Overview
Immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s autumnal symphony on this full-day bus tour from Sapporo, where the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway elevates you above a kaleidoscope of crimson maples and golden larches—Japan’s earliest koyo spectacle from mid-September to early November 2025.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Ascend 1,700m for panoramic sweeps of Daisetsuzan National Park’s volcanic peaks, then descend to Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s most-visited menagerie, for 80 minutes of “active displays” amid falling leaves—watch polar bears dive in glass tanks and penguins waddle on russet paths.
Cap with a 30-minute stop at Otokoyama Sake Park, tasting gold-medal brews from Hokkaido’s pristine waters since 1977.
With English/Chinese guide, Kurodake ropeway (¥2,000) and Asahiyama (¥1,000) tickets included, and comfortable coach from ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo (8:30 AM meet, 9:00 AM depart, ~5:00 PM return to JR Sapporo North Exit), this ~9-hour journey is perfect for leaf-peepers, animal lovers, or sake aficionados—book for mid-October 2025 peak colors (10–15°C, light jacket).
Why Choose This Experience?
- Earliest Koyo Magic: Kurodake’s mid-September 2025 opener—Daisetsuzan’s volcanic palette of reds/oranges/yellows, unmatched in Japan.
- Zoo in Fall Glory: Asahiyama’s exhibits glow with koyo—penguins parade past maples, polar bears in crimson reflections.
- Sake Heritage: Otokoyama’s global awards (1977+)—pure water tastings in a park setting.
- Sapporo Simplicity: Coach from ANA Crowne Plaza—English/Chinese guide, tickets bundled (~¥3,000 value).
- Balanced Bliss: 1.5-hour ropeway, 80-minute zoo, 30-minute sake—mid-October 2025 foliage peak, minimal crowds.
- Nature & Culture: National park vistas meet wildlife and brew lore—10–15°C autumn ease.
Highlights
- Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway: 1.5-hour ascent—1,700m panoramas of earliest koyo (mid-September–early November 2025, ~¥2,000 included).
- Asahiyama Zoo: 80-minute “active displays”—penguin walks, polar bear dives amid autumn leaves (~¥1,000 included).
- Otokoyama Sake Park: 30-minute tasting—gold-medal Hokkaido sakes from 1977 (~¥500 self-paid).
- English/Chinese Guide: Insights on Daisetsuzan’s geology, zoo behaviors, sake craft—multilingual ease.
- Autumn Palette: Mid-October 2025 crimson/gold blaze—volcanic peaks, russet paths.
- Comfortable Flow: Coach from ANA Crowne Plaza—9:00 AM start, ~5:00 PM return.
Pricing
From ¥16,500 per person
Includes
- A (BASIC): Round-trip bus, English/Chinese guide, Kurodake ropeway (¥2,000), Asahiyama Zoo (¥1,000).
- B (SAKE UPGRADE): Bus, Guide, Ropeway, Zoo, Otokoyama tasting (~¥500).
- C (FAMILY): Bus, Guide, Ropeway, Zoo, Kid zoo discounts (~50% off).
- D (EXTENDED): Bus, Guide, Ropeway, Zoo, Extra Sake Park time (45 minutes).
Note: Prices for 2025; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Lunch (¥1,000), sake (~¥500) self-paid. Book mid-October 2025 for koyo; season September–November.
Itinerary
Starting location:
ANAクラウンプラザホテル 札幌 (ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo)
Bus/coach (3 hours)
Daisetsuzan Sōunkyō Kurodake Ropeway
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (1.5 hours)
- 1,700m ascent—koyo panoramas (mid-September–early November 2025, ~¥2,000 included).
Bus/coach (1 hour)
Asahiyama Zoo
Visit, Free time, Sightseeing (80 minutes)
- Penguin walks, polar bears amid foliage (~¥1,000 included).
Bus/coach (20 minutes)
Break time, Visit, Shopping (30 minutes)
- Otokoyama Sake Park: Gold-medal tastings (~¥500 self-paid).
Bus/coach (70 minutes)
Finish at:
札幌駅北口 (JR Sapporo Station North Exit)
Note: Total ~9 hours; meet 1F lobby 8:30 AM for 9:00 AM departure. Mid-October 2025 koyo peak; times adjust for traffic.
What to Expect
Meet at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo lobby (8:30 AM for 9:00 AM), boarding the coach for a 3-hour drive to Daisetsuzan Sounkyo. By 12:00 PM, ascend Kurodake Ropeway for 1.5 hours—1,700m gondola reveals Japan’s earliest koyo (mid-September–early November 2025), crimson maples and golden larches framing volcanic peaks (¥2,000 included).
At 1:30 PM, 1-hour bus to Asahiyama Zoo for 80 minutes of wildlife amid autumn leaves—penguin parades (11:00 AM/2:30 PM) waddle past russets, polar bears dive in crimson reflections (¥1,000 included). By 3:20 PM, 20-minute hop to Otokoyama Sake Park for 30-minute tastings—gold-medal sakes from 1977 (¥500 self-paid).
Return 70 minutes (5:00 PM) to JR Sapporo North Exit—leafy for photographers (ropeway vistas), animal lovers (zoo antics), or sake fans (brew secrets), with mid-October 2025 foliage blaze (10–15°C, light jacket).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: ANA Crowne Plaza 1F lobby (8:30 AM for 9:00 AM)—staff unaware of tours; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies. Mid-October koyo peak.
- Weather: Ropeway runs light rain/snow (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Foliage weather-dependent.
- Health: Light walking (~1–2km, paths); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Comfortable shoes.
- Children: Ages 4+ full access (zoo ~50% off); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise zoo/ropeway.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised at zoo/ropeway. Kid zoo pacing.
- Group Size: Up to 40 (bus); shared, solo OK.
- Attire: Layers, comfortable shoes (10–15°C October); camera for koyo.
- Duration: ~9 hours; koyo mid-September–early November 2025.
- Accessibility: Ropeway/zoo paths uneven; limited wheelchair (notify). English/Chinese guide.
- Photos: Koyo ropeway prime—guide tips for gondola shots.
- Sustainability: National park—no litter; follow trails.
Reviews
“Kurodake’s koyo was unreal—crimson seas from the gondola! Zoo penguins waddled through leaves, sake tasting smooth. October 2025 Hokkaido heaven!”
“Family delight: Asahiyama’s polar bears in autumn glow, ropeway views epic. Guide’s Chinese clear, bus comfy—mid-October peak spot-on!”
“Photographer’s dream: Daisetsuzan reds, zoo antics. Otokoyama’s sakes gold—bus tour nailed it; recommend for fall foliage fans.”
FAQs
When’s Kurodake’s koyo season?
Mid-September–early November 2025—Japan’s earliest reds/golds.
Are ropeway/zoo tickets included?
Yes—ropeway (¥2,000), zoo (¥1,000); sake (~¥500) self-paid.
Suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes—ages 4+ love zoo; under 4 free (lap-held). Easy paths.
What if weather affects foliage?
Light rain fine; heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Mid-October ideal.
How long is Sapporo round-trip bus?
3 hours out, 1.5 hours back—comfortable coach, guide’s lore.
Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?
Yes—ropeway vistas prime; guide suggests gondola angles.
What dining options on tour?
Zoo cafe (¥1,000), sake park snacks (¥500)—self-paid.
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