Hokkaido One-Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Ningle Terrace, Biei Blue Pond & More | Japan
- Travel with a local bilingual driver who speaks Chinese and Japanese for a stress-free journey
- Explore Hokkaido throughout the seasons: lush green fields and blue pond in summer; snowy scenery and illumination in winter
- Watch adorable penguins parade through the snow, only in winter!
- Have fun at Shikisai no Oka in every season
- Take in Hokkaido’s pure natural beauty on this relaxing day tour
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour, Small Group |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Luggage Storage |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
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.
— What You Can Expect —
Depart from Sapporo and explore Hokkaido's most iconic sites. With flexible itineraries based on seasonal highlights, this tour ensures an unforgettable Hokkaido adventure.
— Itinerary Info—
Winter Tour (1 Dec – 31 Mar)
Notes:
- Due to occasional restrictions from the Ningle Terrace management, buses may sometimes be prohibited. In such cases, Ningle Terrace will be replaced with the Blue Pond.
- When Asahiyama Zoo is closed (Dec 30 – Jan 1), the itinerary will change to: Biei Famous Trees (30 min) → Biei Blue Pond (30 min) → Shirahige Falls (15 min) → Ningle Terrace (approx. 30 min). The guide may adjust sightseeing times based on weather, extending or shortening stops as needed.
Summer Tour (1 Apr – 30 Nov)
Notes:
- Asahiyama Zoo closed: 4/8–4/28, 11/4–11/10, 12/30–1/1 [Zoo Official Website]
- Ningle Terrace expected closure: 11/3–11/28. The Ningle Terrace time will be added to the Asahiyama Zoo visit (110 → 140 minutes).
- If both Asahiyama Zoo and Ningle Terrace are closed (Nov 4–10), the itinerary will be: Blue Pond 30 min → Shirahige Falls 20 min → Herb Garden 20 min → Biei Shirogane Onsen 140 min.
- Note for Guests not visiting the Hot Springs: You may choose to extend your stay at Shirahige Waterfall or enjoy local Hokkaido cuisine at nearby restaurants. All other schedule items remain unchanged.
- Biei Shirogane Onsen, 071-0235 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei Town, Shirogane Onsen (If the onsen visit is not possible, it will be replaced with another onsen in the Biei area).
- The guide may adjust the order and time at each site depending on weather.
- Complimentary drinks at HERB GARDEN are limited in quantity; no refunds if supplies run out.
Asahiyama Zoo is an extraordinary sanctuary in Hokkaido that promises a whole new level of animal encounters. This "Active Display" allows animals to live their best lives and visitors to see these animals in their most natural state
Penguin Walk at 11:00 am from December to March
Blue Pond is formed to stop damage from mudflows. Under the sun, the rich minerals and soils in the waters reflects the lights in an arrays of colors
Shirahige Waterfall a 30m fall at around 600m altitude. Located in Shirogane region, the contrasting views in winter and summer are makes for interesting sightseeing experience
Ningle Terrace is an art village consists of little cabins selling unique handcrafted goods to be found nowhere else
Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka turns into a snow playground in winter. Enjoy snowmobile or sledding! (the snow activities are subject to snow depth and at travellers' expenses)
Due to road and snow conditions, the trees will be viewed onboard. The tour will not visit the Blue Pond
Ken & Merry Tree became famous after being featured in a 1970s Nissan commercial
Patchwork Road is an inadvertent result of farmers planting produce
Purchase Notice
- Each person is allowed to carry one piece of luggage free of charge, with no size limit (Please make a note when making the reservation)
- Participants over the age of 70 are required to be accompanied by family members and cannot join the tour alone
- Driver service fee is applicable for small groups of 1-13 people and bus groups of 14-45 people. The actual amount will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day
- Reference model:
- 5-8-seater car: Toyota Alphard
- 9-14-seater car: Toyota HAICE or equivalent model
- 18-22-seater car: minibus
- 22-seater car or more: large bus
- The listed vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted based on the actual number of people on the day of the tour
— Travel Details —
- Departure and Destination: Sapporo and Asahikawa
- Duration: Same-day round trip
- Mode of Transportation: Chartered Bus
- Bus Company: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
- Meals: 0
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum Group Size: 1
- Tour Leader: 1
— Travel Planning and Execution —
- Operating Company: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
- Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633
- Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
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 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Penguin Walk time may be adjusted or cancelled depending on the snow depth and weather
The guide will adjust attraction itinerary and schedule based on the weather
