Sapporo Asahiyama Zoo & Shikisai no Oka Winter Tour

Asahiyama Zoo’s winter penguin walk is the star attraction: a parade of penguins crossing the snow, with polar bears and seals close by in the zoo’s distinctive viewing areas. I like that the day pairs this animal encounter with Biei’s open snowy fields, rather than making the long drive north for the zoo alone.

I also like the simple winter logistics: a guide and driver handle the long, potentially snowy route from Sapporo, and admission to the zoo is included. The main trade-off is time. This is an ambitious day with several stops, and weather, traffic or closures can shorten visits or change the route.

The highlights at a glance

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• The penguin walk is seasonal, not guaranteed. The parade is a winter feature, but snowfall and zoo operations can affect whether it runs.
• The zoo gets about 1 hour 40 minutes. That is enough for a focused visit, but not a leisurely tour of every enclosure.
• Ken & Mary Tree is a drive-by view. The poplar tree is a quick photo opportunity from the bus, not a stop where you get out.
• Shikisai no Oka adds optional snowmobiling. The ride costs extra, and snow conditions or crowding can affect the experience.
• Ningle Terrace may be replaced. If the forest cabins are closed or the route changes, the alternative may be Takushinkan.
• The guide can make a long bus day easier. Guides named Sunny, Hong, Chen, Lily and Mila have been praised for clear explanations, helpful communication and care.

A long winter day, made simpler by the bus

The tour runs from Sapporo to Asahikawa and Biei, with a full day on the road and at the stops. Departure is listed at 07:20 or 07:35, depending on the selected meeting point, and the return is scheduled for about 18:20 or 18:30. Confirm your departure location in the booking details, and arrive at least 10 minutes early. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

In winter, a bus tour has a practical advantage: you do not have to drive unfamiliar, snowy roads or plan each connection yourself. The trade-off is a fixed pace. Snowstorms can slow traffic, highways may close, and the driver or guide may need to alter the route to keep the group moving safely.

The guide speaks English or Chinese, and the guide’s name varies by departure. Guides mentioned by name include Sunny, Hong, Chen, Lily and Mila. The best part of a guided bus day is often the small help: clear reminders about return times, explanations during the drive and assistance when plans change. Still, the itinerary has little slack, so keep an eye on the clock at every stop.

Asahiyama Zoo: a lively visit with limited time

The zoo is scheduled for about 1 hour 40 minutes, beginning around 10:10. Its design lets you see cold-climate animals from different angles, including polar bears, seals and wolves. The penguin walk is the seasonal headline, but the animals and the zoo’s close-up viewing areas make the stop worthwhile even if the parade does not take place.

Treat the penguin walk as a bonus, not the sole reason to book. It depends on winter conditions and the zoo’s schedule. Some departures have missed it because there was not enough snow, while heavy weather or road closures have also disrupted plans. Check current conditions before you go, and be ready to enjoy the rest of the zoo if the walk is cancelled.

The time limit is the clearest compromise here. You can see several highlights, but you may need to choose between enclosures rather than cover the whole zoo at a relaxed pace. The walk from the bus, restrooms and any queue can also eat into your visit, so avoid getting separated from the group and note the meeting time before heading inside.

Zoo admission is included. The tour does not include meals, and the schedule does not promise a dedicated lunch break. Bring a snack and a drink for the day, though eating and drinking are not allowed on the vehicle.

Ken & Mary Tree: a quick Biei landmark

Around midday, the route passes the Ken & Mary Tree, a poplar made famous by a 1972 Nissan Skyline advertisement. Its name comes from the characters in the commercial. In the snow, the solitary tree against Biei’s broad hills makes a simple, memorable image.

This is a brief stop in name more than in practice: the tree is viewed from the bus, without getting out. That means no time to walk around or set up a photo on the roadside. If you have imagined a proper photo stop, adjust expectations; enjoy the view through the window and save your longer outdoor time for Shikisai no Oka or Ningle Terrace.

Shikisai no Oka: snowfields and an optional ride

The tour allows about an hour at Shikisai no Oka, a broad area that becomes a snowy playground in winter. You can take in the open fields or choose to try a snowmobile at your own expense. The appeal is the contrast with the more contained zoo: here, the winter scenery feels wide and exposed, and the ride adds speed to a day otherwise spent mostly on a bus.

Snowmobiling is optional, not part of the tour price. Conditions, queues and the amount of time available can shape how much you get to ride; one reported outing involved a long wait, while another was a particular highlight. Ask about the current price and ride format on site rather than assuming a set cost. Follow staff safety instructions, and consider your health and comfort before choosing an outdoor activity.

