Sapporo Winter: Asahiyama Zoo (Penguin Fun & Snowmobile)

Overview

Embrace Hokkaido’s magical winter on this full-day adventure from Sapporo, blending wildlife wonders, snowy landscapes, and optional adrenaline rushes. Kick off at Ningle Terrace’s fairy-tale forest in Furano, where snow-draped log cabins glow with twinkling lights and house artisan crafts like lavender glassware—perfect for holiday souvenirs amid a blanket of white (open year-round, illuminated evenings December 2025–March 2026).

Venture to Shikisai-no-Oka’s vast Snowland, Hokkaido’s premier winter playground, for 1.5 hours of free snow antics (snowball fights, photos) or an exhilarating snowmobile ride across powder fields (optional ¥15,000 single/¥20,000 double, December 16, 2025–March 15, 2026; unsuitable snow December 1–15). Snap a quick drive-by of the iconic Ken & Mary Tree in Biei, a lone poplar standing sentinel in snowy expanses, evoking nostalgic 1970s Skyline ad romance.

Culminate at Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s most visited menagerie, for 100 minutes of “behavioral exhibits”—watch king and gentoo penguins waddle in the famous Penguin Walk (twice daily at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, December 12, 2025–mid-March 2026, snow-dependent), seals spiraling in glass tubes, and red pandas tumbling in the snow.

With a multilingual guide, heated coach, and Asahiyama admission included, this ~9-hour escape suits families, couples, or thrill-seekers chasing Sapporo’s frosty charm (0–5°C, layers essential)—book for mid-December 2025 penguin parade kickoff.

Why Choose This Experience?

• Winter Wildlife Magic: Asahiyama’s Penguin Walk (December 12, 2025–mid-March 2026) lets tuxedoed birds strut fence-free on snow—up-close behavioral exhibits like seals’ dives and monkeys’ romps shine in crisp cold.
• Snowy Playground Thrills: Shikisai-no-Oka’s Snowland offers optional snowmobiling (December 16–March 15, 2026; ¥15,000–¥20,000) or free tubing/snow fights—beginner-friendly amid 10–15m drifts.
• Fairy-Tale Forests & Icons: Ningle Terrace’s illuminated cabins (winter evenings) and Ken & Mary Tree’s snowy silhouette capture Biei/Furano’s poetic charm—craft shopping meets cinematic views.
• Multilingual Comfort: Guide provides English/Chinese/Japanese narration; heated bus ensures cozy transfers—no language barriers or frostbite worries.
• Family & Flexible Fun: Ages 4+ welcome (zoo free under 12? inquire); optional snowmobile for adults, free activities for kids—mid-December 2025 ideal for early snow without peak crowds.
• Value-Packed Day: Asahiyama admission (~¥1,000) included; seamless from Sapporo—escape city for geopark purity.

Highlights

• Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk: 100 minutes at Japan’s top zoo (1M+ visitors/year)—11:00 AM/2:30 PM parades (December 12, 2025–mid-March 2026) feature king/gentoo penguins marching snow paths; seals in cylindrical tanks, red pandas bridging overhead.
• Shikisai-no-Oka Snowland: 1.5 hours of winter play—optional guided snowmobile (15–30 minutes, ¥15,000 single/¥20,000 double, December 16–March 15, 2026) or free sledding/tubing in 15-hectare fields.
• Ningle Terrace Fairy Lights: 30 minutes in Furano’s enchanted village—snow-hatted cabins sell glassware/lavender crafts; twinkling paths evoke Kenji Miyazawa tales (weekdays; holidays swap to Takashima Museum).
• Ken & Mary Tree Drive-By: 10-minute photo stop at Biei’s 90-year-old poplar—snow-framed icon from 1972 Nissan ad, with Alps backdrop.
• Heated Coach & Guide: Multilingual audio/explanations; safety tips for snow—ideal for families (kids love bears/penguins).
• Seasonal Shifts: Mid-December 2025 snowmobile start; February penguin peak—zoo open 9:30 AM–4:00 PM (winter hours).

Package Options

1. Day Trip

Full-day winter tour from Sapporo: Ningle Terrace, Shikisai-no-Oka snow fun (optional snowmobile), Ken & Mary Tree, Asahiyama Zoo (admission included). Price: ¥8,000 per person (~$57 USD; fixed; select date for availability, December 1, 2025–March 15, 2026).

Note: Prices for 2025/26; child rates (4–12) ~50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Snowmobile extra (¥15,000–¥20,000, December 16–March 15); no activities December 1–15 due to thin snow. Book mid-December for parades.

Itinerary

Standard Winter Day Trip (e.g., Mid-December 2025)

07:20/07:35 – Departure from Sapporo (Odori Park Subway Exit 31 or JR Sapporo North Square; heated coach, guide briefing).

09:45 – Ningle Terrace (30 minutes, self-guided): Wander Furano’s snow-lit cabins—craft huts with lavender glassware; fairy lights evoke winter tales (weekdays; holidays: Takashima Museum ice art).

10:25 – Shikisai-no-Oka Snowland (1.5 hours, self-guided): Play in 15-hectare drifts—optional snowmobile (guided 15–30 minutes, ¥15,000–¥20,000, December 16+) or free tubing/snow fights; photo ops with Alps.

11:55 – Ken & Mary Tree (10 minutes, drive-by): Quick stop for snowy poplar shots—iconic Biei landmark, guide’s optimal angles.

