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Hokkaido Monbetsu Icebreaker Cruise x Sounkyo Icefall Festival Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

5.0

Japan | Hokkaido |

11968 are interested with this tour

1 day

1~10 for a group

Self-arrival

7Days prior to the tour for booking

Language： Japanese

CAD $ 211.2 up

Hokkaido Monbetsu Icebreaker Cruise x Sounkyo Icefall Festival Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

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Tour Overview

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Experience the breathtaking winter scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk: View the drift ice in Mobutsu, Hokkaido!

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A popular winter itinerary: Hokkaido icebreaker cruise!

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One of Hokkaido's three major snow festivals is currently holding its 50th Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival. This festival, utilizing the unique features of the Ishikari Riverbank to create an icefall covering 10,000 square meters, is not to be missed!

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Want to visit a zoo and experience a sunset icebreaker cruise? Here's another option:

Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo x Sunset Icebreaker Cruise Day Trip | Sapporo Departure

Want to experience an icebreaker cruise and icebreaker walking? Here's another option: Sapporo Departure | 2025 Hokkaido Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise + Shiretoko Icebreaker Walk 2-Day Trip

Want to see all kinds of icebreakers? Here are 7 recommended icebreaker sights:
Also available: Mombetsu Double Helix Icebreaker Cruise + Onsen (Hot Spring) 2025 Hokkaido Mombetsu Drift Icebreaker Cruise + Mombetsu Onsen 2-Day Tour | Departing from Sapporo

(Limited spots available) Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise, departing from Sapporo. Just dress warmly and embark on a leisurely journey to the northernmost point of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, to witness the spectacular Hokkaido Mombetsu icebreakers! Take a ride on the Garinko III icebreaker and break through layers of thick Hokkaido Mombetsu icebreakers! Experience the thrill of breaking through the ice!

— About the Attraction | Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise—

▲ Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreakers

Morbetsu, Hokkaido. The name Mombetsu comes from the language of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido. In Ainu, Mombetsu means "quiet river," and the most famous attraction in Mombetsu is undoubtedly the "Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise"!

Located in the Sea of Okhotsk, Japan's northernmost point, Mombetsu in Hokkaido is best visited from January to March each year for icebreaker cruises. February, in particular, offers the best opportunity to admire the drift ice. Aboard the Garinko III, you can not only observe the drift ice but also, with luck, encounter rare local visitors – seals!

--About Hokkaido Icebreaker Cruises | Mombetsu Drift Icebreaker Cruise Itinerary--

▲Ocean Exchange Center Located approximately 1 kilometer from the coast, this is the world's first underwater observation tower situated at the tip of the third breakwater in Mombetsu Port. It serves both as a sightseeing facility and a research and observation facility. At 38.5 meters above sea level and 7.5 meters below sea level, it features a three-story observation deck offering 360-degree views, drift ice radar images, a connecting bridge, a shop on the first floor, 16 underwater windows of varying sizes for observation, and a seabed display showcasing marine life such as crystals. Visitors can observe the ecology of various marine creatures not only through the winter drift ice but also throughout the four seasons. ▲GARINKO Ⅲ IMERU Icebreaker, Hokkaido

The GARINKO Ⅲ IMERU, a new icebreaker officially launched in Mombetsu Port in November 2021, is twice the weight of the GARINKO Ⅱ, faster, and features a three-story design, offering a wider field of vision.

The GARINKO Ⅲ is the newest icebreaker in Mombetsu, Hokkaido. Its striking red hull and two massive drill-like structures make it stand out against the white ice floes of Mombetsu, maximizing its effectiveness. When surrounded by the ice floes, this Hokkaido icebreaker truly shines. The GARINKO Ⅲ is designed to use its massive drills to break through the ice; experience its power firsthand!

▲Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival (层云峡热泉冰淨), celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, is considered one of Hokkaido's three major snow festivals, along with the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Asahikawa Festival. The Sounkyo Icefall Festival is the most representative winter festival in the Daisetsuzan region. The festival venue is located on the banks of the Ishikari River, which flows through Sounkyo Onsen, covering an area of 10,000 square meters. Against the backdrop of the famous Sounkyo waterfalls that freeze in winter, various ice sculptures with modern sound and light effects are displayed, each sculpted using the harsh natural temperatures. During the day, the ice sculptures reflect sunlight, emitting a dazzling blue glow; at night, the venue is illuminated with seven colors of light, surrounding the ice sculptures with a mystical atmosphere. Coupled with fireworks, taiko drumming, interactive games, and ice weddings, the festival ignites the cold winter nights of Sounkyo Onsen.

