Asahiyama Zoo

You can buy it at Asahikawa Station and other places, but I bought it because I liked the fact that I could use KKDAY points. It's common to line up before entering Asahiyama Zoo in winter, so I think it was a good idea to line up early. It's a meal or souvenir worth 800 yen. If you're planning on eating or wanting original merchandise or sweets, it shouldn't be a problem, but be careful as there aren't many giveaway sweets. The coupons available at stores in the city were slightly different from those listed on KKDAY. I recommend checking the official website first before purchasing.

It was a great experience, even though the itinerary was a bit rushed. Xiao Gu 7 (the car's name) took us straight to the best spots for photos. The driver was very steady, which made us feel quite safe throughout the trip.

I was incredibly lucky to have met our guide, Ms. Tian, on this KKday Hokkaido GARINKO Icebreaker 2-Day Tour! From the moment we met at the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station early in the morning, Ms. Tian was incredibly punctual and provided clear directions, making the entire group's arrival and departure run smoothly, which gave me peace of mind from the start. The tour included a bus ride from 8:00 AM to Asahiyama Zoo (around 10:30 AM), watching the penguins walk at 11:00 AM, snow sledding and souvenir shopping, snowmobiling/snow rafting, the Ginga Ryusei Falls, the Monbetsu GARINKO III IMERU icebreaker, and the Asahikawa Otokoyama Sake Brewery. The itinerary was rich and varied, making for a very satisfying two-day trip! Our accommodation was at the Daisetsu Hotel in Sounkyo, where we enjoyed the onsen (hot springs) and dinner – a truly magical winter experience in Hokkaido. Ms. Tian's greatest strengths were her ability to manage the group and her meticulous attention to detail. She clearly explained the meeting times for each attraction, important notes, and reminders about staying warm and avoiding slippery surfaces, ensuring everyone had a safe and enjoyable trip. I felt very secure throughout the journey. The only thing to remind you is that Sister Tian has to lead tours every day, and the itinerary starts very early, so please make sure to get some sleep early to prepare for the next morning's activities. If you have any questions, it's best to contact her early in the morning so she can get some rest. She's really working hard! Besides our tour guide Sister Tian being very professional, meticulous, and enthusiastic, I also want to especially thank our driver! Because we were going to ride snowmobiles, my windproof jacket was at the very back of my suitcase, and the driver had to help me unload each suitcase to find it, and then carry it all back. I felt incredibly embarrassed and grateful. What I admire most is that even though it was snowing heavily and visibility was only a few dozen meters, the driver still drove steadily, trying to meet the highway deadline because the visibility was so poor that the road could close at any time, and I would be forced to leave the highway. The pressure was immense. Sister Tian managed everything perfectly the whole time. Thank you for making the trip safe and smooth. Thank you so much! Because the overall arrangements were smooth, without any rushing or delays, and the transportation connections were also very seamless, everyone had a safe and enjoyable trip. Their quick adaptability to inclement weather and their readily available knowledge of Hokkaido and recommended restaurants truly showcased their professionalism and dedication. Those who have met you are incredibly fortunate; thank you all so much! Finally, I hope Ms. Tian's chronic pharyngitis can be treated quickly and she recovers soon, because such a professional and enthusiastic tour guide truly deserves to bring more travelers to experience the beautiful scenery of Hokkaido that she so desperately wants to share! I highly recommend this tour, and I highly recommend Ms. Tian! 👍👍👍👍👍

On the morning of January 26th, Sapporo was blanketed in heavy snow, making roads and transportation difficult. Our tour guide, Bingbing, tried her best to arrange everything, but the challenging road conditions proved too much for her. By the time we arrived at Asahikawa Zoo, the penguins had already finished their walk, leaving the guide even more disappointed than I was. I'm very grateful for Bingbing's efforts; although we didn't see them, it still left us with beautiful memories of the trip.