Premium Drift Ice Tour in Hokkaido Abashiri with Food & Activity

Hokkaido , Japan

Premium Drift Ice Tour in Hokkaido Abashiri with Food & Activity

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy the wintertime natural landscape of Abashiri to the fullest!

Abashiri Drift Ice Symphony in Hokkaido
Located in eastern Hokkaido, the Abashiri area is a diverse, beautiful tapestry woven by the Sea of Okhotsk and the majestic natural landscape.
Drift ice is an iconic feature of winter in Abashiri. The sight of the Sea of Okhotsk blanketed in white ice is a spectacular vista you can see nowhere else. If you ride the Aurora icebreaker, you can have the thrilling experience of carving a path through the drift ice.

In this premium tour, a luxury bus will pick you up at your accommodations, and you can enjoy a day filled with extraordinary experiences. This luxurious tour allows you to enjoy all of Abashiri’s wintertime attractions through activities like drift ice kayaking, a drift ice sauna, and riding on the icebreaker Aurora.

Available options

Abashiri Aurora Icebreaker Drift Ice Cruise with Ice Activities

Pickup included

What's included

Enjoy your lunch inside a kamakura (a dome-shaped space made of snow). Lunch: Pond smelt lunch with cream stew cooked outdoors

Icebreaker Aurora Cruise Fee

Drift Ice Kayaking, Drift Ice Fat Bike Cycling and Drift Ice Sauna experience fee

A private luxury bus provides transport between the hotel and activity sites.

Chef Kamata, who has won numerous awards, will treat you to a course menu featuring an abundance of ingredients from Hokkaido.

Detailed itinerary

An extraordinary sailing experience on the icebreaker Aurora! Riding on the icebreaker Aurora is a signature winter activity in Abashiri. The sight of it carving through the drift ice covering the sea is breathtaking!

Cover all of Abashiri’s signature winter activities! You can experience popular activities that are hard to book, including kayaking and fat bike cycling on the drift ice. When you are chilly after enjoying yourself, cap off the day by warming up in a drift ice sauna!
*Drift Ice Kayaking time for 75 min
*Drift Ice Fat Bike Cycling time for 45 min
*Drift Ice Sauna time for 75 min

Board the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora at Abashiri Port and enjoy the stunning drift ice.
If drift ice is not present, the cruise will instead sail to Cape Notoro for a scenic sea tour.

What's not included

Transportation from each departure point to the hotel is not included.

Breakfast

Accommodation for the night before or after the experience is not included.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The Aurora Icebreaker has a heated interior, but outdoor areas such as the observation and side decks can be extremely cold.

We recommend wearing a warm coat and bringing winter accessories such as earmuffs and scarves to stay comfortable.

Seating on the Aurora icebreaker is unreserved, so specific seats cannot be assigned. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate.

Even if wave heights are within operational limits, the ship may still experience significant movement depending on sea conditions. On wavy days, guidance will be provided at reception.

As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, it may not be visible due to weather or ice conditions.

In such cases, the cruise will proceed as a sea tour, and please note that drift ice may be absent along the route.

We recommend that those prone to motion sickness or first-time passengers take anti-nausea medication before boarding. Please note that we do not provide such medication on board, so please prepare it in advance.

Important notes

Pick-up will be at the hotel front desk. Please show this to the staff when they arrive.

About Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and world-class ski resorts. With its vast wilderness areas, fresh seafood, and unique Ainu culture, Hokkaido offers a distinct experience from the rest of Japan.

Top Attractions

Sapporo Beer Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of beer in Japan, located in the birthplace of Sapporo Beer.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Otaru Canal

A picturesque canal lined with historic warehouses, now home to shops and restaurants.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to walk around

Niseko United

A world-famous ski resort known for its powder snow and excellent skiing conditions.

Adventure Full day Expensive

Shiretoko National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife.

Nature Full day or overnight Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sapporo Ramen

A rich, miso-based ramen with a hearty pork broth, topped with corn, butter, and local ingredients.

Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)

Grilled lamb or mutton, cooked on a dome-shaped grill, often served with vegetables and dipping sauces.

Dinner Contains meat

Ikura Don

A bowl of rice topped with salmon roe, often served with soy sauce and other accompaniments.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Soups Curry

A thick, hearty curry stew with vegetables and meat, served in a large pot and eaten with bread or rice.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Popular Activities

Skiing and snowboarding Hiking Wildlife viewing Onsen (hot spring) bathing Shopping Dining Visiting museums and historical sites Experiencing local festivals

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) and Winter (December to February)

Summer offers pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Both seasons attract the highest number of tourists.

20-25°C (Summer), -5 to 5°C (Winter) 68-77°F (Summer), 23-41°F (Winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hokkaido is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, travelers should exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of potential natural hazards, such as earthquakes and heavy snowfall.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis and insist on the meter being used.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

New Chitose Airport • 40 km from Sapporo
Okadama Airport • 10 km from Sapporo

By train

Sapporo Station

By bus

Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Susukino Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual, with options for day passes and rail passes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sapporo Station Area Susukino Odori Park

Day trips

Hakodate

240 km from Sapporo • Full day

A historic port city known for its well-preserved Meiji-era buildings, seafood, and stunning views of the Tsugaru Strait.

Furano

140 km from Sapporo • Full day

A charming town known for its lavender fields, cheese factories, and scenic landscapes.

Noboribetsu

120 km from Sapporo • Full day

A popular hot spring resort town known for its geothermal activity and healing waters.

Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival • Early February Lavender Festival • July Nebuta Matsuri • Early August

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
Try local specialties, such as Sapporo ramen, Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), and fresh seafood.
Experience a traditional ryokan (inn) with onsen (hot spring) baths for a unique cultural experience.
Explore Hokkaido's national parks and wilderness areas for stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.