Penguins waddling through snow at Asahiyama Zoo make a memorable Hokkaido scene, but the real appeal of this long day is the range: a northern zoo, Biei’s blue water and waterfalls, and a forest of little craft shops at Ningle Terrace. You leave Sapporo in the morning and let someone else handle the long drives between them.
I like two things in particular: the zoo admission is included, so there is one less ticket to arrange, and the route gathers far-flung sights into a single day without a rental car. The guides can also add useful local context. Rita is a recurring name in praise for her friendly explanations and practical tips, though the assigned guide changes.
The trade-off is pace. There is a lot of ground to cover, and the stops are short by design. You will see several distinct places, not explore any one of them at leisure, and winter weather or road delays can squeeze the schedule further.
- The short version: what makes this day trip worthwhile
- A long ride from Sapporo, with the hard work taken care of
- Asahiyama Zoo: lively animal exhibits, limited time
- Biei’s Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls: beautiful, brief stops
- Ningle Terrace: little cabins, a short forest stroll
- Winter has its own route, not just snowy scenery
- Guides, language and the feel of the group
- Does the price deliver good value?
- Who should book this Hokkaido day trip?
- FAQ
- Is Asahiyama Zoo admission included?
- How long is the tour?
- Does the tour visit Blue Pond in winter?
- What happens when Asahiyama Zoo is closed?
- Is food included?
- What should I know about meeting the group?
- More Zoos in Asahikawa
- More Tours in Asahikawa
- More Tour Reviews in Asahikawa
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Asahikawa we have reviewed
The short version: what makes this day trip worthwhile
- Asahiyama Zoo is the anchor. Admission is included, and the 110-minute visit is enough for highlights, not every exhibit.
- The route changes with the season. From December through March, expect snow-focused stops such as Biei’s famous trees and Shikisai-no-oka. From April through November, the featured route includes Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.
- Biei’s water is a quick, photogenic stop. You get about 30 minutes at Blue Pond and 20 minutes at Shirahige Falls on the non-winter route.
- Ningle Terrace is atmospheric but brief. The non-winter schedule allows about 30 minutes there, within a combined stop that also includes a herb garden.
- Transport saves planning, not time. The trip runs about 10.5 hours, with a return to Sapporo expected around 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Expect a group outing, not a private tour. A smaller group may travel in a van, but the vehicle and commentary can vary.
A long ride from Sapporo, with the hard work taken care of
This is a practical choice if you are based in Sapporo and want to see Asahikawa, Biei and Furano without piecing together regional transport. The attractions are spread across central Hokkaido, so the day includes substantial driving. Round-trip transfers, fuel, tolls and parking are covered, and the fixed route means you do not need to navigate between stops yourself.
The tour departs at about 8 a.m. from a meeting point in Sapporo and returns to the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop. The arrival estimate is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., but traffic and weather can change it. I would keep the evening free, especially if you have a train or flight to catch.
Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes early. The guide does not contact you in advance, so check the email sent between 4 and 10 p.m. Japan time the day before for the vehicle plate and guide details. If more than one email arrives, use the latest one.
The minimum group size is four. Depending on how many people book, you may ride in a larger bus or a smaller vehicle with the driver also serving as guide. Small groups can feel more personal, but one visitor described a van ride as bumpy. Vehicle comfort is not guaranteed, and commentary may be shorter when the driver has to focus on the road.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Asahikawa
Asahiyama Zoo: lively animal exhibits, limited time
The zoo is in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, and is known as Japan’s northernmost zoo. Your scheduled visit is about 110 minutes, a useful introduction but not enough to inspect every enclosure at a relaxed pace. The zoo is large, so decide what matters most soon after entering.
Penguins are a seasonal draw, especially when they walk through snow in winter. The zoo also has polar bears, red pandas and marine-life exhibits. Families may find this the most engaging stop, while anyone who likes watching animals up close will want to budget the visit carefully. The time goes quickly, so avoid spending too long at the entrance or shops if particular animals are your priority.
Admission is included, which removes a small but useful bit of hassle. The visit is self-guided, however, so do not expect a tour leader to escort you through each exhibit. The guide may share context during the drive or at stops, but the zoo itself is yours to explore at your own speed.
Check closure dates before booking. Asahiyama Zoo is scheduled to close from April 8 to April 28, 2026, and November 4 to November 10, 2026. When it is closed, the tour changes rather than simply skipping the stop. The stated replacement is an onsen visit, with the November 4 to 10 route also changing because Ningle Terrace is closed. That can be a pleasant alternative, but it is not the same kind of day as the zoo-focused trip.
Biei’s Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls: beautiful, brief stops
On the non-winter route, the next major scenery stop is Shirogane Blue Pond. Its color comes from minerals in the water, and the shade can shift with light and conditions. The pond became familiar to many people as a Mac desktop wallpaper, but the real pleasure is seeing the color change against the surrounding trees and water.
You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough to walk to a viewpoint and take photos, but not to linger if the area is crowded or the path is slow. The pond’s color is not a fixed, guaranteed cobalt; cloudy skies and seasonal conditions can make it look different. Go for the setting as well as the famous hue.
Shirahige Falls is a short drive away in Shirogane Onsen village. The falls drop about 30 metres, and groundwater spills through the rock face into the river below. The tour allows roughly 20 minutes, generally enough to take in the falls and the contrast between the water and its surroundings.
Together, these two stops give the non-winter route a strong change of mood after the zoo: still water, then moving water. They are close enough to pair efficiently, but the visits are quick. If you want time for a long walk or unhurried photography, a one-day group tour will feel restrictive.
