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, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is Japan's northernmost zoo and has become the most visited zoo in the country. Who says most animals hibernate in winter? Visiting Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido on a snowy day is definitely a unique experience: adorable penguins stroll in the snow, clumsy raccoons climb around and make faces, curious seals frolic and play in glass enclosures, and monkeys huddle together for warmth. The zoo's greatest feature is that it ensures the animals are kept in a relatively free environment and uses clever displays to allow visitors to observe them up close.
The penguin walk is scheduled to take place from December to March, and the penguin walk will be held at 11:00 am.
Blue Pond, located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido, was formed by a dam built to intercept volcanic lava. Under sunlight, the pond water reflects a blue hue, hence its name. Blue Pond was photographed by National Geographic photographer Kent Shiraishi, and the photograph was later acquired by Apple and became one of the default desktop backgrounds for Macs. The water of Blue Pond contains rich minerals from volcanic ash and sandy components, causing it to display various colors under sunlight and subtle changes in the surrounding environment.
Shirahime Falls, located in Shirogane Onsen-kyo, Biei Town, Hokkaido, has a 30-meter drop and an elevation of 600 meters. It gets its name from the white, beard-like stream of water cascading down from the cracks in the rocks. The underground water surges and crashes against the rocks, creating waves that shimmer with a blue light. The area is beautiful in summer with lush greenery and snow-covered landscapes in winter, offering a striking contrast between the two seasons.
The Forest Spirit Terrace in Furano is a forest-themed craft workshop inspired by a character from a novel by Japanese author So Kuramoto. The cabins here are individual shops selling unique handmade items, mostly glass crafts, paper crafts, hand-painted items, and lavender flower crafts. Each shop is small and exquisite, and all items are unique to this location. The lighting at dusk creates a romantic atmosphere.
Shikisai-no-oka: Covered in pristine white snow in winter, Shikisai-no-oka transforms into a snow paradise. Enjoy activities like snowmobiling and sledding, allowing even beginners to fully appreciate the snow and nature. A visit to the alpaca ranch is also an option. In winter, the trees standing in neat rows on the distant hills resemble sentinels, uniformly guarding the land. The vast expanse of white snow, with only the towering trees standing out, creates a minimalist aesthetic that captivates visitors, making them linger and admire the scene. This is the charm of Shikisai-no-oka in winter. (Snow activities are at your own expense; availability varies depending on snowfall.)
Biei's famous trees: Due to road conditions and snow removal, some trees cannot be approached. A drive-through tour will be arranged, without getting off the vehicle, and the tour will not be to Biei Blue Pond.
Ken & Merry Tree (viewed from a car window): Named after its appearance in Nissan's 1972 "Horizon of Love" commercial. The commercial's protagonists, Ken and Mary, used this tall poplar tree as a backdrop, creating a captivating scene in the northern landscape. Nearby, a charming triangular building painted a pale yellow is surrounded by a Christmas tree.
The pastoral scenery of Biei is a unique landscape created by farmers cultivating 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
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
The penguin walk times may be adjusted depending on the amount of snow accumulation. We apologize that you may not be able to see the penguins walk due to weather conditions.
The tour guide will adjust the order and timing of the attractions based on the weather conditions.
This is an international group tour, meaning you will be traveling with other passengers. No boarding or alighting services will be provided along the way, except at designated stops.
This is an international group tour, meaning you will be traveling with other passengers. No boarding or alighting services will be provided along the way, except at designated stops.
Depending on the actual number of participants on the day, a small vehicle service with the driver also serving as the guide may be arranged. For these itineraries, safe driving is the priority, and commentary along the way will be relatively brief.
The tour guide will primarily provide explanations in Chinese or English, and will offer basic multilingual communication services as needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.
The actual itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances, including changes in time or sequence. No refunds or additional compensation will be provided for delays or changes. Please allow ample time if you have other plans for the day.
The time allotted at each attraction has been arranged; please cooperate with the tour guide's time management to avoid affecting the overall itinerary. Traffic congestion may occur during holidays or peak seasons, and the itinerary order may be adjusted accordingly.
To maintain a clean vehicle interior, please do not eat strongly scented foods inside the vehicle. Cleaning fees will be charged according to local standards for any resulting stains.
If you choose to leave the tour midway through the trip, it will be considered as an automatic waiver of the remaining services. No refund will be given for the unused portion, and you will be responsible for your personal safety and property security during the trip.
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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