Hokkaido Popular Day Tour | Asahiyama Zoo & Biei Instagram [Chinese and English Guide]

Overview

Embark on a magical day trip from Sapporo, diving into Hokkaido’s winter charm with a blend of wildlife wonders and Instagram-worthy landscapes. Start at Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s most visited zoo, where the 14:30 penguin parade (mid-December–mid-March 2025, snow permitting) and playful seals in glass pillars steal the show. Cruise past Biei’s iconic Ken & Mary Tree, a romantic lone poplar from a vintage car ad, perfect for quick snaps. Marvel at Shirahige Falls’ shimmering silver-blue cascades, dubbed “white beard” for their snowy winter glow. Stroll Shirogane Blue Pond’s surreal turquoise waters, a natural masterpiece shifting with seasons. End at Ningle Terrace’s fairy-tale log cabins, browsing handmade crafts—or, in summer (June 15–September 15, 2025), swap for Farm Tomita’s vibrant lavender fields. With daily departures, English/Chinese guides, and round-trip transfers, this tour is ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking Hokkaido’s winter magic (January–March peak) or summer blooms in a hassle-free, photo-packed day.

Why Choose This Experience?

• Wildlife & Scenery Combo: Pair Asahiyama Zoo’s adorable animals with Biei’s cinematic landscapes for a diverse, memorable day.
• Seasonal Flexibility: Winter’s snow enhances falls and pond (Jan–Mar); summer swaps Ningle for Farm Tomita’s lavender (Jun 15–Sep 15, 2025).
• Instagram Hotspots: Ken & Mary Tree, Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls offer postcard-perfect shots, with guides assisting for candids.
• Family-Friendly: Zoo parades and gentle walks suit ages 4+; guides ensure kid-friendly pacing and photo ops.
• Multilingual Ease: Fluent English/Chinese guides provide insights, clear instructions, and personalized help, ideal for global travelers.
• Value-Packed: Zoo admission and transfers included; no hidden fees, with optional lunch packs for convenience.

Highlights

• Asahiyama Zoo: 2 hours to see penguins waddle (14:30 parade, mid-Dec–Mar, snow-dependent), seals swirl in glass tubes, and red pandas romp—Japan’s top zoo by visitors.
• Ken & Mary Tree: Quick 10-minute drive-by photo stop at Biei’s iconic poplar, a nostalgic symbol from a 1970s Skyline ad.
• Shirahige Falls: 20-minute visit to Kamikawa’s silver-blue cascades, flowing like an “old man’s beard” amid winter snow or summer greenery.
• Shirogane Blue Pond: 20-minute stroll by the vibrant turquoise pond, its colors from mineral-rich falls shifting with wind and seasons.
• Ningle Terrace: 30-minute browse through Furano’s log-cabin village, with handmade glass, paper, and lavender crafts. Summer (Jun 15–Sep 15): Visit Farm Tomita for lavender fields instead.
• Expert Guidance: English/Chinese guides share local lore, snap group photos, and recommend lunch spots for a seamless day.

Package Options

1. Asahiyama Zoo Day Trip

Full-day tour with zoo, Ken & Mary Tree, Shirahige Falls, Blue Pond, and Ningle Terrace (or Farm Tomita in summer). Price: ¥9,048 per person (fixed; select date for availability).

Note: Daily departures; book early for winter penguin parades (mid-Dec–Mar 2025) or summer lavender (Jun 15–Sep 15). Meals/snacks extra; snowmobiling not included (review mentions optional add-on, confirm with operator).

Itinerary

Standard Day Trip (Winter Route, e.g., January–March 2025)

08:00 – Departure from Sapporo (e.g., Sapporo Station Bus Terminal or designated hotel; air-conditioned coach).

10:15 – Asahiyama Zoo (2 hours, self-guided): Explore Japan’s top zoo, timing your visit for the 14:30 penguin parade (snow-dependent, mid-Dec–Mar). Watch seals dive in glass pillars, red pandas climb, and raccoons clown overhead.

12:50 – Ken & Mary Tree (10 minutes, drive-by, self-guided): Snap quick photos of Biei’s lone poplar, a romantic landmark from a 1970s car commercial, framed by snowy hills or green fields.

13:10 – Shirahige Falls (20 minutes, self-guided): Admire silver-blue cascades flowing through rocks, glowing against winter snow or lush summer forests—a serene natural gem.

13:40 – Shirogane Blue Pond (20 minutes, self-guided): Stroll the iconic pond’s edge, its turquoise-to-cobalt hues (from mineral-rich falls) shifting with light—Hokkaido’s “power spot” for photos.

15:00 – Ningle Terrace (30 minutes, self-guided): Browse Furano’s fairy-tale cabins, selling glass crafts, lavender goods, and hand-painted art. Summer (Jun 15–Sep 15): Visit Farm Tomita’s lavender fields instead.

17:30 – Return to Sapporo meeting point.

Note: Times flexible for traffic/weather; total ~9–10 hours. Summer swaps Ningle for Farm Tomita. Penguin parade weather-dependent; confirm via zoo app. Pre-departure email sent 17:00–21:00 prior day—check spam.

