10-Hour Winter Day Tour from Sapporo to Biei & Furano | Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Light-Up

First stop: Asahiyama Zoo, where the day begins with a winter-only penguin walk

The first destination on this winter itinerary is Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. The famous "penguin walk," held only during the snowy season, sees penguins waddling in a line through the zoo's snow-covered paths — a sight unique to Hokkaido winters.

Departing Sapporo in the morning, the bus heads to Asahikawa via the expressway. The scenery gradually turns into pure white snowfields, and by the time you arrive, you're fully immersed in Hokkaido's winter world.

The texture of the snow you see here stays with you throughout the day, following you to the hills of Biei and Furano and on to the Blue Pond. The tour kicks off with these winter animals before moving on.

Shikisai-no-Oka Hill: pure white slopes and the thrill of snowmobiling

Next, the tour heads to Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei. Known in summer as a vast flower field, in winter this expansive hill transforms into a white landscape where only the gentle undulations of the terrain remain.

For those who wish to join, a snowmobile experience is available here (at your own expense). This winter-exclusive activity lets you feel the scale of the hill through speed as you ride across the snow.

Even those who skip the snowmobile will have time to take photos against the backdrop of the snowfield and trees standing like Christmas trees. Bringing warm clothing and sturdy footwear will help you make the most of your time on the hill.

As night falls, the Blue Pond light-up in Shirogane

In the evening, the tour heads to the Blue Pond (Shirogane Blue Pond) in Biei. This pond, known for its blue water and rows of dead standing trees, is illuminated at night only during the winter season, creating a fantastical scene where snow and light combine.

The way the light hits the water and trees changes the impression of their colors, so the same spot can feel completely different depending on the season and time of day. Visitors who have only seen daytime photos of the Blue Pond are often the most surprised by the contrast.

Since this is an outdoor viewing experience in freezing temperatures, solid cold-weather gear like gloves and hand warmers will give you the comfort to fully enjoy taking photos.

The final stop: Ningle Terrace, where lights glow among forest cottages at night

The day wraps up at Ningle Terrace in Furano. Small cottages are scattered through the forest, connected by a wooden walkway lit up at night — a fairy-tale-like winter night scene.

Walking through the snow between the cottages offers a quiet, intimate experience, in contrast to the wide-open hills seen earlier in the day. It's a different kind of atmosphere from the Blue Pond's lights — warm and gentle.

Once you've finished exploring here, the bus heads back to Sapporo. The entire tour takes about 10 hours, combining daytime snowy scenery with nighttime light-ups in a single itinerary.

How the shared bus tour works

This is a shared group tour departing from Sapporo, Furano City, and Asahikawa City, where you meet your guide locally. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and the vehicle type is arranged according to the number of participants.

Between 17:00 and 21:00 the day before departure, you'll receive a message with meeting details at the contact information provided at the time of booking. If you don't receive it, please check your spam folder; if it's still unclear, arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for staff near the JRT guide flag.

With smaller groups, the driver may also serve as the guide, in which case explanations may be more brief. Since several routes are available, it's a good idea to confirm which itinerary you'll be following at the time of booking, so you know what to expect on the day.

What to check before booking

• Departure points: Sapporo, Furano City, and Asahikawa City
• Duration: approximately 10 hours, day trip
• Languages supported: English, Chinese, and Korean
• Shared group tour with local guide meet-up
• Meeting details sent between 17:00–21:00 the day before departure
• Look for the JRT guide flag on the day
• Seating is first-come, first-served; vehicle type cannot be requested
• Snowmobile experience is an additional cost, paid separately
• Bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes
• No eating or drinking on board; large luggage requires advance notice
• If the minimum number of participants isn't reached, cancellation will be notified the day before
• In case of severe weather, whether the tour will run is announced by 18:00 the day before

Late arrivals cannot join partway through the tour, and no refunds are given in such cases. Avoid booking dinner reservations, flights, or Shinkansen tickets for the same evening, and bring a portable battery charger for peace of mind. Prices, departure times, and itinerary details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

In summary

This day tour from Sapporo, lasting about 10 hours, brings together the best of winter in Biei and Furano. The winter itinerary begins with the penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo, continues through the snowfields of Shikisai-no-Oka, the light-up at the Shirogane Blue Pond, and ends with the glowing lights of Ningle Terrace at night.

At Shikisai-no-Oka, you can also opt for a snowmobile experience (at your own expense), combining sightseeing with a snow activity in a single day. With multiple route options and support in English, Chinese, and Korean, this shared group tour holds a rating of 4.7 (based on 268 reviews).

It's a great fit for travelers who want to avoid driving on winter roads while experiencing both the daytime and nighttime beauty of Hokkaido in one trip. For the latest availability and pricing, check this page.