If you skip the snowmobile, do not assume there will be a separate organized activity. The tour information does not promise one. The stop may also shift to Chiyoda Farm if Shikisai no Oka is closed or fully booked, so keep some flexibility in your expectations.

Ningle Terrace: a short walk through the snowy woods

The afternoon stop is usually Ningle Terrace, also called the Forest Elf Terrace: small wooden cabins linked by paths through the trees. In winter, snow on the roofs and walkways gives the place its storybook look. The scheduled visit is about 30 minutes, which is enough for a short stroll and a few photographs, not a long browse.

This stop is especially vulnerable to changes. The terrace is seasonal, and weather, traffic or other disruptions can lead to a shorter visit or a replacement stop. Takushinkan, a former school building associated with photographer Maeda Shinzo, is the named alternative on some days. The venue may offer a different kind of pause, focused on photography and light rather than a snowy forest walk.

Pay attention to the guide’s instructions about where and when to meet the bus. When the schedule is tight, a few extra minutes wandering can leave you unsure whether the group has returned. If Ningle Terrace is the stop you most want, check the seasonal operating information for your date and understand that it cannot be guaranteed.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The tour starts at $56.85. For that price, the key value is the combination of zoo admission, round-trip transport from Sapporo and an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. Reaching Asahikawa and Biei independently takes planning, and winter driving adds a real burden. If you want to see several distant sights in one day without renting a car, the bus can make practical sense.

Budget separately for snowmobiling, meals, drinks and personal expenses. Insurance is not included. The snowmobile price is not fixed in the tour details, so check the local rate before you commit. If you do not ride, the activity may feel less adventurous, but the snowy fields are still part of the stop.

Value depends on your preferred pace. If your priority is seeing a range of winter sights in one day, the tour packs a lot into the fare. If you want hours at the zoo, a long snowmobile session or an unhurried walk at Ningle Terrace, a tighter itinerary may feel like a poor fit. A few departures have lost time to snow and traffic, so the advertised return is an estimate, not a promise.

Practical notes before you go

This is a winter-only tour, operating from December 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026. Asahiyama Zoo is closed November 4 to 10 and December 30 to 31; the latter dates fall within the tour season, so do not book for a day when the zoo is closed.

Wear warm layers, a hat and gloves, plus shoes with good grip. Several stops involve time outdoors, and snow-covered paths can be slippery. Bring a power bank and snacks, and keep your belongings with you: the operator does not provide luggage storage or delivery. Children and infants must be included in the passenger count.

The tour can be cancelled by the operator in extreme weather, and a minimum of four participants is required. If the group minimum is not met, you may be offered a new time or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the activity date. Avoid booking a flight, Shinkansen or dinner reservation close to the stated return time; winter road delays make a tight connection unwise.

Is this the right Hokkaido day trip for you?

Book this tour if you want a broad sample of winter Hokkaido without driving: animals at Asahiyama Zoo, a glimpse of Biei’s snowy countryside, and the option of a snowmobile ride. The friendly, attentive guiding that several named guides have provided is a useful bonus on a long day, especially when conditions force a change of plan.

Think twice if you are booking mainly for the penguin walk or Ningle Terrace, or if you prefer to spend several hours at each place. Neither is guaranteed to go exactly as planned, and the schedule can feel rushed when roads are slow. For a flexible sampler, the tour offers a convenient route; for depth and unhurried time, consider staying overnight in the region instead.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It is an approximately 11-hour day, with departure from Sapporo around 07:20 or 07:35 and return scheduled for about 18:20 or 18:30. Traffic and weather can change the timing.

Is the penguin walk guaranteed?

No. The winter penguin walk depends on conditions and zoo operations, so it may not take place on your tour date.

What is included in the tour price?

Asahiyama Zoo admission, round-trip transfers from the meeting point, and an English- or Chinese-speaking guide are included.

Is snowmobiling included?

No. Snowmobiling is optional and costs extra. The price is not specified in the tour details.

Do you get off the bus to visit Ken & Mary Tree?

No. The tree is viewed from the bus, without a separate stop to get out.

Will the tour visit Ningle Terrace?

The route is scheduled to include Ningle Terrace, but the stop can be cancelled or replaced if it is closed or conditions disrupt the itinerary. Takushinkan is one stated alternative.

Where does the tour meet and return?

The meeting and dismissal points are either Odori Park Subway Station Exit 31 or the JR Sapporo Station North Exit bus parking lot. Check your confirmation notice for the specific location.