50th Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Shower

January 25, 2025 (Sat) – March 9, 2025 (Sun)

Fireworks will be held daily during the 50th anniversary grand exhibition (8:30 PM – 5 minutes).

Please note that this itinerary does not allow you to stay until the fireworks display time.

Activity process

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Itinerary | Hokkaido Monbetsu Icebreaker Cruise & Sounkyo Icefall Festival Day Trip

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Meet at 10:20 / Depart at 10:30. ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo (Please meet 10 minutes early).

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Stop at the highway rest stop 2 times (Sunagawa Sugawara/Hikari no Riたきのうえ) (15 minutes each) *On departure dates after February, there will be an additional stop at a fishery shop (20 minutes)

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Ocean Exchange Center: Free time/Lunch at your own expense (40 minutes)

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Boarding the Garinko III IMERU icebreaker (approximately 60 minutes) during a drift ice breaker trip.

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Sounkyo Icefall Festival (approx. 40 minutes)

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Stop at a highway rest stop once

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Return to Sapporo

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22:30-23:00 Get off near the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station (disembarkation point, not pick-up point)

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※Return time may be affected by traffic conditions at the time.

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※The itinerary is for reference only and may be subject to change depending on the conditions on the day, including the order and timing of attractions and guided tours.

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Please arrive at the meeting point in advance. The vehicle will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.

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*Due to adjustments in bus service, the buses and crew members for both outbound and return journeys may change. Thank you for your understanding.

Photos

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Hokkaido Monbetsu Icebreaker Cruise x Sounkyo Icefall Festival Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

Travel Notes

【Registration Information】

- This tour is a seasonal limited-time event, open from February 1, 2026 to March 8, 2025. Some dates are already fully booked.

╴ This is a popular tour; secondary confirmation is required after booking. Once the order is confirmed, dates cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any losses incurred will be borne by the participant.

╴ This tour will be assisted by Japanese-speaking staff and translation software.

╴ This tour departs daily from February 1, 2026 to March 8, 2025, with a minimum of 1 person required for a group to depart.

╴ This tour is subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and may end earlier due to ice floes.

╴ Participants aged 3 and above pay the same price as adults. Infants aged 0-2 years require a separate ticket (due to the long distance, they cannot be held on adults' laps).

╴ Each person may bring one piece of luggage.

=╴ The actual vehicle used on the day will be adjusted according to the number of participants.

- When boarding the icebreaker, you will be required to submit the passport numbers of all participants on the passenger list. We will ask for your passport number on the day of the activity. Please note that if you do not know your passport number, you may not be able to board the icebreaker (Garinko).

╴ This tour does not accept solo registrations from participants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. If you wish to register, a guardian or accompanying person must accompany you.

╴ Elderly individuals, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant women are advised to be accompanied by a family member.

╴ Please provide complete participant information when making a reservation to avoid errors that may affect the tour.

╴ During the tour, please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times and take good care of them. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.

* This is a fixed-route shared tour. Participants are requested to adhere to the designated stop times at each attraction and follow the driver/guide's instructions.

* For a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private tour service.

* No refunds will be given for absences or cancellations due to personal reasons, lateness, or other reasons.

* If you leave the group midway through the tour, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refunds will be given. You will be solely responsible for any resulting personal injury or property damage.

* Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. Please understand that delays or cancellations due to the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances are unacceptable and will not be eligible for a refund.

* Please wear comfortable, suitable clothing and shoes for this tour. * Please strictly abide by Japanese laws and regulations. Do not bring any items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid violating the law and affecting your rights.

* During free time, please be aware of your personal safety and belongings. You are solely responsible for any accidents or losses incurred due to disregard for advice.

【Activity Notes】
* The Hokkaido Mombetsu icebreaker cruise takes approximately 60 minutes and may be adjusted depending on the ice conditions on the day.

* If there is no ice floe along the route on the day of the Hokkaido Mombetsu icebreaker cruise, please continue to enjoy the beautiful sea views.

* Ice floes are a natural phenomenon and may not be visible.

* Local temperatures range from 0°C to -15°C. Please wear warm clothing and non-slip shoes.

* Due to road conditions on the day, the return arrival time in Sapporo may be delayed. ╴ The itinerary order may be adjusted depending on road conditions on the day.

╴ In case of severe weather or highway closures, the tour may be unavoidably cancelled.

╴ The Hokkaido Mombetsu icebreaker cruise departs with Japanese guests.

╴ The company is not responsible for delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations due to force majeure events such as traffic or weather conditions.

╴ The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival venue is extremely cold. Please do not touch the ice sculptures or snow. The ground is very slippery; it is recommended to wear snowshoes with non-slip mats. Please prepare accordingly for the cold.

