Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo worth booking?
Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo is a 48-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $326 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $326 per person
Exclusive Winter Experience – Explore Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, ice festivals, and frozen waterfalls. Snow Adventures for All Ages – Enjoy Snow Tubing, Snow Soccer, Fat Bikes, and Bubble Balls at Asahiyama Snow Park. Wildlife Encounters – Watch the famous Penguin Walk and other active animal displays at Asahiyama Zoo. Spectacular Waterfalls – Marvel at Ryusei (“Shooting Star”) and Ginga (“Milky Way”) Waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge. Icebreaker Cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk – Break through drift ice aboard Garinko III and spot seals and polar wildlife. Local Cuisine & Crab Culture – Savor fresh Hokkaido seafood in Monbetsu, including photo ops at the Giant Crab Claw. Relaxing Hot Springs & Icefall Festival – Unwind at a Sounkyo Onsen hotel and enjoy dazzling ice sculptures and illuminations. Perfect for Families, Couples, or Groups – Combines adventure, nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences in one convenient 2-day trip.
What you get
About this experience
Exclusive Winter Experience – Explore Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, ice festivals, and frozen waterfalls. Snow Adventures for All Ages – Enjoy Snow Tubing, Snow Soccer, Fat Bikes, and Bubble Balls at Asahiyama Snow Park. Wildlife Encounters – Watch the famous Penguin Walk and other active animal displays at Asahiyama Zoo. Spectacular Waterfalls – Marvel at Ryusei (“Shooting Star”) and Ginga (“Milky Way”) Waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge. Icebreaker Cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk – Break through drift ice aboard Garinko III and spot seals and polar wildlife. Local Cuisine & Crab Culture – Savor fresh Hokkaido seafood in Monbetsu, including photo ops at the Giant Crab Claw. Relaxing Hot Springs & Icefall Festival – Unwind at a Sounkyo Onsen hotel and enjoy dazzling ice sculptures and illuminations. Perfect for Families, Couples, or Groups – Combines adventure, nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences in one convenient 2-day trip.
What's included
Included
- Hotels with Hot Springs in the Sounkyo Area
- Admission to Snow Park
- Icebreaker Garinko Go II experience
- Admission to Okhotsk Tokkari Center
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Admission to Okhotsk Tower
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
- Admission to Asahiyama Zoo
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
日本 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 3-chome Legs:旅人の残像
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
日本 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 3-chome Legs:旅人の残像
Options you can book
Plan A (basic activities)
Basic Snow Activities: This package includes all free activities (Snow Tubing, Bubble Ball, Fat Bike, Snow Soccer)
Plan B (Premium Activities)
Premium Snow Activities: Basic Plan + Mini Snowmobile, 4x4 buggy, Rubber Boat, and Snow Play Pass (originally ¥6,000 value)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Monchan Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel Insurance Notice: Overseas medical and emergency rescue expenses can be extremely high. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering overseas medical care and accidents.
- High-Risk Activities: Skiing, snow activities, hot springs, horseback riding, and water sports involve inherent risks. Please assess your own risk and purchase suitable insurance. In cases of force majeure accidents resulting in property loss, injury, or death, the company assumes no legal liability but will render full assistance.
- Passport Registration: Per Japanese Maritime Law, passenger registration is mandatory for Garinko III. Please provide your passport number at booking. No refunds will be provided if boarding is denied due to missing or incorrect passport details.
- Cancellation Alternative: If the icebreaker is canceled due to weather or official reasons, the tour will visit the "Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA" instead, with a group rate refund of ¥4,000 per adult (ages 6+).
- Guide Service: Guiding is provided exclusively in Chinese. Translation apps may be used by the guide for crucial updates (meeting time, locations) to ensure safety and flexibility.
- Group Size: Minimum 8 participants. If not met, cancellation notice will be sent 8 days prior. Final departure notices are issued 1 week before departure.
- Vehicle Service: For smaller groups, a minibus or HiAce may be used with a driver-guide driver.
