[Japan] Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, Shikisai-no-oka Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

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— Solution Introduction —

Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Shikisai-no-oka Day Trip | Departing from Sapporo

• Departure Dates: Daily
• Number of people required to travel: 1
• Special reminder: This day trip is a shared ride, and all guests are required to arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for and will be considered as a voluntary abandonment of the trip. Therefore, it is recommended that all guests arrive at the pick-up point 10 minutes before departure.
• When the group consists of a small number of people, a driver will be provided to provide full tour services. No additional tour leader or guide will be assigned. Please be aware of this.
  
• Meeting time and place: 08:00 Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop (Please be sure to check your email the day before departure to confirm the meeting place and time for the departure day)

— Attraction Introduction —

Asahiyama Zoo (approx. 110 minutes, including free lunch time)

• The tour includes admission to Asahiyama Zoo (approximately 110 minutes, including free lunch time). Asahiyama Zoo is closed from December 30, 2025 to January 1, 2026. If Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the itinerary will be changed to visit Biei's iconic tree (approximately 30 minutes), Biei Blue Pond (approximately 30 minutes), Shirahige Falls (approximately 15 minutes), and Furano Grape and Fruit Research Institute (approximately 30 minutes). The tour guide will adjust the time spent at each attraction based on the weather conditions, extending or shortening the time as needed.
• Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is Japan's northernmost zoo and has become the most visited zoo in the country. Who says most animals at zoos are closed to visitors and hibernating in winter? Visiting Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido on a snowy day is a unique experience: adorable penguins stroll in the snow, clumsy raccoons climb and make faces on your head, curious seals frolic and move around in glass enclosures, and monkeys huddle together for warmth. The zoo's biggest feature is its ability to ensure the animals are kept in relatively free conditions, while clever displays allow visitors to observe them up close. (The penguin walk is scheduled to take place from December to March, starting at 11:00 AM. The timing may be adjusted based on snow accumulation, and the walk may be unavailable due to weather conditions. We apologize for any inconvenience.)

Biei's famous tree tour - Ken & Merry Tree (drive-by tour included, no disembarkation)

• It gets its name from its appearance in Nissan's 1972 "Horizon of Love" commercial. The commercial's protagonists, Ken and Mary, used this tall poplar tree as a backdrop, creating a captivating scene in the northern landscape. Nearby, there's a charming triangular building painted a pale yellow, surrounded by a Christmas tree.

Biei Blue Pond Tour (approx. 30 minutes)

• Blue Pond, located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido, was formed by a dam built to intercept volcanic lava. Under sunlight, the water reflects a blue hue, hence its name. Approaching Blue Pond is like stepping into a fairyland, a misty, ethereal beauty, often called Japan's "Little Jiuzhaigou." At dawn, the water's color is even purer and more vibrant, a breathtaking sight. Blue Pond was photographed by National Geographic photographer Kent Shiraishi, and his work was later acquired by Apple and became one of the default desktop backgrounds for the Mac series. The water of Blue Pond contains rich minerals and sandy components from volcanic ash. Under sunlight, the pond displays various colors depending on subtle changes in the environment. You never know what it will look like next, filling you with anticipation.

A complimentary hot Hokkaido specialty drink will be provided during our stop at HERB GARDEN (approximately 20 minutes).

• Here you can take a short break, buy Hokkaido-style lavender souvenirs (fragrant ribbons, essential oils, incense sticks, horse oil, moisturizing lotion, etc.), and also enjoy a special delicacy - lavender soft serve ice cream.

Shikisai-no-Oka (approx. 50 minutes)

• In winter, Shikisai-no-Oka is covered in snow, transforming into a snow paradise. Various snow activities such as snowmobiling and skiing allow visitors to fully enjoy the winter fun. Even beginners can enjoy activities like sledding and other snow-related activities. Additionally, visitors can choose to visit the alpaca ranch. In winter, the trees on the hill stand in neat rows, like sentinels, resolutely guarding the land. Their towering silhouettes stand out against the vast white snow. This minimalist style of the uprooted trees captivates visitors, making them linger and gaze in awe – this is the unique charm of Shikisai-no-Oka in winter. (Snow activities are at your own expense: alpaca ranch, snowmobiling, snow rafting, sledding, snow tubing. Opening hours: early December) From early December to February of the following year, 9:00–16:00 (closed on December 31st and January 1st), March 9:00–16:30. ※Opening hours may vary depending on snowfall.

*All times mentioned above are local times in Japan and are subject to change based on local arrangements.

- Kind tips-

• Please keep your mobile phone accessible during your trip so you can contact the relevant staff.
• If you have a history of motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended that you bring your own medication in case of discomfort.
• Please keep your valuables safe. We are not responsible for any loss or damage.
• The order and time of pick-up and drop-off will be arranged by the driver/guide based on factors such as distance. Please understand and cooperate with each other, and follow the driver/guide's arrangements.
• The itinerary schedule may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or other reasons. Thank you for your understanding.