Overview
Embark on a magical winter day trip from Sapporo that captures the pure, snow-draped beauty of Hokkaido. This tour combines the charm of Asahikawa Zoo’s famous “Penguin Walk” with the exhilarating snowmobile experience at Shikisai-no-oka and the fairytale-like Forest Fairy Terrace. Marvel at the iconic Ken & Mary Tree, a symbol of minimalist romance, and visit the Takushinkan gallery (on weekends/holidays) to immerse yourself in the artistry of photographer Shinzo Maeda. With round-trip shuttle bus transfers and an English/Chinese-speaking guide, this tour offers a worry-free journey through Hokkaido’s winter wonderland, perfect for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts seeking unforgettable snowy memories.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Designed for those who want to experience Hokkaido’s iconic winter attractions in a single day, this tour ensures ample time at each stop to explore, photograph, and soak in the serene beauty of the season.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Winter-Exclusive Highlights: Witness the adorable “Penguin Walk” at Asahikawa Zoo and ride snowmobiles across the snowy hills of Shikisai-no-oka.
- Hassle-Free Travel: Enjoy comfortable round-trip shuttle bus transfers from Sapporo, eliminating the challenges of winter driving.
- Curated Winter Experience: Visit handpicked attractions like the Ken & Mary Tree, Forest Fairy Terrace, and Takushinkan for a perfect blend of nature and culture.
- Ample Exploration Time: Each stop offers sufficient time to explore, take photos, and immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes.
- Flexible Options: Choose between the standard tour or a limited-time discounted package for added value.
Highlights
- Winter “Penguin Walk” at Asahikawa Zoo: Watch adorable penguins waddle through the snow in a winter-exclusive event, alongside polar bears and seals in unique 3D exhibits.
- Shikisai-no-oka Snowmobiling: Experience the thrill of snowmobiling (at own expense) across vast snowfields, surrounded by the serene beauty of Biei’s hills.
- Ken & Mary Tree: Admire this iconic poplar tree, a romantic symbol from a 1972 Nissan Skyline ad, viewed from the shuttle for a quick photo opportunity.
- Forest Fairy Terrace (Weekdays): Stroll through a dreamy forest village of wooden cottages, bathed in snow and sunlight, for a fairytale-like experience.
- Takushinkan (Weekends/Holidays): Explore the gallery of photographer Shinzo Maeda, showcasing Hokkaido’s seasonal beauty through stunning light and shadow.
- Stress-Free Journey: Relax with bus transfers and a bilingual guide, ensuring a seamless winter adventure.
Package Options
1. Hokkaido Asahikawa Zoo Winter Day Tour
- Standard group tour with round-trip shuttle bus from Sapporo
- Includes Asahikawa Zoo, Ken & Mary Tree, Shikisai-no-oka, and Forest Fairy Terrace (weekdays) or Takushinkan (weekends/holidays)
- Price: ¥10,000 per person
2. [Limited Time Offer] Hokkaido Asahikawa Zoo Winter Day Tour
- Same itinerary as the standard tour with a seasonal discount
- Price: ¥8,000 per person
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Itinerary
- 07:20 – Departure from Sapporo (exact meeting point confirmed via email)
- 10:10 – Asahikawa Zoo (1 hour 40 minutes, self-guided; includes “Penguin Walk”)
- 12:20 – Ken & Mary Tree (10 minutes, drive-by view from vehicle)
- 12:40 – Shikisai-no-oka (1 hour, self-guided; optional snowmobiling at own expense)
- 14:40 – Forest Fairy Terrace (30 minutes, self-guided, weekdays) or Takushinkan (30 minutes, self-guided, weekends/holidays)
- 18:20 – Return to Sapporo
Note: Some attractions may be skipped due to capacity or weather conditions. The tour operator will provide updates if changes are necessary.
What to Expect
Asahikawa Zoo
Hokkaido’s most popular zoo, Asahikawa features a unique 3D exhibition design that brings you closer to polar bears, seals, wolves, and more. The winter-exclusive “Penguin Walk” is a highlight, where adorable penguins waddle in groups across the snow, creating a heartwarming spectacle. Admission is included in the tour price.
Ken & Mary Tree
Located in the hilly landscapes of Biei, this lone poplar tree became famous through a 1972 Nissan Skyline advertisement. Named after the ad’s romantic characters, it symbolizes love and companionship. Enjoy a brief drive-by view from the shuttle, perfect for capturing its minimalist beauty.
Shikisai-no-oka
This iconic Biei destination transforms from vibrant flower fields in summer to a vast, silver-white snowfield in winter. Experience the thrill of optional snowmobiling (at own expense), racing across the snowy hills for an unforgettable sense of speed and freedom in Hokkaido’s winter landscape.
Forest Fairy Terrace (Weekdays)
Conceived by Japanese drama screenwriter Satoshi Kuramoto, this enchanting Furano attraction features a small street of wooden handicraft shops hidden in a snowy forest. Stroll along the sunlit paths, surrounded by snow-covered cottages, for a fairytale-like winter experience.
Takushinkan (Weekends/Holidays)
Visit the former school building turned gallery of photography master Shinzo Maeda. This cultural gem showcases Hokkaido’s natural beauty through stunning photographs, capturing the interplay of light and shadow across all four seasons.
What’s Included
- Admission to Asahikawa Zoo
- English/Chinese-speaking guide
- Round-trip shuttle bus transfers from Sapporo to all attractions
Pre-Departure Notice
You will be contacted via email or phone between 17:00 and 21:00 the day before departure with detailed meeting point information. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it. During peak season, emails may be slightly delayed; refer to the latest email if you receive multiple. If you don’t receive the information, arrive 10 minutes early at the designated meeting point and look for the JRT tour guide flag to inquire.
Reviews
- “A winter dream!” – “The Penguin Walk at Asahikawa Zoo was adorable, and snowmobiling at Shikisai-no-oka was so exhilarating. The Forest Fairy Terrace felt like a fairytale. Our guide was fantastic!”
- “Perfect snowy adventure” – “The Ken & Mary Tree and Takushinkan were beautiful stops. I loved the zoo, but wished we had a bit more time at Shikisai-no-oka for snowmobiling.”
- “Highly recommend!” – “The tour was well-organized, and the snowy landscapes were breathtaking. The guide was friendly and ensured we stayed on schedule. A must-do in Hokkaido!”
FAQs
Q: Is the snowmobiling activity included?
A: No, snowmobiling at Shikisai-no-oka is an optional activity at your own expense.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Meals are not included, but dining options are available at Asahikawa Zoo and Shikisai-no-oka. Bringing your own food is recommended to avoid long lines during peak times.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with the “Penguin Walk” and snowy landscapes being especially appealing to kids. Snowmobiling may have age restrictions.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Warm winter clothing, non-slip shoes, and layers are essential, as you’ll be walking in snowy and potentially icy conditions.
Q: What happens if attractions are skipped due to weather or capacity?
A: The tour operator will inform you of any changes due to weather or capacity issues and may adjust the itinerary to ensure a fulfilling experience.
Q: Can I join the tour from outside Sapporo?
A: The meeting point is in Sapporo. Contact the tour operator when booking to inquire about alternative pick-up options.
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