Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Biei Christmas Tree & Ningle Terrace Winter Day Tour | Dreamlike Night View & Multilingual Guide (Late Departure from Sapporo)
- Classic Hokkaido Winter Spots | Visit Asahiyama Zoo × Blue Pond × Christmas Tree × Ningle Terrace in one trip
- Winter-Exclusive Penguin Walk | Get up close to the popular penguin walk and visit star animals like polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes
- Winter-Exclusive Dreamlike Night Views | Blue Pond illumination × twilight Christmas tree × Ningle Terrace, enjoy different limited scenery depending on the month
- Hokkaido Snowy Landscapes | Collect popular sights like snowfields, dreamlike blue ponds, and fairy-tale forests at once, creating the most beautiful snowy memories
- Multilingual Guide + Travel Insurance | Includes English, Chinese, and Japanese guide services and travel insurance for a worry-free journey
Package options
Product Info
[Winter-Exclusive Experience]
Visit Japan's most popular Asahiyama Zoo (admission included), enjoy the winter-exclusive penguin walk, and get up close to popular animals like polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes, experiencing the charm of Hokkaido's most iconic zoo in winter.
[Dreamlike Snowy Night Views]
Depending on the month, enjoy the Shirogane Blue Pond illumination, Biei Christmas Tree, and Ningle Terrace. From snowy twilight to dreamlike lights, feel the romantic snowy atmosphere exclusive to Hokkaido in winter.
[Classic Hokkaido Route]
Visit the three popular areas of Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano in one trip, connecting Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Christmas Tree, Shirogane Blue Pond, and Ningle Terrace, easily collecting Hokkaido's classic winter spots.
[Popular Photo Spots]
The Biei Christmas Tree in the snowfield, the dreamlike Shirogane Blue Pond, and the fairy-tale Ningle Terrace each have their own charm; every stop is a popular photo spot in Hokkaido that you cannot miss in winter.
[Easy and Worry-Free Travel]
Depart from Sapporo with a chartered bus to Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano. No need to drive or transfer, with English, Chinese, and Japanese guide services and travel insurance included, easily enjoy a one-day winter tour in Hokkaido.
Winter-Exclusive Penguin Walk: The popular penguin walk starts at approximately 14:30 (approx. early December to mid-March annually, depending on zoo announcements and snow conditions). You can also get up close to Hokkaido's star animals such as polar bears, seals, wolves, and arctic foxes, and experience the charm of Asahiyama Zoo in winter. Lunch is at your own expense; you may also prepare simple food to enjoy on the bus.
Asahiyama Zoo (Admission Included): Hokkaido's most popular zoo, known for its nature-oriented exhibits. The park uses a unique 'action display' design, allowing you to observe the natural lives of animals up close, and you can enjoy lunch freely within the park (lunch is at your own expense).
Biei Christmas Tree: Hokkaido's most iconic winter photo spot, a single Christmas tree standing in the snowfield, showcasing the unique tranquil beauty of the snowy country. Enjoy the Christmas tree at twilight from November to December; from January to February, enjoy the romantic silver-white Christmas tree and feel the winter charm of Hokkaido in different months.
![Shirogane Blue Pond: One of Hokkaido's most popular dreamlike spots, famous for its mysterious blue surface. [November to January] Enjoy the limited-time Shirogane Blue Pond illumination; [February] Due to longer daylight hours, enjoy the snowy scenery of the Blue Pond and experience the dreamlike landscapes unique to different winter months in Hokkaido.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_26536/20260709055229_wxmZS/jpg)
Shirogane Blue Pond: One of Hokkaido's most popular dreamlike spots, famous for its mysterious blue surface. [November to January] Enjoy the limited-time Shirogane Blue Pond illumination; [February] Due to longer daylight hours, enjoy the snowy scenery of the Blue Pond and experience the dreamlike landscapes unique to different winter months in Hokkaido.
Ningle Terrace: A popular fairy-tale spot in the forests of Furano, featuring wooden cabins scattered along forest trails, selling various handmade crafts and unique goods. [The itinerary guarantees a visit to Ningle Terrace at night] Stroll through the snowy forest after the lights are turned on and feel the dreamlike atmosphere of a fairy-tale world. *[During the Ningle Terrace closure from 11/3-11/28, or in case of winter traffic restrictions or weather conditions, it will be replaced by: 40-minute sightseeing at Furano Marche]
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Hokkaido
Duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Yuki no Hana Bus
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 1
Tour Leader: 0
Guide: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: JCGroup Co., Ltd.
