Enjoy the ultimate romance of a Hokkaido winter night at the Furano Elf Terrace and Blue Pond Illuminations!
[Winter Night Trio Starting in January] Asahiyama Zoo, Biei's "Twilight Christmas Tree," and Furano Elf Terrace Lighting: Collect Hokkaido's Representative Winter Scenery in One Place
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Tongxin International Co., Ltd.
Address: 3F, 422, Minami 8-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Business Area No. 3-674
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Agents Association Cooperating Member
Precautions
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.