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.
As Japan's northernmost and most visited zoo, Asahiyama Zoo transforms into a lively winter wonderland where animals are anything but dormant. Visitors can witness iconic moments like the famous penguin parade, red pandas scurrying across overhead bridges, and seals gliding through vertical glass pillars. Through its unique "behavioral exhibition" philosophy, the zoo provides a natural environment that encourages instinctive activity, allowing for an immersive, zero-distance observation of wildlife in the snow.
The Penguin Walk is expected to take place from December to March. During this period, our tour will be scheduled to watch the 11:00 AM session.
Located on the left bank of the Biei River, the Shirogane Blue Pond is a stunning accidental masterpiece formed by a volcanic mudflow dam. Its ethereal azure water, which famously served as a default Apple Mac wallpaper, contains rich minerals that reflect shifting shades of blue and emerald depending on the sunlight. Whether it’s the contrast of withered larch trees or the mystical water, this world-renowned landscape offers a mesmerizing, ever-changing natural beauty.
Standing 30 meters tall in the Shirogane Onsen area, Shirahige Waterfall is named for its "white beard" appearance as water cascades through rock crevices into the blue river below. This stunning natural landmark features a mystical cobalt glow created by underground spring water striking the rocks. Whether framed by lush summer greenery or pristine winter snow, the waterfall offers a breathtaking seasonal contrast that defines the beauty of Biei.
Ningle Terrace is a fairy-tale forest workshop inspired by characters from author Soh Kuramoto’s novels. These charming log cabins house boutique shops selling exclusive, handmade crafts such as glasswork, paper art, and lavender-infused gifts. Each shop is small and exquisite, offering unique items found nowhere else in the world. As dusk falls, the warm forest illumination creates a magical and romantic atmosphere.
In winter, Shikisai-no-Oka transforms into a snowy paradise where visitors can enjoy activities like snowmobiling and sledding or visit the charming Alpaca Ranch. The hills feature a stunning minimalist landscape, where rows of trees stand like silent sentinels against the boundless white snow, creating a captivating scene that leaves visitors in awe. This serene, picturesque atmosphere defines the true winter charm of the park. (Note: Snow activities are at your own expense and subject to snowfall.)
Biei Famous Tree: Due to road conditions and snow clearing, some trees may not be accessible for close-up visits. In such cases, a drive-by viewing will be arranged without getting off the vehicle, and the Biei Blue Pond will not be visited.
Ken & Mary Tree (viewed from the vehicle): Named after its appearance in a 1972 Nissan "Skyline" commercial. In the ad, the couple Ken & Mary posed in front of this tall poplar tree, creating a memorable scene across the northern landscape. Nearby, there is a charming triangular building painted in pale yellow, surrounded by Christmas trees, adding to the cute scenery.
The pastoral scenery of Biei is a unique landscape shaped by local farmers cultivating the land to grow delicious crops.
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
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
Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed. Any resulting losses must be borne by the customer.
This tour does not accept bookings from guests under 18 years old on their own. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian when booking.
Elderly guests, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions, as well as pregnant women, are advised to be accompanied by a family member.
This is a shared fixed-route tour. Guests are requested to strictly follow the designated time at each attraction and comply with the guide and driver’s instructions.
No refunds will be issued for missed or discontinued participation due to personal reasons, late arrival, or other individual issues. Please take note.
Arrival times may vary due to traffic, weather, holidays, or crowds on the day of the tour. In case of delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors, please understand that no refunds can be requested for these reasons.
If a guest leaves the tour midway on their own, the booking will be considered void and no refunds will be issued. Any consequences affecting personal or property safety will be the guest’s responsibility.
The exact pick-up time and the guide’s vehicle plate number will be sent to your email by 21:00 Japan time the day before departure. Please check your email carefully. If you do not receive it, contact us immediately.
The penguin parade schedule may be adjusted depending on snow accumulation and could be canceled due to weather conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
The guide may adjust the order and duration of attractions based on the weather conditions.
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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