This is shared tour that may include travellers from around the world. Unexpected stops and pick-ups are not possible
This is shared tour that may include travellers from around the world. Unexpected stops and pick-ups are not possible
Depending on group size, a small vehicle with a driver-guide may be used. In this case, the tour commentary will be minimal
Mandarin and English are the main language used in the tour. Other languages may be used for basic services if necessary
The schedule and attractions sequence may be modified based on unforeseen circumstances and weather or road conditions. Refund or compensation is not possible in case of delays or changes. If there are other arrangement on the day, please schedule enough buffer time
Please adhere to the time allotted at each attraction. Traffic jams and other unforeseen circumstances may occur on weekends and public holidays. The driver-guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly
Please do not consume food with strong smell while in the car. If the vehicle is stained, a cleaning fee per local standards will be charged
If travellers leave the group midway through the tour, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. The traveller will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this
FAQ
The famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo is a special winter event, typically held twice a day, usually in the mornings and afternoons. Specific timings can vary, so it's recommended to check the zoo's official schedule upon arrival or on their website for the most accurate daily timings, especially as they depend on weather and animal conditions. This unique activity allows penguins to walk freely along a designated path, offering an up-close viewing experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its innovative 'behavioral enrichment' exhibits, designed to showcase animals' natural behaviors. Visitors can see polar bears diving from overhead tanks, seals swimming vertically through a cylindrical tank, and wolves howling in their habitat. In winter, the highlight is the adorable penguin walk. The zoo emphasizes interactive and close-up experiences, allowing guests to observe animals from various unique perspectives.
To fully experience Asahiyama Zoo and enjoy its unique exhibits, a recommended visit duration is typically around 3 to 4 hours. This allows ample time to explore the various animal enclosures, observe their behaviors, watch the seasonal penguin walk if visiting in winter, and enjoy the overall atmosphere without rushing. Consider factoring in time for meals or souvenir shopping within the zoo.
The most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo as part of a day tour is often by booking a guided bus tour. This provides stress-free transportation directly from Sapporo to the zoo and other destinations without the hassle of navigating public transport or driving. Tours often include a local bilingual driver who speaks Chinese and Japanese, ensuring a smooth journey and informative travel, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy Hokkaido's scenery.
Ningle Terrace in Furano offers a magical, whimsical village experience, especially enchanting in the evenings when illuminated. It features a collection of charming wooden cabins nestled within a forest, housing artisan shops that sell unique handmade crafts, gifts, and souvenirs, often made by local artists. Visitors can stroll along the wooden boardwalks, enjoy the serene forest ambiance, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures, making it a picturesque stop for relaxation and shopping.
Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall offer distinct beauty throughout the year. The Blue Pond is most vibrant during late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is clear, and its famous brilliant blue color is most pronounced. In winter, both sites transform into a snowy wonderland, with the Blue Pond freezing over and the waterfall often beautifully illuminated, creating a breathtaking, serene landscape. Each season provides a unique visual experience.
Shikisai no Oka in Biei is famous for its vast, colorful flower fields that change with the seasons. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy vibrant displays of tulips, lavender, sunflowers, cosmos, and more. In winter, the landscape transforms into snowfields, where activities like snow rafting and snowmobiling are available. Year-round, you can interact with the farm's adorable alpacas and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Biei hills.
A day tour significantly enhances the experience of visiting multiple Hokkaido natural sites by providing seamless logistics and expert guidance. With a local bilingual driver, visitors can enjoy a stress-free journey between locations like Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall, maximizing sightseeing time without worrying about navigation or transportation schedules. It allows for a relaxed appreciation of Hokkaido’s pure natural beauty and creates unforgettable memories efficiently.
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