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Hokkaido | Abashiri

Ice Breaker Cruise

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Ice Breaker Cruise

Located on a similar geographical latitude as Portland (Oregon) and Venice (Italy), the Sea of Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido is the northern hemisphere's southernmost region to see drifting sea ice. The sea ice typically reaches the coast around Abashiri in mid to late January and disappears again by late March to mid April. The best time to view it is usually around the second half of February. While drift ice can be observed along the entire Sea of Okhotsk coast from Wakkanai to the Shiretoko Peninsula, it gets thickest around Abashiri. Due to global warming, the amount and thickness of the drift ice has decreased quite considerably since the late 1980s.One of the best and easiest ways to see the drift ice is from the Aurora Sightseeing Boats, which depart from Abashiri Port. Because drift ice is not always visible from the coast, the boats travel out into the Sea of Okhotsk to where ice is more likely to be found.



Attraction Included Tours

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals

Group Tour | Luxury        

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals
19 reviews

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro
See the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as three other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Mon. Feb 12, 2024 US $3798.00 Sapporo Kushiro Luxury Save this tour Inquiry  
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Mon. Feb 10, 2025 US $3798.00 Sapporo Kushiro Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Best of Honshu & Hokkaido: Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido 
Winter Festival Tour

Group Tour | Luxury        

Best of Honshu & Hokkaido: Snow Monkeys & Hokkaido Winter Festival Tour

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6398.00

Honshu (Tokyo / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka), Hokkaido (Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro)
Explore the two main winter attractions of Japan - Snow Monkeys and Hokkaido Winter Festivals.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Jan 28, 2024 Mon. Feb 12, 2024 US $6398.00 Tokyo Kushiro Luxury Save this tour Sold Out
Sun. Jan 26, 2025 Mon. Feb 10, 2025 US $6398.00 Tokyo Kushiro Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry 
Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Group Tour | Luxury        

Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $5298.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro/ Yokohama / Kawazu / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Obuse / Nagano
Experience the incredible Snow Festivals of Hokkaido, followed by an extension which includes Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and adorable snow monkeys!
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Fri. Feb 16, 2024 US $5298.00 Sapporo Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Inquiry  
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Fri. Feb 14, 2025 US $5298.00 Sapporo Tokyo Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Japan Winter Highlights: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry 
Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Group Tour | Luxury        

Japan Winter Highlights: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8698.00

Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro / Tokyo / Hakone / Kawazu / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Oobokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe
Discover the unmissable Winter Highlights of Japan on a 21-day itinerary, with exciting Hokkaido Winter Festivals, the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, and the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Sun. Feb 4, 2024 Sat. Feb 24, 2024 US $8698.00 Sapporo Osaka Luxury Save this tour Inquiry  
Sun. Feb 2, 2025 Sat. Feb 22, 2025 US $8698.00 Sapporo Osaka Luxury Save this tour Book Now  
Discover Hokkaido - Winter Festivals

Group Tour | Luxury        

Discover Hokkaido - Winter Festivals

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $6198.00 (Limit to 24 guests)

Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Abashiri / Shiretoko / Lake Mashu / Mt Io / Lake Kussharo / Lake Akan / Tsurui / Obihiro / Shikaoi / Furano
Join a 12-day tour of Hokkaido and discover the seasonal beauty and cultural wonders that make the this island special - including three Hokkaido Snow Festivals.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Thu. Feb 8, 2024 Mon. Feb 19, 2024 US $6198.00

Small Group Limited to 24 passengers

Sapporo Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Sold Out
Thu. Feb 6, 2025 Mon. Feb 17, 2025 US $6198.00

Small Group Limited to 24 passengers

Sapporo Sapporo Luxury Save this tour Book Now