From Penguin Walks at Asahiyama Zoo to Ningle Terrace in Furano | A Classic Winter Hokkaido Day Trip from Sapporo

A classic winter Hokkaido day trip from Sapporo

This day tour departs from Sapporo and travels through Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano before returning, taking approximately 9 hours 50 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes in total. It's a group tour where you meet your guide before departure, with English and Chinese language service available.

Winter in Hokkaido means long travel distances, and driving a rental car on snowy roads can be a real burden. The clear value of this tour is that it connects three very different kinds of spots—a zoo, snowy fields, and a forest of log cabins—all in a single day.

With a rating of 4.7 (1,401 reviews), this route is designed for first-time winter visitors to Hokkaido who want to cover the classic highlights all at once.

Asahiyama Zoo | Meet penguins walking through the snow

The first stop is Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. Known for its "behavioral exhibits," which showcase the animals' natural movements, the zoo lets you observe penguins, polar bears, seals, and more up close.

The winter highlight is the penguin walk, where the birds waddle across the snow. It's a seasonal sight, so visiting in winter is the only way to experience it.

The layout is easy to enjoy even with children, and for anyone who loves animals or nature, this is likely to be one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Biei | The Ken and Mary Tree and the pure-white Shikisai-no-Oka Hill

In Biei, you'll visit the "Ken and Mary Tree," a solitary birch standing atop a hill, along with Shikisai-no-Oka Hill. The Ken and Mary Tree once served as the filming location for a famous Japanese commercial, and the simple composition of blue sky, snowy field, and a single tree makes for a photo that feels quintessentially Hokkaido.

Shikisai-no-Oka is famous for its flower fields in summer, but in winter it transforms into an expanse of pure white snow. The rolling hills merge with distant mountain ranges to create a winter panorama with real depth.

Here you can also choose to add a snowmobile experience as an option—a quintessentially Hokkaido winter activity that lets you ride across the wide snowfields.

Ningle Terrace in Furano | A cluster of log cabins in the forest

The day concludes at Ningle Terrace, nestled in Furano's forest. Small log cabins are scattered among the trees, each filled with handmade crafts and unique items.

As evening falls and the lights come on, the glow from the cabins mingles with the snow-covered trees to create a quiet, warm atmosphere. It's a time to stroll slowly along the forest paths, browsing from shop to shop.

Note that Ningle Terrace may be closed depending on conditions on the day, in which case the itinerary switches to a visit to Takushinkan instead. It's best to keep in mind that the schedule may be adjusted according to local conditions.

How the shared tour works

This tour runs as a shared, mixed-group tour, and seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles are arranged according to the number of participants, and you cannot request a specific vehicle type. With smaller groups, the driver may also serve as the guide, and explanations may be simplified.

A confirmation message will be sent to your registered contact between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM the day before departure. If you don't receive it, check your spam folder; if you still can't find it, go to the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for the guide holding the JRT flag.

If the minimum number of participants isn't met, or in the event of severe weather such as typhoons or heavy snow, you will be notified of cancellation by email the day before. Eating and drinking on board is prohibited, so plan to have snacks during stops outside the vehicle.

Who this experience suits best

1. First-time winter visitors to Hokkaido

You can cover the classic highlights—Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Furano—all in a single day. No need to agonize over which sights to choose; you'll take in Hokkaido's most iconic winter scenery in one go.

1. Anyone who wants to avoid driving on snowy roads

Since this is a group tour departing from and returning to Sapporo, you can travel all the way to Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano without tackling long winter drives yourself. English and Chinese language service is also available.

1. Anyone who wants great photos

The Ken and Mary Tree, the snowy expanse of Shikisai-no-Oka, and Ningle Terrace lit up at night—all offer very different photo opportunities within a single day.

This tour suits anyone who wants to efficiently take in the quintessential scenery of winter Hokkaido within a limited schedule.

Things to check before booking

• Departs from Sapporo, approximately 9 hours 50 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes total
• Departure point is Sapporo, with stops in Asahikawa and Furano
• Group tour with English and Chinese language service
• Meet-up format and time to gather with your guide
• Make sure your contact settings can receive the notification sent between 5:00–9:00 PM the day before
• The plan you choose (with or without the snowmobile experience)
• Asahiyama Zoo closure dates (November 4–10, 2026, December 30–31, 2026, and January 1, 2027)
• Possibility of a switch to Takushinkan if Ningle Terrace is closed
• Cancellation notice if the minimum number of participants isn't reached
• No eating or drinking on board, and advance notice required for luggage
• Bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a portable charger
• Cancellation/change conditions and the latest pricing

It's wise to avoid booking a flight, bullet train, or dinner reservation for the evening of the tour, given the risk of traffic delays. Travel insurance is not included in the tour, so it's recommended that each traveler arrange their own coverage.

In summary

This day tour departs from Sapporo and takes you to Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, the Ken and Mary Tree and Shikisai-no-Oka Hill in Biei, and Ningle Terrace in Furano, with a total duration of about 9 hours 50 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes. In winter, you'll encounter sights found only in this season, such as penguins walking across the snow and a pure-white panorama of rolling hills.

A snowmobile experience is also available as an option, adding a quintessentially Hokkaido activity as you race across the wide snowfields. Ningle Terrace, lit up from evening onward, offers a quiet, fitting way to close out the day.

As this is a shared tour, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather and traffic conditions. Bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, and plan for a full, relaxed day. Check the latest availability and pricing on this page.