Hokkaido Drift Ice Cruise SL Train and Akan Fireworks 2 Days

Abashiri and Drift Ice Experience

Depart JR Sapporo Station aboard the Limited Express Okhotsk (reserved standard-class seat). Arrive at Abashiri Station and begin your sightseeing in the Okhotsk region. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.

After approximately 5 minutes of travel, visit the Abashiri Prison Museum. This open-air museum preserves and recreates facilities associated with the former Abashiri Prison, one of Japan's most famous correctional institutions. Historic buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties offer insight into life in frontier-era Hokkaido and the development of the region.

After approximately 5 minutes of travel, continue to the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, where you can learn about the unique natural environment of the Sea of Okhotsk and the winter phenomenon of drift ice. One of the highlights is the museum's Drift Ice Experience Room, maintained at approximately -15°C (5°F), where visitors can see and touch real drift ice up close. The museum also introduces the wildlife of the Okhotsk region, including the charming clione, also known as the sea angel, a tiny translucent marine creature that has become a symbol of the area. From the observation facilities, enjoy views over Abashiri and the surrounding winter landscape.

After approximately 10 minutes of travel, stop at Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri. Enjoy free time for shopping and browsing local products before continuing to the coast.

Board the Aurora Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker for one of Hokkaido's most unforgettable winter experiences. When drift ice is present, the vessel advances directly through the frozen sea, using its weight to break apart the ice below. Feel the vibration beneath your feet and hear the dramatic cracking sounds as the ship pushes through the ice floes. The vast expanse of white ice stretching across the Sea of Okhotsk creates a breathtaking scene that can only be experienced during Hokkaido's drift ice season. Please note that drift ice is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Should ice conditions vary, the voyage will still operate as a sightseeing cruise when possible. A boxed lunch is included during the day's activities.

After approximately 120 minutes of travel, arrive at Lake Akan Onsen at approximately 7:00 PM. Nestled beside Lake Akan and surrounded by nature, the hot spring resort area offers a relaxing atmosphere after a day of sightseeing. During your stay, you may wish to visit the seasonal Akan Fuyu Hanabi fireworks event, part of the Lake Akan Ice Festival. Held over the frozen lakeside, the fireworks illuminate the crystal-clear winter sky, where temperatures can fall to around -20°C (-4°F), creating a magical seasonal scene unique to Hokkaido's winter. The fireworks venue is located within walking distance of both Hotel Gozensui and New Akan Hotel, allowing you to visit independently after checking in. Please note that the fireworks schedule may be changed or canceled due to weather conditions or the organizer's decisions.

Accommodation is at Hotel Gozensui or New Akan Hotel under the upgrade plan, depending on the option selected at the time of booking. If you choose the Hotel Gozensui plan, you will stay at a hot spring hotel on the shores of Lake Akan. Accommodation is provided in a Japanese-style room, Western-style twin room, or Japanese-Western room. Relax in the natural waters of Lake Akan Onsen and enjoy a traditional Japanese set dinner. If you choose the New Akan Hotel upgrade plan, you will stay at a hotel overlooking Lake Akan in either a Japanese-style room or a Western-style twin room. Dinner features a buffet with approximately 80 dishes. One of the hotel's highlights is the popular Sky Garden Spa, where you can soak in the hot spring while enjoying views of the lake and surrounding landscape. On clear evenings, you may also be able to see a sky full of stars above Lake Akan. Both accommodations offer a relaxing hot spring stay after a day exploring eastern Hokkaido's winter scenery.

Kushiro Wetlands Steam Train Experience

After breakfast, depart Lake Akan Onsen at 9:40 AM and travel approximately 70 minutes to Mount Io. Known for its constantly rising volcanic steam vents, Mount Io is one of eastern Hokkaido's most impressive geothermal landscapes. Clouds of white steam emerge from the mountainside, creating a dramatic scene that vividly demonstrates the power of nature beneath the surface. Long regarded as a place of natural energy and significance, the area attracts visitors seeking both striking scenery and a deeper appreciation of Hokkaido's volcanic environment.

After approximately 40 minutes of travel, continue to Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace. Lake Mashu is famous for its remarkable transparency and the deep-blue color known as "Mashu Blue." Many visitors consider winter to be the lake's most mystical season, when snow-covered mountains surround the intensely colored water. The striking contrast between the pristine white landscape and the vivid blue lake creates one of eastern Hokkaido's most unforgettable views.

After approximately 60 minutes of travel, arrive at Shibecha Station. Board the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train (reserved seat) at 2 PM, specially chartered by Club Tourism for this journey. Travel aboard one of Hokkaido's most iconic seasonal trains as it makes its way through the snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands. This limited-period steam locomotive service evokes the golden age of rail travel while offering views of Hokkaido's winter wilderness. Along the route, look out for wildlife such as red-crowned cranes, white-tailed eagles, and Ezo deer that inhabit the wetlands. As part of the special JR Hokkaido × JAL × Club Tourism collaboration, a JAL Furusato Ambassador accompanies the train, welcoming guests and assisting with commemorative photographs. Please note that the operating section of the train may be changed due to operational requirements or weather conditions.

Arrive at Kushiro Station at approximately 3:42 PM. Transfer to the Limited Express Ozora (reserved standard-class seat) for the return journey. The tour concludes at JR Sapporo Station at 8:29 PM.