Icebreaker GARINKO GO III Cruise Explore Ice and Snow Tour Winter Japan

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating winter voyage through Hokkaido’s frozen frontier on this full-day tour from Sapporo, boarding the mighty GARINKO GO III icebreaker to smash through the Sea of Okhotsk’s drifting ice floes—home to ethereal “white waves” and wildlife sightings from late January to early March 2026.

Feel the hull’s roar and vibrations as 2m-thick ice shatters, revealing sparkling seascapes where Steller’s sea eagles soar and seals bask on floes, in a UNESCO-recognized marine wonder. Upgrade for a luxurious seafood donburi lunch (~¥2,000 value) featuring crab, roe, and scallops from Monbetsu Harbor, or opt for the museum’s food court (self-paid ~¥1,000).

En route, break at Sunagawa SA for snacks, Kaori no Sato Takinoue for local flavors, and Marukaichi Suisan for fresh crab shopping. Wind down with complimentary scallop tempura from Dezuka Fisheries, and secret stops for hidden gems.

With Japanese-speaking staff, round-trip bus from ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo (6:50 AM meet, 7:00 AM depart, ~4:30 PM return to JR Sapporo North Plaza), and passport-required boarding, this ~10-hour odyssey is perfect for wildlife lovers, foodies, or adventurers chasing Okhotsk’s raw beauty—book for mid-February 2026 peak ice (0–5°C, layers essential).

Why Choose This Experience?

• Icebreaker Thrill: GARINKO GO III’s dual propellers crush 2m ice—feel the power, spot eagles/seals in a UNESCO marine realm (late January–early March 2026).
• Seafood Indulgence: Upgrade for crab/roe donburi (¥2,000) or self-craft at museum’s ramen/conbini (¥1,000)—Monbetsu’s fresh bounty shines.
• Wildlife & Views: Okhotsk’s “white waves” and floe-dwellers—vibrations and roars immerse you in winter’s edge.
• Sapporo Convenience: 80-minute bus from ANA Crowne Plaza—Japanese staff guide, passport boarding (no-show forfeit).
• Hidden Gems: Secret stops, Takinoue’s scents, Dezuka’s free tempura—mid-February 2026 ice peak for magic.
• Stress-Free: No advance contact—punctual 6:50 AM meet; weekends/holidays adjust for traffic (no refunds).

Highlights

• GARINKO GO III Cruise: 1-hour ice-smashing voyage—feel hull vibrations, spot Steller’s eagles/seals on floes (late January–early March 2026; passport required).
• Seafood Donburi Lunch: Upgrade for luxurious bowl (crab/roe/scallops ¥2,000) or museum’s ramen/conbini (¥1,000)—Monbetsu fresh.
• Ocean Exchange Center: 50-minute free time—explore ice museum’s underwater world, shrimp/northern fish exhibits.
• Marukaichi Suisan: 50-minute shopping—fresh crab/seafood, harbor vibes.
• Dezuka Fisheries: 20-minute stop—complimentary scallop tempura, kamaboko souvenirs.
• Secret Stops: 10-minute breaks—hidden views, local flavors en route.

Pricing

From ¥23,467 per person

Includes

• A (BASIC): Round-trip bus, Japanese-speaking staff, GARINKO GO III cruise (~¥3,000), Dezuka tempura.
• B (LUNCH UPGRADE): Round-trip bus, Japanese-speaking staff, Cruise, Donburi lunch (~¥2,000), Tempura.
• C (MUSEUM FOCUS): Round-trip bus, Japanese-speaking staff, Cruise, Museum free time, Tempura.
• D (FAMILY): Round-trip bus, Japanese-speaking staff, Cruise, Lunch for 4 (~¥8,000), Tempura.

Note: Prices for 2026; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Lunch self-paid Option A (¥1,000); passport mandatory (no boarding without). Book mid-February for ice peak (late January–early March).

Itinerary

Starting location:
ANAクラウンプラザホテル 札幌 (ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo)

Bus/coach (80 minutes)

Sunagawa service area up line
Break time (15 minutes)

• Snacks/rest en route.

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

• Local flavors, scents of Hokkaido.

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

• Ice museum’s underwater world, shrimp/fish exhibits.

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

• Fresh crab/seafood shopping, harbor views.

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

• GARINKO GO III cruise—ice smashing, eagle/seal spotting.

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

• Complimentary scallop tempura, kamaboko souvenirs.

Secret stop
Break time (10 minutes)

• Hidden gem views.

Secret stop
Break time (10 minutes)

• Local flavor 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; meet 1F lobby 6:50 AM for 7:00 AM departure, look for “Wonder Tour” flag—no advance contact. Mid-February 2026 ice peak; times adjust for traffic/holidays.

What to Expect

Gather at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo 1F lobby (6:50 AM for 7:00 AM departure), spotting the “Wonder Tour” flag—no calls ahead, so arrive early. Board the comfortable bus for an 80-minute ride to Sunagawa SA (15-minute snack break), then Kaori no Sato Takinoue (15-minute local flavors).

By 9:30 AM, Ocean Exchange Center’s 50-minute free time lets you explore the ice museum’s shrimp/northern fish exhibits (optional). At 10:20 AM, Marukaichi Suisan’s 50-minute shopping spree offers fresh crab/seafood (¥2,000–¥5,000).

The highlight: 1-hour GARINKO GO III cruise at 11:10 AM—feel the roar as it crushes 2m floes, spotting eagles/seals in Okhotsk’s white waves (passport scanned, late January–early March 2026; ~¥3,000 included). Post-cruise, Dezuka Fisheries’ 20-minute stop gifts scallop tempura and kamaboko tastings. Two secret 10-minute breaks reveal hidden views/flavors.

Return 1.5 hours (4:30 PM) to JR Sapporo North Plaza—raw for wildlife spotters (eagles/seals) or foodies (crab lunch upgrade ~¥2,000), with mid-February 2026 ice peak (0–5°C, layers/gloves).

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo 1F lobby (6:50 AM for 7:00 AM departure)—look for “Wonder Tour” flag; no contact, lateness 100% fee.
• Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify passport number (mandatory for cruise, no boarding without). Dietary/allergies for lunch.
• Weather: Cruises run in light ice/snow; heavy storms cancel (full refund). Late January–early March 2026 ice viewing.
• Health: Light walking (~1km); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Cold exposure—layers/gloves; passport required.
• Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates? inquire); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise near water/ice.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised on cruise. 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: ~10 hours; ice season late January–early March 2026 (mid-February peak).
• Accessibility: Flat paths; cruise accessible—notify for mobility aids. Japanese staff (translation apps OK).
• Photos: Floes/seals prime—staff tips; no drones.
• Sustainability: Respect Okhotsk—no litter; follow wildlife viewing rules.

Reviews

“GARINKO’s ice-crushing roar was unreal—eagles soared, seals basked! Seafood donburi upgrade divine; secret stops charming. Mid-February magic from Sapporo!”

“Family thrill: Kids loved floe vibrations, crab lunch fresh. Guide’s Japanese fine with app; passport tip saved us. Hokkaido winter bucket-list!”

“Okhotsk’s white waves mesmerized—spotting Steller’s eagles epic. Museum exhibits cool, tempura bonus. Easy day trip, book early for February ice.”

FAQs

When is ice viewing season?

Late January–early March 2026—mid-February peak for thick floes and wildlife.

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; under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise near water.

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/conbini (¥1,000)—self-paid basic.

Location