Day Trip from Sapporo in Winter: Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Ningle Terrace

Leave Sapporo for the Winter Scenery of Asahikawa, Biei and Furano

Starting from Sapporo, this roughly 10-hour tour takes you to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei's Christmas Tree and Shirahige Falls (the "White Beard Falls"), and Ningle Terrace in Furano. Adorable animals, wide snowy landscapes and tiny log cabins in the woods: every stop offers something different.

Part of the appeal is leaving the snowy-road driving and local transport arrangements to someone else. Choose from small-group plans with different group sizes and meeting options to find the one that suits your travel style.

The order of visits and stops may change depending on the weather and traffic conditions on the day.

At Asahiyama Zoo, Take Your Time Watching the Animals

At Asahiyama Zoo, keep an eye out for polar bears, penguins and more. Rather than just taking photos, try noticing the way they walk, where they look, and their expressions when they rest. Spotting the small differences between individual animals makes watching even more fun.

The winter "Penguin Walk" takes place only once enough snow has settled to make a path. You can see it only if the event's timing matches the tour's time at the zoo, so it cannot be guaranteed.

Exhibits and events vary depending on conditions on the day. Decide which animals you most want to see and make the most of your limited time.

In Biei, See the Christmas Tree Standing on a Snowy Hill

Standing alone on a hill in Biei is the "Christmas Tree" tree. This cone-shaped spruce reaches toward the sky, and in winter its silhouette stands out even more against the white snowscape.

You can photograph the tree up close, or include the surrounding hills and sky. Even from the same spot, different framing gives you a completely different shot.

The surrounding land is privately owned farmland. Please do not walk into the snowfield, and follow your guide's instructions when viewing and taking photos.

At Ningle Terrace, Wander Through Little Shops in the Forest

Ningle Terrace in Furano is a shopping area of 15 log cabins set in the forest. Each shop offers its own handmade world, including crafts inspired by nature.

In winter, snow settles on the roofs and trees, turning the small wooden shops into a scene from a picture book. When night falls, the lights come on, giving the area a warm look quite different from the daytime.

The light and scenery you will see on the tour depend on your arrival time and the weather. Peek into the shops that are open and look for your favourite crafts and forest views.

FAQ

■ Are all plans limited to 9 people? No. In addition to the plan limited to 9 people with hotel pickup, there is a plan for 13 people that meets at a meeting point and offers hotel pickup. Please check the group size and meeting method of the plan you book.

■ Can I definitely see the Penguin Walk? No, it is not guaranteed. It is held only when there is enough snow, and you can see it only if the event's timing matches the tour's time at the zoo.

■ What languages does the guide speak? English and Chinese are supported. Please check the language conditions for the plan you wish to book.

■ When will I find out the meeting time and the guide's contact details? You will receive them in a guide email sent between 4 pm and 9 pm the day before departure. Please check your spam folder, and if nothing has arrived by 9 pm, contact the tour operator. If you receive a LINE group link, please join it yourself.

■ Can I see the night view at Ningle Terrace? The lights come on at night, but what you see on the tour depends on your arrival time and conditions on the day. If the night view is your main reason for joining, please check the estimated visit time before booking.

What to Check Before Booking

• Group size, meeting method and hotel pickup areas for each plan
• Whether zoo admission and meals are included, and the cancellation conditions
• The email you receive the day before, and how to contact your guide
• Itinerary changes due to weather, and any travel insurance you need to arrange separately

Prices and itineraries may change. Before booking, please check the booking page for the latest information and meeting point details.

Wrapping Up

Smile at the animals' unexpected antics, gaze at Biei's pure white hills and blue river, and peek into little shops in the Furano forest. Every change of scenery brings a new kind of enjoyment.

Why not add a winter side trip to your stay in Sapporo? Choose the small-group plan that suits you and go out to meet the landscapes of Hokkaido.

You can check details and availability at Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Ningle Terrace Small-Group Day Tour from Sapporo (up to 9 people).