Hokkaido Icebreaker 2-Day Tour | Monbetsu Icebreaker Garinko & Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival & Snowmobile & Otokoyama Sake Brewery & Asahiyama Zoo | Departing from Sapporo
- Meals are not included; enjoy fresh, locally-grown Hokkaido cuisine delivered directly from Hokkaido.
- Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the ship colliding with and powerfully breaking apart ice floes aboard the Garinko icebreaker.
- Experience the thrill and excitement of snowmobiling and snow rafting in a snowy world.
- Enjoy the lively and energetic antics of penguins, seals, polar bears, and other animals at Asahiyama Zoo.
- The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival, a limited-time event, features breathtaking ice sculptures and ice architecture illuminated by dreamlike, colorful lights.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Room type | Double room, Triple room |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, Eco-tourism, Bus tour |
| Transport | Charter car, Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
－ Important Information －
・Infants under 1 year old who do not occupy a seat or bed can participate for free. Each adult is limited to bringing one infant who does not occupy a seat or bed. If you are traveling with an infant, please indicate this in the 'Remarks' section when booking.
・Vehicle Type: Vehicles will be assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also acts as a tour assistant will provide full travel services; no additional tour leader will be provided. Please note that you will be free to explore the attractions on your own upon arrival.
・Due to limited luggage storage space, each person is limited to one large suitcase. If you need to bring large luggage, please indicate this in the 'Remarks' section. Thank you for your cooperation.
Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU – An icebreaker is a specialized ship designed to carve paths through frozen waters. Guests will board the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO to cruise the Sea of Okhotsk between Hokkaido and Russia, experiencing the thrilling impact of the ship colliding with drift ice and breaking it apart. From the deck, the vast snowy seascape below, along with unexpected sightings of Steller’s sea eagles, seals, and other ice-dwelling animals, adds to the excitement. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Sea of Okhotsk’s natural scenery and uncover the mysteries of drift ice. (Please note: The GARINKO II shown in videos has been retired; guests will now ride the GARINKO III IMERU.)
Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival - Hokkaido's largest ice festival, featuring about 30 ice sculptures and ice structures of various sizes in a vast venue of 10,000 square meters. At night, colorful lights illuminate the ice sculptures, creating a dreamlike ice and snow world.
Experience the joy of snow in Hokkaido! 4-Activity Snow Adventure Pass (Available for Plans C, D, and F only) *Choose 4 from: Snow Rafting, Snowmobile, Snowcat Tour, Snow Tubing, Airboard, etc.
Asahiyama Zoo - Located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan's northernmost zoo. The zoo has long been dedicated to creating environments that allow animals to express their natural behaviors. Based on the characteristics of animal activity, it has created unique "action displays" that allow visitors to observe animal movements from a very special perspective. The seal and penguin enclosures feature unique cylindrical waterways, allowing you to see seals swimming up close, or occasionally see penguins seemingly "flying" overhead!
From late December to mid-March each year, the park holds penguin walks, where visitors can get up close and watch the adorable penguins waddling forward in front of them!
Experience the joy of snow in Hokkaido! 4-Activity Snow Adventure Pass (Available for Plans C, D, and F only) *Choose 4 from: Snow Rafting, Snowmobile, Snowcat Tour, Snow Tubing, Airboard, etc.
Asahikawa Otoyama Sake Brewery - a brewery with over 300 years of history, has added a museum to its brewery, allowing visitors to learn about the sake-making process. The museum houses historical artifacts such as brewing tools, brewing recipes, sake bottles, sake vessels, and ukiyo-e style labels. In 2024, the brewery added Otoyama SAKE PARK, which features a giant sake bottle slide and sells various sake, sake lees-based snacks, and trendy souvenirs.
Plans A, B, C, D: Stay at a Sounkyo Onsen area hotel - Sounkyo Onsen is located in the Sounkyo area of Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido. Every winter, it hosts the famous Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival. The hot spring town is surrounded by steep columnar joints formed by volcanic activity 30,000 years ago and ancient lush forests. The water is a colorless, transparent simple sulfur spring, making it the largest hot spring area in northern Hokkaido.
Plan E: Guaranteed stay at Hotel Taisetsu or Sounkaku Grand Hotel - Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT - Located at the highest point in the Sounkyo Onsen area of Daisetsuzan National Park, the hotel features 3 large public baths and 2 open-air baths, each offering panoramic views of the seasonal mountain and canyon scenery. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Breakfast and dinner feature a luxurious buffet with fresh, seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, and dinner includes an all-you-can-drink beverage service.
Sounkaku MOUNTAIN RESORT 1923 - Established in 1923, Sounkaku was the first hotel in the canyon and was fully renovated in 2023. The hotel features a warm, wooden aesthetic with open-air hot springs and large indoor baths, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sounkyo Canyon. Meals focus on ingredients from across Hokkaido and local specialties from Kamikawa-cho, following a 'local production for local consumption' philosophy. Dinner includes snow crab, steak, and sushi, with chefs preparing dishes live in an open kitchen. Guests can also enjoy an all-you-can-drink beverage service in the lounge after dinner.
