Hokkaido Drift Icebreaker Day Tour | Icebreaker Experience, Monbetsu Marine Park, and Sounkyo Icefall Festival (Depart from Sapporo)
- Take a boat trip to the fascinating northern Sea of Okhotsk and witness the spectacular sight of giant drift ice floating on the sea, a sight only seen in winter.
- The icebreaker "Garinkogo" is designed specifically 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.
- At the Sounkyo Icefall Festival, you can see ice sculptures made of frozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. The illuminated icefall festival is mysterious and colorful, so don't miss it!
- The bus departs directly from Sapporo to Monbetsu, saving time and giving you peace of mind! On the return trip, you'll stop at a shop to buy local seafood specialties.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| 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
- If you are unable to complete the icebreaker cruise, please refer to the following compensation options:
1) If the icebreaker ship "Garinkogo" is cancelled due to weather or other reasons, a refund of 5,000 yen per adult and 4,000 yen per child will be given.
2) If the icebreaker ship "Garinkogo" is suspended and cannot reach Monbetsu, a refund of 3,000 yen per adult and 2,000 yen per child will be given and the tour will be taken to the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion as an alternative.
【Travel Conditions】
- Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido
- Travel days: Round trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus Company Name: Zalan Bus/HCS Tourism
- Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum number of people in a group: 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 exemption number: Tokyo Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-7301
- Travel Industry Association Name: Member of National Travel Industry Association
Reminders
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 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Pregnant women, Asthma, High blood pressure
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.
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 tour is accessible to people with reduced mobility but must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
This trip will be attended by local Japanese tourists.
This tour will travel on the same bus as another tour that includes lunch, but this tour does not provide lunch.
It is very cold during the sea trip in winter, so be sure to dress carefully and keep warm.
Dinner will be available for purchase on-site on the day of the trip. Payment must be made in cash, and you can choose a Sea of Okhotsk seafood bento.
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 50% 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 prime time to experience the icebreaker cruise in Monbetsu, Hokkaido, is typically from late January to early March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk has the most abundant ice floes, making it the golden season to witness the spectacular drift ice scenery. The actual ice conditions are influenced by the annual climate, so it's recommended to check local drift ice information before your trip to ensure the best viewing experience.
You can book this one-day icebreaker cruise tour in Monbetsu, Hokkaido, through KKday. KKday offers a convenient online booking service, allowing you to plan your itinerary in advance and secure your spot, avoiding the hassle of purchasing tickets on-site. The tour includes bus transfers from Sapporo, the icebreaker cruise experience, and visits to other attractions, making your journey effortless and enjoyable.
In early March, there is usually still a chance to see drift ice and take an icebreaker cruise in the Monbetsu area of Hokkaido, but the ice conditions gradually decrease. By mid-March, as temperatures rise, the ice floes begin to melt more rapidly, reducing the chances of viewing them. We recommend checking the latest drift ice information or choosing to visit in February for the best viewing experience.
The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival is held annually in winter at the Sounkyo Onsen area in Hokkaido. Its main feature is the magnificent display of giant ice sculptures formed from frozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. These ice sculptures are illuminated at night with brilliant lights, creating a mystical and colorful spectacle. There may also be facilities like ice slides and ice caves, offering a limited-time visual feast during winter.
Monbetsu Marine Park (Okhotsk Tokkari Center) includes facilities such as the Monbetsu Marine Exchange Hall and the Seal Center. At the Seal Center, visitors can observe cute spotted seals up close, learn about their ecological habits, and even have the opportunity to participate in feeding activities. It's a recommended spot for family fun and getting close to marine life.
The Garinkogo is an icebreaker specifically designed for sightseeing, weighing 150 tons and capable of carrying up to 195 passengers. Its sturdy hull is effective at breaking through drift ice, allowing visitors to witness the ice floes up close. The cabin is equipped with air conditioning, heating, and a vending machine, providing a comfortable and warm environment for passengers to enjoy the icebreaking experience even in the harsh winter.
For this one-day tour, transportation from Sapporo to the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise is by bus transfer. The tour includes a dedicated bus that departs from designated locations in Sapporo city and takes you directly to Monbetsu, eliminating the need to plan transfers and transportation yourself, making your journey more relaxed and convenient. You can focus on enjoying the scenery along the way.
Yes, on the return trip of the Monbetsu icebreaker cruise day tour, the bus will stop at local shops. You will have the opportunity to purchase fresh seafood specialties from the Monbetsu area, such as scallops, crab, or other processed seafood products. This is a great chance to take home the unique flavors of Hokkaido or to give as souvenirs to friends and family.
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