Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Biel Blue Pond, Furano & Biei Seasonal Attractions (English/Mandarin Guide)
- See popular Hokkaido attractions including Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond and more in Furano & Biei all in one day!
- Visit different seasonal destinations like Shirahige Waterfall and Furano Farm
- Enjoy a easy and worry-free Hokkaido trip with a friendly Mandarin/English/Japanese-speaking guide
- Book a Hokkaido day trip on KKday for guaranteed departure for solo travelers!
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Summer Festival |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, 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.
— What You Can Expect —
Embark on a refreshing summer journey in lush Hokkaido!
At Asahiyama Zoo, see polar bears, penguins, and other polar animals. Enjoy adorable penguin feeding shows and the popular seal exhibit, "Marine Way". Get to know the northern ecosystem with Hokkaido native species such as Yezo sika deer and Ezo brown bears. Lunch is at your leisure within the zoo, with several restaurants offering simple Japanese meals like ramen and curry rice, providing a relaxed taste of local flavors. Next, enjoy the picturesque summer wheat fields and rolling hills of the Patchwork Road from your car window. Visit classic photo spots like the Seven Stars Tree and the Tree of Ken & Mary. Stop by the dreamy blue waters of the Blue Pond, and finally, admire the clear water cascading down the rocks at Shirahige Waterfall, capturing all the popular summer scenery of Biei in one go.
** For the limited-time summer itinerary from 1 July to 30 September, Shirahige Waterfall will be replaced byFarm Tomita, where you can stroll through colorful flower fields and experience Hokkaido’s most enchanting summer scenery.
— Attraction Info —
- Asahiyama Zoo, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is the most visited zoo in the country and is voted the most popular zoo by the public. Asahiyama Zoo emphasizes designing the zoo with the animals themselves in mind, preserving their most natural and original living environments, and designing spaces that allow visitors to observe the animals up close, not only closely but also interact with them. The annual penguin parade, limited to winter, is one of the highlights of Hokkaido tourism.
- Biei Blue Pond is located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido, Japan, at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. The pond's water is a clear, azure blue, and it is often shrouded in mist, creating a hazy, ethereal beauty. As the seasons, weather, and environment subtly change, the pond water displays various colors, which, combined with the scenery interwoven with the forest, present a unique and captivating landscape.
- Seven Stars Tree
In 1976, this cypress tree, along with the surrounding landscape, earned its name by being featured on packaging of Seven Star cigarettes in Japan. The tree stands in the vast field like a lone guardian angel of beauty of the Biei hills
- Tree of Ken and Mary
Tree of Ken and Mary is a birch tree standing in the farmland of Furano, which rose to fame after appearing in a Nissan Skyline commercial in the 1970s. The birch tree symbolizes purity, beauty, resilience, and vitality, while the couple, Ken and Mary, in the ad gives it the meaning of love. Today, the tree, with its profound symbolism and captivating scenery, has become a popular photo spot for tourists.
- Patchwork Road
This is a living tapestry woven by generations of Biei farmers. As different crops are planted and harvested, the rolling hills naturally unfold in layers of contrasting colors, resembling patches of fabric hand-stitched on earth. Following the undulating slopes, you aren't just seeing beautiful rural scenery, you are witnessing the rhythmic pace of life in Hokkaido—working in harmony with the four seasons, respecting the land, and quietly nurturing the harvest. Other recommended tours in Hokkaido - Shirahige Waterfall, with a drop of 30 meters and an elevation of 600 meters, is located in Shirogane Onsen-kyo, Biei Town. It gets its name from the way the water cascades down from the cracks in the rocks, resembling a white beard. Furthermore, the underground water gushing against the rocks creates waves that shimmer with a blue light, making for a spectacular and pleasant sight.
Note: Between July 1 and September 15, the tour will skip Shirahige Waterfall and visit Farm Tomita instead (60-minute stop for sightseeing). - Farm Tomita | Seasonal Special (July 1 – September 15)
The most enchanting colors of a Hokkaido summer are hidden right here at Farm Tomita. Lavender sways gently in the breeze, filling the air with a delicate fragrance that seems to slow down time itself. Beyond the iconic purple fields, the farm blooms with a variety of seasonal flowers that shift in hue as the weeks pass, painting a new landscape across the earth with every turn of the season. Take a leisurely stroll through the blossoms and don't forget to try the famous Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream—a sweet way to etch the gentle spirit of a Hokkaido summer into your memory.
