[1 person tour] Drift ice day trip | Asahiyama Zoo in winter and board the new drift ice icebreaker "Garinko-go III IMERU"! | Departing from Sapporo
- Asahiyama Zoo is popular for its behavioral exhibits, and the spectacular sunset cruise on the icebreaker "Garinko-go III" is a special event only available during this time of year!
- [Important] Your passport number is required when boarding the Garinko. Please make sure to bring your passport with you on the day or write down your passport number.
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
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Asahiyama Zoo
The "behavioral exhibits" undertaken by Asahiyama Zoo are exhibits that convey the "amazing, beauty, and dignity of animals." The greatest appeal of these exhibits is that they allow visitors to enjoy watching animals move, swim, fly, and hunt in their natural state up close in an environment that is as close to nature as possible, providing a sense of realism and dynamism that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Recommended point: Polar bears
They are famous for jumping into the pool, but that's because it's hot. Winter is their active season! Their big white bodies look great against the white snowy scenery! A female polar bear baby was born in December 2021, and became an instant hit! You can see her adorable appearance and energetic running around at the Polar Bear House.
Recommended points [Guide to understanding]
The zoo staff, who are on-site every day, will explain the animals' distinctive behaviors. The explanations, which use specimens and photographs that are rarely seen, are easy to understand and are full of surprises and new discoveries.
Recommended points [Information board]
There are handmade information boards made by the zookeepers scattered all over the zoo. They are so cute, and I always wonder how many different kinds there are. Looking at them from a different perspective, you can really see the love that the zookeepers have for their animals.
- Drift icebreaker Garinko-go III and IMERU
This cruise ship is full of excitement as it pushes forward, using two large propellers attached to the bow to make a "grating" sound as it pushes through the drift ice. Even from on board, you can hear the sound and vibrations of the ice breaking, and the crushed ice floats up from the side of the ship, making for a truly impressive cruise. Another attraction is being able to see the drift ice up close. A typical winter sight in Hokkaido! Come experience the mystical and moving drift ice!
- The appeal of the new drift icebreaker Garinko-go III and IMERU
The sight of the ship moving through the mysterious drift ice that washes ashore in the Okhotsk Sea, Japan's northernmost ocean, is simply breathtaking. Forget the cold and time and enjoy a deeply moving, unknown experience! If you're lucky, you might spot flocks of birds such as Steller's sea eagles, white-tailed eagles, and slaty-backed gulls resting on the drift ice, or even cute seals peeking out from between the ice floes. Enjoy a sunset cruise where you can see the drift ice dyed orange.
The drift icebreaker Garinko-go III IMERU, one of Hokkaido's heritage sites, is a sightseeing ship with a gross tonnage of 370 tons and a capacity of 235 people, designed for drift ice sightseeing. Equipped with air-conditioned and heated rooms, vending machines and a shop, it is an icebreaker that allows you to enjoy a drift ice cruise in comfort.
*Please note that depending on the weather and the docking conditions, it may not be possible to view the drift ice.
■ Regarding drift ice conditions and replacements and refunds in the event of Garinko cancellations ■
1) If the icebreaker is cancelled due to weather or other reasons
We will refund 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for children. As an alternative, we will stop by the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center "Giza."
2) If you are unable to get to Monbetsu due to road conditions
・Refund of 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for children, and a visit to the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival as an alternative. (Admission to the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is included.)
Highlights of Asahiyama Zoo! A zoo where you can see the lively animals up close. Asahiyama Zoo holds a variety of events that allow you to get closer to the animals. With ideas and ingenuity sprinkled throughout, it is a zoo that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Purchase Notice
[Important] Your passport number is required when boarding the Garinko. Please be sure to bring your passport with you on the day, or make a note of your passport number. An attendant will ask you for it on the day. Please note that if you do not know your passport number, you will not be able to board.
[Travel conditions]
Departure/return point: Sapporo
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company: Hokkai International Service, etc.
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 1
Tour conductor: 1
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: Wonder Styles Inc.
