Everyone visiting Japan wants to experience the beauty of snowy Hokkaido! While it is amazing to explore in a rental car or by private bus, driving in the snow can be quite dangerous if you aren’t accustomed to sub-zero conditions. Bus schedules can also face winter disruptions. To help you travel safely, we recommend this high-value 3-night/4-day Hokkaido winter tour for our users!
Highlight of the Tour: Aurora, the Icebreaker Ship
The drift ice of Abashiri originates from the Amur River, which freezes as it flows along the border of China and Russia, eventually reaching the Sea of Okhotsk in January. As the ice moves south, it grows larger, approaching the Abashiri region around the end of January.
Gazing out at the mysterious sight of a massive white ice floe is a must-see winter experience! Traveling here individually is time-consuming, but by joining this tour, you can simply hop on a bus and enjoy the ride. Board the icebreaker ship “Aurora” and smash your way through the drift ice!
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Snowy Hokkaido
On this tour, you will visit hidden gems that are difficult to access on your own during the heavy snow season.
Lake Mashu: Once known as the “Region of the Gods,” it is said to have the clearest water in the world after Lake Baikal. It is undoubtedly at its most beautiful when surrounded by pristine white snow.
Lake Akan: This is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms beautiful green balls. If you’re lucky, you might even spot “frost flowers” (ice crystals) blooming on the frozen surface.
Red-Crowned Cranes: You may even get a glimpse of these elegant birds dancing across the frozen landscape.
Covers popular tourist spots!
This tour also includes famous sightseeing destinations like the Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its unique animal enclosures that mimic natural habitats, and the Abashiri Prison Museum, a fascinating historical site where notorious criminals were once held. (Note: Some entrance fees may be additional).
Stay at Famous Hot Spring (Onsen) Hotels
Snow and hot springs are the two best things to enjoy in winter. This tour includes three stays at hotels located in famous onsen areas. Soaking in a hot spring while watching the snow fall (yukimi-onsen) is a quintessential Japanese experience.
First Night: Stay at the Sounkyo Kankou Hotel, which features one of the largest outdoor baths in Hokkaido! If you are shy about communal bathing, don’t worry—in this hotel’s rotenburo (outdoor bath), you can wear provided bathing clothes to enjoy the water comfortably.
Free to choose your lunch!
While the tour includes breakfast and dinner, you are free to choose your own lunch. This gives you the perfect excuse to try local specialties like Obihiro’s Buta-don (pork rice bowl) or a steaming bowl of Asahikawa Ramen.
In 2026, this tour remains one of the most efficient ways to cover long distances in Hokkaido without the stress of luggage or winter driving.
- Convenient Boarding: You can board the tour at major Sapporo hotels such as the Sapporo Grand Hotel, Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park, and JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo.
- Airport Drop-off: For those heading home directly after the tour, a drop-off at New Chitose Airport is available.
- Bargain Pricing: While costs for fuel and accommodation have updated, this all-inclusive package (icebreaker cruise, 3 nights’ stay, and most meals) starts at approximately ¥55,000 – ¥65,000 in 2026—a great deal compared to traveling independently!
