A magical winter night tour of Hokkaido, Japan | Asahiyama Zoo, Furano Forest Fairy Terrace Illumination, December-limited Blue Pond Illumination | Departure from Sapporo
- [Limited-time December Dreamy Double Illumination Scenery] Enjoy the illumination of the Furano Fairy Terrace and the Blue Pond, and experience the ultimate romance of a winter night in Hokkaido.
- [A Winter Night Trio Starting in January] Asahiyama Zoo + Biei "Sunset Christmas Tree" + Furano Fairy Terrace Illumination: Collect all the representative winter scenery of Hokkaido in one go.
- Departs Sapporo at 10:50 AM and returns around 9:30 PM. Includes Asahiyama Zoo admission.
Package options
Product Info
[Asahiyama Zoo]
Located at the northernmost point of Japan, this zoo is home to animals rarely seen elsewhere, such as polar bears, penguins, and seals. The Penguin Walk, held from mid-December to March, is a major highlight where you can see adorable penguins up close, making it one of Japan's most popular zoos.
[Furano]
Visit the Ningle Terrace in Furano, Hokkaido, and step into the world of forest spirits! Located right in front of the New Furano Prince Hotel, Ningle Terrace features many unique handicraft shops, workshops, and cafes.
Follow the wooden boardwalk past 15 charming log cabins, each with its own unique decorative theme. It is a dreamy space where you might expect a spirit to appear at any moment. You can sit on the benches along the wooden path to rest and soak in the tranquility of the forest. At night, the illuminated forest, dotted with snow-covered triangular cabins, feels like a fairytale world that will leave you spellbound.
[December Exclusive: Shirogane Blue Pond Illumination]
After dark, the Shirogane Blue Pond transforms into a lake of light, showcasing a dreamy winter night scene that shifts from serene blue tones to silvery snow light. Surrounded by deep snow, the reflections of icy trees on the blue-lit water create a fairytale atmosphere. This light show is held only during specific winter periods, with the December scenery being the most romantic, making it one of Hokkaido's most iconic winter night views.
[From January: Biei Christmas Tree (Bibaushi)]
Biei Christmas Tree (Bibaushi) In winter, the Christmas tree stands in a vast, pure white snowfield. The silence of the natural snowy landscape makes the tree appear even more sacred. Admire the Biei Christmas Tree (Bibaushi) shining at dusk and capture dreamy photos against the silver snow.
Visit the popular Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido to see penguins, polar bears, seals, and other adorable animals up close, and witness their lively charm in the snowy world! If you are lucky, you may even see the winter-exclusive Penguin Walk and create unforgettable, heartwarming memories. *The Penguin Walk is subject to snow conditions and the zoo's schedule.
Ningle Terrace | Winter Snowy Night Dreamy Illuminations. Stroll along the forest paths adorned with lights, admire the charming handmade craft cabins, and feel the unique tranquility and warmth of a Hokkaido winter. Whether you are on a romantic date, a family trip, or a photography enthusiast, you can create fairy-tale-like winter memories in this snowy forest.
Shirogane Blue Pond | Winter Dreamy Illuminations. Step into a dreamy, winter-exclusive secret spot in Hokkaido! As night falls, colorful lights reflect off the snow-covered Blue Pond and surrounding trees, creating a mysterious and romantic world of light and shadow. Experience the unique tranquility and magical charm of a Hokkaido winter night, and create unforgettable winter memories.
Biei Christmas Tree (Bibaushi) | A Winter Fairytale in a Pure White Snowfield. This elegantly standing spruce is named for its resemblance to a Christmas tree and is one of Biei's most iconic winter photography spots. Feel the pure beauty of the snow country in this postcard-perfect landscape and create unforgettable winter travel memories.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Hokkaido
Duration: 1-day tour
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Min. group size: 6
Tour Leader: 1
Guide: 0
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Address: 3F, 4-422, Minami 8-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-674
Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Associate Member
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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 17:00). 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: Pregnant women, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Epilepsy, Asthma
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please adhere to the scheduled itinerary. If you are late, it will be considered an automatic cancellation, and no refund will be provided.
The itinerary or duration at each attraction may be adjusted due to traffic congestion, facility maintenance, or other factors.
