1-Day Winter Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Illumination in Hokkaido | Japan
Join a 1-day winter tour from Sapporo to explore Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and the mesmerizing Blue Pond Illumination in Biei, Hokkaido, for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure.
- Enjoy a hassle-free 1-day tour with round-trip bus transportation from Sapporo
- Observe polar bears, arctic foxes, red pandas, and more at the famous Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa
- Capture stunning photos at the illuminated Blue Pond in Biei, a winter wonderland experience
- Relax with the convenience of a tour that also covers your admission ticket to Asahiyama Zoo
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Please enter the names of all participants in alphabetical order. If not, a message or email will be sent for confirmation.
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Asahiyama Zoo in Winter
- Penguin Parade
Experience the penguin parade, a winter highlight at Asahiyama Zoo and see the penguins walking in their natural style. This event takes place only during the snowy season, and the schedule can vary. Please note that there may be occasions when the parade is not available - Polar Bear
Spot Asahiyama Zoo's polar bears jumping into the pool and experience their vibrant life in winter - Information Boards
Look out for the informative boards created by the zookeepers scattered throughout the zoo
- Blue Pond (Aoi-ike)
Discover the magic of the Blue Pond, famous for its enchanting scenery. In winter, snow blankets the frozen surface, creating a mystical sight unlike anything in summer. Experience the romantic glow of the illuminated pond, which is only visible during this season
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Explore the adorable animals that call Hokkaido home
Purchase Notice
— Tour Operator —
- Name: Wonder Styles Co., Ltd.
- Address: 5-3-5-21 Kawashita 5-jo, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo 003-0865 JAPAN
- Registration Number: No. 2-6923 by Governor of Tokyo Registered Travel Agency
— Tour Information —
- Place of Departure and Destination: Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Biei
- Number of Days of Travel: 1 day
- Means of Transportation: Bus
- Name of Bus Company: Undecided
- Meals: Not included
- Minimum Number of Passengers to Operate: 1
- Number of Guides: None
- Please read the terms and conditions
- Please read the terms and conditions
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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 23:59). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Children's rates apply to ages 3-11
Children under 2 years old can participate for free, but no seats will be provided. Please note that child fares will apply if a seat is needed
Meals are not included, so please plan to have lunch at Asahiyama Zoo at your own expense
The drop-off point is different from the boarding location (Drop-off points: JR Sapporo Station)
While a tour guide will not accompany you, please note that a Japanese-speaking staff member will be on board. There will be no English-speaking staff available for this tour
If you are participating during your trip to Hokkaido/Sapporo, please avoid joining on the last day of your trip, as there is no compensation for bus delays
In the event of closed sections before using the expressway on both outbound and return trips, please note that the route will follow national roads, and rest stops may be at roadside stations
Tour times may change due to road conditions, which could prevent you from experiencing events such as "Mogu Mogu Time" at Asahiyama Zoo
Please be aware that delays in arrival may occur due to road conditions. In cases of severe weather, the tour may be canceled if necessary
The water in the pond freezes during the harsh winter months, particularly from December to February
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 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 penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo is a highly anticipated winter event. It typically takes place once or twice a day during the colder, snowy months. The exact timings can vary based on the season and weather conditions, so it is recommended to check the zoo's official schedule upon arrival or closer to your visit date for the most up-to-date information.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its innovative 'action exhibit' philosophy, allowing visitors to see animals up close in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. Highlights include a glass tunnel through a polar bear pool, underwater views of seals swimming, and transparent domes within the red panda enclosure. These unique perspectives offer immersive and engaging encounters with the wildlife.
To thoroughly enjoy all the exhibits, attend the famous penguin walk, and explore at a relaxed pace, a recommended visit duration for Asahiyama Zoo is typically 3 to 4 hours. This allows ample time to observe the animals in their unique enclosures, catch feeding times, and experience the various interactive displays without rushing through the park.
The most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo is by a direct tour bus service, which typically offers comfortable round-trip transportation. For public transport, you can take a JR train from Sapporo to Asahikawa Station, then transfer to a local bus for the final leg directly to the zoo. A tour bus provides a hassle-free journey, eliminating the need for transfers.
During winter, the Blue Pond in Biei transforms into a magical illuminated landscape. The barren trees standing within the snow-covered pond are beautifully lit up with various colors, creating an ethereal and serene atmosphere. This seasonal display offers a stunning photographic opportunity, showcasing a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic light installations against a snowy backdrop.
In winter, visitors can particularly enjoy seeing animals that thrive in cold climates. Highlights at Asahiyama Zoo include the majestic polar bears in their spacious habitat, the playful arctic foxes, and the charming red pandas. Many animals are more active and visible in the cooler weather, offering excellent viewing opportunities, especially through the zoo's unique observation points.
For a winter tour to Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond, warm clothing is essential. Layers are key, including a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, thermal underwear, sweaters, and insulated pants. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, and waterproof, insulated boots with good grip, as you'll be walking in snow and cold temperatures.
The most convenient way to visit both Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond illumination in one day from Sapporo is by joining a dedicated winter tour. These tours typically include round-trip bus transportation from Sapporo, a structured itinerary that covers both attractions, and often entrance tickets to the zoo. This approach minimizes travel planning and maximizes your time enjoying the sights.
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