Hokkaido Winter Asahiyama Zoo, Enchanting Blue Pond Day Tour

Experience the magic of Hokkaido’s winter on a captivating day tour. Explore the Asahiyama Zoo and witness the unique winter penguin walk, then marvel at the stunning Blue Pond. This exceptional excursion includes roundtrip transportation and two hours of free time to fully learn about the region’s enchanting landscapes. With a reasonable price tag, this winter getaway in Japan offers an unforgettable adventure for all. What makes this tour so special, you might wonder?

Key Points

• A 9.5-hour day tour that includes visits to Asahiyama Zoo and the enchanting Blue Pond in Hokkaido, with roundtrip transportation and zoo admission.
• Opportunities to see polar bears, including a female cub born in December 2021, and a unique winter penguin walk during the snow-covered season.
• Free time of 2 hours to explore Asahiyama Zoo and a 30-minute photo stop at the Blue Pond.
• Participants are responsible for their own meals and personal expenses, with warm winter clothing recommended.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, and Japanese-speaking staff are available with translation services for other languages.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Hokkaido Winter Asahiyama Zoo, Enchanting Blue Pond Day Tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience, with a price starting at $70.82 per person and a duration of 9.5 hours.

The tour departs from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, with stops at Sunagawa, Iwamizawa Service Area, and Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Biruke.

Visitors enjoy 2 hours of free time at Asahiyama Zoo, including close-up views of polar bears and the winter penguin walk.

The tour also includes a photo stop and 30 minutes at the Blue Pond, known for its unique winter illumination.

Roundtrip transportation and Asahiyama Zoo admission are included.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, the tour embarks on a bus/coach trip with scheduled breaks at Sunagawa (15 minutes), Iwamizawa Service Area Northbound (15 minutes), and Roadside Station Biei Shirogane Biruke (15 minutes).

At the Asahiyama Zoo, visitors enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore. Highlights include:

1. Close-up views of polar bears, including a new female cub born in December 2021.
2. The winter penguin walk, available only during the snow-covered season.
3. The Blue Pond, where a 30-minute photo stop and visit allow guests to witness the unique colors created by ice, snow, and light during the winter illumination event.
4. The opportunity to experience Hokkaido’s enchanting winter landscape.

Transportation and Admission

Roundtrip transportation is included in the tour package, with pickup at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo and drop-off at Sapporo Station North Exit Square.

The tour also includes admission to the Asahiyama Zoo. Guests will have 2 hours of free time to explore the zoo, including close-up views of polar bears and the winter penguin walk.

The tour also includes a photo stop and 30 minutes of free time at the enchanting Blue Pond.

Guests are responsible for their own meals and personal expenses. No alcohol, drugs, or feeding the animals is allowed on the tour.

Meals and Personal Expenses

Though meals aren’t included in the tour package, you will be responsible for their own personal expenses during the day.

The tour allows ample time for guests to explore local eateries and purchase any desired snacks or souvenirs.

Recommended items to bring include:

1. Cash for on-site purchases and payments.
2. A packed lunch or snacks to enjoy during the bus ride or at the zoo.
3. Water or other beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Warm, winter-appropriate clothing and accessories.

Participants are encouraged to plan accordingly and budget for their personal needs and preferences during the Hokkaido winter excursion.

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What to Bring and Restrictions

Participants are encouraged to bring cash for on-site purchases and payments.

While the tour includes round-trip transportation and Asahiyama Zoo admission, meals and personal expenses aren’t covered.

For the safety and comfort of all, the tour has a few restrictions. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Plus, feeding the animals isn’t allowed, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats.

These guidelines ensure a pleasant and responsible experience for everyone involved. By adhering to these policies, guests can fully enjoy the Hokkaido winter wonderland without any unnecessary distractions.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all abilities to participate in the Hokkaido winter excursion.

Traffic conditions may cause delays, especially on weekends and holidays, but the tour’s duration and stop times can be adjusted accordingly. Guests should meet at the designated meeting point on time, as the bus departs promptly.

The tour experience offers:

1. Close-up views of the captivating polar bears and their newest addition, a female cub born in December 2021.
2. The unique and mesmerizing winter illumination at the Blue Pond.
3. Convenient roundtrip transportation and admission to the Asahiyama Zoo.
4. Japanese-speaking staff and translation services for other languages.

Meeting Point and Departure Time

Where do guests meet for the Hokkaido Winter Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Day Tour?

Participants gather in the 1st Floor Lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo at 10:50 AM for a prompt 11:00 AM departure.

The tour bus will leave the hotel on time, so guests should arrive early to ensure they don’t miss the group.

Once the bus departs, it’ll make a few stops along the way before arriving at the Asahiyama Zoo.

Throughout the day, the tour maintains a tight schedule to maximize sightseeing time.

Punctuality is key to enjoy the full itinerary on this winter adventure in Hokkaido.

Infant Policy

How does the infant policy work for this Hokkaido winter tour? Infants aged 0-2 years can join the tour for free, though they’ll not be provided a dedicated seat.

If parents wish to secure a seat for their infant, the child fare applies. This tour is well-equipped to accommodate families with young children:

1. Complimentary entry for infants under 2
2. Option to purchase child fare for a dedicated seat
3. Wheelchair accessibility ensures accessibility for all
4. Flexibility to adjust stop durations based on traffic conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Zoo?

According to the tour information, personal meals and drinks are not included. Visitors are responsible for their own expenses, so they may bring their own food and drinks to consume during the tour and at the zoo.

Is There a Locker or Storage Area Available at the Zoo?

The Asahiyama Zoo doesn’t have dedicated lockers or storage areas for visitors. However, guests can bring small personal items like bags and drinks, which they can keep with them during their visit. Larger bags or luggage may need to be left at the entry.

Can I Purchase Tickets to the Zoo on the Day of the Tour?

No, you can’t purchase tickets to the zoo on the day of the tour. The tour package includes admission to the Asahiyama Zoo, so the tickets are pre-booked and included in the tour price.

Are There Any Outdoor Activities Available Besides the Zoo and Blue Pond?

The tour does not appear to include any other outdoor activities besides visiting the Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond. The itinerary focuses on these two main attractions without mentioning any additional stops or activities along the way.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration at an Additional Cost?

The tour operator does not offer an option to extend the tour duration for an additional cost. The itinerary and duration are fixed, providing 9.5 hours to explore the Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond on this day trip.

The Sum Up

Discover the enchanting winter wonders of Hokkaido on this unforgettable day tour. Marvel at the polar bears and penguins at Asahiyama Zoo, then be captivated by the stunning Blue Pond. With round-trip transportation and two hours of free time, this $70.82 per person adventure provides the perfect escape to Japan’s winter wonderland.

You can check if your dates are available here: