Hokkaido Day Tour | Asahiyama Zoo, Fairy Terrace, and Shikisai Hills | Includes Asahiyama Zoo Admission and a Free Hot or Cold Drink (Departing from Sapporo)
2025.12.26 Exclusive Group Tour
Pickup Location:
SAN GRAN HOTEL Sapporo Odori Park (San Gran Hotel)
Japan 〒060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 1 Jonishi, 4 Chome−1−1 4th Floor, Sanjia Odori Park
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Depart from Sapporo and easily explore Hokkaido's most iconic dream destinations! This itinerary will allow you to experience Hokkaido's unique natural landscapes, varying with the season.
Winter (December to March) itinerary:
You can enjoy the endless snow fields and the penguin walks that are limited to winter.
Asahiyama Zoo - Biei's Popular Tree Tour - Shikisai-no-Oka - Ningle Terrace
※ Asahiyama Zoo closed: April 8th to April 28th, November 4th to November 10th, December 30th to January 1st (please refer to the zoo's official website)
※ Elf Terrace is scheduled to be closed from November 3rd to November 28th.
During the closure period, it will be replaced by [Biei Shirogane Hot Spring] (If the hot spring is closed, it will be replaced by other hot springs in the Biei area).
If both the Zoo and the Fairy Terrace are closed, the itinerary will be rescheduled to the following attractions:
[Green Pond]—[Shirashu Falls]—[Herb Garden]—[Hot Springs]
※ The tour guide will adjust the order of attractions and duration of stay according to weather conditions.
※ When passing through HERB GARDEN, you will be offered a cold or hot drink (limited quantity, while supplies last, no refund).
Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, is Japan's northernmost zoo and has become the country's most visited. Who says visiting a zoo in winter means most animals are closed off and hibernating? A snowy day at Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo is a truly unique experience! Adorable penguins stroll through the snow, clumsy raccoons clamber overhead, making faces, curious seals dart up and down the transparent glass columns, and monkeys cuddle for warmth. A key feature of this zoo is the maximum freedom afforded to the animals in their enclosures, with clever displays allowing visitors to observe their natural poses up close.
The penguin walk is expected to be open from December to March, with viewing sessions scheduled at 11:00 am.
Ningle Terrace, located in Furano, is a forest craft workshop inspired by a character from Japanese author Satoshi Kuramoto's novels—specifically, a 15-centimeter-tall elf living in the forest. Each of the small wooden cabins houses a unique shop selling a variety of unique handicrafts, including glassware, paper crafts, hand-painted artwork, and crafts made with dried Furano lavender. Each shop is small and exquisite, and all items are limited-edition, sold only at this location. At dusk, when the cabins are lit, the entire forest is bathed in warm light, creating a uniquely romantic atmosphere.
Shikisai-no-Oka: Covered in snow in winter, Shikisai-no-Oka transforms into a snow paradise. Snowmobiling, sledding, and other recreational activities are available, allowing even beginners to fully enjoy the snow and nature. You can also visit the alpaca ranch. In winter, the trees on the distant hills stand in neat rows, like guardians of the land. Only the upright shadows of the trees stand tall against the vast expanse of snow, creating a minimalist landscape that invites lingering admiration. This is the unique charm of Shikisai-no-Oka in winter. (Snow activities are at your own expense. Reference fees are as follows: Alpaca Ranch 500 yen per person, Snowmobile 1,200 yen per round, Snow Rafting 800 yen per person, Sledding 200 yen per person, Snow Tubing 200 yen per person. Opening hours: 9:00–16:00 from early December to February (closed December 31st and January 1st), 9:00–16:30 in March. *Hours vary depending on snowfall.)
Biei's Popular Tree Tour: (Due to road conditions and snow removal, some trees cannot be viewed up close. You will instead visit them from the vehicle.) This tour does not visit Biei's Blue Pond. Instead, you'll visit the Ken & Merry Tree. This tree got its name from the 1972 Nissan commercial "Love Horizon." In the commercial, the protagonists, Ken and Mary, set against the backdrop of this towering poplar tree, embark on a romantic story set in the northern lands. Near the Ken & Mary Tree, a triangular building painted pale yellow and surrounded by Christmas trees creates a charming scene.
Purchase Notice
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage free of charge, with no size limit (please note when registering).
