The Hokkaido Icebreaker GARINKO GO and Sounkyo Ice Festival Day Tour is a must-try experience for visitors to Japan’s northern island. Priced at €141.64 per person, this 12-hour adventure promises an unforgettable journey, from a luxurious seafood lunch aboard the icebreaker to the awe-inspiring ice sculptures and waterfalls of the Sounkyo Ice Festival. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, guests are in for a truly remarkable day. What secrets does this tour have in store?
Key Points
- This 12-hour day tour features a cruise on the GARINKO GO III icebreaker and a visit to the Sounkyo Ice Festival in Hokkaido, Japan.
- The tour is priced from €141.64 per person and includes roundtrip transportation, cruise fee, and festival ticket, but excludes personal expenses and meals.
- Highlights include witnessing Hokkaido’s frozen landscapes, enjoying a seafood bowl lunch, and exploring the massive ice waterfalls and sculptures at the Sounkyo Ice Festival.
- Passport is required, and drift ice visibility may vary based on weather conditions, typically from late January to early March.
- Infants aged 0-2 require a paid seat, and meals are not provided for them as part of the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hokkaido Icebreaker GARINKO GO Day Tour offers a comprehensive experience in Hokkaido’s Okhotsk Sea region, with prices starting from €141.64 per person.
The 12-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include boarding the GARINKO GO III icebreaker, visiting the Sounkyo Ice Festival, and enjoying a seafood bowl lunch.
Stops range from service areas to the Ocean Exchange Center.
Passport is required, and visibility of drift ice may vary depending on weather conditions.
Roundtrip transportation and an English-speaking guide are included.
Looking for more options in Sounkyo Onsen? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, the tour makes several key stops along the way.
After a 15-minute break at Sunagawa Service Area, the tour stops for another 15 minutes at the Roadside Rest Area Kaori no Sato Takinoue.
Next, guests have 20 minutes of free time at Marukaiichi Suisan.
The Ocean Exchange Center provides 40 minutes of free time to explore.
The highlight is a 1-hour cruise aboard the drift ice breaker ship GARINKO GO III.
The tour then visits the Sounkyo Onsen for 40 minutes before a final 10-minute stop at a secret location, finishing at Sapporo Station North Exit.
Experience Details
Guests board the GARINKO GO III to witness Hokkaido’s frozen landscapes and drift ice phenomena in the Okhotsk Sea.
They enjoy a luxurious seafood bowl lunch featuring local ingredients, including crab, fish roe, and scallops.
At the Sounkyo Ice Festival, visitors marvel at the massive ice waterfalls and illuminated sculptures spanning a 10,000-square-meter area.
The experience offers:
- Exploration of Hokkaido’s breathtaking drift ice formations
- Indulgence in a delectable seafood feast
- Awe-inspiring displays of ice art and architecture
- Opportunities to immerse in the region’s unique winter wonders.
Important Information
A passport is required for boarding the GARINKO GO III.
Traffic congestion is common on weekends, so stop times may vary.
Drift ice visibility is typically from late January to early March, but weather can affect visibility.
Infants aged 0-2 years old require a paid seat, and meals aren’t provided for them.
It’s important to keep these important details in mind when booking this Hokkaido Icebreaker GARINKO GO and Sounkyo Ice Festival day tour.
Knowing this information upfront can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, the GARINKO GO III cruise fee, Sounkyo Ice Festival ticket, and an English-speaking guide.
However, the tour excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Fees for Ocean Exchange Center attractions (Okhotsk Tower, Tokkari Center Seal Park)
- Meals not included in the option selected
- Meals for infants (0-2 years) as they require a paid seat
What to Expect on the Icebreaker
Aboard the GARINKO GO III, travelers can witness the stunning frozen landscapes and drift ice phenomena of Hokkaido’s Okhotsk Sea.
This icebreaker cruise provides a unique opportunity to observe the natural beauty of the region up close. As the ship navigates through the icy waters, passengers can marvel at the intricate patterns and towering formations of the drift ice.
The GARINKO GO III offers unobstructed views from its glass-enclosed decks, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the breathtaking winter wonderland.
This one-hour excursion is the highlight of the Hokkaido day tour.
Highlights of the Sounkyo Ice Festival
After exploring the frozen landscapes aboard the GARINKO GO III, the Sounkyo Ice Festival presents a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
Visitors are captivated by the massive ice waterfalls and illuminated sculptures scattered across the 10,000-square-meter festival grounds.
The highlights include:
- Towering ice statues that sparkle in the light, ranging from majestic animals to fantastical creatures.
- An illuminated ice tunnel that transforms the area into a magical, glowing passage.
- Intricate ice carvings that showcase the incredible skill of the local artisans.
- The serene atmosphere as guests wander through the icy landscape, marveling at the natural beauty.
Tips for a Successful Tour
Although the Hokkaido Icebreaker GARINKO GO Day Tour offers a remarkable winter experience, travelers can take a few steps to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip. First, pack warm layers and sturdy footwear to combat the chilly temperatures. Secondly, bring any necessary medications and snacks to keep energized throughout the long day. Lastly, arrive at the meeting point on time to avoid delays. To further enhance the experience, consider the following tips:
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Bring a camera | Capture stunning ice formations and scenic landscapes |
| Wear comfortable shoes | Explore the Sounkyo Ice Festival with ease |
| Stay hydrated | Maintain energy levels throughout the day |
| Review the itinerary | Understand the day’s schedule and plan accordingly |
| Dress in layers | Adapt to changing weather conditions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour does not explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodations and accessibility prior to booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.
Can I Take Photographs on the Icebreaker?
Yes, passengers can take photographs on the icebreaker GARINKO GO III. The tour overview indicates that visitors have 1 hour of free time to explore and capture the frozen landscapes and drift ice phenomena during the cruise.
What Should I Wear for the Sounkyo Ice Festival?
For the Sounkyo Ice Festival, it’s best to dress warmly in layers. Wear a heavy winter coat, gloves, and snow boots to stay cozy while viewing the massive ice waterfalls and illuminated sculptures in the 10,000-square-meter area.
Is Alcoholic Beverages Served During the Seafood Bowl Lunch?
The tour package doesn’t mention whether alcoholic beverages are served during the seafood bowl lunch. It focuses on providing a luxurious meal featuring local Hokkaido ingredients like crab, fish roe, and scallops.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Stops?
Yes, you can purchase souvenirs at the stops during the tour. The itinerary includes free time at several locations, allowing travelers to explore local shops and markets for unique souvenirs.
The Sum Up
The Hokkaido Icebreaker GARINKO GO and Sounkyo Ice Festival Day Tour offers a unique and memorable experience. Guests can enjoy a seafood lunch, witness stunning drift ice landscapes, and marvel at the illuminated ice sculptures and waterfalls at the Sounkyo Ice Festival, all while guided by an English-speaking expert. At €141.64 per person, this 12-hour tour provides an unforgettable adventure in Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.
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