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Product #529556
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Hokkaido Winter Wetlands tour: Iconic SL steam locomotive billowing smoke across pristine snow-covered landscapes for a unique winter train journey.
Abashiri drift ice sightseeing: The "Aurora" icebreaker ship powerfully navigates through vast broken ice floes on the Hokkaido winter sea.
Experience drift ice touching on Hokkaido's Ootsu Coast. A traveler stands on vast snow-covered drift ice, embracing the unique winter nature.
Hokkaido winter scenery: A majestic 150-year-old Elm tree, beautifully dusted with pristine white snow, stands alone in a serene, vast snowfield.
Relax in an inviting open-air hot spring bath at an A-class Hokkaido hotel, featuring mineral-rich water surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden canopy.

A 4-Day Journey Through 8 Breathtaking Hokkaido Landscapes by Land, Sea, and Train | Limited-Time SL Winter Marsh Train Experience [From Tokyo]


Booking confirmation: within 21 days before the departure
Duration:4 day(s)
Guided language: 日本語
Free cancellation 21 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • Efficiently explore the breathtaking winter scenery of Hokkaido over 4 days.
  • SL Winter Marsh Train (Shibecha–Kushiro Section): Ride this limited-time “Black Express,” a striking sight as it steams through the snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands.
  • Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Aurora”: Board this powerful icebreaker and witness the thrilling sight of the ship plowing through thick drift ice.
  • Otsu Coast – Jewelry Ice: Marvel at the natural phenomenon that creates these glittering “ice jewels” along the shore.
  • Special Drift Ice Experience: Join a guided tour with a nature expert! See, touch, and feel the drift ice up close — no dry suit required for this unforgettable experience.
  • Lake Mashu: Admire the stunning contrast between the snow-capped mountains and the vivid “Mashu Blue” waters.
  • Harunire Tree: Visit the majestic 150-year-old elm tree, a beautiful symbol of harmony with Hokkaido’s winter landscape.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Minimum participant requirement20 travelers
Tour typesGuided tour
Meal arrangementBreakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner
Accommodation typeHotel, Luxury (4–5 stars)
Room typeArrange on-site
SeasonalWinter Snow Exclusive
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Eco-tourism, Bus tour
TransportSightseeing cruise, Bus tour
Cruise typeSightseeing 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.

[About the Drift Ice Viewing Tour]

  • Drift ice is a natural phenomenon. Depending on weather conditions on your travel date (such as ocean currents and wind direction), the drift ice may not be visible. The drift ice sightseeing ship may also be canceled depending on the ice conditions and weather. Even if the ship departs, drift ice may not be seen depending on currents and winds. In such cases, regular cancellation fees will apply according to the designated cancellation policy.
  • When there is no drift ice, the Drift Ice Breaker “Aurora” will operate as an approximately 45-minute sightseeing cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk, and any price difference will be refunded. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, an alternative sightseeing spot will be arranged, or the price difference will be refunded.

[Shari (Drift Ice Landing Experience)]

  • A nature guide will accompany the group.
  • Participants can easily enjoy the experience without wearing a dry suit.
  • Please prepare appropriate warm clothing.

*The guide may vary depending on the departure date.

*This activity operates only when drift ice is near the shore (canceled in stormy weather).

[Hokkaido Gourmet Delights – A Treasure Trove of Flavors]

  • Day 2 Lunch: Seafood set meal including half a Hokkaido hairy crab at a local seafood restaurant.
  • Day 3 Lunch: Special pork bowl bento, a local specialty of Mashu.

[Stay at A-Rank Hotels for All 3 Nights]

  • Night 1: Lake Akan Onsen – New Akan Hotel: Enjoy a Hokkaido buffet featuring sushi and jingisukan (grilled mutton). On clear nights, marvel at the starry sky from the rooftop garden spa.
  • Night 2: Kussharo Onsen – Kussharo Prince Hotel: A lakeside resort hotel offering hot springs and a buffet made with local ingredients.
  • Night 3: Tokachi Makubetsu Onsen – Grandvrio Hotel: Relax in the rare Hokkaido heritage moor hot spring, known for its skin-smoothing effect.
  • This tour is conducted entirely in Japanese.

Please note that all guidance from the tour conductor will be provided only in Japanese. However, for smooth tour operation and safety, basic information such as meeting locations and departure times will be provided via translation app support where possible.

Please observe the following when joining the tour:

  • Please make your reservation using your correct name and email address.
  • Please be punctual for all meeting times during the tour. The tour will depart at the scheduled time even if participants are late.

