2-Day Winter Train Journey from Sapporo to See Drift Ice
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is a 2-day tour from Sapporo to see drift ice by train.
In addition to boarding the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker “Aurora”, the tour also includes a ticket to visit Kitahama Station, the station closest to the Sea of Okhotsk.
Accommodation will be arranged at a hotel near Kitami Station. Bento meals (ekiben) will be provided on the train for both the outbound and return journeys.
By actively using public transportation, this tour is a sustainable travel experience that aims to:
reduce CO₂ emissions, and
support the continued operation of local rail lines by increasing ridership on local trains.
This tour is designed as a self-guided tour to help you avoid unnecessary expenses while traveling.
If you hold a JR Pass that allows travel on all JR lines, please contact us separately. We will be happy to offer you a revised price tailored to your pass.
Available options
2-Day Winter Train Journey from Sapporo to See Drift Ice
What's included
Aurora Drift Ice Icebreaker Boarding Fee
1-night hotel stay in Kitami City
Lunch
Public transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Breakfast
Detailed itinerary
1
Your ticket will be delivered to the front desk of your hotel in Sapporo by 5:00 PM on the day before the tour.
Please arrive at Sapporo Station by approximately 【12:40 PM】 and proceed to board the train.
2
We will arrive at Kitami Station at around 6:30 PM.
Accommodation will be arranged at a hotel near Kitami Station.
Please arrange dinner on your own.
3
【7:57 AM】 Local train from Kitami Station to Abashiri.
4
【9:01 AM】 You will arrive at Abashiri Station.
After arrival, please store your luggage at the station lockers (JPY 600 per person, paid individually).
【10:24 AM】Depart Abashiri Station on the Shiretoko Mashu train (bound for Kushiro).
5
【10:40 AM】You will arrive at Kitahama Station, the station closest to the drift ice, and enjoy a visit to the station.
From 11:00 AM, you will have café time at the station café Teishaba.
6
【12:30 PM】Board the Aurora drift ice icebreaker to view the drift ice from the ship (weather permitting).
7
【2:36 PM】You will depart from Abashiri Station and arrive at Sapporo Station at 8:02 PM.
What's not included
Dinner
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The hotel in Kitami City will be a business-class hotel (★2–★3).
Temperatures are expected to be below freezing, so please prepare warm clothing, suitable shoes, gloves, and a hat. (Please note that trains are heated and warm inside.)
Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions on the day.
Local trains operate with non-reserved seating, so seats may not be available depending on crowd conditions.
As this tour is supported by Hokkaido’s Inbound Railway Usage Promotion Demonstration Project, we kindly ask for your cooperation in completing a questionnaire.
Meeting point
Detailed meeting point information will be sent to you by email in a separate document.
About Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is known for its stunning winter landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious seafood. The city hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and offers a unique blend of modern urban life and traditional Japanese charm.
Top Attractions
Sapporo Beer Museum
Learn about the history of beer in Japan and the Sapporo Beer brand. The museum offers beer tasting and a chance to see the brewing process.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free entry, beer tasting costs vary
Odori Park
A large park in the heart of Sapporo, known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival held here in February.
Nature
1-3 hours depending on the season
Free
Sapporo TV Tower
A landmark of Sapporo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower is illuminated at night, creating a beautiful sight.
Architecture
1 hour
¥790 for adults
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sapporo Ramen
A rich, miso-based ramen with corn, butter, and pork. A must-try local specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian with modifications.
Soup Curry
A spicy, flavorful curry soup with vegetables and meat, a Hokkaido specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Genghis Khan
Grilled lamb or mutton, a popular dish in Hokkaido, often cooked on a dome-shaped grill.
Dinner
Contains lamb, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Snowboarding in Rusutsu
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park
Onsen (hot spring) bathing
Strolling through Odori Park
Shopping in Tanukikoji
Visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum
Exploring Otaru's historic district
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Winter) and July to August (Summer)
Winter is ideal for snow festivals and skiing, while summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and festivals.
Winter: -5°C to 0°C, Summer: 18°C to 25°C
Winter: 23°F to 32°F, Summer: 64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Sapporo is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares.
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.
Getting there
By air
- New Chitose Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
Sapporo Station
By bus
Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Susukino Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The subway system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. It consists of three lines: Namboku, Tozai, and Tohoku-Johetsu.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Susukino
Odori
Tanukikoji
Day trips
Niseko
110 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
A popular ski resort known for its powder snow, Niseko offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter, and outdoor activities in summer.
Otaru
30 km from Sapporo • Half day or full day
A charming port city known for its historic buildings, canals, and fresh seafood. Otaru offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Furano
140 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
Known for its lavender fields in summer and skiing in winter, Furano offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Sapporo Snow Festival • Early February
Sapporo Beer Festival • Late July to early August
Yosakoi Soran Festival • Early June
Pro tips
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a unique beer tasting experience.
- Try Sapporo's famous ramen at Ramen Republic or other local ramen shops.
- Explore the historic Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and street food.
- Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival if visiting in February.
- Take a day trip to Otaru for its charming canals and fresh seafood.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
