From Sapporo at 10:45 | Winter Day Tour to Asahiyama Zoo, the Blue Pond and Ningle Terrace

A Late-Morning Start from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Furano

This is a day trip by bus from Sapporo. Departing at 10:45, you'll visit Asahiyama Zoo, Biei's Christmas Tree and Blue Pond, and Ningle Terrace in Furano.

According to the listed itinerary, you'll be back in Sapporo around 21:05, making it a trip of roughly 10 hours and 20 minutes. Leave the driving between sights to the bus, and spend your time at each stop watching animals and photographing the snowy landscapes.

The tour price includes bus transport and admission to Asahiyama Zoo. Guidance is available in Japanese, English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese, and this is a shared tour with guests speaking different languages on the same bus.

First Stop: Asahiyama Zoo

Your first destination is Asahiyama Zoo. Admission is included in the tour price, so there's nothing extra to pay. Explore the zoo and see animals such as polar bears and wolves, depending on what's on display that day.

During the snowy season, the zoo also holds its much-loved Penguin Walk. Dates, times and the number of walks depend on snow conditions and the animals' wellbeing, so follow the information given on the day.

Lunch is not provided. You can eat at a restaurant inside the zoo, or bring snacks such as onigiri (rice balls) to eat on the bus. Planning which exhibits you want to see and when you'll eat will help you make the most of your time.

Next: Biei's Christmas Tree

After the zoo, it's on to the Christmas Tree, standing on the rolling hills of Biei. A single tree rising from a vast snowfield makes this a classic Hokkaido photo spot.

Capture the wide expanse of snow, or frame the tree at the centre of your shot. Even on a short stop, you can have fun experimenting with different compositions. The colour of the sky and the light change with the time of your visit and the weather, so take in whatever scenery the day brings.

Then: Shirogane Blue Pond in Winter

Next up is the Blue Pond in Shirogane, Biei. Famous for the dead trees rising out of its water, the pond freezes and is covered in snow in winter, transforming into a white wonderland.

In the listed itinerary, December and January visits include viewing the illumination, while February visits take in the snowy scenery by day. At night you'll see the pond and trees bathed in light; by day, a landscape wrapped in snow.

What you'll see depends on your tour date and arrival time. If the illumination is your main reason for joining, check the itinerary for the date you plan to book.

Finally: Ningle Terrace at Night

The day wraps up at Ningle Terrace in Furano. Wooden cabins line the forest, and at night the paths and buildings glow with soft lights.

Stroll among the snow-laden trees and cabins, and pop into any craft shops that are open. Hunt for a handmade piece that catches your eye, or take photos with your travel companions.

If a visit isn't possible due to closures, traffic restrictions or weather, the tour may stop at Furano Marche instead. After your stroll, the bus returns to Sapporo.

Next, Meet Polar Bears, Wolves and Other Winter Animals

FAQ

■ Where and when do we meet? Near Exit 31 of Odori Subway Station in Sapporo. The listed itinerary departs at 10:45, with guests asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Please check your post-booking information for the exact meeting point and time.

■ What time do we get back to Sapporo? Around 21:05, according to the listed itinerary. Times may vary with road and weather conditions, so leave some flexibility in your plans afterwards.

■ Is zoo admission included? Yes. Admission to Asahiyama Zoo and transport on the tour bus are included.

■ Is lunch included? No. You can eat at a restaurant in the zoo or bring snacks such as onigiri. Snacks may also be eaten on the bus.

■ Am I guaranteed to see the Penguin Walk? The walk depends on snow conditions and the animals' wellbeing, and viewing is not guaranteed. Check with the zoo or your guide on the day for whether it's taking place and at what time.

■ Will I see the Blue Pond illumination? The listed itinerary includes illumination viewing in December and January, with daytime visits in February. The illumination's own season and the tour's visiting time are not the same, so please check the itinerary for your tour date.

■ What if Ningle Terrace is closed? If a visit isn't possible due to closures, traffic restrictions or weather, the tour may stop at Furano Marche instead.

■ What are the age requirements and guide languages? The tour is open to ages 3 and up. It's a shared tour with guidance in Japanese, English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese. Wheelchair users currently cannot be accommodated via the booking page.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Meeting point, meeting time and expected return time to Sapporo
• Whether the Penguin Walk is taking place
• Blue Pond visiting time and whether illumination viewing is included
• Alternative itinerary if Ningle Terrace is closed
• Whether you'll eat lunch at the zoo or bring snacks
• Warm clothing, gloves and non-slip shoes
• Participation requirements, luggage policy and cancellation terms

Prices, operating hours and tour details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

After meeting the animals at Asahiyama Zoo, head on to Biei's snowfields and the Blue Pond, then Furano by night. In a single day, you'll see Hokkaido's landscapes change from day to night.

The tour leaves Sapporo at 10:45, and zoo admission is included—just sort out lunch and your camera gear, then hop on the bus. Pick a date that matches the scenery you most want to see, and set off into Hokkaido's winter.

Book here: Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk & Forest Fairy Terrace Night Tour.