Embark on an unforgettable two-day, one-night winter journey through Hokkaido. From snow activities and rare wildlife to hot springs, illuminated ice festivals, and the thrilling icebreaker cruise on the Okhotsk Sea, this tour captures the very best of Hokkaido’s magical winter.
Day 1 – Asahikawa & Sounkyo
Asahiyama Zoo
Japan’s northernmost zoo, renowned for its immersive animal displays. In winter, the highlight is the famous Penguin Walk, where adorable penguins waddle through the snow. The zoo houses over 120 species and offers an up-close look at animal life in motion.
Snow Park
Dive into winter fun with a wide variety of snow activities:
Snow tubing
Bubble Ball (roll inside a giant transparent sphere)
Fat biking and snow soccer
Snowman and snowball play areas for kids
Rooftop observation deck with panoramic snowy views
Perfect for families and couples seeking playful winter adventures without skiing.
Local Lunch
Taste Hokkaido’s regional dishes in Asahikawa before continuing north.
Sounkyo Onsen & Icefall Festival
Stay at a hot spring hotel in Sounkyo, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the Ishikari River valley. In the evening, visit the Sounkyo Icefall Festival, a spectacular event featuring around 30 giant ice structures spread across a 10,000 m² venue. At night, the sculptures are illuminated in vivid colors, creating a fairytale-like kingdom of ice.
Nearby you can also see the Meteor & Ginga Waterfalls — known as the “Couple’s Falls.” In winter, even these mighty cascades freeze into works of art.
Day 2 – Monbetsu & the Okhotsk Sea
Icebreaker Garinko III IMERU
Travel to Monbetsu and board the Garinko III, a powerful icebreaker ship that plows through the drift ice of the Okhotsk Sea.
Witness massive sheets of sea ice cracking and shifting
With luck, spot seals and other wildlife among the floes
Enjoy safe onboard facilities, perfect for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience only available in winter.
Okhotsk Tower
A unique facility standing 38.5 m above sea level with an observation deck and extending 7.5 m underwater.
Panoramic views across the Okhotsk Sea and Shiretoko Mountains (weather permitting)
Japan’s first 360-degree “4D-KING” theater
Underwater exhibits of local marine life with light and sound shows
Local Seafood Lunch
Savor freshly caught crab and seafood at Monbetsu’s local market, highlighting the bounty of the Okhotsk coast.
Giant Crab Claw Statue
Snap a fun photo at Monbetsu’s iconic 12-meter crab claw monument rising from the coast. Covered in snow, it’s a whimsical symbol of the region and a popular spot for memorable shots.