Address: 7th floor, Ena Square Odori Building, 10-4 Odori Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Registration number: Hokkaido Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-862
Travel industry association membership: None
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Inc.
2nd floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
[Important] You will need your passport number when boarding the Garinko. Please be sure to bring your passport with you on the day, or write down your passport number. An attendant will ask you for it on the day. Please note that if you do not know your passport number, you will not be able to board the ship.
You cannot get off the bus at the same hotel where you boarded.
Lunch and dinner are not included. Lunch will be provided at Asahiyama Zoo on your own. For dinner, we have an optional Okhotsk Sea seafood lunch box (crab or crab and salmon roe rice bowl). We will inform you on the day.
Departure after the scheduled departure time is at the discretion of our staff, so please be sure to arrive on time.
The bus may be delayed due to road conditions. Please note that there is no guarantee if the last public transportation is delayed. In the unlikely event that your arrival is delayed and you have to use a taxi or stay overnight, our company will not accept any claims.
Smoking is prohibited on the tour bus. There are no toilets on the bus. We will make toilet breaks and stop at sightseeing spots as necessary, so please use the restroom breaks there.
Large luggage such as suitcases will be stored in the trunk of the bus. Since you will not be able to take your luggage in or out during the trip, please prepare anything you need for sightseeing in your carry-on luggage. Please inform the staff at the reception on the day that you have luggage to check in.
If you have a flight or other commitments that are fixed for the evening of the same day, we recommend that you refrain from signing up for this tour.
Route changes and delays may occur due to irregular road conditions, bad weather, etc.
Chinese and English are available via the app.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- 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 iconic penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo typically takes place twice a day during the winter season. The exact times can vary depending on the day and weather conditions, so it's always recommended to check the official schedule upon arrival at the zoo or on their website for the most up-to-date information. This allows visitors to plan their visit around this unique and highly anticipated event.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its behavioral exhibits, designed to showcase animals' natural movements and habitats. Key highlights include the underwater tunnel for viewing seals as if swimming overhead, the polar bear pool where bears dive directly in front of visitors, and transparent domes in the wolf enclosure, offering close-up perspectives of these magnificent animals. These unique designs provide immersive and engaging viewing experiences.
To fully experience Asahiyama Zoo and enjoy its various exhibits, including the popular penguin walk, a visit duration of approximately 3 to 4 hours is generally recommended. This allows ample time to leisurely explore the different animal habitats, take breaks, and catch any special events or feeding times without feeling rushed, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable visit.
Boarding the Garinko-go III drift ice icebreaker offers a thrilling and unique winter adventure. You can expect to sail through a sea covered with drift ice, observing the powerful icebreaker at work as it crunches and pushes through the frozen landscape. From the observation deck, you'll have opportunities to spot wildlife such as eagles and seals amidst the ice, all while enjoying the vast, serene winter seascape.
The prime season for experiencing drift ice with the Garinko-go III cruise is typically from late January to early March. This period offers the highest likelihood of encountering significant drift ice formations in the Sea of Okhotsk. However, the presence and extent of drift ice are natural phenomena dependent on weather and ocean currents, making each cruise a unique winter spectacle.
To get from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo, common transportation options include taking a JR train from Sapporo to Asahikawa Station, then transferring to a local bus directly to the zoo. Alternatively, direct express bus services operate between Sapporo and Asahiyama Zoo, offering a convenient route without transfers. Travel time typically ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the chosen method.
Yes, there is an important requirement for boarding the Garinko-go III icebreaker. All passengers are required to provide their passport number for identification and safety purposes. It is essential to either bring your physical passport with you on the day of the cruise or have your passport number readily available to provide before boarding the vessel.
The Garinko-go III sunset cruise offers a truly special winter experience in Hokkaido by combining the unique sight of drift ice with the breathtaking beauty of a winter sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk. Witnessing the icebreaker navigate through the frozen waters as the sky transforms with vibrant colors creates an unforgettable and picturesque memory, making it a distinctive highlight of any winter trip to the region.
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