Hokkaido Autumn Scenery Day Tour | Daisetsuzan Asahidake・Asahiyama Zoo・Shirahige Waterfall・Ningle Terrace | Departing from Sapporo
- Local niche itinerary, avoiding the crowds of large tour buses
- Mount Asahidake | Chase the earliest autumn leaves in Japan: Take the ropeway up to the clouds and enjoy the magnificent autumn colors of Hokkaido's highest peak (ropeway fee at your own expense)
- Asahiyama Zoo | Meet the animal stars of the north: Get up close and personal with popular animals like penguins, polar bears, and seals
- Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum | Taste Hokkaido's brewery culture: Explore the history of traditional sake brewing and experience Asahikawa's century-old sake culture
- Shirahige Waterfall | Blue stream × pure white waterfall: A beautiful scene interwoven with dreamy 'Biei Blue' and colorful autumn forests
- Ningle Terrace | Step into a Hokkaido fairy tale forest: Stroll through the forest cabins and immerse yourself in the warm lights and romantic atmosphere
Product Info
－Attraction Highlights－
【Daisetsuzan National Park・Mount Asahidake】
As the highest peak in Hokkaido, it is also one of the first places in Japan to welcome the autumn foliage! Take the Asahidake Ropeway up to Sugatami Station at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters to overlook the vast mountain scenery. In autumn, the valley is covered with red, orange, and golden alpine vegetation. Feel the magnificent nature of Hokkaido in the crisp alpine air.
※ Mount Asahidake is one of the first regions in Japan to see autumn leaves. The peak viewing period may vary depending on the climate and weather conditions of the year.
※ The Asahidake Ropeway fee is at your own expense and may be suspended due to weather conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
【Asahiyama Zoo】
A must-visit, super popular spot in Hokkaido! Famous for its unique 'behavioral display' style, it allows visitors to observe the natural and vivid sides of animals like penguins, polar bears, and seals up close. It is a popular choice for family trips in Hokkaido that both adults and children can enjoy.
【Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum】
The newly upgraded Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum has transformed the entire brewery into a leisure space suitable for both adults and children to enjoy. The park features a giant slide made from sake bottles, as well as a sake cup plaza where you can run, play, and hide-and-seek, making family visits even more fun. In addition to selling exclusive Otokoyama sake, the new shop offers special drinks such as coffee, Calpis, and shaved ice made with the brewery's natural brewing water, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing break while touring. In the future, Otokoyama Sake Brewery will continue to utilize the subsoil water from the melting snow of the Daisetsuzan mountains, combined with generations of brewing techniques, not only to focus on sake brewing but also to challenge the development of more diverse specialty drinks, bringing a brand-new brewery experience.
【Biei・Shirahige Waterfall】
A dreamy, popular scenic spot hidden in the Biei Shirogane Onsen area! The snow-white waterfall cascades down from the rock wall like strands of 'white beard,' flowing into the clear and charming Biei River. In autumn, the valley is surrounded by red and yellow forests, creating a beautiful picture with the white waterfall, azure stream, and colorful autumn leaves. Every shot looks like a Hokkaido postcard.
【Furano・Ningle Terrace】
A fairy tale world hidden in the forest! Warm wooden cabins are scattered along the forest trail, selling handmade crafts and unique works by Hokkaido artisans. After the lights are turned on in the evening, the soft glow falls through the trees, as if you have stepped into a forest where elves live. It is the last romantic and healing stop of the journey.
Ascend Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak, and be among the first to witness Japan's earliest autumn colors! Take the Asahidake Ropeway to Shigami Station, at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, and enjoy breathtaking views of the layered mountains and vast landscape. Every early autumn, the mountains gradually turn crimson, orange, and gold, creating a magnificent natural painting. Immerse yourself in this secluded paradise high above the clouds and experience Hokkaido's most unforgettable autumn scenery.
Step into Hokkaido's incredibly popular Asahiyama Zoo and get up close to the city's animal stars! Through meticulously designed exhibits, observe penguins swimming freely, polar bears frolicking, and the natural, lively sides of animals like giraffes and red pandas. In autumn, stroll through the park and admire the trees gradually turning golden and orange-red, enjoying a surprising and therapeutic zoo experience amidst the vibrant autumn colors.
Step into the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum, a representative temple of Japanese sake culture in Asahikawa, and experience the profound charm of Hokkaido's traditional sake brewing techniques! The museum displays precious historical artifacts, ukiyo-e prints, and vintage brewing equipment, introducing you to the long history of Otokoyama and the culture of Japanese sake. During your visit, you can also sample specialty sake, adding a unique cultural experience to your autumn trip to Hokkaido.
