Hokkaido 2-Day Tour to Icebreaker Monbetsu and Asahiyama Zoo Japan Winter

Overview

Unleash Hokkaido’s wild winter essence on this captivating 2-day, 1-night tour from Sapporo, blending Asahikawa’s wildlife wonders with Monbetsu’s icy Okhotsk frontier. Day 1 immerses you in Asahiyama Zoo’s “active display” magic (2.5 hours, ticket ¥1,000 included), Japan’s top-visited menagerie where king penguins parade twice daily (11:00 AM/2:30 PM, December 12, 2025–mid-March 2026) and red pandas bridge snowy enclosures.

Delve into Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum (30 minutes, free) for a taste of Asahikawa’s gold-medal sakes since 1977, brewed with pure local water. Day 2 ventures north to Ryusei & Ginga Falls (15 minutes, free)—Japan’s “Top 100 Waterfalls” duo, male-powerful Ryusei contrasting female-graceful Ginga amid frozen gorges. Ascend Okhotsk Tower (45 minutes, ~¥800 included), the world’s first ice-sea observatory for underwater marine views. Board the GARINKO GO II icebreaker (1 hour, ~¥3,000 included) to plow through Okhotsk floes (late January–early March 2026), spotting Steller’s sea eagles and seals.

Wrap at Okhotsk Tokkari Center (30 minutes, ~¥500 included), Japan’s seal conservation hub. Stay at Sounkyo hot spring hotel with dinner/breakfast, and enjoy robatayaki with mini seafood donburi (¥2,000). With multilingual staff, comfortable coach, and red statue meet at Sapporo JR East Exit, this ~2-day escape is perfect for animal lovers, sake aficionados, or ice explorers—book for mid-February 2026 floe peak (0–5°C, layers/gloves).

Why Choose This Experience?

• Icebreaker Intensity: GARINKO GO II’s floe-crushing roar and eagle/seal sightings in Okhotsk’s “white waves” (late January–early March 2026)—UNESCO marine thrill.
• Zoo’s Winter Wonders: Asahiyama’s penguin parades (December 12+ 2025) and behavioral exhibits shine in snow—Japan’s most visited for a reason.
• Sake & Sips: Otokoyama’s global gold-medal tastings (free museum)—Hokkaido water’s purity in every sip.
• Waterfall Duo: Ryusei & Ginga (#100 Waterfalls)—frozen gorges in winter, contrasting power and grace.
• Sounkyo Soak: Hot spring hotel with robatayaki dinner/breakfast (~¥2,000 donburi)—Daisetsuzan National Park relaxation.
• Seamless Sapporo Flow: Coach from JR East Exit red statue—multilingual staff, all admissions bundled (~¥5,300 value).

Highlights

• Asahiyama Zoo: 2.5 hours of “active displays”—penguin walks (11:00 AM/2:30 PM, December 12–mid-March 2026), red panda bridges, seal tubes (~¥1,000 included).
• GARINKO GO II Cruise: 1-hour Okhotsk floe smash—vibrations, eagles/seals (~¥3,000 included, late January–early March 2026).
• Otokoyama Sake Museum: 30-minute free tasting—gold-medal Hokkaido sakes since 1977.
• Ryusei & Ginga Falls: 15-minute free visit—male/female “Top 100 Waterfalls” in frozen splendor.
• Okhotsk Tower: 45-minute observatory—ice-sea underwater views (~¥800 included).
• Okhotsk Tokkari Center: 30-minute seal conservation hub—rescued marine life (~¥500 included).
• Sounkyo Hotel Stay: Hot springs, robatayaki dinner/breakfast with donburi (~¥2,000).

Pricing

From ¥54,000 per person

Includes

• A (BASIC): Round-trip bus, Japanese/English guide, Asahiyama Zoo (¥1,000), Okhotsk Tower (¥800), Tokkari Center (¥500), GARINKO cruise (¥3,000), Sounkyo hotel (dinner/breakfast), Fuel/tolls/parking/gratuities.
• B (SEAFOOD UPGRADE): Round-trip bus, Guide, All admissions, Hotel, Robatayaki lunch with donburi (~¥2,000).
• C (FAMILY): Round-trip bus, Guide, All admissions, Hotel, Child discounts (~50% off).
• D (PRIVATE): Private bus for 4–8, Guide, All admissions, Hotel, Custom pacing.

Note: Prices for 2025/26; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Lunch self-paid A (¥1,000); passport for cruise. Book mid-February 2026 for ice; season December–March.

Itinerary

Starting location:
ANAクラウンプラザホテル 札幌 (wait, no—JR Sapporo East Exit red statue)

Bus/coach (80 minutes)

Sunagawa service area up line
Break time (15 minutes)

• Snacks/rest.

