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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Explore the captivating winter landscapes of Japan on this two-day trip from Sapporo to the Okhotsk coast. Marvel at the drifting sea ice, experience it firsthand, and enjoy a stay at the Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, complete with a buffet dinner and hot spring access. From scenic viewpoints overlooking a frozen white horizon to a rare opportunity to touch the ice itself, this tour offers a truly immersive winter adventure. This tour includes a thrilling ride on the Aurora icebreaker cruise, cutting through the icy waters for a unique perspective on the drift ice phenomenon.
Experience drift ice from land, sea and up close touch experience
Stay overnight at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel with dinner buffet and drinks
Enjoy a memorable cruise on the Aurora icebreaker through frozen waters
Enjoy local cuisine including Ishikari hot pot lunch
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
Itinerary
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1
After meeting your tour conductor, you will begin your journey by bus toward the Okhotsk region. Lunch is NOT included and will be taken individually at either Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk or Roadside Station "Marchen-no-oka Memanbetsu", where a variety of casual local dining options are available. The approximate cost is 1,000 to 1,500 yen. Please note that this tour is operated using a standard coach without an onboard restroom, however regular breaks will be scheduled approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours for your comfort.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Your first visit is Mount Tento, a scenic observation point overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. During drift ice season, the ocean below can transform into a vast expanse of white, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. From this elevated viewpoint, the contrast between sky, coastline, and drifting ice creates a powerful first impression of Hokkaido’s winter landscape, offering a sense of scale that is difficult to experience from ground level.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Continue to Shari, where you will take part in a rare drift ice touch experience guided by a local Japanese-speaking expert. Here, you will have the opportunity to come closer to the ice that has traveled across the sea, feeling its texture and observing it from a uniquely personal perspective. This experience offers a direct connection to the natural environment that cannot be replicated from observation alone. Please note that drift ice conditions depend on nature, and this experience may be adjusted due to weather or ice conditions.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Arriving around 5 PM, you will stay at a property officially recognized as a “5-star accommodation” by the Tourism Economy Newspaper, one of Japan’s well-known travel industry authorities. The hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, offering sweeping views of the surrounding natural environment. From the lobby, large public bath, and even the breakfast restaurant, you may be able to see drift ice spread across the sea depending on conditions, creating a truly unique setting for your stay. The hot spring baths of Utoro Onsen, often referred to as waters of beauty, provide a relaxing space to unwind, with spacious bathing areas designed for comfort after a full day of travel. Dinner is served at the popular buffet restaurant Marusukoi, featuring around 80 different dishes that appeal to a wide range of preferences, including families. A highlight of the evening is the free-flowing drinks service, including alcoholic beverages, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere.
15 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
After buffet breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Oshinkoshin Falls, one of the well-known waterfalls in the Shiretoko area. Here, you can enjoy the contrast between the flowing waterfall and the surrounding winter environment, with views extending toward the Sea of Okhotsk where drift ice may also be visible depending on conditions.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Continue to Kitahama Station, known as one of the closest train stations to drift ice. The station’s unique location offers a rare viewpoint where land, railway, and frozen sea come together, making it a memorable photo stop along the journey.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Arrive at a roadside station, where you can already enjoy views of the Sea of Okhotsk and, when conditions allow, drift ice visible directly from the shore. From here, you will continue to the main highlight experience and board the Aurora drift ice sightseeing icebreaker.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Board the Aurora icebreaker cruise for approximately 60 minutes, moving out into the Okhotsk Sea. As the ship advances, it breaks through the floating ice, creating a powerful sensation that can be felt throughout the vessel. This is one of the few ways to fully experience the scale and presence of drift ice, surrounded by endless white formations stretching across the water. This perspective from the sea offers something entirely different from land viewing, making it one of Hokkaido’s most memorable winter experiences. (If drift ice is absent or the cruise is canceled due to weather conditions such as strong winds or high waves, alternative arrangements will be provided.)
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
9
After leaving Abashiri, travel to Kitami, where you will enjoy a warming lunch featuring Ishikari hot pot, a traditional Hokkaido dish prepared with salmon and vegetables in a rich miso-based broth. The comforting flavors are especially satisfying in the region’s cold winter climate, offering a perfect way to relax after the morning’s drift ice experiences. After lunch, begin the journey back to Sapporo. The tour concludes with arrival at Sapporo Station around 7:20 PM.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Drift Ice Touch Experience
Aurora Icebreaker Cruise Experience
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement. Child (3-5 years old) rates apply, only bus seat is included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement. Child (3-5 years old) rates apply, only bus seat is included
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 14 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative date/tour or a full refund.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund.
- Drift ice is a natural phenomenon, and it may not reach the shore. The tour will operate regardless of conditions, and cancellation fees will apply. No prior updates on drift ice conditions will be provided.
- Please check Aurora cruise operation status before departure: https://www.ms-aurora.com The Aurora cruise will operate even if there is no drift ice, in which case it will become a regular sightseeing cruise (the fare difference will be refunded). If the cruise is canceled due to bad weather, you will be taken to an alternative sightseeing location or the price difference will be refunded. If the drift ice touch experience is canceled, an alternative sightseeing location will also be arranged.
- About cases where drift ice cannot be seen. As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, its conditions change daily throughout the season. Even if drift ice cannot be seen, or if parts of the itinerary are changed due to weather conditions, the tour will still operate as scheduled. Please understand and accept this before booking.
- Examples of alternative arrangements: If the Aurora icebreaker operates in an area without drift ice → A sightseeing cruise to Cape Notoro (price difference refunded later). If the Aurora cruise is canceled due to bad weather or high waves → Visit alternative sightseeing locations such as the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum (price difference refunded later). If the drift ice touch experience is canceled due to strong winds → Alternative sightseeing will be provided.
- Cancellation fees will apply regardless of whether drift ice is present or not. We will not contact you in advance regarding drift ice conditions. Please refer to official forecasts such as the Japan Meteorological Agency’s sea ice charts. Details of alternative arrangements will be decided by the tour conductor based on conditions on the day.
- Lunch on Day 1 is not included and will be at your own expense. Please have your meal at Roadside Station “Engaru Mori no Okhotsk” or Roadside Station “Marchen-no-oka Memanbetsu.” Meal costs are not included in the tour price. The estimated cost is approximately 1,000–1,500 yen.
- Temperatures typically range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). A down jacket, non-slip winter shoes, gloves, a hat, and ear warmers are essential. Rental shops are available in Sapporo.
- The bus does not have a restroom. Rest stops will be taken every 1.5–2 hours. We recommend bringing motion sickness medication if needed. If traveling in an odd-numbered group, you may be seated next to another passenger.
- The return time (scheduled for 7:20 PM on Day 2) may be delayed due to weather or traffic conditions. If you have a flight on the same day we strongly recommend allowing plenty of time in your schedule. We cannot be held responsible for any secondary losses, such as missed flights due to delays.
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Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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