Step into the Biei Shirogane Onsen area and encounter the secluded Shirahige Falls! Thin streams of water gush from between the rock walls, cascading down the cliffs, creating a white mist under the sunlight, a striking contrast to the enchanting "Biei Blue" below the bridge. In autumn, the forests on both banks don vibrant new attire. Looking out from the bridge, the azure river meanders through the colorful mountains, showcasing a clarity and romance unique to Hokkaido in autumn.
Step into the heart of Furano's forest and immerse yourself in the fairytale atmosphere of the Forest Elf Terrace, a unique experience limited to autumn. Stroll along the boardwalk, where charming little wooden cabins are nestled among towering trees, surrounded by golden and orange-red autumn leaves, as if you've entered a fairy village. As evening falls, the cabin lights gradually illuminate, their warm glow reflecting off the autumnal forest, creating a romantic and healing atmosphere, a beautiful and story-filled ending to your Hokkaido day trip.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Address: 3F, 422 Minami 8-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Business Registration No. 3-674
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Industry Association (Assistant Member)
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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 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 18:00). 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
Passengers are requested to adhere to the scheduled times. Late arrivals will be considered as automatic cancellation of the trip, and the fees paid will not be refunded.
If you need to bring luggage, strollers, or other large items, please indicate this in the remarks section. Vehicles will be assigned based on the number of travelers, and luggage availability will be confirmed 3-5 days prior to departure. If luggage is permitted, an additional cash fee of 1500 yen per piece will be charged to the tour leader before boarding.
When the car or minibus is in operation, the driver will provide you with a brief introduction but will not disembark to accompany you. Thank you for your understanding.
Infants aged 0-2 years are free, but no seats are provided. If an infant or toddler requires a seat, a seat must be purchased.
FAQ
1. What unique animal behaviors can visitors observe at Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique enclosures that allow visitors to observe animals' natural behaviors up close. You can see penguins 'fly' through an underwater tunnel, watch polar bears dive and swim from various angles, and view seals gliding vertically in their cylindrical tank. These innovative exhibits offer intimate insights into the animals' lives.
2. What are the key highlights of the autumn foliage experience at Daisetsuzan Asahidake?
Daisetsuzan Asahidake offers some of Japan's earliest and most spectacular autumn foliage. A key highlight is taking the ropeway straight up into the clouds, providing panoramic views of Hokkaido's highest peak blanketed in a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. The alpine trails also offer opportunities to immerse yourself in this magnificent autumn scenery.
3. How long should one plan to spend exploring Shirahige Waterfall and Ningle Terrace?
For Shirahige Waterfall, a visit of 20-30 minutes is usually sufficient to admire the 'Biei Blue' stream and the pure white falls cascading into the river. Ningle Terrace, with its charming wooden cabins and warm lighting, encourages a more leisurely stroll. You might spend 45 minutes to an hour here, especially if you plan to browse the artisan shops or enjoy the romantic evening atmosphere.
4. What facilities and amenities are available for visitors at Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo provides a range of facilities for visitor comfort, including multiple restrooms located throughout the park. There are also designated rest areas and observation spots. Information counters are available for inquiries, and the pathways are designed for easy navigation, including stroller and wheelchair access in most areas.
5. What makes Shirahige Waterfall a unique scenic spot for photography?
Shirahige Waterfall is a truly unique photography spot due to its distinctive 'Biei Blue' stream, which flows into the Biei River. The pure white waterfalls contrast beautifully with the vibrant blue water and the surrounding autumn-colored forests, creating a magical and picturesque scene. The interplay of light, especially during sunny days, enhances the ethereal blue hues, making it a favorite for photographers.
6. Is taking the ropeway at Daisetsuzan Asahidake necessary to view the autumn colors?
Yes, taking the ropeway at Daisetsuzan Asahidake is highly recommended, and often necessary, to fully experience the majestic autumn colors. The ropeway ascends to higher altitudes, providing access to the prime viewing areas where the foliage is most vibrant and extensive. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the alpine landscape and Hokkaido's highest peak, which would be difficult to reach otherwise.
7. What kind of experience can be expected when visiting Ningle Terrace in the evening?
Visiting Ningle Terrace in the evening transforms it into a magical 'fairy tale forest.' You can expect to wander along winding wooden paths, illuminated by warm, soft lights that accentuate the charming wooden cabins. These cabins often house artisan workshops selling unique, handmade crafts. The tranquil, romantic atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the cozy ambiance.
8. What are the best photo opportunities at Ningle Terrace, especially in the evening?
In the evening, Ningle Terrace offers enchanting photo opportunities. Focus on capturing the warm glow emanating from the wooden cabins, contrasting with the twilight sky and surrounding snow-dusted trees (if applicable). The winding wooden paths, illuminated by the gentle lights, create leading lines for compelling compositions. You can also capture details of the unique handmade crafts displayed in the cabins, adding a cultural element to your photos.