Purchase Notice
— Important Notice —
Group or individual package tours are subject to the Standard Form Contract for Domestic Travel issued by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China. By completing your reservation, you agree to and accept the terms outlined in the Standard Form Contract for Overseas Travel
Reminders
A minimum of 1 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
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 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 1
Please confirm the tour number on-site and meet at the group bus boarding area located at the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station
The hotel accommodation will be provided as described in the itinerary. Hotel details will be provided 4 days prior to departure. Please note that hotel requests cannot be accommodated.
The room types will be provided by the hotel
If you have any special requests, such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy concerns, kindly inform us in advance by using the "Request Remarks" section. Please note that room assignments will be made by the hotel and cannot be specified
Given the cold winter climate in Hokkaido, we recommend preparing warm clothing, including jackets, and wearing non-slip shoes to ensure your comfort and safety during the snowy season
Please be aware that depending on weather conditions, it may not be possible to enjoy snow-related activities at some attractions
Please note that the itinerary schedule provided above may be subject to adjustments due to factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, and other unforeseen reasons
Please be aware that attractions may be subject to change without advance notice, and some activities may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Participants should understand that refunds or fee reductions cannot be claimed for such reasons
Please note that on the day of the tour, there may be adjustments to the length of stay at certain locations or the cancellation of some sightseeing spots due to road conditions. The return trip's arrival time may also be significantly delayed. It is advisable to avoid scheduling any activities for the evening of that day
Leaving the tour in the middle of the trip will be considered an automatic abandonment, and no refunds will be provided. Additionally, should any harm or damage occur to yourself or your property, you will be responsible for the consequences
Please be advised to exercise caution with your personal belongings and refrain from carrying valuables during the tour. You are held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your property
Infants under 1 year old who do not occupy a seat or bed can join the experience for free. One adult is only allowed to bring one infant who does not occupy a seat or bed. If you are traveling with additional infants, please inform us in the "Requests & Remarks" section when placing your order.
If the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU is temporarily suspended due to weather conditions or official announcements, the trip will be cancelled and replaced with a visit to Hokkaido ICE PAVILION or Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA, with a refund for the difference in ticket price. We appreciate your understanding. If both the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO III IMERU, Hokkaido ICE PAVILION, and Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA are closed, the trip will be replaced with a visit to the Okhotsk Ice Sea Observation Tower, with a refund for the difference in ticket price.
Ice drift amounts vary based on climate conditions, a natural phenomenon. We cannot guarantee the amount of drifts due to this variability
Please note that the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is subject to official announcements. In the event of a temporary suspension of operation due to weather or official announcements, the trip will be suspended, and you will receive a refund
The Asahikawa Zoo Penguin Walking Time is determined by the zoo and may be subject to change or suspension based on the conditions of the penguins or the weather
Plans C, D, and F: 4-Activity Snow Adventure Pass (Choose from Snow Rafting, Snowmobile, Snowcat Tour, Snow Tubing, Airboard, etc.). If activities are suspended due to weather or official notice, the cost will be refunded.
The 4-Activity Snow Adventure Pass is subject to availability at the facility.
Must be at least 140cm tall to ride a snowmobile alone.
No refunds will be provided if any activities in the Snow Adventure Pass are not used.
Onsen bathhouses in hotels in the Sankyo area do not provide towels, so remember to bring bath towels from your room to use in each bathhouse
The opening hours of the hotel's hot spring facilities are subject to the hotel's official announcement. Please check with the hotel for the most up-to-date information regarding their hours of operation
Please arrive at the meeting point well in advance, as the bus will depart punctually.If you are late, refunds or rescheduling will not be possible
Due to limited luggage compartment space, each passenger is allowed to bring only one large suitcase. If you plan to bring more than one, please indicate the quantity in the remarks column when booking. Whether a second suitcase can be accommodated will depend on space availability on the day. If there is no room in the compartment, additional luggage will not be accepted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The car models used for this tour will be assigned based on the number of participants. When traveling with a small group, a tour leader may not be assigned; however, the driver will provide full service. You are free to explore the attractions at your own pace
Please be aware that meal customization is not available. If you have specific dietary preferences, such as being a vegetarian, kindly inform us in the "Request & Remarks" column when placing your order
Drunk driving is prohibited, and drinking under 18 years of age is prohibited. Excessive drinking is harmful to health
Winery tasting activities are provided by the winery itself and are solely responsible for handling. KKday has nothing to do with it. If you have any questions, please contact the winery
After the trip departs, if the trip is terminated due to force majeure factors such as weather conditions or natural disasters, the unfulfilled itinerary will be refunded based on the actual expenses incurred. Only return transportation expenses or local accommodation expenses and other additional expenses must be refunded
Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a traveler over the age of 18, or they will not be allowed to participate
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire hotel. If you need to smoke, please use the designated smoking area provided by the hotel. If no smoking area is available, smoking is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the hotel premises. Smoking in non-designated areas will incur a cleaning fee as specified by the hotel. If smoking triggers the smoke detector, the hotel may contact the authorities, and any repair costs and responsibilities will be borne by the guest. Thank you for your understanding
During the tour, bus and restaurant seating may be shared with fellow travelers from the same group. Seating arrangements will depend on the tour guide and the facility's setup on the day of the tour
According to Japanese customs, individuals with tattoos are prohibited from entering the hot spring facilities. Thank you for your understanding
Due to Japanese regulations, a passport number is required to board the icebreaker ship. Please enter your passport number in the document number field when placing your order. If you are unable to board the ship due to missing or false passport number, there will be no refund.
