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Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour with Touch Experience and Aurora Cruise

Sapporo, Japanby Club Tourism International Inc.

  • 2 days
  • Free cancellation
  • Up to 41 travelers
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guide: Japanese, English

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Overview

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

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Aurora cruise ride
  • Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Round-trip bus transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

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

End point

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

Good to know

  • 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
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  • 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.

Cancellation policy

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.

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