— More Hokkaido Day Tours —
Hokkaido Day Trip | Lake Toya Onsen Town & Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Showa Shinzan & Lake Shikotsu | Optional Bear Ranch Package (Departing from Sapporo)
Hokkaido Sapporo Day Trip | Sapporo Beer Museum, Shiroi Koibito Park, Jozankei Onsen, Daibutsuden, Seafood Market | English and Chinese Guide
Join this tour and present your voucher at the information center on the 1st floor of Sapporo TV Tower (operating hours: 9:30 am–6:30 pm, everyday) to get a limited-edition Hokkaido postcard
This exclusive postcard is designed by residential Hokkaido artist Ahiru! Get the unique memorabilia and create unforgettable memories
Asahiyama Zoo gives the animals an environment close to their natural habitat. See polar bears, penguins, and Hokkaido animals up close
The reflective waters of Blue Pond makes it the most iconic and dreamy natural attractions in Biei
Seven Stars Tree is a landmark in the hills of Biei
Shirahige Waterfall pours over the lush cliff into the bluest Biei River
Farm Tomita boasts a field of lavender (alternative site to Shirahige Waterfall during the summer tour from 1 July to 15 September)
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
- Departure/Destination: Hokkaido
- Trip Duration: Same day roundtrip
- Transportation: Chartered Bus
- Bus Company: 株式会社白馬交通北海道
- Meals: Breakfast (0 times), Lunch (varies depending on the itinerary), Dinner (0 times)
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum Group Size: 1
- Tour Leader: 0
- Tour guide: 1
【Tour Organizer】
- Operating Company Name: ㈱ジャパンホリデートラベル 札幌営業所
- Address: 北海道札幌市中央区大通西１丁目さっぽろテレビ塔１Fジャパンホリデートラベル札幌営業所
- License Number: 大阪府知事登録旅行業 第2-2181号
- Travel Agent Association: 一般社団法人全国旅行業協会（大阪府支部）正会員 一般社団法人全旅（大阪府旅行業協会）正会員 JATAは協力会員
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This tour is a same-day round trip. Please be on time at the designated meeting point. The bus will depart on time. Latecomers will not be waited for and no refund will be given.
When a large taxi or a small bus is used for the tour, the driver will assist with itinerary arrangements instead of a tour guide
Each adult can bring one child under 3 years old who does not occupy a seat or receive a meal free of charge. Please indicate this in the order notes. If a child needs to occupy a seat, please purchase a child ticket.
Sometimes buses are delayed due to traffic or bad weather. Please allow enough time to proceed to your next activities or transportation if you have plans after the tour
Please avoid making reservations for evening meals, transportation, or flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by delays and will not be liable for any losses. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
To bring luggage on board, please notify us in advance
You may disembark at any of the attractions included in this tour, but once you leave the tour, you may not rejoin the tour for subsequent activities. Please indicate this when you place your booking if you require this assistance.
Tour is subject to cancellation due to natural disasters or adverse weather. In this case, please contact us to confirm the tour status
Due to seasonal variations and the natural growth cycles of different flower species, some varieties may not be in full bloom at the time of your visit. Please understand that no refunds will be provided in such instances.
Lavender typically blooms from late June to early August. Please understand that the actual blooming period may vary slightly depending on the year's climate and weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- 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 famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo typically occurs twice a day during the winter season, usually around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. These times are subject to change based on weather conditions and the penguins' health, so it's advisable to check the official zoo schedule upon arrival for the most accurate daily timings. It's a highlight where penguins stroll along a designated path, offering an up-close viewing experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique "behavioral exhibits," designed to allow animals to display natural behaviors, offering visitors an immersive experience. You can see polar bears diving from above in their "diving pool," penguins swimming overhead through an underwater glass tunnel, and seals gracefully moving through a cylindrical tank. The zoo also features red pandas, wolves, and other adorable animals in innovative habitats.
To thoroughly enjoy Asahiyama Zoo and its various unique behavioral exhibits, a recommended visit duration is typically 2.5 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to observe the animals, catch the popular penguin walk (if in season), explore different zones like the polar bear and seal enclosures, and enjoy the overall atmosphere without rushing.
From Sapporo, popular transportation options to Asahiyama Zoo include taking a JR train to Asahikawa Station, then transferring to a local bus directly to the zoo. Alternatively, many visitors choose organized day tours from Sapporo, which offer convenient round-trip transportation, often combining the zoo visit with other Hokkaido attractions, eliminating the need for self-planning.
Shirahige Waterfall and the Blue Pond (or Nigle Terrance in winter) are located in the Biei/Furano region, and traveling between them often requires local transportation. Public buses have limited services and may not be frequent. Therefore, the most convenient method is typically by private car, taxi, or as part of an organized day tour that includes these specific stops in its itinerary. This ensures efficient travel and maximizes sightseeing time.
Yes, guided tour options are widely available for visiting multiple popular attractions such as Asahiyama Zoo and Shirahige Waterfall. These tours often depart from Sapporo and provide hassle-free transportation, making it easier to visit several key sites in one day. They typically include a professional guide who shares insights about the destinations, enhancing the overall experience and handling logistical details.
Hokkaido day tours to attractions like Asahiyama Zoo often provide a knowledgeable Chinese or English-speaking guide. This support ensures smooth navigation between sites and offers cultural or historical insights, enriching your understanding of the region. Many tours also feature guaranteed departures, even for solo travelers, ensuring travel plans proceed smoothly and with reliable assistance throughout the journey.
During a Hokkaido day tour that includes areas like Furano and Asahiyama Zoo, visitors can often enjoy authentic farm-style meals. This typically involves a buffet featuring over 30 Hokkaido specialties, made with fresh, local ingredients from Furano. Some tours also offer optional seasonal treats, such as tasting sweet melons during late spring to early autumn, adding a unique local culinary experience.
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