12:10 – Asahiyama Zoo (100 minutes, self-guided): Admission included (~¥1,000)—time Penguin Walk (11:00 AM/2:30 PM, December 12+); seals, red pandas in snow habitats.

14:40 – Return to Sapporo (2.5 hours; arrive ~17:10).

Note: Total ~9 hours; times approximate (traffic/weather). Penguin snow-dependent (zoo decides); Ningle swap holidays. Mid-December 2025 snowmobile start.

What to Expect

Hop on your heated coach at Sapporo Station North Square (7:35 AM) or Odori Park Exit 31 (7:20 AM), where your guide shares winter wisdom and audio activates in English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean. Cruise 2.25 hours to Ningle Terrace (9:45 AM), Furano’s 30-minute wonder: Snow-capped huts glow with lights, artisans hawk lavender crafts—fairy-tale shopping amid Miyazawa-inspired magic (weekdays; holidays: Takashima’s ice art).

Arrive Shikisai-no-Oka by 10:25 AM for 1.5 hours of Snowland joy: Vast fields invite optional snowmobiling (December 16+, ¥15,000–¥20,000 guided spins) or free sledding/snowballs—Alps-framed powder for all ages. Quick 11:55 AM drive-by of Ken & Mary Tree: Snap the 90-year-old poplar’s snowy solitude from the bus, a Biei icon evoking 1970s romance.

Hit Asahiyama Zoo at 12:10 PM for 100 minutes of animal antics: Included admission (~¥1,000) grants Penguin Walk views (11:00 AM/2:30 PM, December 12+; snow-waddling kings/gentoos), seals’ spirals, and red panda romps—no crowds, pure wonder (zoo 9:30 AM–4:00 PM winter). Return 2.5 hours (~17:10 PM arrival), hearts full of Hokkaido’s frosty soul—suits families (kid snow play) or photographers (tree/zoo shots), with 0–5°C chills demanding layers/boots.

What’s Included

• Round-trip heated coach from Sapporo (Odori Park/JR Station)
• Professional multilingual guide (English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean audio)
• Asahiyama Zoo admission (~¥1,000 value)
• Toll fees, parking fees, fuel fees
• Operator-provided insurance

Note: Snowmobile (~¥15,000–¥20,000, December 16–March 15), lunch/snacks (~¥1,000–¥2,000), and souvenirs self-paid. No activities December 1–15 (thin snow). Under 4 free (lap-held).

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: JR Sapporo North Square (7:35 AM) or Odori Park Exit 31 (7:20 AM)—arrive 15 minutes early; bus departs promptly (no wait, 100% fee for lates).
• Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies/snowmobile interest at reservation. December 1–15: No snowmobile—plan hikes/photos.
• Weather: Tours run in light snow (boots recommended); heavy storms cancel (full refund). Penguin Walk snow-dependent (zoo announces).
• Health: Light walking (~1–2km at zoo/park); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Cold exposure—layers/gloves.
• Children: Ages 4+ full access (zoo ~¥500 kids); under 4 lap-held. Supervise near snow/edges.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised at snowmobile/zoo. Snowmobile 16+ driver (tandem for young).
• Group Size: Up to 40 (coach); shared—solo OK.
• Attire: Non-slip snow boots, layers/gloves/hat (0–5°C); goggles for glare. Camera essential.
• Duration: ~9 hours; season December 1, 2025–March 15, 2026 (Penguin December 12+).
• Accessibility: Mostly flat; zoo/park paths uneven snow—limited wheelchair (notify). Heated bus.
• Photos: Guide stops for candids; no drones.
• Sustainability: Parks—pack waste, no litter in snow.

Reviews

“I was the only foreigner in the group, but the tour guide and other group members took good care of me. The headphones had explanations in various languages. Lunch was eaten at a very beautiful hot spring hotel. It is not very convenient to go to Lake Toya from Sapporo, but this one-day tour is still worry-free.”

“Although we have multilingual headsets which provide us with narration and description of attractions coming up, when there’s no narration and the lady guide will start to say some things about whatever she’s relating to, it’s only in Japanese, so there are occasions that we have no idea what every Japanese tourist is laughing or clapping about. I feel like I could have done this through a VR headset at home instead.”

“Everything was great~ Even though I can’t speak Japanese, they provided earphones so I could listen to the guide’s voice in Korean. The background was so pretty. The guide and bus driver were all friendly.”

FAQs

Q: When is the Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo?

A: Twice daily at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, December 12, 2025–mid-March 2026 (snow-dependent; zoo announces).

Q: Is snowmobile available year-round?

A: No—December 16, 2025–March 15, 2026 only (¥15,000 single/¥20,000 double; unsuitable December 1–15 thin snow). Free alternatives: Tubing/snow fights.

Q: What’s the Ningle Terrace swap on holidays?

A: Weekdays: Ningle crafts/lights; national holidays: Takashima Photographic Art Museum (winter scenery photos, ice art).

Q: Are meals included?

A: No—self-paid lunch/snacks (~¥1,000–¥2,000 at zoo/parks). Onsen eggs treat post-activities.

Q: Suitable for kids/families?

A: Yes—zoo/penguins delight 4+; snow play safe. Supervise; under 4 lap-held.

Q: What if weather affects snow?

A: Tours adapt (indoor zoo focus); heavy snow cancels (refund). Boots recommended.

Q: How to get the audio guide?

A: Provided on coach—headphones for English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean narration at sites.

Location