Hokkaido:Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Biei Pond Day Tour

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, boasts a wealth of natural wonders that captivate travelers from around the world. The Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, and Biei Pond are just a few of the region’s renowned attractions, and this comprehensive day tour offers an opportunity to explore them all. With round-trip transportation and an experienced guide, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and gain insights into the local culture. From the mesmerizing blue hues of the Biei Pond to the serene beauty of the Shirahige Falls, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that leaves one yearning for more of Hokkaido‘s enchanting secrets.

Key Points

• A 10-hour comprehensive tour that showcases Hokkaido’s natural wonders, including Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Biei Christmas Tree.
• Includes round-trip transportation and an experienced driver/guide to provide insights and ensure a seamless and memorable exploration of the region.
• Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, offers unique animal exhibits and natural settings, including the captivating ‘aquarium-like’ enclosure for seals and penguins.
• The Biei Blue Pond, with its ever-changing hues of blue, and the Shirahige Falls, a dramatic waterfall plunging over 600 meters, are must-see destinations on the tour.
• The Biei Christmas Tree, a lone twisted larch tree that has become an internet sensation, is a highlight of the tour, set against the region’s scenic landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Hokkaido day tour provides visitors with an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural wonders and cultural attractions.

Over the course of 10 hours, the tour takes participants to the northernmost zoo in Japan, the Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its captivating winter displays.

Travelers will then venture to the stunning Biei Blue Pond, known for its ever-changing hues, and the majestic Shirahige Falls, perched 600 meters above sea level.

The tour also includes a visit to the internet-famous Biei Christmas tree, a popular photo opportunity.

With round-trip transportation and an experienced driver/guide, this comprehensive tour ensures a seamless and memorable exploration of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

Meeting Point and Availability

The tour’s meeting point is located at 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807 Japan. Availability for this tour can be checked online.

This allows travelers to easily plan and book their trip, ensuring they don’t miss out on the exciting Hokkaido adventure.

The tour has several key features:

• Convenient round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable driver/guide to provide insights throughout the journey
• Inclusion of the Asahiyama Zoo entry ticket
• Flexibility to accommodate different schedules and group sizes

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, is a popular destination for visitors, particularly in the winter months. Its unique animal exhibits and natural settings make it a must-see attraction for those exploring the Hokkaido region.

The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys, which can be observed in their natural habitats. One of the zoo’s most famous exhibits is the ‘aquarium-like’ enclosure, where visitors can observe the underwater movements of the seals and penguins.

With its beautiful, snowy backdrop and engaging exhibits, Asahiyama Zoo offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Biei Christmas Tree

One of the most iconic sights in Biei is the famous ‘Biei Christmas Tree’, a lone, twisted larch tree that has become an internet sensation and a popular attraction for visitors to the region. This peculiar tree, with its unique shape and vibrant autumn foliage, stands out against the surrounding landscape, drawing in photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The Biei Christmas Tree is located in a scenic area known for its rolling hills, picturesque farmlands, and stunning natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which offers:

• Breathtaking panoramic views
• Opportunities for hiking and trekking
• Charming local cafes and restaurants
• Chance to witness the tree’s seasonal transformations

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Biei Blue Pond

While Biei is renowned for its Biei Christmas Tree, another iconic natural wonder in the region is the captivating Biei Blue Pond.

Located just a short drive from the famous tree, this mesmerizing body of water enchants visitors with its ever-changing hues of blue, which can range from a vibrant turquoise to a deep, almost ethereal sapphire.

The vivid colors of the pond are attributed to the presence of volcanic minerals in the water, which reflect the light in mesmerizing ways.

Surrounded by lush forest and towering mountains, the Biei Blue Pond offers a serene and picturesque respite for nature enthusiasts, making it a must-see destination on this comprehensive Hokkaido tour.

Shirahige Falls

Nestled high in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, Shirahige Falls cascades dramatically over a rugged cliffside, plunging over 600 meters above sea level. The powerful waterfall is a sight to behold, its thundering roar echoing through the surrounding forests. Visitors can admire the falls from designated viewpoints, which offer stunning panoramic vistas.

The falls are particularly impressive during the spring and summer months when the snowmelt swells the flow of water.

The falls are accessible via a hiking trail, which takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the main viewpoint.

During the winter, the falls can freeze, creating a breathtaking ice sculpture.

The falls are named after the white ‘white-haired’ appearance of the water as it cascades down the cliff.

The area around the falls is part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, offering excellent hiking and nature-viewing opportunities.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, as well as the entry ticket to Asahiyama Zoo. However, food and drinks are excluded from the package. This means that you will need to bring or purchase their own meals and refreshments during the tour.

The driver/guide is included in the tour, providing transportation and information throughout the day’s activities. While the tour covers the highlights of Biei and Shirahige Falls, visitors will need to cover any additional expenses related to food, souvenirs, or personal expenses.

Important Considerations

Certain dates see the Asahiyama Zoo closed, including April 8-26, 2024, November 4-10, 2024, and December 30, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

The tour also requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate, and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Availability of the tour should be checked online prior to booking.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and activities.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Flexibility is key, as the tour’s schedule may need to adapt to conditions.

Travelers should keep these important details in mind when booking and planning their Hokkaido day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation and entry tickets, but food and drinks are not provided. Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks to consume during the tour.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment, but participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Bringing a camera is recommended to capture the scenic attractions along the way.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may be suitable for young children, but parents should consider the tour’s duration, transportation, and activities. Young kids may enjoy the zoo and natural sights, but their stamina and interests may differ from adults. Parental discretion is advised.

Can We Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The duration of the tour can be extended, but participants should check with the tour operator. Extensions may incur additional costs and may require adjustments to the itinerary. Customers should consider their preferences and budget when deciding on the tour duration.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the company may consider providing discounts in the future to attract more customers. Travelers should check the tour’s website for any updated pricing information.

Recap

This Hokkaido tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

From the captivating Asahiyama Zoo to the mesmerizing Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, travelers will be treated to a comprehensive exploration of Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes.

With round-trip transportation and an experienced guide, this tour ensures a seamless and memorable journey through this remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: