Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Icebreaker GARINKO GO Sunset Tour

Unlock the wonders of Hokkaido’s icy landscapes and captivating wildlife with the Asahiyama Zoo and GARINKO GO Sunset Tour. This 13-hour adventure offers an up-close encounter with polar bears, followed by a serene cruise across shimmering waters as the sun dips below the horizon. Flexible payment options and multilingual staff ensure a seamless experience, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to enjoy Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural beauty. But the real magic lies in the moments you’ll witness, leaving you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This 13-hour tour offers close-up views of polar bears at Asahiyama Zoo and a sunset cruise on the GARINKO GO III icebreaker.
• The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as eagles and seals.
• Visitors can experience the natural behaviors of animals and explore breathtaking icy landscapes during the drift ice season.
• Passport is required for GARINKO GO III boarding, and tour services are provided in Japanese with translation available.
• Travelers should dress warmly, bring a camera, and be flexible with the itinerary due to potential delays.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Sunset Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the renowned Asahiyama Zoo and embark on a journey through the icy landscapes of Hokkaido aboard the icebreaker GARINKO GO III.

Priced from €128.05 per person, this 13-hour excursion provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible payment options.

Highlights include close-up views of polar bears, a sunset cruise on the icebreaker, and opportunities to spot wildlife like eagles and seals.

With convenient pickups, admission tickets, and multilingual staff, this tour provides an immersive winter experience in Hokkaido.

Itinerary Details

Starting from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sapporo, the tour begins with a 1-hour transfer to the town of Sunagawa. After a 15-minute break, visitors explore the Asahiyama Zoo, enjoying photo opportunities and free time for shopping. The itinerary then continues to the GARINKO GO III icebreaker, where guests embark for a 1-hour cruise through the stunning icy landscapes. Secret stops with additional break times are also included before the 2-hour return transfer finishes at the Sapporo Station North Exit Square.

Itinerary Details
Transfer to Sunagawa	1 hour
Break time	15 minutes
Asahiyama Zoo: Photo stop, visit, free time, shopping	1.5 hours
Break time	15 minutes
Drift icebreaker ship GARINKO GO III: Embarkation, photo stop, visit, free time	1 hour
Secret stops with break times	20 minutes total
Return Transfer	2 hours

Highlights and Experiences

Visitors on this tour can expect to witness the captivating sight of polar bears gracefully swimming at the Asahiyama Zoo, a unique behavioral exhibit that showcases the natural movements of these magnificent creatures.

Tour you will also:

1. Ride the GARINKO GO III icebreaker through breathtaking icy landscapes, providing a front-row seat to the stunning sunset over the drift ice.
2. Discover Hokkaido’s winter charm with chances to spot eagles and seals during the secret stops along the way.
3. Immerse themselves in the natural behaviors of animals at the Asahiyama Zoo’s specialized exhibits, offering a deeper appreciation for these creatures.

Important Information

Passports are required when boarding the GARINKO GO III, and visitors should provide their passport numbers ahead of time.

All tour services are provided only in Japanese, though translation is available.

The drift ice season typically runs from late January to early March, so visitors should check for updates on current conditions.

Traffic congestion is common on weekends and holidays, so stop durations may adjust accordingly.

Infants aged 0-2 years require a paid seat and can’t sit on a companion’s lap.

Delays may occur due to road conditions, and there are no refunds for same-day cancellations.

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Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour package includes roundtrip transportation, admission to the Asahiyama Zoo, and the GARINKO GO III cruise fee. Plus, you’ll have the support of Japanese-speaking staff throughout the experience.

However, the tour doesn’t cover meals or personal expenses. Here’s what else you should know:

1. Bring your passport, as it’s required for boarding the icebreaker ship.
2. Cash is advised, as alcohol and feeding the animals are prohibited.
3. Delays may occur due to road conditions, and there are no refunds for same-day cancellations.

Getting to the Starting Location

The tour begins at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, where participants can conveniently meet up before embarking on the day’s adventures.

Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just a short walk from the Sapporo Station North Exit, making it an accessible starting point.

After gathering, the group will board a comfortable coach for the hour-long transfer to Sunagawa, their first stop along the itinerary.

This smooth transportation arrangement ensures a seamless start to the excursion, allowing travelers to sit back, relax, and anticipate the exciting experiences that lie ahead.

What to Expect During the Tour

Arriving at the Sunagawa transfer point, the group departs the coach and takes a 15-minute break to stretch their legs and prepare for the day’s adventures.

The first stop is the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, where visitors can witness the captivating sight of polar bears swimming in their enclosure.

Next, the group boards the mighty icebreaker ship, GARINKO GO III, for a journey through the stunning icy landscapes.

The tour offers three key experiences:

1. Breathtaking sunset over the drift ice
2. Opportunities to spot local wildlife like eagles and seals
3. Behavioral Exhibits showcasing the natural actions of the animals

Tips for a Memorable Experience

To make the most of this unique Asahiyama Zoo sunset tour, visitors should dress warmly in layers, as the temperatures can be frigid on the icebreaker ship.

Bringing a camera is essential to capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Travelers should also pack snacks and water, as the tour involves several stops with limited food options.

Plus, being flexible with the itinerary is important, as delays may occur due to weather or traffic conditions.

Lastly, maintaining a sense of adventure and embracing the unpredictable nature of the experience will ensure a truly memorable winter excursion in Hokkaido.

FAQ

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the inclusions only cover roundtrip transportation, admission tickets, and the cruise fee. Personal expenses like meals are not included, so you’ll need to purchase your own refreshments during the stops.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Visitors can book individually or in groups of any size. However, the tour operator notes that smaller groups may have more flexibility in their schedule and experience.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides Japanese?

The tour offers translation services for languages other than Japanese, though the primary services are provided only in Japanese. Guests can request language assistance when booking to ensure a smooth experience.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour duration cannot be extended. The tour itinerary and schedule are fixed, and the service is only provided in Japanese. Translation services may be available for other languages, but the core experience cannot be modified.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has an age restriction – infants aged 0-2 years old require payment and a seat, as they cannot sit on a companion’s lap during the tour.

Sum Up

The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo and Icebreaker GARINKO GO Sunset Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Hokkaido’s captivating natural beauty. From up-close encounters with polar bears to a serene sunset cruise, this 13-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With flexible payment options and multilingual support, it’s the perfect way to capture the essence of Hokkaido’s icy landscapes and diverse wildlife, all while staying warmly dressed for the chilly conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: