary based on weather conditions, snow accumulation, and the penguins' health. It is strongly recommended to check the zoo's official announcements or information boards upon arrival for the precise daily schedule, as these are subject to change.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique and immersive enclosures, designed to allow visitors to observe animals from close and innovative perspectives. Key highlights include the underwater tunnel for polar bears, where they swim directly overhead, and the glass dome for seals, allowing you to see them vertically. Other popular exhibits feature arctic foxes, raccoons, and sika deer, all presented in stimulating environments that showcase their natural behaviors.
For a fulfilling visit to Asahiyama Zoo, it's generally recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This duration allows ample time to explore the various unique animal exhibits, enjoy the innovative viewing points, and potentially catch special events like the penguin walk. Your pace and interest in specific animals may influence the exact time needed for a comprehensive experience.
Yes, a day trip from Sapporo that includes both Asahiyama Zoo and an Okhotsk Sea drift ice cruise is indeed feasible, particularly when joining an organized tour. These tours are specifically designed to manage the logistics of visiting these distinct locations in one day, providing comfortable transportation and maximizing your time to experience Hokkaido's iconic winter attractions without the complexities of independent travel.
Beyond skiing, a truly unique winter activity available on the Sea of Okhotsk is the drift ice cruise. Aboard a specially designed icebreaker like the Garinkogo, you can witness vast expanses of drift ice, which forms in the Amur River and floats down to Japan's northern coast. This provides opportunities to spot wild animals such as seals and various seabirds in their natural icy habitat, often concluding with a breathtaking sunset view over the frozen sea.
Hokkaido winter travel is highly appealing for its spectacular snowscapes and unique seasonal activities. The region offers unparalleled opportunities to witness natural phenomena, such as the drift ice, and observe diverse wildlife. Experiences like the Garinkogo Icebreaker cruise provide a comfortable and exciting way to engage with these natural wonders, offering close-up views of the icy seascape and its inhabitants, creating truly memorable and distinct travel moments.
For a winter day trip from Sapporo that involves visiting Asahiyama Zoo and potentially other distant attractions, joining an organized tour is the most convenient and recommended option. These tours typically provide direct bus transportation from Sapporo, eliminating the need to navigate potentially challenging winter road conditions or coordinate multiple train and local bus connections, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
When taking the Garinkogo Icebreaker cruise, visitors can expect an exciting and comfortable journey through the Sea of Okhotsk's drift ice. The vessel is specifically designed to navigate through the ice, offering passengers close-up views of the frozen landscape and opportunities to observe wildlife like seals and various seabirds. Onboard amenities such as heating, air conditioning, and vending machines ensure a pleasant experience even in cold weather while enjoying this unique natural spectacle.
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