Purchase Notice

[Travel Conditions]

Departure & Destination: Tokyo – Hokkaido

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Transportation: Airplane, chartered bus

Operating Bus Company: Mainichi Kotsu or equivalent

Airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA, AIRDO

Meals Included: Breakfast ×3 / Lunch ×2 (including 1 bento) / Dinner ×3

Accommodation:

  • Night 1: Lake Akan Onsen – New Akan Hotel / Room type: Japanese-style or Western-style (twin)
  • Night 2: Kussharo Onsen – Kussharo Prince Hotel / Room type: Japanese-style or Western-style (single, twin, or triple)
  • Night 3: Tokachi Makubetsu Onsen – Grandvrio Hotel / Room type: Japanese-style or Western-style (twin or quadruple)

Some rooms at Kussharo Prince Hotel have only a shower booth without a bathtub.

For Japanese-style or Japanese-Western rooms, futon bedding may need to be laid out by guests themselves if turndown service is not provided.

Even when requesting a room for 3–4 guests, an extra bed (or sofa bed) may be used, or rooms may be divided.

Room allocation will be arranged at the discretion of the tour operator. Room layouts and views differ depending on the accommodation.

Minimum Number of Participants: 20

Tour Conductor: 1

Guide: None (The tour will be conducted in Japanese. No interpreter guide will accompany the group.)

[Planning & Operation]

  • Company Name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
  • License No.: Registered Travel Agency, Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency No. 1693
  • Affiliation: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

[Agent for Sale]

  • Company Name: KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 2F, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
  • License No.: Registered Travel Agency, Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency No. 2045
  • Affiliation: Member of the 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 21 day(s) before the departure date

  • Depending on the departure date and accommodation or cruise availability, the order of hotel stays or sightseeing visits may be rearranged. However, no sightseeing spots will be omitted, and sightseeing time will not be shortened.

  • In case of bad weather, the cruise or the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go (Winter Marsh Steam Train) may be suspended.

  • Drift ice and Jewelry Ice are natural phenomena and may not be visible depending on weather conditions.

  • For bookings of three or more guests per room, an extra bed (or sofa bed) may be added to a twin room, or guests may be accommodated in separate rooms.

  • For this tour, the full name, age, and gender of all participants are required. If any of these details are missing, flight seats cannot be secured. Please make sure all information is entered accurately at the time of booking. For non-Japanese nationals, please make the reservation using katakana.

  • If you wish to change the name of the booking holder, please contact us. Please note that changes may not be possible in cases such as fully booked flights, and even if a change is possible, additional fees will apply. The same policy applies if there are any errors in the information entered at the time of booking.

  • For domestic tours departing on or after May 1, 2025, a handling fee of JPY 1,500 per meal will be charged for any meal modifications due to food allergies or religious reasons. If there is a price difference resulting from the change, the actual cost will also be charged.

  • The price for children (ages 6-11) is the same as the adult price. The price includes airport tax, so it may differ.

  • Infant (ages 3-5): ¥76,440. Due to the Travel Agency Act and safety management requirements, passengers aged 3-5 will be provided with airline and bus seats for an additional fee. However, since train fares are free, seats will not be provided on the Steam Locomotive Winter Wetlands or limited express trains. The travel price includes accommodation fees (admission fees), but does not include sharing a bed with an adult or meals. If you require a seat, meal, or bedding on the Steam Locomotive Winter Wetlands or limited express trains, we will provide such a seat, meal, or bedding for children (ages 6-11) at the same price as the adult fare (up to 14 days prior to departure). For any additional infants accompanying an adult, the child fare will be charged.

  • The listed meal contents are subject to change without notice due to local supply conditions or poor catch availability.

  • Due to unavoidable circumstances or changes in the confirmed flight schedule, the order of accommodations, sightseeing visits, or meal arrangements may be altered, and the itinerary may be operated in reverse. In principle, no sightseeing spots will be omitted, and sightseeing time will not be shortened. However, if snow removal work is delayed, certain sightseeing spots may become inaccessible.

  • In cases of poor visibility or unfavorable weather conditions, it may not be possible to enjoy the starry sky, open-air hot springs with snow views, or scenic landscapes. Encounters with wild animals are also not guaranteed.

  • Due to seat configurations on the Shinkansen, limited express trains, the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go, and airplanes, seats may be separated even for members of the same group. For two-person bookings, adjacent seating cannot always be guaranteed and may be arranged in a front-and-back (tandem) configuration.

  • Train boarding sections, boarding/alighting stations, or travel dates may be changed as necessary, and service may be suspended due to weather conditions. Please note that the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go may operate with a different type of train car than the one shown, depending on operational circumstances.

  • When transferring between trains, passengers are responsible for carrying their own luggage. It is recommended to pack compactly and bring only easily portable items. As the tour bus will rejoin the group at the disembarkation station, please leave large luggage (other than valuables) on the bus before boarding the train.

