Winter in Hokkaido! Visit Asahiyama Zoo, the Frozen Ice Sea and Sunset Cruise

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, transforms into a winter wonderland, captivating visitors with its enchanting landscapes. Explore the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, home to incredible Arctic wildlife, then embark on the Garinko III sunset cruise to witness the stunning frozen ice sea. This unforgettable journey offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. But there’s more to discover about this enchanting winter escape.

Key Points

• Explore the winter wonderland of Hokkaido by visiting the Asahiyama Zoo, known for its up-close encounters with Arctic wildlife like polar bears and red pandas.
• Experience a scenic sunset cruise on the Garinko III ice crusher, offering views of the frozen landscapes and diverse marine life.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, with English-speaking staff available, though not recommended for pregnant individuals.
• The tour starts at 8:50 am from the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo and ends at Sapporo Station around 10 PM, with the option to purchase a seafood bento box.
• Participants can benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and refunds for the Garinko cruise if canceled due to weather conditions.

Tour Overview

The tour highlights key attractions in Hokkaido during the winter season.

Travelers will visit Asahiyama Zoo to see polar bears, arctic foxes, and red pandas. They’ll then take a sunset cruise on the Garinkogo II ice crusher to view the stunning icy landscape.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and most travelers can participate, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals.

English-speaking staff is available, though no detailed guidance is provided.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, and refunds are offered if the cruise is canceled due to weather.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at 08:50 am, with the meeting point being the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo.

The tour ends at Sapporo Station, returning around 22:00-22:30.

Included are admission to Asahiyama Zoo and the Garinko III cruise.

An optional seafood bento box is available for ¥2000.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

English-speaking staff are available, though no detailed guidance is provided.

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours prior, and refunds are given if the Garinko cruise is canceled due to weather.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour offers wheelchair-accessible transportation, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Most travelers can participate, with English-speaking staff available, though detailed guidance is not provided.

Accessibility	Participation	Additional Notes
Wheelchair accessible vehicle	Most travelers can join	English-speaking staff available
Not suitable for pregnancies	No detailed guidance provided	Possibility of delays possible
Transportation is accessible	Easy to join the group activities	Check weather and road conditions

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

If the Garinko cruise is canceled due to weather, adults receive a ¥3,000 refund, and children receive ¥2,000.

In case road conditions prevent reaching the destinations, alternative stops will be provided.

The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers, and delays may occur due to traffic or weather.

Participants must provide their passport number for the Garinko boarding, and large luggage will be stored in the bus trunk, requiring hand luggage for sightseeing.

Asahiyama Zoo: An Arctic Wonderland

Asahiyama Zoo, nestled in the northern reaches of Hokkaido, offers visitors a unique chance to witness the captivating world of Arctic wildlife.

Home to polar bears, arctic foxes, and red pandas, the zoo provides an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures. Visitors can observe the polar bears diving and playing in their specialized enclosure, designed to mimic their natural habitat.

The zoo’s dedicated staff ensures the animals’ well-being and offers engaging educational programs.

With its remarkable collection of Arctic species, Asahiyama Zoo is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts exploring the winter wonderland of Hokkaido.

Garinko III Cruise: Sailing Through the Icy Landscape

The Garinko III ice crusher offers visitors a captivating sunset cruise through Hokkaido’s stunning icy landscape.

Gliding across the frigid waters, travelers can marvel at the mesmerizing frozen scenery, including towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

The cruise provides an opportunity to view the region’s diverse wildlife, like seals and sea birds, in their natural habitat.

Passengers can warm up with an optional seafood bento box, taking in the breathtaking vistas as the sun slowly sets.

The Garinko III cruise is a must-do activity for anyone seeking to enjoy Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.

Dining Options and Luggage Considerations

Visitors have the option to purchase a seafood bento box during the Garinko III cruise, providing a convenient meal option.

However, no dinner options are provided, so it’s recommended to bring food.

Large luggage can be stored in the bus trunk, but hand luggage will be needed for sightseeing.

Passport numbers are required for Garinko boarding, so travelers should bring their passport or note the number.

The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers, and delays may occur due to traffic or weather conditions.

Planning ahead with luggage and meals will ensure a smooth and enjoyable winter experience in Hokkaido.

Group Size and Potential Delays

The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers, which may result in potential delays due to the large group size.

With a group that size, loading and unloading the bus, as well as managing the logistics of the tour stops, can take longer than for smaller groups.

Weather conditions in Hokkaido during the winter can also impact travel times and cause delays.

The tour operator notes the possibility of delays due to traffic or weather, so travelers should be prepared for a flexible schedule and potential changes to the itinerary if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code, but warmly dressed visitors are recommended to stay comfortable in the cold Hokkaido weather. Layering clothing and bringing gloves, hats, and thick jackets are advised for the outdoor activities.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour does not mention any discounts available. However, there is an optional seafood bento box available for purchase at ¥2,000. Travelers may want to bring their own food to save on costs during the day-long tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour overview mentions that there are no dinner options, so it’s recommended to bring your own food, especially if you don’t want to purchase the seafood bento box.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Tour Bus?

The tour bus does not have Wi-Fi available. Travelers should plan accordingly, as internet access may be limited during the tour. Bringing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or using cellular data is recommended if internet connectivity is required.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Day?

Travelers can’t leave the tour group at any point during the day. The tour is a packaged experience, and participants are expected to stay with the group for the duration of the activities as outlined in the itinerary.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable winter journey in Hokkaido. Explore the captivating Asahiyama Zoo and witness the beauty of the frozen ice sea on the Garinko III sunset cruise. This enchanting experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in a true winter wonderland.