Asahiyama Zoo & Furano Biei & Blue Pond | Hokkaido Bus Tour (Sapporo Departure) | Japan
Book popular tours through KKday! Cover popular spots in the Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano areas! Asahiyama Zoo, which is popular for its behavioral exhibits, the fantastic Blue Pond - Biei no Oka, Furano, and Farm Tomita.
- Visit Asahiyama Zoo: "Behavioral Exhibits" where you can see adorable animals in their true colors!
- Enjoy the majestic scenery typical of Hokkaido!
- Stroll around Biei's Blue Pond, where the fantastic cobalt blue is beautiful!
- Explore the flower fields in full bloom at Farm Tomita in Furano
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, Bus tour |
| 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.
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Asahiyama Zoo
Enjoy Asahiyama Zoo to the fullest, which has become incredibly popular for its "behavioral exhibits" that allow you to experience adorable animals in their natural state right before your eyes!
The "behavioral exhibits" implemented by Asahiyama Zoo are designed to convey the "amazingness, beauty, and dignity of animals." Through these exhibits, visitors can enjoy watching animals move, swim, jump, and hunt in an environment as close to nature as possible, experiencing their natural behavior up close. The greatest appeal is the sense of realism and dynamism that can not be experienced anywhere else.
Recommendation 1: Penguin Exhibit
The "Penguin House," a signature attraction at Asahiyama Zoo, features a 360-degree underwater tunnel that makes it seem as if penguins are flying through the air. Visitors can observe four species of penguins—king penguins, gentoo penguins, Humboldt penguins, and rockhopper penguins—and the dynamic antics of these penguins are extremely popular.
Recommendation #2: The "I See" Guide
The zookeepers, who observe the animals daily, will explain their characteristic behaviors and other details. The explanations, which use specimens and photographs that are not usually seen, are easy to understand and offer many surprises and new discoveries.
Recommendation #3: Polar Bear
They're famous for jumping into pools, but that's because it's hot! The sight of their massive bodies diving into the water is truly dynamic! There's also "Seal's Eye (Capsule)," where you can observe polar bears on land. From a capsule embedded in the ground, you can observe polar bears from a seal's perspective. Their huge faces looming right in front of you are incredibly impressive. Be sure to try it!
Recommendation #4: Information board
There are handmade signs made by the zookeepers scattered all over the park. They're so cute, and I always wonder how many different kinds there are. Looking at them from a different perspective, you can really feel the love the zoo staff have for the animals.
- Blue Pond
Biei in Hokkaido is famous for its fantastical scenery, including the Blue Pond. This mystical place was born from a natural phenomenon, like the wild birch trees growing there unexpectedly. The pond holds a unique blue color, and if you go further in, you can see that the river water is also distinctly blue!
- Furano Farm Tomita (30 minutes from April 29th to May 31st and from October onwards; 50 minutes for departures from June to September)
Farm Tomita is popular for its colorful scenery. The flower fields offer different views depending on the season. Mainly featuring lavender, visitors can enjoy the flower fields from spring to autumn. *Lavender is typically in full bloom from mid-to-late July. (Official website for information on the flower fields)
- Biei Patchwork Road (Viewing the patchwork-like fields from the car window)
The name comes from the fact that the fields, divided into a grid like a chessboard, are planted with various kinds of crops, resembling a patchwork quilt. You can also enjoy famous scenery from advertisements, such as the Parent and Child Tree, the Seven Stars Tree, and the Ken and Mary Tree.
Farm Tomita boasts not only its famous lavender, but also a vibrant array of flowers including marigolds, poppies, and celosia. The farm features walking paths that allow visitors to experience the flower fields up close, as well as a shop offering original products that can only be purchased here. In addition, you can enjoy the famous lavender soft serve ice cream and seasonal melon sweets. It's a spot full of attractions where you can enjoy the nature of Hokkaido throughout the four seasons.
Every summer, a vast purple carpet stretches as far as the eye can see, and the entire area is enveloped in the rich scent of lavender. Its overwhelming beauty makes it an immensely popular photo spot and flower-viewing destination, representing all of Japan. Step inside, and you'll feel as if you've entered the "Provence of the East." Enjoy a blissful moment amidst the fantastical lavender fields.
The "Blue Pond," which suddenly became famous all over the world, is a mystical spot that was accidentally created by disaster prevention work after the eruption of Mount Tokachi. The sight of the withered birch and larch trees reflected on the water's surface is truly fantastical. This pond emits unique colors depending on the angle of the light. If you venture further in, you'll be surprised to see that even the water of the river flowing into it is a distinctly vivid blue!
The rice paddies spread across the rolling hills are beautifully divided, resembling a chessboard (checkerboard pattern). Different types of crops are grown in each plot, making the landscape truly a patchwork of colorful fabrics. Please enjoy the vast and vibrant rural scenery unique to Hokkaido that unfolds before your eyes from the car window.
Summer at Asahiyama Zoo is like a vibrant forest ecosystem overflowing with life. Freed from the harsh winter cold, a lively atmosphere permeates the zoo. The "Seal House" is an absolute must-see. In the famous cylindrical tank, you can observe up close the seals skillfully using the buoyancy of the water to swim up and down with ease. The moment their curious eyes meet those of visitors is a truly vibrant moment that makes you feel the pulse of life. It is a highly recommended spot where you can best experience the animals' natural behavior and the rich natural environment of Hokkaido.
The polar bear enclosure at Asahiyama Zoo is meticulously designed to bring out the polar bears' natural abilities and allow them to live in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. A particular highlight is the dynamic hunting scenes. Visitors can observe the bears' powerful, almost wild behavior up close, creating a vibrant exhibit that symbolizes the vast natural environment of Hokkaido.
