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

Explore the breathtaking wonders of Hokkaido on this unforgettable day tour. Witness the unique animal interactions at the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, marvel at the captivating blue hues of the Biei Blue Pond, and admire the natural beauty of Shirahige Falls. With a professional guide fluent in multiple languages, you’ll embark on an adventure filled with picturesque photo opportunities and unforgettable memories. Discover the winter landscapes that make Hokkaido a true winter wonderland, and uncover the hidden gems that await.

Key Points

• This 10-hour day tour from Sapporo explores Hokkaido’s stunning winter landscapes, including Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, and Biei Blue Pond.
• The tour includes live guide services in Chinese, English, and Japanese, providing an immersive experience and unique animal interactions.
• Participants can enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities of frozen scenes and the mesmerizing blue hues of the Biei Blue Pond.
• Round-trip transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry ticket to Asahiyama Zoo are included in the tour package.
• The tour is subject to a minimum group size of 4 participants, and important details are provided via email the night before the excursion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

This day tour from Sapporo allows visitors to explore the stunning winter landscapes of Hokkaido.

Over the course of 10 hours, travelers will visit Asahiyama Zoo, the Biei Christmas Tree, Shirahige Falls, and the famous Biei Blue Pond.

With a live guide available in Chinese, English, and Japanese, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Participants can expect to be dazzled by unique animal interactions, picturesque frozen scenes, and the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos.

Though the itinerary may vary, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors to Hokkaido.

Itinerary

The tour departs from 3 Chome in Sapporo, where participants are picked up for the day’s adventures.

First, they visit Asahiyama Zoo for 2 hours to explore the unique animal interactions, like penguins walking in snow.

Next, it’s a 15-minute photo stop in Biei.

Then, they spend 30 minutes at the Shirogane Blue Pond, taking in its stunning blue hues.

Finally, they visit Shirahige Waterfall for 20 minutes before the 2.83-hour journey back to Sapporo.

Itineraries may change due to various factors, but the tour aims to showcase Hokkaido’s captivating winter landscapes.

Zoo Experience

Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo, remaining open during the winter months.

Visitors can witness unique animal interactions, such as:

1. Penguins waddling through the snow
2. Raccoons, seals, and monkeys playing in their enclosures

The zoo’s closure dates, which include April 8-26, November 4-10, and December 30 to January 1.

If the zoo is closed, an alternative visit to the white gold hot springs is offered.

The zoo’s combination of rare winter wildlife and the opportunity to observe the animals’ natural behaviors makes it a must-see attraction on the Sapporo day tour.

Inclusions and Transportation

Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for the Sapporo day tour. A professional driver and guide accompany participants throughout the journey.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. The entry ticket to Asahiyama Zoo is covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the winter wildlife experiences.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, giving participants the flexibility to explore local cuisine at their own pace.

The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, and alternative dates or cancellations may occur due to various factors.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information and Customer Feedback

Participants must meet a minimum group size of 4 for the Sapporo day tour to proceed. If this threshold isn’t met, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled.

Travelers will receive important tour details, including meeting points and schedules, via email the night before the excursion.

The tour has received an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 from 13 reviews, with high praise for the guide’s kindness and communication skills.

Reviewers highlighted:

1. The guide’s fluency in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
2. The comfortable, air-conditioned transportation.
3. The efficient coordination of the day’s activities.

Exploring Asahiyama Zoo

As the tour’s first stop, visitors can look forward to an immersive experience at the Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s northernmost zoo that remains open during the winter months.

The zoo offers unique animal interactions, including witnessing penguins strolling through the snow and energetic raccoons, seals, and monkeys.

With a 2-hour allotted visit, guests can explore the zoo’s diverse exhibits and enjoy a lunch break.

If the zoo is unexpectedly closed, an alternative visit to the white gold hot springs is provided.

The zoo experience is a highlight of the day tour, showcasing Hokkaido’s captivating wildlife in a winter wonderland setting.

Capturing the Beauty of Shirahige Falls

The next stop on the tour takes visitors to the serene Shirahige Falls, where they can marvel at the cascading waters tumbling over the rocky cliffs.

The waterfall’s name translates to "White Beard Falls," a fitting description for the snow-white plumes that cascade down the mountainside.

Visitors can admire the falls from several vantage points, offering breathtaking views of the natural wonder.

Key features of the Shirahige Falls experience include:

1. Capturing the perfect photo: The falls provide a stunning backdrop for memorable photographs.
2. Listening to the soothing sounds of the water: The gentle roar of the falls creates a peaceful ambiance.
3. Exploring the surrounding trails: Short hikes offer additional perspectives of the majestic waterfall.

Admiring the Enchanting Biei Blue Pond

Why does the Biei Blue Pond captivate visitors? This ethereal body of water owes its stunning blue hue to the natural mineral deposits in the surrounding soil.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Biei, the pond reflects the snow-capped mountains and lush forest, creating a breathtaking panorama.

Visitors can marvel at the pond’s otherworldly beauty, often described as resembling a scene from a fantasy novel.

The Biei Blue Pond’s icy waters and serene ambiance make it a highlight of the day tour, offering a chance to take in Hokkaido’s captivating winter landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks, but they are not included in the tour price. The tour package covers round-trip transportation, a driver/guide, and entry tickets, but does not provide any meals or refreshments.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not explicitly advertised as wheelchair accessible. However, as it includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and visits to outdoor sites, it may be suitable for some wheelchair users. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific accessibility details.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Destinations?

Yes, you can extend your stay at the destinations. The tour is a day trip, but you’re free to linger longer at each stop if you’d like. Just be sure to arrange your own transportation back to Sapporo.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, travelers can often customize the itinerary to their preferences, though specific details may vary. Tour operators generally aim to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour’s overall structure and duration.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy states that a minimum of 4 participants is required, and alternative dates or cancellations may occur. Customers will receive important information via email the night before the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating Sapporo day tour offers an immersive winter experience. Witness the unique animal interactions at the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, marvel at the breathtaking Shirahige Falls, and admire the enchanting Biei Blue Pond. With a professional multilingual guide, this excursion provides unforgettable photo opportunities amid Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: