Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Day Tour

Exploring Hokkaido in a Day: A Complete Review of the Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Tour

If you’re looking to squeeze a full spectrum of Hokkaido’s stunning scenery, wildlife, and local cuisine into one day, this guided tour offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken it, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded experience, especially for travelers eager to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we love about this tour? First, it combines natural wonders like the Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls—perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Second, the Asahiyama Zoo impresses with its innovative, close-up animal viewing setups that are fun and educational. Third, the included local lunch with unlimited Furano melon adds a tasty, authentic touch to the day.

One thing to consider is that the tour duration is quite packed, running about 9 to 10 hours, which might be a long day if you’re not used to full-day excursions. It’s best suited for travelers who want an efficient, guided way to tick off some of Hokkaido’s top sights without the stress of organizing transport or guides themselves.

This trip seems perfect for those wanting a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and local flavors—ideal for first-time visitors or anyone short on time but eager for a comprehensive taste of Hokkaido.

Good To Know

• Concise yet packed itinerary covers major sights like Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Asahiyama Zoo.
• Value for money with included admission tickets, guide, and lunch.
• Comfortable transportation with pick-up from Sapporo and visits to well-known service areas.
• Authentic local experience through regional snacks, souvenirs, and Furano melon.
• Ideal for busy travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing without the planning hassle.
• Limited flexibility due to a fixed schedule, so expect a structured day.

A Deep Dive into the Day Tour Experience

Starting Early and Convenient Pickup

The tour kicks off bright and early at 7:30 am from the Sapporo TV Tower Beer Garden. This central meeting point is easily accessible, especially if you’re staying in Sapporo or using public transport. The group then heads north, with the first stop at the Sunagawa Service Area, a favorite among travelers for its clean facilities, local snacks, and souvenirs. This brief 15-minute stop is a great chance to stretch, grab some snacks, and get a quick taste of Hokkaido’s local flavors before hitting the road in earnest.

Visiting the Iconic Asahiyama Zoo

The highlight for many will be the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. Known for its inventive enclosures that make animal observation engaging, this is not your typical zoo. The reviews highlight how the zoo’s design allows visitors to see animals in naturalistic settings, almost as if they’re in their habitat. Visitors get roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes here—a solid chunk of time to explore the exhibits, which include the famous penguin parade and the innovative seal and polar bear enclosures.

A reviewer mentioned, “This zoo is unlike any other; it really feels like the animals are in their natural environment, and the way the enclosures are designed makes it so much more interesting.” Expect to see wildlife up close and perhaps learn a thing or two about conservation efforts.

The Biei Stops: Seven Stars Tree and Shirogane Blue Pond

Next, the tour takes you to the Seven Stars Tree in Biei, a solitary oak that has become an emblem of the region thanks to its appearance on packaging and postcards. The 15-minute stop here allows for some quick photos of this picturesque symbol, set in rolling hills.

Afterward, the Shirogane Blue Pond offers a surreal landscape that’s especially popular among photographers. Its vivid, turquoise hue is caused by natural minerals in the water, creating a scene that looks almost surreal. Travelers can expect about 40 minutes to enjoy the view, take photos, and soak in the tranquility of this natural marvel. Reviews mention how striking the blue color is in different lighting conditions, making it a true highlight of the day.

Shirahige Falls: Nature’s White Beard

The journey continues with a peaceful visit to Shirahige Falls, flowing from underground springs over rocky cliffs into the vibrant Biei River. Known as “White Beard Falls” for its cascading white streams, it offers a refreshing contrast to the blue pond. Spend around 5 hours here, including walking around and enjoying the scenery, as the falls cascade into a lively river setting.

This stop is praised for its scenic beauty and the unique experience of witnessing water flow from underground springs. A reviewer shared that “the falls are a peaceful spot, great for photos and just relaxing by the sound of flowing water.” It’s a quieter, more contemplative part of the tour that balances the other, more vibrant stops.

Lunch and Scenic Rest Stops

Midday, the group stops at a local restaurant for a Japanese BBQ lunch featuring unlimited Furano melon—an indulgent treat that’s both sweet and refreshing. This all-you-can-eat melon is a crowd favorite, with many appreciating the chance to try regional produce at its best.

The Iwamizawa Service Area and Sunagawa Service Area serve as convenient breaks for snacks, souvenirs, and restrooms, making the long day more comfortable. The review mentions the “family- and pet-friendly facilities,” which is good news if you’re traveling with kids or furry friends.

Visiting the Innovative Asahiyama Zoo

The highlight for animal lovers is undoubtedly the Asahiyama Zoo. The zoo’s layout promotes close encounters with animals, making it more interactive than traditional zoos. Visitors often comment on the zoo’s commitment to naturalistic enclosures and educational displays. The experience is reportedly fun and engaging, especially for families.

A quoted review notes, “It’s a zoo that makes you feel like the animals are in their natural environment, not in cages or small enclosures. You really get a different perspective here.” The total visit time is just under two hours, allowing enough opportunity to see the main exhibits without rushing.

Scenic Wind-Down and Return to Sapporo

The day winds down with a visit to Sunagawa Service Area for a quick rest before heading back to Sapporo, aiming to return before evening. The total duration is about 9 to 10 hours, including transportation, so be prepared for a full day.

Practicalities and Value

At $100 per person, considering the included admissions, guide, lunch, and transportation, this tour offers good value, especially for those wanting to see a variety of sights without the hassle of self-driving or planning multiple day trips. The small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, and the multilingual guide can clarify details along the way.

However, the itinerary is quite packed, which might feel rushed for some. The fact that the guide provides only basic English indicates that travelers comfortable with a little language barrier will enjoy smoother interactions.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Hokkaido who want to cover a broad range of sights in one day. It’s also perfect for families or groups who prefer to travel with someone else handling logistics. If you’re into nature, wildlife, and regional food, you’ll find this trip especially rewarding.

Travelers with limited time, those seeking an easy, guided day with comfortable transportation, and anyone interested in photo opportunities will get the most out of this tour. Meanwhile, if you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration of each site, this might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

This guided Hokkaido day tour offers a well-balanced mix of stunning natural landscapes, engaging wildlife experiences, and authentic regional flavors. While it’s a long day, the variety packed into 9 hours ensures you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments and beautiful photos.

The inclusion of key attractions like the Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Asahiyama Zoo means you can experience some of the most iconic sights without any stress, and the value offered by the combined admission, lunch, and guide makes it a practical choice for many travelers.

This tour suits those wanting an efficient, fun, and informative way to get a taste of Hokkaido’s natural wonders and local culture—especially if you’re eager to tick off must-see sights with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, including transportation and sightseeing time.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers admission to Asahiyama Zoo, the guide, lunch (with unlimited Furano melon), and transportation.

What is the starting point?
It begins at the Sapporo TV Tower Beer Garden at 7:30 am.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children aged 0-2 can join free of charge if they do not occupy a seat.

Is the tour suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
The guide provides basic English guidance, but it is not a professional guide service, so some language barriers may occur.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions; the tour provider advises leaving enough time after booking in case of delays.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a relatively comfortable experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses, souvenirs, or extra snacks outside the provided lunch are not included.

Is this tour suitable for outdoor lovers?
Absolutely—expect scenic views, waterfalls, and outdoor animal encounters, ideal for those who enjoy nature and open-air experiences.

This guided day tour manages to package some of Hokkaido’s most celebrated sights into a manageable, enjoyable experience. Whether you’re after picture-perfect landscapes, wildlife encounters, or regional treats, it’s a solid choice for a taste of all that this northern island has to offer.