Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo

4.7 (3 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation

out of 5

3 reviews

4.7

Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Basic Snow Activities — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Exclusive Winter Experience – Explore Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, ice festivals, and frozen waterfalls.

Snow Adventures for All Ages – Enjoy Snow Tubing, Snow Soccer, Fat Bikes, and Bubble Balls at Asahiyama Snow Park.

Wildlife Encounters – Watch the famous Penguin Walk and other active animal displays at Asahiyama Zoo.

Spectacular Waterfalls – Marvel at Ryusei (“Shooting Star”) and Ginga (“Milky Way”) Waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge.

Icebreaker Cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk – Break through drift ice aboard Garinko III and spot seals and polar wildlife.

Local Cuisine & Crab Culture – Savor fresh Hokkaido seafood in Monbetsu, including photo ops at the Giant Crab Claw.

Relaxing Hot Springs & Icefall Festival – Unwind at a Sounkyo Onsen hotel and enjoy dazzling ice sculptures and illuminations.

Perfect for Families, Couples, or Groups – Combines adventure, nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences in one convenient 2-day trip.

Overnight Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Seasonal Top Product Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 35 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Chinese, Japanese
Operated by: Monchan Travel

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–5 years) · Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hotels with Hot Springs in the Sounkyo Area
Included: Admission to Snow Park
Included: Icebreaker Garinko Go II experience
Included: Admission to Okhotsk Tokkari Center
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Admission to Okhotsk Tower
Included: Surcharges on fuel: Fuel surcharge
Included: Parking Fees
Included: Admission to Asahiyama Zoo

Not included

Not included: Personal expenses
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1 · DAY 1 Asahiyama Zoo

Sapporo

5 min

Depart from the red statue at the South Exit of JR Sapporo Station.
Stop 2

1 h 15 min Admission included

Enjoy activities [Plan A includes: Snow Tubing, Bubble Ball, Fat Bike, Snow Soccer, Rooftop Observation Deck]
Stop 3

one hour Admission included

Buffet lunch at Art Hotel Asahikawa (MINORI Restaurant)
Asahiyama Zoo

2 h 5 min Admission included

Explore arctic wildlife

(Note: 14:30 Penguin Walk is subject to snow conditions)
Ryusei Falls

15 min

Visit Hokkaido’s iconic Ryusei (“Shooting Star”) and Ginga (“Milky Way”) Waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge. Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities along easy walking trails.
Ginga Falls

15 min

Visit Hokkaido’s iconic Ryusei (“Shooting Star”) and Ginga (“Milky Way”) Waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge. Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities along easy walking trails.
Sounkyo Hot Spring Ice Fall Festival

10 min Admission included

Held Jan 23 - Mar 7, 2027. Viewing may be affected by weather conditions.

Asahikawa Hanatsuki Kaikan - Exquisite Japanese Set Lunch. · Buffet Dinner at the Onsen Resort Hotel.

SOUNKAKU MOUNTAIN RESORT 1923 or similar

Day 2 · Hokkaido Icebreaker Expedition

Okhotsk Tower

45 min Admission included

The world's first ice-sea underwater observation tower is built approximately 1 km away from the coastline at a depth of 10 meters. This unique structure consists of four above-water levels and one underwater level, providing stunning views of the sea. When covered by drift ice, it transforms into an "Ice-in Tower," allowing visitors to observe the area beneath the floating ice. Not only can visitors witness drift ice during the winter, but they can also observe various marine ecosystems and sea creatures throughout the year.
Stop 2

1 h 20 min Admission included

The icebreaker ship boldly advances through the drift ice using its two large propellers at the bow, creating an exhilarating ice-breaking experience. As the ship smashes through the floating ice, the vibrations transmit throughout the entire vessel, giving you a direct encounter with the drifting ice. Witnessing the broken ice sinking into the sea and then resurfacing from the ship's sides is truly a sight to behold!