- Dietary Requests: Please notify us at booking for special dietary requirements (e.g., no beef, vegetarian). We will forward requests to restaurants.
- Infant Meals: Meals are not included for infants under 2 years old.
- Luggage Policy: Please specify luggage size and quantity when booking. If unnotified or exceeding capacity, the guide reserves the right to refuse luggage. Guests must arrange paid storage; no refunds will be given if you miss the tour due to luggage issues.
- Room Types: Room types are assigned by the hotel and cannot be specified. Non-smoking/Smoking requests must be submitted in advance and are subject to hotel availability.
- Hotel Capacity: Hotel rooms are limited. If fully booked, an alternative hotel of equal class will be provided.
- Natural Phenomena: Drift ice, flower blooms, starry skies, snowfall, and autumn leaves are natural phenomena and viewing cannot be guaranteed.
- Ice Waterfall Festival: Organized by local authorities (usually late Jan to early Mar). Please note it may not be available on certain dates.
- Delays & Changes: Force majeure (traffic, weather) may cause delays, itinerary changes, or venue closures. Out of safety, routes may be altered or aborted without refunds or compensation for unused spots or meals.
- Early Departure: No refunds will be provided if you leave the tour early for personal reasons or if the tour turns back mid-way due to weather/safety.
- Punctuality: Please arrive on time at the meeting point to avoid delaying the group.
- Personal Items: Please prepare your own motion sickness medication, rain gear, etc.
- Passenger Count: Infants and children count toward the total passenger capacity.
- Pricing: Children aged 6 and above are charged the same rate as adults.
- Seats & Beds: - Children aged 2 and above require an individual bus seat. - Children aged 0–5 do not include an extra bed in hotels; if a separate bed is needed, an adult ticket must be purchased. - Children aged 6 and above require a separate bed in hotels.
- Seniors Aged 70 and Above must be accompanied by a family member or friend throughout the tour, and must sign a Liability Waiver Form prior to the trip.
- Final Authority: The company reserves the right of final interpretation.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ice breaker 2 day tour.
The biggest disappointment is due to weather, the major highlight of this tour, the ice breaker boat ride has been cancelled. The resort we stay for the night is good from far but far from good as the room inside is deteriorated and dirty.
via Viator
Great trip and well planned
It is a very nice trip, and the lady guide Xiao Li is wonderful and very timely in all the arrangements. Lunch and dinner were great and we love that simple spa hotel. The ice breaking trip is worth it so much ice. We love trip to the zoo watching the penguins. We will use this tour services next, well done Monochan Travel.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the trip, the meals, the spa hotel, and the ice breaking experience. We are also very happy to know that our guide Xiao Li made your journey smooth and memorable. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure with Monchan Travel!
via Viator
Fantastic Experience
This was my first time joining a two-day tour, and due to snowy weather conditions, self-driving was inconvenient, so I happened to come across this itinerary. Throughout this journey, not only did I experience the spectacular icebreaker, but the meals were also incredibly delicious! I'm also grateful for the assistance from the guide and the driver. I would definitely want to participate again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your comment! 😊😊 We also appreciate your enjoyment of our itinerary! Welcome back to Hokkaido anytime!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $326 to $74,400
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Monchan Travel, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.4.
See everything Monchan Travel runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo cost?
+
Prices start at $326 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 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo take?
+
Plan for about 48 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 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
Included: Hotels with Hot Springs in the Sounkyo Area; Admission to Snow Park; Icebreaker Garinko Go II experience; Admission to Okhotsk Tokkari Center; and Lunch. Not included: Personal expenses; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
日本 060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 3-chome Legs:旅人の残像 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo offered in?
+
It is offered in Chinese 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 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
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 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; Infant Meals: Meals are not included for infants under 2 years old; and Passenger Count: Infants and children count toward the total passenger capacity. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
Across 3 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Plan A (basic activities), Plan B (Premium Activities). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hokkaido Winter 2-Day Tour: Icebreaker Cruise, Sounkyo & Zoo.
Pick your date