What to Expect

Board a cozy coach in Sapporo, heading north to Asahiyama Zoo, where 2 hours let you catch the famous penguin parade (14:30, mid-Dec–Mar 2025, if snowy) and marvel at seals spinning in glass tubes or red pandas tumbling about—perfect for kids and adults.

Zip past Biei’s Ken & Mary Tree for a quick, romantic photo stop, its lone silhouette iconic against winter drifts or summer skies. At Shirahige Falls, the silver-blue streams dazzle, especially with snow framing the “white beard” flow. Shirogane Blue Pond’s surreal turquoise waters, born from the falls’ minerals, shift hues with the breeze—Hokkaido’s must-snap spot.

End at Ningle Terrace’s whimsical cabins, browsing lavender crafts in a forest glow, or, in summer, wander Farm Tomita’s vibrant flower fields (Jun 15–Sep 15). English/Chinese guides like Leo ensure clear instructions, answer questions, and snap candids, with lunch pack tips for zoo breaks (self-paid, ~¥1,000–¥2,000). Ideal for families (4+ friendly), couples, or solo explorers, this tour shines in winter’s snowy magic (0–5°C) or summer’s lush bloom (15–25°C), with minimal walking (~2km) and max memories.

What’s Included

• Admission to Asahiyama Zoo
• English/Chinese-speaking guide
• Round-trip transfers from Sapporo (air-conditioned coach)
• Toll fees, parking fees, fuel fees
• Operator-provided insurance

Note: Meals/snacks (e.g., lunch packs) and optional activities (e.g., snowmobiling, per reviews) not included—budget ¥1,000–¥2,000. Transport to meeting point not included—taxis/subway advised.

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: Sapporo Station Bus Terminal or specified hotel (07:50 arrival for 08:00 departure); look for JRT tour guide flag if delayed. Lateness incurs full fee.
• Confirmation: Email sent 17:00–21:00 prior day (check spam); latest version prevails. Peak seasons may delay—arrive early if no contact.
• Weather: Tours run in light snow/rain (ponchos provided); heavy blizzards cancel (full refund). Penguin parade snow-dependent; no refunds for missed elements.
• Health: Light walking (~2km, flat paths); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Bring motion sickness meds if needed.
• Children: Ages 4+ welcome (inquire for rates); under 4 lap-held (no seat). Supervise near water/zoo edges.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised near pond/falls. Zoo activities kid-friendly (4+).
• Group Size: Up to 30 per coach; solo or groups welcome. Private charters for 8+ available.
• Attire: Winter—insulated boots, gloves, layers (0–5°C); summer—comfortable shoes, hat (15–25°C). Camera/goggles for snow glare.
• Duration: ~9–10 hours; breaks for restrooms/photos/lunch included.
• Accessibility: Zoo/pond mostly flat but snowy in winter; Ningle has steps—wheelchair-limited (notify for assistance).
• Photos: Guides snap group candids (consent required); drones banned at sites. Blue Pond ideal for selfies.
• Sustainability: Respect zoo animals and pond ecosystems—pack out waste, no feeding wildlife.

Reviews

“This was an amazing experience, Leo was our tour guide and made sure to answer every question we had with ease. We got to do so much during this day and couldn’t recommend this tour more. Asahiyama Zoo you don’t get lots of time there but still can see many animals and still make it in time for the penguin walk. Snowmobiles was our biggest highlight definitely a must do!”

“We had tourguide LEO for our trip and he was amazing! Spoke English, Chinese and Japanese, he was also super informative about the places that we visited. He was also clear about every instructions and hands on to every questions that we had. We enjoyed every single minute that we spent on every destination that we visited. Definitely worth every penny! Thank you so much!”

“A wonderful experience, I enjoyed the tour, although the Ningle Terrace was very rush. 维 our guide was very professional and informative. She is very helpful and even help to get lunch packs for the group. Awesome guide and friendly driver.”

FAQs

Q: When is the penguin parade at Asahiyama Zoo?

A: Mid-December–mid-March 2025 at 14:30, snow permitting. Confirm via zoo app; guides time the visit to catch it.

Q: What’s the summer itinerary difference?

A: June 15–September 15, 2025, swaps Ningle Terrace for Farm Tomita’s lavender fields; same duration, vibrant blooms.

Q: Is snowmobiling included?

A: No, not listed in package (review mentions as add-on). Confirm with operator for availability/cost (~¥3,000–¥5,000).

Q: Are meals provided?

A: No, self-paid (e.g., lunch packs at zoo, ¥1,000–¥2,000). Guides like Wei assist with recommendations/ordering.

Q: How cold is the winter tour?

A: 0–5°C; dress in insulated layers, boots, gloves. Snow enhances falls/pond; coaches heated for comfort.

Q: What if I miss the pre-departure email?

A: Arrive 10 minutes early at Sapporo Station; look for JRT flag. Check spam for 17:00–21:00 email.

Q: Is the tour suitable for kids?

A: Yes, zoo and flat paths ideal for 4+; supervise near water. Guides ensure family-friendly pacing.

Location