SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, Japan

SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews12.5 hoursFrom $218
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE worth booking?

SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE is a 12.5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $218 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
12.5 hours
From
$218 per person

1 day tour for Ice Breaker Cruise Ⅲ・IMERU Cruise & SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL experience in winter Hokkaido! 1. Garinko-go Icebreaker: Experience a thrilling journey aboard the Garinko-go, a specially designed icebreaker ship that navigates through the icy waters of the Shiretoko Peninsula. You'll witness the stunning winter landscape of drifting sea ice and might even spot wildlife such as seals. 【Drift Ice Bowl】Only for Lunch plan : The seafood bowl filled with luxurious seafood including snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops, which is the typical flavors of the Sea of Okhotsk. 2. Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival: Visit the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival in Hokkaido, known for its spectacular ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls. The festival features intricate ice carvings and illuminated ice structures, creating a magical winter wonderland. These attractions offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s winter beauty and icy landscapes.

What you get

    About this experience

    1 day tour for Ice Breaker Cruise Ⅲ・IMERU Cruise & SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL experience in winter Hokkaido! 1. Garinko-go Icebreaker: Experience a thrilling journey aboard the Garinko-go, a specially designed icebreaker ship that navigates through the icy waters of the Shiretoko Peninsula. You'll witness the stunning winter landscape of drifting sea ice and might even spot wildlife such as seals. 【Drift Ice Bowl】Only for Lunch plan : The seafood bowl filled with luxurious seafood including snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops, which is the typical flavors of the Sea of Okhotsk. 2. Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival: Visit the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival in Hokkaido, known for its spectacular ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls. The festival features intricate ice carvings and illuminated ice structures, creating a magical winter wonderland. These attractions offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s winter beauty and icy landscapes.

    What's included

    Included

    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Lunch (Lunch Plan Only)
    • Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival Admission Fee
    • Garinko-go Boarding Fee

    Not included

    • Other Personal Expences

    What you'll see and do

    1. ▶Plan with Lunch / 40 mins Lunch and Shopping at Marukaichi Suisan Fisheries Lunch is included: Could enjoy the seafood bowl named "Drift Ice Bowl" filled with luxurious seafood including snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops, which is the typical flavors of the Sea of Okhotsk. ▶Plan without Lunch / 20 mins Shopping at Marukaichi Suisan Fisheries.*Only available for departures from February onwards

      40 minutes here

    2. ▶Plan with Lunch / 40 mins Ocean Exchange Center (free time at Okhotsk Tower and Tokkari Center / admission fee is at your own expense)*Free time is available only for departures from February onwards. ▶Plan without Lunch / 50 mins Ocean Exchange Center (Free time at Okhotsk Tower and Tokkari Center / admission fee is at your own expense)*You can buy and take lunch at Ocean Exchange Center.

      50 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Monbetsu - GARINKO-GO Ⅲ・IMERU Icebreaker Cruise experience

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Sounkyo Hot Spring Ice Fall Festival

      The "ice waterfall" in the Ice Waterfall Festival refers to the frozen water flowing from the waterfall. Making the most of the extreme cold that causes the waterfall to freeze, ice sculptures of all sizes are lined up, and when lit up, they create a fantastical sight.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sapporo

    Meet8:20/Dep8:30 Check-in with the on-site staff at 1F lobby inside the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 1Day tour Without Meal plan

    • With Seafood Bowl Lunch plan

      Drift-ice Seafood Bowl: filled with luxurious seafood including snow crab, salmon roe, and scallops, crab soup, typical flavors of the Sea of Okhotsk

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ja
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants (0-2 years old) will be charged JPY 4,500 and a seat will be provided for them. Participation on the lap of companions is not accepted.
    • Please note that you may not be able to view the drift ice depending on the weather and docking conditions.
    • 1) If the drift ice breaker is canceled due to weather, etc. -- Refund of 5,000 yen for adults/4,000 yen for children, and instead we will stop at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center "Giza".
    • 2) If we are unable to reach Monbetsu due to road conditions :[Without Meal Plan] -- Refund of 5,000 yen for adults/4,000 yen for children, and instead we will stop at the Ice Pavilion.
    • 2) If we are unable to reach Monbetsu due to road conditions: [Drift-ice Seafood Bowl Lunch] -- Refunds will be made for 7,000 yen for adults and 6,000 yen for children, and instead we will stop by the Ice Pavilion. *Meals (lunch) will not be provided. The refund amount includes the cost of meals, so please eat lunch on your own.
    • About lunch: If you applied for the plans without meals, it will be a meals at own expense each person at the Ocean Exchange Center.
    • About dinner: You will have to eat on your own, but places where you can buy it are limited, so please prepare a light meal in advance. You cannot eat or drink on the bus, so it will be outdoors, but please eat when you get off the bus at each sightseeing spot or resting place.
    • An attendant will be on board. (Not a tour conductor.)
    • Please refrain from participating on the last day of your trip term as there is no compensation for bus delays.
    • Please note that there is no guarantee when transportation facilities are terminated. In that case, please note that the tour fee will not be refunded for cancellation on the day.
    • *If you've participated in at least one activity, visited at least one attraction or used one of the tickets, refunds can't be issued

    Photos

    SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 2SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 3SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 4SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 5SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 6SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE in Sapporo, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    458wy · March 2026

    Hokkaido's frozen sea

    Drifting among grinding ice, a symphony of cracking floes. Endless white serenity Hokkaido's frozen sea reveals nature's stark, stunning purity.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $218 to $35,500
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by H.I.S.Co., Ltd., who run 185 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.5.

    See everything H.I.S.Co., Ltd. runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)13
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.

    How much does SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE cost?

    +

    Prices start at $218 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE take?

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    Plan for about 12.5 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE?

    +

    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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ 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?

    +

    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 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ 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?

    +

    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?

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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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE?

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    Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Lunch (Lunch Plan Only); Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival Admission Fee; and Garinko-go Boarding Fee. Not included: Other Personal Expences. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE?

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    Meet8:20/Dep8:30 Check-in with the on-site staff at 1F lobby inside the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE offered in?

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    It runs in Japanese. 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Infants (0-2 years old) will be charged JPY 4,500 and a seat will be provided for them. Pa. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ 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.

    What booking options are available for SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including 1Day tour Without Meal plan, With Seafood Bowl Lunch plan. 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 SOUNKYO ICE FALL FESTIVAL & NEW Icebreakers GARINKO GO Ⅲ CRUISE.

    Pick your date