Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise
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Quick answer
Is Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise worth booking?
Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise is a 13.5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $202 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- From
- $202 per person
Explore 2 of Hokkaido's winter highlights in one day with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its innovative exhibits showcasing animals in their natural winter behaviors. Afterward, embark on the Garinko-go III IMERU, an icebreaking vessel, for a thrilling cruise across the Sea of Okhotsk. Experience the mesmerizing drift ice landscape and the ship's powerful drills carving through the ice for a unique adventure. This tour offers convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo and is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. - Visit Asahiyama Zoo and observe active animals in winter - Cruise aboard the Garinko-go III IMERU icebreaker vessel - Witness the stunning scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk's drift ice - Convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo included
What you get
About this experience
Explore 2 of Hokkaido's winter highlights in one day with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its innovative exhibits showcasing animals in their natural winter behaviors. Afterward, embark on the Garinko-go III IMERU, an icebreaking vessel, for a thrilling cruise across the Sea of Okhotsk. Experience the mesmerizing drift ice landscape and the ship's powerful drills carving through the ice for a unique adventure. This tour offers convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo and is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. - Visit Asahiyama Zoo and observe active animals in winter - Cruise aboard the Garinko-go III IMERU icebreaker vessel - Witness the stunning scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk's drift ice - Convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo included
What's included
Included
- Cruise fee
- Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- Round-trip bus transportation
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)
- National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
What you'll see and do
Asahiyama Zoo
After meeting your tour conductor at the Sapporo Station North Exit bus terminal, travel to Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most famous zoos. Enjoy free time to explore the zoo at your own pace. The zoo is renowned for its innovative exhibits designed to showcase animals' natural behaviors and movements. Winter is an especially popular time to visit, as many cold-weather animals become particularly active. Highlights include the Polar Bear Pavilion, where visitors can observe powerful swims and dynamic dives through large viewing windows, and the popular penguin exhibits, which provide an opportunity to see these beloved birds up close. Lunch is not included, and you may enjoy a meal at your own expense during your visit.
80 minutes here · Admission included
After approximately 140 minutes of travel, arrive at Monbetsu Port. Board the Garinko-go III IMERU for a cruise, one of Hokkaido's most distinctive winter experiences. The vessel is equipped with large rotating drills at the bow that break through drift ice as the ship moves across the Sea of Okhotsk. When drift ice is present, you can witness a spectacular landscape of ice-covered seas while experiencing the sound and vibration of the vessel carving a path through the frozen waters. The contrast between the sea, ice, and winter sunlight creates a truly memorable scene unique to Hokkaido. Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. If ice conditions are insufficient, the cruise will operate as a sightseeing voyage on open water. After the cruise, begin the return journey to Sapporo. The return trip takes approximately 300 minutes. The tour concludes at approximately 9:00 PM.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 29 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Club Tourism International Inc.
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- For non-Japanese travelers, a passport number is required. For Japanese travelers, both date of birth and residential address are required.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Lunch is not included in this tour. You may have lunch at the zoo or bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the bus.
- Drift ice is a natural phenomenon and may not be visible due to weather and sea conditions, including ocean currents and wind direction.
- The tour will operate regardless of drift ice conditions. Standard cancellation and change fees will apply even if drift ice has not reached the coast.
- We do not provide updates on drift ice conditions prior to departure. Please refer to the Sea Ice Forecast and other information published by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
- The drift ice sightseeing icebreaker operates regardless of the presence of drift ice. If there is no drift ice along the route, the cruise will operate as a regular sightseeing cruise, and no refunds will be provided.
- If the icebreaker cruise is canceled due to weather or other conditions, the portion of the tour price corresponding to the cruise fare will be refunded.
- Please bring appropriate cold-weather clothing, such as a down jacket, insulated pants, scarf, hat, gloves, and earmuffs. Footwear with non-slip soles or additional traction devices is strongly recommended.
- The cruise is normally scheduled to last approximately 60 minutes. However, if the drift ice is located farther offshore, the cruise may be extended to a maximum of 90 minutes. In such cases, the tour may return later than scheduled.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $202 to $30,900
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Club Tourism International Inc., who run 40 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything Club Tourism International Inc. runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $202 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapporo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise take?
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Plan for about 13.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapporo is not rushed.
Is Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapporo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapporo and add a light layer if any part of the 13.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapporo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
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On Outty we rank every Sapporo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class, Mondo's most popular No.1!Private experienceThe king of buckwheat noodles making and Japanese food in Sapporo!A plan to enjoy tempura!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapporo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise?
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Included: Cruise fee; Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance; and Round-trip bus transportation. Not included: Food and drinks; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping); and National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise?
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Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hokkaido Winter Adventure Asahiyama Zoo Garinko Icebreaker Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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