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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Discover 2 of Hokkaido's most popular winter attractions on a convenient day trip from Sapporo. Spend ample time at Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its innovative exhibits that showcase animals displaying their natural behaviors, then travel to Blue Pond in Biei to experience its enchanting winter illumination.
Winter is one of the best times to visit Asahiyama Zoo, when cold-climate animals are especially active and the zoo's famous seasonal attractions can be enjoyed. Later, witness the magical atmosphere of Blue Pond after dark, when carefully designed lighting transforms the already picturesque landscape into a dreamlike winter scene.
This tour is ideal for travelers who would like to visit some of Hokkaido's most popular winter attractions without the hassle of arranging transportation independently.
-Visit Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most famous zoos
-Experience the illuminated Blue Pond after dark
-Round-trip transportation from Sapporo included
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1Sapporo Eki Kitaguchi
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Asahiyama Zoo
After meeting your tour conductor, travel approximately 170 minutes to Asahiyama Zoo. Known for its innovative "behavioral exhibits," the zoo is designed to showcase animals acting as naturally as possible within carefully planned environments. Winter is an especially rewarding season to visit, as many cold-weather species are particularly active. Enjoy approximately 120 minutes to explore the zoo at your own pace. Highlights include the popular polar bear exhibits, where visitors can observe the animals swimming and diving up close, as well as the zoo's famous winter penguin walk, during which penguins waddle through the snow in one of Hokkaido's most beloved seasonal spectacles. Please note that the penguin walk may be canceled depending on weather conditions, animal health, or operational circumstances. No meals are included on this tour. You may purchase food and refreshments at your own expense during your visit.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
After approximately 90 minutes of travel, continue to Blue Pond in Biei. One of Hokkaido's most photographed landscapes, Blue Pond is known for its striking blue water and the distinctive larch and birch trees rising from its surface. During winter, special evening illuminations transform the pond into a magical scene of light and color. As darkness falls, carefully positioned lighting enhances the pond's unique appearance and creates a beautiful contrast between the illuminated water, the surrounding trees, and the winter landscape. The result is a serene and otherworldly atmosphere that differs greatly from the pond's daytime appearance. Please note that the illumination may be canceled in the event of severe weather or unfavorable conditions. After sightseeing, begin the return journey to Sapporo. The journey back takes approximately 210 minutes. The tour concludes at the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Terminal at approximately 9:00 PM.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Bringing a flashlight is recommended for the evening light-up events.
- Child (3-5 years old) rates include bus seats.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
- If the tour operator has to cancel the tour because of a typhoon, heavy snow or other circumstances beyond their control, you will be suggested a date change or receive a full refund.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge but no arrangements are made for them.
- Meals are not included on this tour. Please buy your lunch/dinner during one of the rest breaks.
- Please wrap up warm for the evening outdoor events.
- The Blue Pond light-up event may get cancelled due to bad weather.
- The order of the itinerary is subject to change.
- The tour is a mix of Japanese and foreign guests.
- The tour start and end point may not be exactly the same. Please ask a member of staff on the day.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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