The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo and Icebreaker GARINKO GO Sunset Tour offers a unique winter experience that combines wildlife viewing and a breathtaking cruise through drift ice. This 13-hour tour provides roundtrip transportation, admission to the renowned zoo, and a one-hour icebreaker cruise, all for $131.98 per person. Visitors can expect to see polar bears up close and witness the stunning natural beauty of Hokkaido’s winter landscape. With its appealing blend of adventure and sightseeing, this tour promises an unforgettable day in one of Japan’s most captivating regions.
This experience made our article of Visiting Asahikawa? We Rank Our Top 5 Tours.
Key Points
- This 13-hour tour includes a visit to Asahiyama Zoo and a 1-hour icebreaker cruise on GARINKO GO III during the late winter drift ice season.
- The tour starts at $131.98 per person and departs from ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, with the opportunity to see polar bears and drift ice scenery.
- The tour schedule includes a 1-hour transfer, 1.5-hour zoo visit, 1-hour icebreaker cruise, and 2-hour return journey.
- Full refunds are available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and booking is available on a reserve now, pay later basis.
- Visitors should note the requirement of a valid passport for icebreaker boarding, lack of translation services, and strict prohibitions on alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals.
Overview of the Tour
The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the Asahiyama Zoo and embark on an exciting icebreaker cruise through the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Priced from $131.98 per person, the 13-hour tour departs from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo and includes roundtrip transportation, zoo admission, and the icebreaker cruise.
Guests can expect to see polar bears up close at the zoo and enjoy stunning sunset views over the ice.
The tour is subject to change and operates only during the late January to early March window when drift ice is visible.
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Pricing and Booking Details
Pricing for the Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour starts from $131.98 per person.
The tour lasts 13 hours and includes roundtrip transportation, admission to Asahiyama Zoo, and the GARINKO GO III icebreaker cruise.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking is available on a reserve now, pay later basis, allowing visitors to secure their spot without paying immediately.
The tour departs from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo and concludes at Sapporo Station North Exit Square.
Infants 0-2 years old require a paid seat.
Meals and personal expenses are excluded.
Itinerary and Schedule
The tour begins with a 1-hour transfer from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo to Sunagawa.
Guests have a 15-minute break before visiting Asahiyama Zoo for 1.5 hours. This includes photo opportunities, free time, and shopping.
After another 15-minute break, the group boards the icebreaker GARINKO GO III for a 1-hour cruise.
Secret stops with 10-minute breaks are included along the way.
The 2-hour return journey finishes at Sapporo Station North Exit Square.
Itineraries are subject to change based on traffic and weather conditions during the 13-hour tour.
Highlights of the Experiences
One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to witness the captivating polar bears swimming at the Asahiyama Zoo. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and snap stunning photos.
Another highlight is the exciting cruise on the GARINKO GO III icebreaker through the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. Guests can enjoy the spectacular winter scenery and the possibility of spotting eagles and seals. The tour also culminates in a breathtaking sunset over the ice, creating a truly memorable experience.
| Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Polar bears at Asahiyama Zoo | Icebreaker cruise on GARINKO GO III | Stunning sunset over the ice |
Important Information for Visitors
Visitors planning to take the Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour should keep in mind several important requirements.
First, a valid passport is necessary for boarding the GARINKO GO icebreaker. Plus, the tour only provides Japanese-speaking staff, so translation services for other languages aren’t available.
Visitors should also be aware that drift ice visibility is limited to late January through early March, and weather conditions may affect visibility.
Traffic congestion on weekends and holidays may require adjustments to the tour stops.
Infants aged 0-2 years require a paid seat. Alcohol, drugs, and feeding the animals are strictly prohibited.
What’s Included and Excluded
The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour includes roundtrip transportation, admission to the Asahiyama Zoo, and the GARINKO GO III icebreaker cruise fee.
However, it excludes:
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals
- Translation services, as only Japanese-speaking staff are available.
Visitors should bring their passports for the icebreaker cruise.
It’s important to note that drift ice visibility is seasonal, occurring from late January to early March, and conditions may affect visibility.
Traffic congestion on weekends and holidays may also lead to adjustments to the stops.
Visibility and Conditions for Drift Ice
Drift ice visibility along the Sea of Okhotsk typically occurs from late January to early March, though conditions can vary and may affect visibility during the Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour.
Visitors should be aware that the tour schedule may be adjusted due to common traffic congestion on weekends and holidays.
While the tour give you stunning views of the drift ice, its appearance and accessibility can be unpredictable.
Participants are advised to check the latest conditions before their tour to ensure the best possible experience viewing the natural wonder of Hokkaido’s winter landscape.
Transportation and Logistics
The tour begins with pickup from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, located in the heart of the city.
From there, guests embark on a 1-hour transfer to Sunagawa, where they’ll have a 15-minute break before visiting the Asahiyama Zoo.
After exploring the zoo, another 15-minute break precedes the icebreaker GARINKO GO III cruise, lasting 1 hour.
Between these main stops, there are secret stops with 10-minute breaks.
The 2-hour transfer back ends at Sapporo Station North Exit Square.
The tour includes:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Asahiyama Zoo admission
- GARINKO GO III cruise fee
- Japanese-speaking staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, you can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol and feeding the animals are not allowed. The tour includes transportation and admission fees, but excludes meals and personal expenses.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Icebreaker Cruise?
There are no age restrictions for the icebreaker cruise, but infants aged 0-2 years require payment and a seat. The tour accommodates travelers of all ages, though parents should ensure their young children’s safety and comfort during the cruise.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Buy Tickets On-Site?
It’s recommended to book the tour in advance, as same-day tickets may not be available. Advance booking ensures your spot and helps avoid potential sellouts, especially during peak seasons.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but warm, layered clothing is recommended. Participants should dress for cold, winter weather as they’ll be outdoors for part of the tour.
Can I Extend or Customize the Duration of the Tour?
The tour’s duration cannot be extended or customized. It’s a fixed 13-hour itinerary that includes transportation, entry fees, and activities. Customers can’t request changes to the schedule or length. Any modifications would require booking a separate, custom tour.
The Sum Up
The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo and Icebreaker GARINKO GO Sunset Tour is a must-do winter adventure in Hokkaido. With roundtrip transportation, zoo admission, and a breathtaking icebreaker cruise, the tour offers unparalleled views of drift ice, wildlife, and stunning sunsets. At $131.98 per person, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Hokkaido’s winter landscape and see polar bears up close.
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