Club Tourism Launches 2027 International Booking for Award-Winning Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour

If you are planning a winter holiday for the family, Club Tourism has launched international bookings for its 2-day Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour, running from late January to early March 2027.

Planning a winter family getaway to Japan? Club Tourism has officially opened international bookings for its 2-day Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour for the upcoming Winter 2027 season (late January to early March 2027).

Recently awarded the prestigious Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the Tour Grand Prix 2026, this tour is designed as a shared travel experience where international and Japanese travelers explore the Sea of Okhotsk together with full multilingual support.

For parents looking to introduce their children to rare natural phenomena, eastern Hokkaido's Shiretoko and Abashiri regions offer breathtaking winter landscapes. However, navigating sub-zero conditions, icy roads, and complex local transport schedules can be challenging with kids. This escorted 2-day itinerary packs seven key drift ice highlights into a fully managed, family-safe trip.

Tour Highlights & Family Experiences

1. Ride the Aurora Drift Icebreaker Cruise

Board the large Aurora icebreaker ship as it crunches through the thick sea ice floating down from Siberia. Children can watch the ice break beneath the hull from the deck or stay warm inside the heated cabin while taking in panoramic ocean views.

2. Hands-On Drift Ice Touch Experience

Get up close with real sea ice along the coastline in Shari. Kids can safely touch and examine the ice formations under expert supervision, making geography lessons come alive.

3. Panoramic Views from Mt. Tento & Kitahama Station

Enjoy sweeping, high-altitude views of the Sea of Okhotsk covered in white ice from Mt. Tento. The tour also stops at Kitahama Station along the Senmo Main Line—famous for being the closest railway station to the drift ice in Japan.

4. Scenic Winter Stops & Coastal Attractions

Visit the frozen Oshinkoshin Falls, one of Shiretoko’s most dramatic waterfalls, and stop by Roadside Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri for local treats, souvenirs, and warm rest facilities.

5. Hot Springs & Family Dining at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

The tour includes an overnight stay at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, one of the region’s premier hot spring resorts. Families can unwind in large open-air thermal baths featuring sea-ice views and enjoy a buffet breakfast showcasing fresh Hokkaido seafood and local produce.

You can read more here too.

Why It Works for Families Traveling with Kids

• Zero Winter Driving Stress: Driving on icy, snowy roads in remote eastern Hokkaido requires specialized winter driving experience. Travelling via a dedicated tour coach driven by seasoned professionals allows parents to relax and enjoy the scenery safely.

• Efficient Sightseeing: Remote areas like Shiretoko and Abashiri can require complex train and bus transfers. The organized 2-day format eliminates transit downtime, making it easy to keep children comfortable between stops.

• On-Ground Tour Escort Support: Navigating rural Japanese transport and attractions with kids is simplified with dedicated tour conductors providing guidance throughout the journey.

BYKidO Tip: Drift ice season coincides with peak winter travel in Japan. Because daily departure slots for the Aurora icebreaker cruise and resort hotel space are strictly limited, parents should plan early, and do note that unfortunately, the dates do not coincide with the Singapore school holidays. 

Useful Information & How to Book

• Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

• Departure Period: Late January to Early March 2027

• Overnight Accommodation: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

View exact departure dates, real-time availability, and pricing directly on the Club Tourism Official English Website.