Roadside Rest Area “Kaori no Sato Takinoue”
Break time (15 minutes)

• Local flavors.

Ocean Exchange Center
Free time, Sightseeing (50 minutes, optional)

• Ice museum exhibits.

Marukaichi Suisan
Visit, Free time, Shopping (50 minutes, optional)

• Crab/seafood shopping.

Drift Ice Breaker Ship “Garinko No. 3 Imeru” Embarkation Area
Visit, Free time, Sightseeing (1 hour)

• GARINKO GO II cruise—floe smashing.

Dezuka Fisheries Co., Ltd.
Free time, Shopping (20 minutes)

• Free scallop tempura.

Secret stop
Break time (10 minutes)

• Hidden views.

Secret stop
Break time (10 minutes)

• Local pause.

Bus/coach (1.5 hours)

Finish at:
札幌駅北口駅前広場 (JR Sapporo Station North Plaza)

Note: Total ~10 hours; Day 1: Zoo/museum; Day 2: Falls/tower/cruise/ranch/center. Meet JR East Exit red statue 6:50 AM for 7:00 AM Day 1. Mid-February 2026 ice peak.

What to Expect

Day 1: Meet at JR Sapporo East Exit red statue (6:50 AM for 7:00 AM), bus to Asahikawa for 2.5-hour Asahiyama Zoo magic—penguin parades (December 12+ 2025), red pandas in snow (¥1,000 included).

30-minute Otokoyama Sake Museum tasting—gold-medal sips. Evening Sounkyo hotel check-in with robatayaki dinner (¥2,000 donburi). Day 2: Breakfast, bus to Ryusei/Ginga Falls (15 minutes free)—frozen “Top 100 Waterfalls.” Okhotsk Tower (45 minutes, ~¥800 included)—ice-sea observatory. GARINKO GO II cruise (1 hour, ~¥3,000 included)—Okhotsk floes, eagles/seals (mid-February 2026 peak).

Okhotsk Tokkari Center (30 minutes, ~¥500 included)—seal rescues. Marukaichi Suisan shopping (50 minutes optional)—crab fresh. Dezuka tempura (20 minutes free). Secret stops (10 minutes each)—hidden charm. Return ~4:30 PM to JR North Plaza—wild for zoo fans (penguin walks) or ice seekers (breaker thrill), with 0–5°C chills needing layers.

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: JR Sapporo East Exit red statue (6:50 AM for 7:00 AM Day 1)—no contact, lateness 100% fee.
• Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify passport (cruise required), dietary/allergies. Mid-February ice peak.
• Weather: Cruises run light ice; heavy storms cancel (full refund). Late January–early March 2026 viewing.
• Health: Light walking (~2km); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Cold exposure—layers/gloves; passport mandatory.
• Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise cruise/zoo.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised on cruise/zoo. Lunch kid-friendly.
• Group Size: Up to 40 (bus); shared, solo OK.
• Attire: Layers, gloves, hat (0–5°C); camera for floes/eagles; passport essential.
• Duration: 2 days; ice season late January–early March 2026 (mid-February peak).
• Accessibility: Flat paths; cruise accessible—notify for mobility. Japanese staff (apps OK).
• Photos: Floes/seals prime—staff tips; no drones.
• Sustainability: Respect Okhotsk—no litter; follow wildlife rules.

Reviews

“GARINKO’s floe-crushing was epic—eagles soared, seals waved! Zoo penguins waddled in snow, sake tasting smooth. Sounkyo onsen heaven—February 2026 must!”

“Family adventure: Kids loved zoo, bears at ranch, cruise vibrations. Donburi upgrade fresh; hotel dinner cozy. Guide’s Japanese fine with app—Hokkaido wild!”

“Asahiyama’s exhibits blew me away—red pandas tumbling in powder. Icebreaker’s roar unforgettable, falls frozen art. Mid-February ice peak spot-on.”

FAQs

When is Okhotsk ice viewing season?

Late January–early March 2026—mid-February for thick floes, eagles/seals.

Is cruise/lunch included?

Yes—cruise (¥3,000); lunch upgrade (¥2,000) optional, basic self-paid (~¥1,000).

Suitable for kids/families?

Yes—ages 4+ enjoy cruise/zoo; under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise edges.

What if weather cancels cruise?

Light ice fine; heavy storms full refund. Museum alternative included.

How long is Sapporo round-trip bus?

80 minutes out, 1.5 hours back on comfortable coach with SA breaks.

Passport required for cruise?

Yes—number mandatory; no boarding without (full fee forfeit).

Dining options on tour?

Donburi upgrade (¥2,000 crab/roe); museum ramen (¥1,000)—self-paid basic.

Location