The itinerary order will be adjusted according to the icebreaker's scheduled time. When the itinerary order is adjusted, the order of meal service dates will also be changed accordingly, but the number of meals served will remain the same.
Bus seating will be arranged on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding
If you have bookings with fellow travelers, please be sure to note their booking numbers in the remarks section 7 days before departure. If multiple tours depart on the same day, and you are assigned to different tours due to not noting your fellow travelers' booking numbers, we regret that we cannot arrange for you to be on the same tour on the same day. Thank you for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 41 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 20 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 your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. Is the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival worth visiting during winter in Hokkaido?
Absolutely. The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is a spectacular winter event in Hokkaido. Visitors can marvel at numerous colossal ice sculptures and structures, illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival features ice tunnels, domes, and stages, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship of ice artists. It's a unique opportunity to experience Hokkaido's severe winter beauty in an artistic and enjoyable way, making it a memorable highlight for any winter trip.
2. When is the best season to see drift ice on the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO?
The optimal season for drift ice viewing on the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO is typically from late January to mid-March. During this period, the Sea of Okhotsk off Monbetsu is usually covered with vast expanses of drift ice, originating from Russia's Amur River. The icebreaker specifically navigates through these frozen waters, offering a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon up close. Early February to early March often provides the most reliable chances for thick drift ice.
3. What unique experiences can visitors have aboard the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO?
Aboard the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO, visitors experience the thrill of the ship cutting through thick drift ice with its powerful augers. This creates impressive cracks and sounds as the ice breaks apart. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the icy seascape from the deck, observe wildlife such as seals and various sea birds on the ice, and learn about the drift ice phenomenon through onboard explanations. It's a captivating blend of adventure and natural wonder.
4. What can visitors expect to see and do at the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival?
At the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival, visitors can explore a fantastical world crafted from ice and snow. Expect to see grand ice sculptures, intricate ice tunnels, and illuminated ice castles created by freezing the natural hot spring waterfall. The festival often features an ice stage for performances, a small shrine, and ice slides. In the evenings, the entire venue is dramatically lit with colorful lights, transforming it into a dazzling, ethereal landscape perfect for photography and winter enjoyment.
5. What are the requirements for participating in Hokkaido snowmobile activities?
For snowmobile activities in Hokkaido, participants typically need to be at least elementary school age, with specific age and height requirements varying by operator for driving versus riding as a passenger. A valid driver's license is not required for guided recreational snowmobiling on designated courses. Safety briefings and instructions are always provided before the activity. It is essential to wear warm winter clothing, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and sturdy winter boots, which may sometimes be rented on-site.
6. What are the key attractions and visitor tips for Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique "behavioral exhibition" concept, allowing visitors to see animals in natural, engaging ways. Key attractions include the Penguin Walk, where penguins stroll freely in winter, the cylindrical glass tunnel in the Seal House for underwater views, and the Polar Bear exhibit offering close-up perspectives. To enhance your visit, arrive early, especially during peak season, and check the feeding schedules for various animals, as these provide excellent viewing opportunities. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly in winter.
7. What can one expect from a tour of the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum?
A tour of the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum offers insights into the history and traditional craftsmanship of sake brewing, particularly Otokoyama, one of Hokkaido's most famous sake brands. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing ancient brewing tools, learn about the sake-making process, and understand the significance of water quality and rice in production. The highlight is often the tasting session, where guests can sample various types of sake, including limited editions, and purchase bottles directly from the brewery.
8. What kind of winter clothing is recommended for experiencing the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO and Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival?
For the Monbetsu Icebreaker GARINKO and Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival, warm, layered winter clothing is crucial due to Hokkaido's cold temperatures and strong winds. Essential items include a waterproof and windproof outer jacket and pants, thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down), a hat covering the ears, a scarf or neck warmer, waterproof gloves or mittens, and insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction. Hand warmers can also provide extra comfort, especially when spending time outdoors on the icebreaker deck or at the festival.
