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

Hokkaido’s winter season offers a truly mesmerizing experience for nature enthusiasts. The awe-inspiring drift ice formations and intricate ice sculptures at the Sounkyo Ice Sculpture Festival captivate visitors from around the world. Exploring this winter wonderland promises breathtaking scenery, unique culture, and an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the icy landscapes from a scenic cruise or admiring the artistry of the ice carvings, Hokkaido’s winter magic is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Good To Know

• Explore Hokkaido’s mesmerizing drift ice formations and marvel at the intricate ice sculptures at the Sounkyo Ice Sculpture Festival.
• Enjoy a full-day adventure, including a cruise on the Garinko III to observe the winter scenery and admission to the ice festival.
• Accessibility is provided, with the tour being wheelchair and stroller friendly, though not recommended for pregnant travelers or those needing detailed guidance.
• Weather and drift ice conditions may impact the experience, with alternate activities arranged if the Garinko ship is canceled or unable to reach Monbetsu.
• Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and well-organized itinerary, with the operator acknowledging the weather’s impact and providing a fulfilling winter experience.

Tour Overview

This tour offers a chance to explore Hokkaido’s renowned winter drift ice and the stunning Sounkyo Ice Sculpture Festival.

Priced from $151.95 per person, the tour includes a drift ice ship cruise and admission to the ice festival.

With a 3.0 average rating from 2 reviews, the experience promises a memorable winter adventure.

The tour starts at 8:20 AM and ends around 9:00 PM, meeting at the ANA Crowne Plaza in Sapporo and concluding at Sapporo Station.

While wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those requiring detailed sightseeing guidance.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins at 8:20 AM, with participants meeting at the ANA Crowne Plaza in Sapporo.

From there, the group embarks on a full-day adventure, returning to Sapporo Station around 9:00 PM.

The itinerary includes:

1. A cruise on the Garinko III drift ice ship to observe the stunning winter scenery.
2. Admission to the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival, where visitors can marvel at the intricate ice sculptures.
3. Lunch at the Ocean Exchange Center, offering a variety of dining options from ramen to convenience store fare.

Accessibility and Participant Information

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the trip, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

The staff speaks simple English and Japanese, but no detailed sightseeing guidance is provided.

Participants should bring their passport or know their passport number for boarding the Garinko ship.

While the tour aims to be inclusive, some restrictions apply to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

Weather and Drift Ice Conditions

Viewing the drift ice is dependent on weather and docking conditions, and no refunds are provided if the drift ice isn’t visible during the tour.

However, the operator has established a compensation policy:

1. If the Garinko ship is canceled due to weather, a refund of 3,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children will be provided, with an alternate stop at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center.

2. If the tour is unable to reach Monbetsu due to road conditions, the same refund applies, and the group will visit the Ice Pavilion instead.

3. Passengers must bring their passport or know their passport number for boarding the Garinko ship.

Positive Review

Peter_T, a recent traveler, enjoyed the ice drifting experience on the Garinko III.

He praised the knowledgeable guide and skilled driver, who ensured a seamless and memorable journey.

Despite the weather’s impact on drift ice visibility, Peter_T appreciated the opportunity to witness the natural wonder of Hokkaido’s winter landscape.

The tour’s well-organized itinerary and inclusion of the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival added to the overall satisfactory experience.

While weather conditions can be unpredictable, Peter_T’s positive review suggests the tour provides a worthwhile exploration of Hokkaido’s iconic drift ice and ice sculptures.

Negative Review

Though the tour promised a chance to witness Hokkaido’s iconic drift ice, KokYee_C was dissatisfied with their experience due to the lack of visible drift ice.

They suggested that the tour operator should:

1. Cancel the tour when drift ice conditions are poor, rather than proceeding.
2. Provide clear communication about the likelihood of drift ice sightings based on current weather and docking conditions.
3. Offer a partial refund when the primary attraction can’t be experienced due to circumstances outside the control of the participants.

The operator acknowledged the weather’s impact on drift ice visibility and encouraged guests to enjoy the other activities regardless.

Operator Response

The tour operator acknowledged the weather’s impact on drift ice visibility and encouraged guests to enjoy the other activities regardless.

They understood that seeing the drift ice was the main draw of the tour, but pointed out that there were still other worthwhile experiences to be had.

The operator emphasized that while refunds were available if the drift ice viewing was cancelled, they hoped visitors would still find value in exploring the Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival and dining at the Ocean Exchange Center.

Despite the unpredictable nature of the drift ice, the operator aimed to provide a fulfilling winter experience overall.

Exploring the Mesmerizing Drift Ice and Sounkyo Ice Sculpture

Visitors embark on a captivating journey to witness the mesmerizing drift ice and intricate Sounkyo Ice Sculpture in Hokkaido, Japan.

The tour offers three highlights:

1. Gliding across the majestic drift ice aboard the Garinko III ship, marveling at the natural wonder shaped by wind and waves.

2. Exploring the breathtaking Sounkyo Ice Falls Festival, where intricate ice sculptures sparkle in the winter light.

3. Indulging in a delightful lunch at the Ocean Exchange Center, savoring the local flavors of the region.

Despite the unpredictable nature of drift ice, the tour provides alternate activities to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Day to View the Drift Ice?

The best time to view the drift ice is in the morning, as the Garinko III ship tour departs at 8:20 AM. This maximizes the chances of seeing the drift ice, as conditions are more favorable earlier in the day.

Can I Take Pictures and Videos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take pictures and videos during the tour. The tour provider allows participants to capture the stunning drift ice formations and ice sculptures at their own discretion throughout the day.

Is There a Guide Available to Explain the Sights?

The tour provides staff who speak simple English and Japanese, but detailed sightseeing guidance is not provided. Participants should not expect a comprehensive guide to explain the sights in detail during the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Gratuities Required?

The tour price includes the drift ice ship, Sounkyo Ice Falls admission, and lunch. No additional fees or gratuities are required. However, travelers should bring their passport or know their passport number for boarding the drift ice ship.

Can I Extend My Stay in Sapporo After the Tour?

You can extend your stay in Sapporo after the tour, but the tour operator doesn’t provide any assistance with accommodations or additional activities. You’d need to make your own arrangements for an extended stay in the city.

The Sum Up

Hokkaido’s winter wonderland offers a unique and breathtaking experience with the awe-inspiring Drift Ice and Sounkyo Ice Sculpture Festival. Visitors can marvel at the stunning ice formations on a scenic cruise and explore the intricate ice sculptures. This unforgettable journey provides a glimpse into Hokkaido’s winter magic, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.