During the journey, you might even catch glimpses of seals resting on the ice or majestic Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles soaring above. Shortly after departing, a white horizon appears on the azure sea. Gradually, the drift ice approaches, and the moment it comes into view is incredibly moving. Despite the chill on the second deck, the unparalleled scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Crab Claw Statue

15 min

Visit the landmark "Crab Claw Statue" and take photos.
Monbetsu

one hour

Enjoy lunch (Robatayaki Set + Mini Crab Rice)
Sapporo

Passing by

Return to Sapporo Station North Exit, the tour ends

Seafood Robatayaki (Japanese charcoal grill) + Mini Seafood Donburi" · Hotel Breakfast

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

日本 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 3-chome Legs:旅人の残像

End point

日本 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 3-chome Legs:旅人の残像

Using your ticket

Gather at the red statue at the east exit of Sapporo JR Sapporo Station. Please see the link for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E6UCEZ0LCY

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel Insurance Notice: Overseas medical and emergency rescue expenses can be extremely high. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering overseas medical care and accidents.
High-Risk Activities: Skiing, snow activities, hot springs, horseback riding, and water sports involve inherent risks. Please assess your own risk and purchase suitable insurance. In cases of force majeure accidents resulting in property loss, injury, or death, the company assumes no legal liability but will render full assistance.
Passport Registration: Per Japanese Maritime Law, passenger registration is mandatory for Garinko III. Please provide your passport number at booking. No refunds will be provided if boarding is denied due to missing or incorrect passport details.
Cancellation Alternative: If the icebreaker is canceled due to weather or official reasons, the tour will visit the "Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA" instead, with a group rate refund of ¥4,000 per adult (ages 6+).
Guide Service: Guiding is provided exclusively in Chinese. Translation apps may be used by the guide for crucial updates (meeting time, locations) to ensure safety and flexibility.
Group Size: Minimum 8 participants. If not met, cancellation notice will be sent 8 days prior. Final departure notices are issued 1 week before departure.
Vehicle Service: For smaller groups, a minibus or HiAce may be used with a driver-guide driver.
Dietary Requests: Please notify us at booking for special dietary requirements (e.g., no beef, vegetarian). We will forward requests to restaurants.
Infant Meals: Meals are not included for infants under 2 years old.
Luggage Policy: Please specify luggage size and quantity when booking. If unnotified or exceeding capacity, the guide reserves the right to refuse luggage. Guests must arrange paid storage; no refunds will be given if you miss the tour due to luggage issues.
Room Types: Room types are assigned by the hotel and cannot be specified. Non-smoking/Smoking requests must be submitted in advance and are subject to hotel availability.
Hotel Capacity: Hotel rooms are limited. If fully booked, an alternative hotel of equal class will be provided.
Natural Phenomena: Drift ice, flower blooms, starry skies, snowfall, and autumn leaves are natural phenomena and viewing cannot be guaranteed.
Ice Waterfall Festival: Organized by local authorities (usually late Jan to early Mar). Please note it may not be available on certain dates.
Delays & Changes: Force majeure (traffic, weather) may cause delays, itinerary changes, or venue closures. Out of safety, routes may be altered or aborted without refunds or compensation for unused spots or meals.
Early Departure: No refunds will be provided if you leave the tour early for personal reasons or if the tour turns back mid-way due to weather/safety.
Punctuality: Please arrive on time at the meeting point to avoid delaying the group.
Personal Items: Please prepare your own motion sickness medication, rain gear, etc.
Passenger Count: Infants and children count toward the total passenger capacity.
Pricing: Children aged 6 and above are charged the same rate as adults.
Seats & Beds: - Children aged 2 and above require an individual bus seat. - Children aged 0–5 do not include an extra bed in hotels; if a separate bed is needed, an adult ticket must be purchased. - Children aged 6 and above require a separate bed in hotels.
Seniors Aged 70 and Above must be accompanied by a family member or friend throughout the tour, and must sign a Liability Waiver Form prior to the trip.
Final Authority: The company reserves the right of final interpretation.

Options

Plan B (Premium Activities)

Premium Snow Activities: Basic Plan + Mini Snowmobile, 4x4 buggy, Rubber Boat, and Snow Play Pass (originally ¥6,000 value)
Plan A (basic activities)

Basic Snow Activities: This package includes all free activities (Snow Tubing, Bubble Ball, Fat Bike, Snow Soccer)