- Elderly persons aged 70 and above are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by a family member.
- Driver-guide service (1-13 people for small groups; 14-45 people for bus groups, actual arrangements will be adjusted based on the number of people in the group on that day).
【Notes】
Group and individual package tours are subject to the Standardized Domestic Travel Contract issued by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, R.O.C. By completing your reservation, you agree to and accept the terms of the Standardized International Travel Contract.
Reminders
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed at will. If any loss is caused, you must bear it yourself.
When making a reservation, please be sure to provide complete information (name + number of people + phone number + pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect your trip.
This tour does not accept individual registrations from customers under the age of 18. If you wish to register, please bring a guardian with you.
Elderly people, travelers with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, and pregnant women are recommended to be accompanied by family members.
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the service staff.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to attend or leave the group due to personal reasons or lateness.
The arrival time of each tour may be subject to change due to factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. We apologize for any delays or cancellations due to these or other force majeure factors, and no refunds will be granted on this basis.
If you leave the group during the trip, your transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. If any personal or property safety issues arise as a result of this, you will be solely responsible for the consequences.
The specific boarding time and the tour leader's license plate information will be sent to your email by 21:00 Japan time on the day before departure. Please check your email at that time. If you do not receive this email, please contact us immediately.
The penguin walk schedule will be adjusted and modified according to the amount of snow. Please note that you may not be able to watch the penguin walk due to weather conditions. Please understand.
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 41 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The popular penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo typically occurs twice daily during the winter season, usually from late December to mid-March. Exact timings can vary each day, with one walk often scheduled in the morning and another in the afternoon. It is highly recommended to check the official zoo schedule upon arrival or on their website for the precise daily timings, as it is weather-dependent. Arriving early to secure a good viewing spot is advisable.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its innovative and interactive enclosures that allow visitors to observe animals up close and in settings that mimic their natural habitats. Key highlights include the underwater tunnel for viewing penguins swimming, the polar bear exhibit where bears can be seen diving from above, and the orangutan trapeze. Other popular attractions feature seals, wolves, and various native Hokkaido animals, showcasing their unique behaviors.
To thoroughly enjoy Asahiyama Zoo and experience its various exhibits and animal viewing opportunities, a recommended visit duration is typically between 2.5 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to see the main attractions like the penguin walk (if applicable), polar bear enclosure, and seal pool, as well as to browse gift shops or enjoy a meal or snack within the zoo premises.
The Hokkaido day tour provides comfortable and convenient transportation via a dedicated tour bus. This service ensures seamless travel between all featured destinations, including Asahiyama Zoo, Fairy Terrace, and Shikisai Hills, directly from a designated pickup location in Sapporo. This eliminates the need for visitors to navigate public transport schedules or worry about driving, allowing for a relaxed and efficient travel experience.
Yes, the Hokkaido day tour is specifically designed to offer a comprehensive and fulfilling one-day experience from Sapporo. It expertly combines multiple popular attractions such as Asahiyama Zoo, Fairy Terrace, and Shikisai Hills into a well-paced itinerary. This structured approach allows visitors to maximize their time and enjoy the diverse highlights of central Hokkaido without the stress of independent planning and logistics.
Shikisai Hills is best visited from late spring to autumn (typically May to October) to witness its vibrant, expansive flower fields, with different blooms peaking throughout these months. Fairy Terrace offers a magical ambiance year-round; it is particularly enchanting in winter with snow-covered log cabins and illuminations, and equally beautiful in autumn with colorful foliage. Each season provides a unique visual charm.
Shikisai Hills, also known as Panorama Road, is famous for its vast, picturesque rolling flower fields that display a spectrum of colors from spring to autumn. Visitors can enjoy tractor-bus rides through these beautiful fields, interact with friendly alpacas at the farm, and capture stunning panoramic photos of the vibrant agricultural landscape. The striking floral patterns create memorable backdrops for photography.
Ningle Terrace, often called Fairy Terrace, is a charming and unique collection of artisan shops built as log cabins, nestled within a tranquil forest in Furano. It offers a magical, fairytale-like ambiance, especially enchanting in the evening when pathways and cabins are illuminated by soft lights. Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, enjoy a coffee at a forest cafe, and immerse themselves in this distinctive, serene setting.
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