Address: 308, 11-1 Minami 5-jo Higashi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-924
Travel Agency Association: 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 4 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
All final information regarding the next day's departure (including details about the guide, driver, and vehicle) will be sent via email between the afternoon and evening of the day before departure. To ensure you receive it, please be sure to check your email (including your spam folder).
The guide communicates in English, Chinese, and Japanese. As we welcome guests from various countries and regions, the guide may need to provide explanations and coordination in multiple languages; therefore, we cannot guarantee service in a single language throughout the entire trip.
Itinerary adjustments: In special cases, such as the closure of certain attractions on specific dates, we will arrange alternative attractions of the same type for you. We may not be able to notify you individually in advance; thank you for your understanding.
Traffic conditions: Some sections of the journey are long. Please understand that we cannot control traffic congestion. We cannot bear any additional costs resulting from delays caused by such situations.
Participants must be at least 3 years old to join this activity.
This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
FAQs
1. How much time is typically recommended to fully explore Asahiyama Zoo?
Most visitors find that allocating 2 to 3 hours is generally sufficient to experience Asahiyama Zoo. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to observe the animals in their unique behavioral exhibits, catch scheduled feeding times, and enjoy special seasonal events like the popular penguin walk during winter.
2. What unique features or attractions distinguish Asahiyama Zoo from other zoos in Japan?
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its innovative 'behavioral exhibition' concept, which designs enclosures to allow animals to display their natural behaviors. Key attractions include the underwater tunnel for seals, the transparent dome in the polar bear enclosure, and spacious habitats for arctic foxes and wolves. In winter, the signature penguin walk is a major highlight that sets it apart.
3. What are the usual operating hours and any seasonal closure periods for Asahiyama Zoo, especially during winter?
Asahiyama Zoo's operating hours vary by season. During the winter period (typically mid-November to early April), the zoo generally operates from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The zoo also has scheduled closure periods, often in April for maintenance and a short closure around the New Year. It is highly recommended to check the official zoo calendar for the most current operating days and hours before your visit.
4. Can visitors experience the famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo during the winter season?
Yes, the penguin walk is a celebrated winter-limited experience at Asahiyama Zoo, usually held from mid-December to mid-March. This event allows visitors to witness penguins waddling through a designated snowy path, offering an incredibly close and memorable encounter. It's a major draw for visitors during the colder months.
5. Which popular animals, besides penguins, can be seen at Asahiyama Zoo?
Beyond the beloved penguins, Asahiyama Zoo is home to a diverse array of popular animals, many of whom thrive in cold climates. Visitors can closely observe magnificent polar bears, playful seals in their innovative underwater tunnel, and captivating arctic foxes and wolves in naturalistic habitats designed to showcase their behaviors.
6. What is the 'behavioral exhibition' philosophy of Asahiyama Zoo, and how does it enhance the visitor experience?
The 'behavioral exhibition' philosophy at Asahiyama Zoo focuses on designing enclosures that encourage animals to exhibit their natural behaviors, rather than merely being viewed. This approach enhances the visitor experience by offering dynamic and immersive perspectives, allowing you to see animals like polar bears diving for food or seals swimming gracefully, providing a deeper understanding of their instincts.
7. How can visitors best plan their itinerary at Asahiyama Zoo to ensure they see all major highlights efficiently?
To effectively plan your visit to Asahiyama Zoo, it's advisable to check the daily schedule for animal feeding times and the penguin walk upon arrival, as these are popular events. Prioritize key exhibits such as the Penguin House, Polar Bear Aquatic Park, and Seal Pool. The zoo's relatively compact and well-signed layout makes it easy to navigate, allowing you to explore at a comfortable pace.
8. What are the typical transportation options available for reaching Asahiyama Zoo from Sapporo?
From Sapporo, visitors can reach Asahiyama Zoo by taking a train to Asahikawa Station, followed by a local bus to the zoo. Alternatively, many travelers opt for organized day tours that provide convenient round-trip transportation directly from Sapporo. These tours offer a hassle-free way to visit the zoo without needing to coordinate multiple public transport connections.