Please inform us in advance if you need to bring luggage (including large items such as strollers and wheelchairs) so we can arrange appropriate vehicle space for a smoother and more comfortable journey. We arrange vehicle types based on the number of passengers. If you confirm that luggage can be carried 3-5 days before departure, an additional handling and space reservation fee of 1,500 JPY per item (cash only) will be charged, to be paid to the guide before boarding.
For groups of 10 people or fewer, a driver-guide will be provided. For safety reasons, the driver will only provide basic information about the attractions and schedule. Thank you for your understanding.
A departure notification will be sent to your email by 17:00 on the day before departure. Please check your email for the guide's contact information, vehicle license plate number, and detailed itinerary. Thank you.
This tour does not include personal travel insurance. Outdoor activities involve certain risks and dangers. Guests must assess their own health and capabilities. The company is not responsible for any physical damage or injury caused by accidents or unforeseen factors.
FAQs
1. What time does the penguin walk usually take place at Asahiyama Zoo?
The famous penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo typically occurs twice a day during the winter season, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Exact timings can vary slightly depending on the season and specific day, so it's highly recommended to check the official zoo schedule upon arrival or on their website for the most current information. This highly anticipated event allows visitors to observe the penguins up close as they waddle along a designated path.
2. What are the famous attractions and unique experiences at Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique 'behavioral exhibition' approach, which allows visitors to observe animals in environments mimicking their natural habitats. Key attractions include the popular winter penguin walk, the underwater tunnel for seals, and the polar bear enclosure where visitors can view these magnificent animals from various angles, including from below. The zoo offers an immersive experience, showcasing animals' natural behaviors effectively.
3. What is the recommended visit duration for Asahiyama Zoo?
For a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, it is generally recommended to allocate about 2 to 3 hours to explore Asahiyama Zoo. This duration allows ample time to enjoy the popular penguin walk, observe the unique exhibits like the underwater seal tunnel and the polar bear habitat, and navigate through the different animal zones without feeling rushed. The exact time needed can vary based on individual interest and crowd levels.
4. What are the transportation options to get to Asahiyama Zoo from Sapporo?
From Sapporo, visitors can reach Asahiyama Zoo by taking a train to Asahikawa Station, then transferring to a local bus that goes directly to the zoo. Alternatively, many organized day tours depart directly from Sapporo, offering convenient round-trip transportation. These tours streamline travel by handling all transfers to the zoo and sometimes include other attractions, making it easier to navigate during winter conditions.
5. Are Furano and Biei worth visiting during winter for scenic experiences?
Yes, Furano and Biei transform into stunning winter wonderland destinations, making them highly worthwhile for scenic experiences. The landscape is blanketed in pristine snow, offering picturesque views. Key attractions include the magical Furano Elf Terrace with its enchanting illuminations and the ethereal Blue Pond, which also features a special winter light-up. Biei offers serene snowscapes, including the famous 'Twilight Christmas Tree,' perfect for photography.
6. When is the best time to experience the Furano Elf Terrace light-up and Blue Pond illumination?
The Furano Elf Terrace light-up is best experienced in the evening after sunset, typically from late afternoon into the night, throughout the winter season. The Blue Pond illumination is usually a December-exclusive event, also best viewed after dark to fully appreciate its dreamlike azure glow against the snowy backdrop. Visiting during these evening hours maximizes the enchanting visual impact of both locations and creates a truly magical experience.
7. How can travelers conveniently visit multiple winter attractions like Asahiyama Zoo, Furano Elf Terrace, and Blue Pond in one day?
The most convenient way to visit multiple popular winter attractions like Asahiyama Zoo, Furano Elf Terrace, and the Blue Pond in a single day is by joining an organized day tour departing from cities like Sapporo. These tours handle all transportation logistics, including navigating potentially snowy roads, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or coordinating complex public transport transfers between distant locations.
8. What can visitors expect to see at Biei's "Twilight Christmas Tree" during winter?
At Biei's "Twilight Christmas Tree," visitors can expect to see a solitary, beautifully shaped tree standing majestically in a vast snow-covered field. It becomes particularly enchanting during twilight hours, offering a serene and iconic Hokkaido winter scene. This spot is popular for photography, capturing the solitary tree set against the soft hues of the winter sky, embodying the quiet and pristine beauty of Biei's rural landscape.