╴ If the Garinko cruise is cancelled and you cannot board, a partial refund will be issued, and you will be rebooked to visit the Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center (GIZA).

╴ If you cannot visit Mombetsu due to road closures or other reasons, a partial refund will be issued, and you will be rebooked to visit the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion. =╴ If you are unable to attend and board the icebreaker cruise for any reason, you will receive a refund of NT$630 for adults and NT$420 for children.

╴ If you voluntarily give up your icebreaker cruise, no refund will be given.

╴ The meeting and dismissal points for the Hokkaido Mombetsu Drift Icebreaker Cruise will vary. Please confirm with the tour leader on the day.

╴ The Hokkaido Mombetsu Drift Icebreaker Cruise does not include any sightseeing information. Please be aware of this.

╴ This tour does not include admission to the Okhotsk Tokkari Center (オホーツクとっかりセンター).

╴ To avoid inconveniencing other passengers and to protect their privacy, live streaming on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) is prohibited during the Mombetsu Drift Icebreaker Cruise. - Meals are not included in this itinerary. Please arrange your own lunch at the rest stop and your own dinner at the return rest stop, or prepare your own dinner in advance. It is recommended not to eat on the bus or to eat quietly and avoid talking. Drinking alcohol is prohibited. Please take note.

Tour Pricing

The cost includes:

Hokkaido Momonbetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Bus Fare

Hokkaido Momonbetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Entrance Fees

Hokkaido Momonbetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Tour Leader Fee

Hokkaido Momonbetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Consumption Tax

The cost does not include:

Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Lunch Fee
Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Marine Exchange Center Admission (500 yen)
Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Personal Travel Insurance
Hokkaido Mombetsu Icebreaker Cruise | Any expenses, optional tours, or costs not listed in this itinerary.

Cancellation Clauses

Standard 10-Day Cancellation Policy

Full refund if canceled 11 days before travel

If a passenger cancels their reservation between 3 days (including the 3rd day) before the start of their trip, no refund will be given.

Rescheduling requests due to personal reasons will be deemed cancellations and will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy outlined above.

If participation is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organizer's control, no refunds will be given.

In the event of force majeure such as natural disasters, Tripbaa will proactively notify the applicant of postponements or refunds.

Standard 10-Day Cancellation Policy

Full refund if canceled 11 days before travel

Cancellations made between 3 and 10 days before the start of the trip (including the 10th day) will incur a 50% handling fee.

Cancellations made within 3 days before the start of the trip (including the 3rd day) will not be refunded.

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Requests to reschedule due to personal reasons will be deemed cancellations and will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy outlined above.

If participants cancel their participation during the event due to reasons not attributable to the organizer, no refunds will be given.

In the event of force majeure such as natural disasters, Tripbaa will proactively notify you of a postponement or refund. Passengers who cancel their trip 11 days before the start of their trip will receive a full refund.

Passengers who cancel their trip 11 days before the start of their trip will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made between 3 and 10 days before the start of the trip (including the 10th day) will incur a 50% handling fee.

Cancellations made 3 days before the start of the trip (including the 3rd day) will not be refunded.

Rescheduling requests due to personal reasons will be deemed cancellations and will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy outlined above.

If participation is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organizer's control, no refunds will be given.

If a natural disaster or other force majeure event occurs, Tripbaa will proactively notify the applicant of any postponement or refund.

Cancellations made 11 days before the start of the trip will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made 3-10 days (including the 10th day) before the start of the trip will incur a 50% handling fee.

Cancellation within 3 days (including the 3rd day) before the start of the trip will not be eligible for a refund.

If participation is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organizer's control, no refund will be given.

If a natural disaster or other force majeure event occurs, Tripbaa will proactively notify you of any postponement or refund.

Cancellations made 11 days before the start of the trip will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made 3-10 days (including the 10th day) before the start of the trip will incur a 50% handling fee.

Cancellation within 3 days (including the 3rd day) before the start of the trip will not be eligible for a refund.

If participation is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organizer's control, no refund will be given.

If a natural disaster or other force majeure event occurs, Tripbaa will proactively notify you of any postponement or refund.

Cancellations made 11 days prior to the start of the trip will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made 4-10 days (including the 10th day) prior to the start of the trip will incur a 50% handling fee.

Cancellations made 3 days (including the 3rd day) prior to the start of the trip will not receive a refund.

Rescheduling requests due to personal reasons will be deemed cancellations and will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy outlined above.

If participation in the event is terminated due to reasons beyond the organizer's control, no refund will be given.

In the event of force majeure such as natural disasters, Tripbaa will proactively notify you of postponements or refunds.

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