Hokkaidos Winter Awe-inspiring Drift Ice & Sounkyo Ice Sculpture!

Hokkaido’s winter offers a breathtaking display of natural wonders. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring drift ice and the stunning Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival on a full-day tour. With a bilingual guide, travelers can explore the captivating landscapes and savor diverse lunch options. Though customer reviews on drift ice sightings are mixed, the tour provides accessible experiences for everyone, promising an unforgettable winter adventure. What awaits those who embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Sapporo offers the chance to see Hokkaido’s stunning drift ice and explore the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival.
• The tour includes a drift ice ship ride on the Garinko III and admission to the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival.
• The tour is led by a bilingual local guide and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Customers have provided mixed reviews, with some disappointment about minimal drift ice sightings, but the operator acknowledges the climate impact.
• Alternative stops for drift ice viewing, such as the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center and Ice Pavilion in Abashiri, are available if the drift ice is limited.

Overview of the Tour

This tour, titled "Hokkaido’s Winter Awe-inspiring Drift Ice & Sounkyo Ice Sculpture," offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural wonders of Sapporo, Japan.

It’s a full-day excursion with a rated average of 3.0 based on 2 reviews. Priced from $151.39 per person, the tour includes a drift ice ship ride and admission to the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival.

A local guide provides English and Japanese commentary. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but large luggage must be stored in the bus.

Drift ice visibility isn’t guaranteed, and the operator acknowledges the climate impact on this natural phenomenon.

Itinerary and Meeting Details

The tour begins at 8:20 AM, when guests meet at the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo in the Kita 3-Jo, Nishi district of Sapporo.

The day’s activities run until 9:00 PM, ending at Sapporo Station in the Kita Ward.

For lunch, participants are free to explore the food court, ramen shops, and convenience stores at the Ocean Exchange Center.

The local guide, who speaks both English and Japanese, accompanies the group throughout the experience.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a drift ice ship ride on the Garinko III and admission to the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival.

Visitors will sail on the Garinko III, an icebreaker ship that navigates the frozen waters.

At the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival, they can admire the intricate ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls.

A local guide fluent in English and Japanese accompanies the group, providing insights throughout the day.

The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, though infants must sit on laps.

Important Information

Passport numbers are required for boarding the Garinko III drift ice ship. Travelers must bring their passports or have the number on hand.

Visibility of the drift ice isn’t guaranteed due to weather conditions, and no refunds will be provided for weather-related cancellations. Instead, the tour may visit the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center or Ice Pavilion.

Participants should also be prepared for the day by carrying only hand luggage, as larger items will be stored in the bus trunk.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews for the "Hokkaido’s Winter Awe-inspiring Drift Ice & Sounkyo Ice Sculpture" tour provide a mixed perspective.

While one reviewer praised the "good ice driving experience" and was "satisfied with guide and driver," another expressed "disappointment with minimal drift ice sighting" and suggested tour cancellation for a better customer experience.

The tour operator acknowledged the climate impact on drift ice visibility, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the natural phenomenon.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

• Good ice driving experience, well worth the journey
• Disappointment with minimal drift ice sighting
• Suggested tour cancellation for better customer experience
• Operator acknowledged climate impact on drift ice visibility

Experiencing the Drift Ice Ship Garinko III

Passengers aboard the Garinko III, a specialized drift ice ship, embark on an immersive experience amid Hokkaido’s captivating winter landscapes. The sturdy vessel navigates the frozen Sea of Okhotsk, offering up-close encounters with the mesmerizing drift ice formations. Passengers can observe the dynamic, ever-changing ice as the ship gently glides through the crystalline expanse. Below is a table outlining key details about the Garinko III experience:

Feature	Description
Capacity	270 passengers
Amenities	Heated cabin, observation decks, gift shop
Duration	Approximately 1 hour on the water
Highlights	Drift ice viewing, photo opportunities

Exploring the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival

After experiencing the drift ice ship Garinko III, the tour continues to the stunning Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival.

Situated in the Daisetsuzan National Park, the festival showcases the area’s natural beauty transformed by winter’s icy grip. Visitors can marvel at the intricate, illuminated ice sculptures that adorn the area.

The festival also features:

• Traditional Japanese hot springs (onsen)
• Warming food and drink stalls
• Snowshoe walks to viewpoints
• Guided tours of the ice falls

The Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival provides a unique opportunity to take in Hokkaido’s stunning winter landscape and cultural traditions.

Alternative Stops for Drift Ice Viewing

If the drift ice isn’t visible on the Garinko III ship, the tour operator offers alternative stops to provide a satisfactory viewing experience.

The Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center provides exhibits and multimedia displays about the drift ice phenomenon. Visitors can learn about the science and ecology of the drift ice without venturing out on the water.

The Ice Pavilion in Abashiri also showcases impressive sculptures and installations made from the drift ice.

These alternative options ensure customers have an engaging and educational experience, even if the natural drift ice isn’t accessible on a given day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear to Stay Warm in the Cold Weather?

To stay warm in the cold weather, one should wear insulated layers, a warm coat, thermal gloves, and a hat or scarf. Proper winter attire will help ensure comfort and enjoyment during outdoor activities in cold temperatures.

Are Any Souvenirs or Gifts Available for Purchase During the Tour?

The tour does not include any opportunities to purchase souvenirs or gifts. Visitors will need to explore the local shops and markets on their own if they’d like to bring home any mementos from the experience.

Can I Explore the Sites Independently or Must I Follow the Group?

You can explore the sites independently during designated free time, but you’ll need to follow the group for the main activities and transportation. The tour operates on a fixed schedule, so independent exploration is limited.

Is There Any Opportunity to See Other Wildlife or Natural Scenery?

The tour focuses primarily on the drift ice and ice sculpture festival, but it may offer opportunities to see other natural scenery and wildlife in the area during the journey. However, these sights are not guaranteed as the main emphasis is on the primary tour activities.

What Are the Policies Regarding Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions and special needs. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can sit on laps. However, there’s no mention of specialized meals or additional support for guests with specific dietary or accessibility requirements.

The Sum Up

This winter tour offers an immersive experience in Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes. From the thrilling drift ice ship ride to the breathtaking Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival, guests can marvel at the region’s natural wonders. While drift ice sightings are weather-dependent, the tour provides accessible and memorable winter activities for all. With insights from a local guide, visitors can fully appreciate Hokkaido’s awe-inspiring beauty during this unforgettable adventure.