  • In the event of severe weather conditions (such as heavy rain, snowfall, blizzards, or icy roads), itinerary changes or cancellations of certain activities may be unavoidable. Additionally, any accommodation, meal, or transportation expenses incurred due to flight or other transportation cancellations or delays will be the responsibility of the customer. Thank you for your understanding.

  • If the scheduled outbound flight, ferry, or JR train is canceled due to weather or other conditions, making it impossible to operate the planned itinerary, the tour may be canceled at the meeting point on the day of departure (e.g., Haneda Airport). In such cases, transportation costs to and from the meeting point will be the responsibility of the customer.

  • A domestic passenger service facility charge will be required separately.

  • If you are traveling with an infant aged 3-5, they will not be counted in the number of people in the room type. (For example, if you are traveling with "2 adults and 1 infant aged 3-5", please select a room for 2 people, and if you are traveling with "2 adults, 1 child aged 6-11, and 1 infant aged 3-5", please select a room for 3 people.)

FAQ

1. Are there any visitor restrictions or specific activities permitted at Lake Mashu?

Lake Mashu is highly protected for its pristine natural environment. Direct access to the lake's shore is generally restricted to preserve its ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from designated observation decks, such as the First and Third Observation Decks. Activities are primarily focused on viewing, photography, and appreciating the tranquil beauty of the "Mashu Blue" waters and surrounding winter landscape. Swimming, boating, or hiking directly to the water's edge are not permitted.

2. What makes Lake Mashu a unique and appealing destination for winter travelers?

Lake Mashu is renowned for its exceptional clarity and the striking "Mashu Blue" color of its waters, which contrasts dramatically with the snow-capped mountains in winter. Its volcanic caldera origin contributes to a mystical atmosphere, often shrouded in mist. The lake's pristine condition, coupled with the serene, untouched winter scenery, offers a truly tranquil and visually stunning experience, making it a captivating destination for those seeking natural beauty.

3. What is the geographical location of Lake Mashu in Hokkaido?

Lake Mashu is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan, within the Akan-Mashu National Park. It is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, nestled among mountainous terrain. The lake lies approximately between the towns of Teshikaga and Kyosato, and its remote location contributes to its unspoiled beauty. Access is typically via scenic routes leading to the various observation points.

4. What kind of winter landscape and unique features can be seen around the Harunire Tree?

The Harunire Tree stands majestically in a serene, snow-covered landscape, often framed by soft white fields and distant winter forests. This solitary, ancient 150-year-old elm tree is a symbol of resilience and harmony with nature. In winter, its bare branches create a striking silhouette against the snowy backdrop, offering a picturesque and tranquil scene perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. It embodies the stark, beautiful minimalism of Hokkaido's winter.

5. What is the experience like riding the SL Winter Marsh Train from Shibecha to Kushiro?

Riding the SL Winter Marsh Train is a nostalgic and immersive winter experience. This limited-time "Black Express" steam locomotive chugs through the pristine, snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands, offering panoramic views of the icy landscape. Passengers can enjoy the cozy, retro-fitted carriages, often equipped with wood-burning stoves, while spotting wildlife like red-crowned cranes. It's a unique journey combining historical charm with breathtaking natural scenery.

6. What can visitors expect to see and do on the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora?

On the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora, visitors can experience the exhilarating sensation of the powerful ship plowing through thick drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. You can witness the vast expanse of white ice stretching across the ocean, often observing wildlife such as seals and various seabirds resting on the floes. The experience offers unique photo opportunities and a close-up encounter with Hokkaido's dynamic winter coastal environment.

7. How is the 'Jewelry Ice' phenomenon formed at Otsu Coast and what is its unique appeal?

The 'Jewelry Ice' at Otsu Coast forms when freshwater from the Tokachi River freezes into transparent ice chunks, which are then carried out to sea and polished by waves before washing ashore. The unique appeal lies in these ice pieces resembling scattered jewels, especially at sunrise or sunset when they catch and refract light, creating a dazzling, ethereal display. Each piece is unique, making for a truly spectacular and ephemeral natural art installation.

8. What other natural attractions are located near Lake Mashu in Eastern Hokkaido?

Eastern Hokkaido is rich in natural wonders surrounding Lake Mashu. Nearby attractions include other caldera lakes like Lake Akan and Lake Kussharo, known for their distinct characteristics and hot springs. The region is part of the Akan-Mashu National Park, offering access to volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and opportunities for observing wildlife. The picturesque Harunire Tree is also situated within this broader regional context, adding to the area's diverse natural beauty.

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