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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Explore 2 of Hokkaido's winter highlights in one day with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its innovative exhibits showcasing animals in their natural winter behaviors. Afterward, embark on the Garinko-go III IMERU, an icebreaking vessel, for a thrilling cruise across the Sea of Okhotsk. Experience the mesmerizing drift ice landscape and the ship's powerful drills carving through the ice for a unique adventure. This tour offers convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo and is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
- Visit Asahiyama Zoo and observe active animals in winter
- Cruise aboard the Garinko-go III IMERU icebreaker vessel
- Witness the stunning scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk's drift ice
- Convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo included
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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1Asahiyama Zoo
After meeting your tour conductor at the Sapporo Station North Exit bus terminal, travel to Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most famous zoos. Enjoy free time to explore the zoo at your own pace. The zoo is renowned for its innovative exhibits designed to showcase animals' natural behaviors and movements. Winter is an especially popular time to visit, as many cold-weather animals become particularly active. Highlights include the Polar Bear Pavilion, where visitors can observe powerful swims and dynamic dives through large viewing windows, and the popular penguin exhibits, which provide an opportunity to see these beloved birds up close. Lunch is not included, and you may enjoy a meal at your own expense during your visit.
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
After approximately 140 minutes of travel, arrive at Monbetsu Port. Board the Garinko-go III IMERU for a cruise, one of Hokkaido's most distinctive winter experiences. The vessel is equipped with large rotating drills at the bow that break through drift ice as the ship moves across the Sea of Okhotsk. When drift ice is present, you can witness a spectacular landscape of ice-covered seas while experiencing the sound and vibration of the vessel carving a path through the frozen waters. The contrast between the sea, ice, and winter sunlight creates a truly memorable scene unique to Hokkaido. Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. If ice conditions are insufficient, the cruise will operate as a sightseeing voyage on open water. After the cruise, begin the return journey to Sapporo. The return trip takes approximately 300 minutes. The tour concludes at approximately 9:00 PM.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- 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
- 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.
- For non-Japanese travelers, a passport number is required. For Japanese travelers, both date of birth and residential address are required.
Additional info
- 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
- 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.
- For non-Japanese travelers, a passport number is required. For Japanese travelers, both date of birth and residential address are required.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed.
- 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.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Lunch is not included in this tour. You may have lunch at the zoo or bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the bus.
- Drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be visible due to weather and sea conditions, including ocean currents and wind direction.
- The tour will operate regardless of drift ice conditions. Standard cancellation and change fees will apply even if drift ice has not reached the coast.
- We do not provide updates on drift ice conditions prior to departure. Please refer to the Sea Ice Forecast and other information published by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
- The drift ice sightseeing icebreaker operates regardless of the presence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice along the route, the cruise will operate as a regular sightseeing cruise, and no refunds will be provided.
- If the icebreaker cruise is canceled due to weather or other conditions, the portion of the tour price corresponding to the cruise fare will be refunded.
- Please bring appropriate cold-weather clothing, such as a down jacket, insulated pants, scarf, hat, gloves, and earmuffs. Footwear with non-slip soles or additional traction devices is strongly recommended.
- The cruise is normally scheduled to last approximately 60 minutes. However, if the drift ice is located farther offshore, the cruise may be extended to a maximum of 90 minutes. In such cases, the tour may return later than scheduled.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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