From Sapporo: 2-Day Drift Ice Cruise & Asahiyama Zoo Tour

Abashiri lies on Hokkaido’s northeastern Okhotsk coast. From January to March, vast drift ice covers the sea. Cruise through the frozen waters and experience the raw beauty and power of nature.
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Discover the winter beauty of northern Hokkaido on this 2-day tour from Sapporo, combining the famous Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo with an unforgettable drift ice cruise aboard a powerful icebreaker. Stay overnight at a hot spring hotel and experience the spectacular winter scenery of the Okhotsk region.

Day 1 | Sapporo → Asahiyama Zoo → Monbetsu

08:00 | Depart from Sapporo

Meet at the group bus boarding area at the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station and begin your journey north through Hokkaido’s beautiful winter landscapes.

10:30–14:00 | Asahiyama Zoo

Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours at Asahiyama Zoo, one of Hokkaido’s most popular wildlife attractions. In winter, you may have the opportunity to see the zoo’s famous Penguin Walk, where penguins stroll through the snow along a designated path. Watch these charming animals waddle past you and enjoy a unique seasonal experience.

After exploring the zoo, continue toward Monbetsu while enjoying snow-covered forests, fields, and northern Hokkaido scenery along the way.

Around 18:00 | Check in at the hotel

Arrive at a hot spring hotel in the Monbetsu/Okhotsk area, such as Hokuten no Oka Abashiri Lake Tsuruga Resort or a similar hotel. Relax in the soothing hot spring baths and enjoy dinner before resting for the night.

Day 2 | Monbetsu → Icebreaker Cruise → Okhotsk Tower → Sapporo

08:00 | Depart from the hotel

After breakfast, head to the Marine Exchange Center and boarding area in Monbetsu.

08:45–09:45 | Drift Ice Icebreaker Cruise

Board a powerful icebreaker and cruise into the Okhotsk Sea. During the approximately 60-minute cruise, look out for vast sheets of drift ice floating across the sea. Feel the excitement as the vessel pushes through the frozen waters and experience the impressive scale and power of Hokkaido’s winter nature.

10:00–11:00 | Okhotsk Tower

Continue to Okhotsk Tower, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding Okhotsk Sea and learn more about the region’s marine environment.

Return journey to Sapporo

Begin the journey back to Sapporo, with a stop at a roadside station along the way. Take some time to rest, stretch your legs, browse local products, and pick up Hokkaido souvenirs.

Around 18:00 | Arrive in Sapporo

Return to central Sapporo and conclude your 2-day winter adventure.

From adorable penguins walking through the snow to an exciting icebreaker cruise through the frozen Okhotsk Sea, this tour offers a memorable combination of wildlife, hot springs, and spectacular winter scenery—all in one convenient journey from Sapporo.

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.