Hokkaido's Winter Awe-inspiring Drift Ice & Sounkyo Ice Sculpture!

Sapporo , Japan

Hokkaido's Winter Awe-inspiring Drift Ice & Sounkyo Ice Sculpture!

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(2 reviews)

13h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

・Make a refreshing cool experience on the awe-inspiring Sea of Okhotsk and watch the huge chunks of drift ice only in this season! Ticket of the Ice Crusher Cruise "Garinkogo " is included.

・Ice Crusher "Garinkogo Ⅲ" is specially designed for sightseeing. With a total weight of 150 tons, it can accommodate maximum 195 people. Air-conditioning, heating, vending machines etc. are equipped on board, providing a comfortable sail experience for passengers.

・Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is a snow event held in Sounkyo Onsen in east of Asahikawa city, and has a history of over 30 years. The purified ice sculptures are in different shapes, even with amusing creative character to be found! Warm outfit is strongly recommended for this outdoor activity.

Available options

ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo

What's included

Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival admission fee

Drift ice ship Garinko III

Detailed itinerary

Shop for local seafood products.
※Only available from February onwards

At the Marine Exchange Center, you will have free time to do as you like. In addition to dining facilities, there is also the Seal Center, Okhotsk Tower, and Seal Sea Paradise. Here you will have the chance to encounter seals and cliones (naked sea butterflies), and you can see the underwater world beneath the drift ice. (If you wish to enter these facilities, you will have to pay for them yourself. The Seal Center costs 200 yen, the Okhotsk Tower 800 yen, and Seal Sea Paradise 500 yen.)

Embark on "Garinkogo Ⅲ" to sail on the northern sea of Okhotsk to see floating ice. Feel the vastness and powerfulness of this nature's view. You may encounter marine creatures too if lucky!

Visit the festival with various ice sculpture. Admission is 500 JPY per person.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local Japanese travelers may join the tour together.

This tour is operated on the basis of Japanese tourist industry regulation.

Joining this tour on your last day in Hokkaido is not recommended. As there is a possibility of traffic congestion or other delay during the tour. In this case, no compensation will be made.

There is a possibility that arrival is delayed due to traffic conditions. When meeting with adverse weather or other uncontrollable factors, the tour may be changed or delayed. In this case, if there is cancelation on the departure day, no refund will be made. Please kindly be noted.

■About drift ice conditions and replacements and refunds in the event of the cancellation of the Garinko■ Depending on the weather and docking conditions, you may not be able to see the drift ice. 1) If the drift ice breaker is canceled due to weather, etc. -- We will refund 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for children, and instead we will stop at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center "Giza". 2) If we are unable to reach Monbetsu due to road conditions -- We will refund 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for children, and instead we will stop at the Ice Pavilion.

This course will be shared with another course that includes lunch.

Staff who can speak English (very simple)and Japanese will accompany the tour. No detailed tour sightseeing guidance will be provided. Please kindly be noted.（About 3,000 people who do not understand Japanese participate every year, but there is no particular problem.）

Large luggage such as suitcases will be stored in the trunk of the bus. You will not be able to take your luggage in or out during the tour, so please prepare everything you need for sightseeing in your hand luggage. When checking in on the day, please let the staff know that you have luggage to check.

Please note that we do not accept bus seat requests.

We returned to Sapporo Station around 9 p.m.

Lunch will be on your own at the Ocean Exchange Center. There is a food court, a ramen shop, and a convenience store in the Ocean Exchange Center near the Garinko boat dock.

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.

Please note that depending on the weather and docking conditions, you may not be able to see the drift ice even from the boat (no refunds will be given).

Meeting point

Local tour guide will meet guests at the lobby of hotel.

Important notes

・Please bring your passport
・Our tour guide will meet guests at hotel lobby, and our staff will call name for gathering.
・Tours depart on time and we will not wait or refund late participants.
※ Emergency contact
080-9194-1151

About Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is known for its stunning winter landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious seafood. The city hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and offers a unique blend of modern urban life and traditional Japanese charm.

Top Attractions

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and the Sapporo Beer brand. The museum offers beer tasting and a chance to see the brewing process.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry, beer tasting costs vary

Odori Park

A large park in the heart of Sapporo, known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival held here in February.

Nature 1-3 hours depending on the season Free

Sapporo TV Tower

A landmark of Sapporo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower is illuminated at night, creating a beautiful sight.

Architecture 1 hour ¥790 for adults

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sapporo Ramen

A rich, miso-based ramen with corn, butter, and pork. A must-try local specialty.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, can be made vegetarian with modifications.

Soup Curry

A spicy, flavorful curry soup with vegetables and meat, a Hokkaido specialty.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Genghis Khan

Grilled lamb or mutton, a popular dish in Hokkaido, often cooked on a dome-shaped grill.

Dinner Contains lamb, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Skiing in Niseko Snowboarding in Rusutsu Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park Onsen (hot spring) bathing Strolling through Odori Park Shopping in Tanukikoji Visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum Exploring Otaru's historic district