Purchase Notice
- Children aged 2 and under are admitted free of charge. However, seats will not be provided. If a seat is required, a Child fare will apply.
When making a reservation, please include your name, gender, and age in the request field. (There is no seating or admission fee. If you require a seat, please apply at the Child rate.)
- Lunch will be at the zoo, and participants are expected to arrive around 2 PM. Please note that this will be a late lunch.
[Travel conditions]
Departure/Return Location: Sapporo/Sapporo Trip Duration: Day Trip Transportation: Chartered Bus Bus Company: Sapporo Bus or Hokkaido Area Bus (Non-Smoking)
Meal arrangements: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0. Accommodation: None. Minimum number of participants: 1.
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Wonder Styles Co., Ltd. Address: 7th Floor, Ena Square Odori Building, 10-4, Odori West 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan Registration Number: Hokkaido Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-862 Affiliated Travel Agency Association: None
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan WESTALL Yotsuya Building 2F Registered Travel Agency No. 2045 (Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency) Affiliated Organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Due to traffic and road conditions, the schedule is subject to change and arrival at the return destination may be delayed. In the event of late arrival at the return destination, even if you have to take a cab or stay overnight, we will not be able to compensate you
Due to weather or congestion, the duration of stay at the stopover facility may be shortened or canceled. Also, the itinerary of the stop may vary depending on the situation
If you are participating during your trip to Hokkaido/Sapporo, please refrain from participating on the last day of your trip (There is no compensation for bus delays.)
If a section is closed before taking the highway for either the onward or return trip, the route will be via a national road or a provincial road, and the break stops may be at a roadside station or other location
Regarding flower viewing, the flowering situation may vary depending on the weather conditions of the year. In addition, the type and number of flowers may change from year to year
This tour will be conducted in Japanese only. Translation apps will be used for any language other than Japanese. There will be no bus guide on board, but a Japanese-speaking staff member will accompany you.
The drop-off location will not be at the hotel where you get picked up. It will be near Sapporo Station North Exit
Please take your lunch at the zoo by yourself (Please note that lunch is not included in the tour)
The buses used for the tour are non-smoking. No restroom facilities are provided on the bus. Therefore, please use the restrooms at the appropriate restroom breaks and stops at sightseeing spots.
Large luggage such as suitcases will be kept in the trunk of the bus. Please prepare the necessary items for sightseeing in your hand luggage, as you will not be able to put them in and out of the bus during the tour. Please also inform the staff at the reception desk on the day of the tour that you have baggage to check in.
Children aged 2 and under are admitted free of charge. No seats will be provided. When making a reservation, please include their name (with phonetic spelling), gender, and age in the request field. A Child fare will apply if a seat is required.
Regarding the visit to Biei's Blue Pond, traffic congestion is expected during the tourist season. Depending on the traffic situation, we may change the sightseeing location to the hills to the northwest.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The iconic penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo typically occurs twice a day during the winter months, usually in the late morning and early afternoon. Exact timings can vary based on the weather conditions and the penguins' natural rhythms, so it's always recommended to check the zoo's official schedule upon arrival for the most up-to-date information and to ensure you don't miss this beloved behavioral exhibit.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its 'behavioral exhibits,' which allow visitors to observe animals in environments designed to showcase their natural behaviors. Key features include the underwater tunnel for penguins, allowing them to appear as if flying through water, and the dome in the polar bear enclosure, where you can see the bears up close. These innovative designs offer unique perspectives and immersive experiences.
To fully experience Asahiyama Zoo and its unique behavioral exhibits, including catching the penguin walk and exploring other popular animal habitats, it is generally recommended to allocate about 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to comfortably navigate the zoo, observe various animals in their natural settings, and enjoy the interactive viewing areas without feeling rushed.
The most convenient way to visit Asahiyama Zoo, Biei's Blue Pond, and Furano's Farm Tomita from Sapporo is by joining a dedicated bus tour. Such tours provide seamless round-trip transportation, eliminating the need to navigate public transport connections or drive long distances. This allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic journey across Hokkaido's countryside and efficiently visit multiple attractions in one day.
Biei's Blue Pond (Aoiike) gets its striking cobalt blue color from natural minerals, particularly aluminum hydroxide, which are found in the water. As sunlight reflects off these colloidal particles, it scatters the light, making the water appear vividly blue. The color's intensity can vary throughout the day and with different weather conditions, creating a captivating and ever-changing landscape.
The ideal time to experience the full bloom of flower fields, especially the famous lavender, at Furano's Farm Tomita is typically from late June to early August. While lavender is the highlight, other vibrant flowers like poppies and sunflowers also bloom throughout the summer, offering a colorful spectacle. Visiting during this peak period ensures you see the fields at their most magnificent.
A bus tour significantly simplifies visiting multiple Hokkaido attractions by providing pre-arranged, comfortable transportation between destinations like Asahiyama Zoo, Biei's Blue Pond, and Furano's Farm Tomita. It eliminates the hassle of public transport schedules, transfers, or driving, allowing you to optimize your time at each location. The structured itinerary ensures you experience the highlights of each site efficiently and without stress.
The optimal season to visit the Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, and Farm Tomita area largely depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is ideal for Farm Tomita's vibrant flower fields and the Blue Pond's vivid blue. Winter (December to March) offers a magical experience with the Asahiyama Zoo's penguin walk and snow-covered landscapes at the Blue Pond, showcasing different charms throughout the year.
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