Ningle Terrace: little cabins, a short forest stroll
Ningle Terrace, near Furano, is a collection of small wooden shops set among trees. It is known for handmade goods and a romantic, woodland atmosphere, particularly when the setting is lit in the evening. The non-winter schedule gives the terrace about 30 minutes, so treat it as a charming pause rather than a long shopping visit.
There is also a 20-minute stop at a herb garden, where the tour description offers a complimentary Hokkaido drink such as corn soup or hot tea. The exact drink may vary, and one visitor reported not receiving the promised hot drink. I would consider it a welcome extra, not a replacement for bringing water or buying lunch.
Winter timing can affect the mood here. One visitor found the terrace less magical while it was still bright, and another felt the walk from the parking area reduced the time available. The approach and parking arrangements can eat into a short stop, so do not expect an extended visit.
Ningle Terrace closes on specified dates in November 2026. When it is closed but the zoo is open, its 30 minutes are added to the zoo visit. From November 4 to 10, when both the zoo and terrace are closed, the schedule changes to Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, the herb garden and a longer onsen visit.
Winter has its own route, not just snowy scenery
From December through March, the tour switches to a winter package. It includes Asahiyama Zoo, a drive by Biei’s internet-famous trees and Shikisai-no-oka, where snow activities may be available. Ningle Terrace is also part of the winter plan. The Blue Pond is not the main winter attraction, and the tour information warns that winter is not the best season to appreciate its cobalt color.
Be clear about the tree stop. The winter itinerary describes driving by Biei’s famous trees, and some visitors have expected to get off for photos but stayed on the coach. Do not book on the assumption that you will have a guaranteed photo stop at a particular tree. If stepping out for that view is essential, confirm the plan with the operator before you go.
Shikisai-no-oka offers snow activities, but activities such as snowmobiling may cost extra and can sell out. Do not assume they are part of the tour price. Some people found the stop quiet when activities were unavailable, while others enjoyed the snow and open scenery. Winter conditions also mean the guide may adjust or shorten stops for weather and road safety.
Asahiyama Zoo’s winter penguin walk can be a highlight, especially for children, but the visit still runs on a clock. Bring warm layers, gloves and footwear suited to the day’s weather. Hokkaido can change quickly, and a mild spell in Sapporo does not promise the same conditions farther inland.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Asahikawa
Guides, language and the feel of the group
The listed guide languages are Chinese, English and Japanese, but the guide assigned to your date can vary. Rita is a name that appears repeatedly in connection with lively explanations, local food suggestions and help taking photos. Other guides mentioned include Rii, Allen, Xiaolin and Sophia. These names are useful examples, not a promise of who will lead your tour.
The strongest version of this trip is not just a driver ticking off stops. A good guide can make the long ride more useful with information about Hokkaido, its geography, local food and souvenirs. Still, commentary is not guaranteed to be equally detailed in every language or on every departure. If extensive English explanation is central to your plans, ask about the guide language before booking.
The experience is a fixed-route group tour, and you cannot ask the vehicle to make extra stops along the way. Keep close to the stated return times at each attraction. If you leave the group during the tour, you are responsible for yourself and do not receive a refund.
Does the price deliver good value?
Prices start at $47.39, though the actual price can vary by date and package. For that starting price, the value comes from combining a long-distance round trip with zoo admission, tolls, fuel and parking. Organizing the same route independently would mean arranging transport between several widely spaced sights, then managing the schedule yourself.
The savings are less about a leisurely visit and more about convenience. You trade flexibility for a full day of transport and several short stops. Food and most drinks are not included, so bring something to eat or plan to buy food where time allows. Some winter visitors found there was little time for lunch, which is worth taking seriously on a 10.5-hour outing.
The tour’s average rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 68 ratings. The most consistent strengths are helpful guides, the range of stops and the convenience of seeing several places in one day. The recurring drawbacks are a rushed pace, limited time at the zoo and occasional disappointment when the weather or seasonal closures change the expected experience.
Who should book this Hokkaido day trip?
I would book it if you have one free day in Sapporo, want to see several central Hokkaido sights and are comfortable following a schedule. It is especially useful for families who want Asahiyama Zoo, and for visitors who would rather sit back than manage long regional transfers.
I would think twice if you prefer slow travel, want to spend half a day at the zoo, or need a fixed level of English commentary. It is also a poor fit if you have a same-day flight or another evening commitment. For a better chance of seeing the seasonal highlights, choose a date when the main attractions are open and check the expected weather before setting out.
Hokkaido Day Trip: Asahiyama Zoo (Including Admission) + Shikisai-no-oka + Biei Instagram-Famous Trees/Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls (Other Seasons) + Furano Ningle Terrace | Departure from Sapporo – Complimentary Hot/Cold Drink
“Tour guide Rita was extremely professional and attentive, fluent in both Mandarin and Japanese. She shared a wealth of interesting facts about Hokk…”
FAQ
Is Asahiyama Zoo admission included?
Yes. Admission to Asahiyama Zoo is included in the tour price.
How long is the tour?
The full day is about 10.5 hours. Departure is around 8 a.m., with return to Sapporo expected between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., depending on traffic and the day’s schedule.
Does the tour visit Blue Pond in winter?
The winter package focuses on Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s famous trees, Shikisai-no-oka and Ningle Terrace. Blue Pond is part of the non-winter route, and winter is not considered the best season to appreciate its blue color.
What happens when Asahiyama Zoo is closed?
The itinerary changes. The stated alternative includes an onsen visit, with additional changes when Ningle Terrace is also closed. Check the date-specific route before booking.
Is food included?
Meals are not included. A complimentary hot drink, such as corn soup or tea, is advertised at the herb garden stop, but you should bring water and plan separately for food.
What should I know about meeting the group?
Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. Check your email the evening before the tour for the vehicle plate and guide details, and keep the evening after the tour free in case traffic delays the return.
