Sapporo Winter : Asahiyama Zoo (Penguin Fun & Snowmobile)

Exploring Hokkaido in winter can feel like stepping into a snow globe—beautiful, serene, and full of surprises. This particular tour from Sapporo offers a well-rounded glimpse of the northern island’s winter charm, combining wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and some adventurous fun. We’ve looked into the details to see if it’s a worthwhile option for travelers eager to experience Hokkaido’s snowy allure without an overblown price tag.

Three things we love about this experience are the chance to see animals in their winter routines at Asahiyama Zoo, the opportunity to snap photos of iconic snowy landscapes like Shikisai-no-oka and Ken & Mary Tree, and the optional snowmobile ride that adds an adrenaline rush to the day. A possible drawback is that if snow conditions are poor, the snowmobile activity might not be available, which could affect the full experience. This tour suits those who want a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and light adventure without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Key Points

• Winter Adventure: Combines wildlife viewing, scenic photography, and snow activities.
• Inclusive Pricing: Zoo admission included, great value for the price.
• Flexible Options: Snowmobile activity optional, with a chance to explore snowy fields on foot.
• Comfortable Transport: Heated bus ensures a cozy journey during Hokkaido’s chilly months.
• Guided Experience: Multilingual guide shares insider tips and ensures smooth transitions.
• Limited Disruptions: Itinerary may adjust due to weather or road conditions, especially in winter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Genuine Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Comfort and Convenience

The tour kicks off from central locations like Odori Park Subway Station or JR Sapporo Station, making it easy to connect with without much fuss. Once aboard the heated bus, we appreciated the thoughtful touches—warmth and comfortable seats—especially after braving the cold outside. The guide, whose multilingual skills help bridge language gaps, shared helpful winter tips and safety advice, setting a friendly tone for the day.

Ningle Terrace: A Fairy-Tale Forest of Crafts

The first stop is Ningle Terrace in Furano, a place that feels straight out of a storybook. Here, we wandered among small, snow-dusted wooden huts selling local crafts. It’s a charming spot for snapping photos and picking up unique souvenirs like glassware and paper art, especially since many items are winter-exclusive.

If your visit falls on a weekday, you’ll likely enjoy the full ambiance of Ningle Terrace, inspired by author Kenji Miyazawa’s stories. During national holidays, the schedule shifts slightly to include a visit to Takashima Photographic Art Museum, where the focus is on stunning winter photography and illuminating light art installations—an excellent highlight for photography enthusiasts.

Scenic Stops: Shikisai-no-oka and Ken & Mary Tree

Next, the tour takes you to Shikisai-no-oka, a vast field of white snow that contrasts beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially if you’re into capturing traditional Japanese winter scenes. The snow-covered fields are ideal for both casual strolls and serious landscape shots.

A drive-by view of the Ken & Mary Tree follows—an iconic snow-draped landmark. Since you can’t disembark here, your guide will stop at optimal spots for in-vehicle photos, ensuring you get great shots without risking cold exposure or safety concerns in winter conditions. We found this approach sensible, especially given the icy roads.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Highlight: Snowmobile Rides or Snow Walks

One of the tour’s main attractions is the optional snowmobile experience. For those who choose to participate (cost not included but confirm with your guide beforehand), a double snowmobile costs around ¥20,000, and a single costs ¥15,000. The ride offers a fantastic adrenaline rush and a chance to glide across snow-laden fields—an unforgettable way to connect with the landscape.

If snowmobiling isn’t your thing or conditions aren’t right (from December 15 to March 15, snow might be too thin or unpredictable), the group can enjoy exploring snow paths on foot, with non-slip snow boots recommended. Plus, within the snowmobile parks, there’s often time for fun snow activities like snowball fights and photography, which can make for lively moments.

Wildlife Encounters at Asahiyama Zoo

The afternoon is dedicated to Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its naturalistic enclosures and close animal encounters. Visiting in winter means fewer crowds, so you can observe animals like penguins, seals, and monkeys in their winter routines, often in snow-covered settings that highlight their natural behaviors.

The zoo’s winter exhibits are special—they aren’t just animals in cages but are observed in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. The guide assists with group check-in and handles the entry process, ensuring a smooth experience. From the reviews, we gather that the animals’ winter activities are a highlight—penguins, in particular, are lively and playful, making for adorable photo moments.

Return Journey & Final Thoughts

After a full day of scenic beauty and animal encounters, the comfortable bus whisks you back to Sapporo. The guide often shares insights about Hokkaido’s winter culture and tips for further exploration, adding value to the experience.

Analyzing the Value

For $74 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of activities. The inclusion of Asahiyama Zoo admission means you don’t have to worry about extra costs, and the transportation is comfortable and reliable. While the optional snowmobile ride adds a significant cost (¥15,000-¥20,000), it’s a highlight for many, especially if snow conditions cooperate.

The flexible itinerary, which adapts to weather and road conditions, ensures safety but might mean some stops are abbreviated or replaced, like Ningle Terrace on busy days. It’s worth noting that during early December, snowmobiles may not run due to insufficient snow, so you should be prepared for alternative activities.

Who is this tour best for?

This experience suits travelers who want to see Hokkaido’s wildlife and enjoy scenic winter landscapes without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It’s perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and those craving a taste of adventure with comfort. However, it’s less suited for travelers with mobility impairments or pregnant women, given the winter conditions and activity requirements.

FAQs

Is transportation in a heated vehicle? Yes, the tour uses a heated bus, ensuring warmth during transfers, which is crucial during Hokkaido’s cold winters.

What should I bring for this tour? Pack warm clothing, a camera, weather-appropriate gear, a power bank, and winter sports gear if you plan to snowmobile.

Can I participate in the snowmobile ride? The ride is optional and costs extra. Confirm with your guide beforehand. If conditions aren’t suitable, you can enjoy other snow activities or walking in the snow parks.

Are there options if I don’t want to do snowmobiling? Yes, you can explore snow paths on foot, and the parks offer activities like snowball fights and photography.

What if the snow conditions are poor? Snowmobiling may be unavailable from December 15 to March 15 if snow is too thin. The itinerary may be adjusted, but the guide ensures you still enjoy scenic views and wildlife.

Is the zoo visit suitable for young children? Absolutely, kids tend to love seeing animals like penguins and seals in their winter environment, and the zoo environment is accessible and family-friendly.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options? Yes, you can reserve and pay later, which allows some flexibility in your planning.

Final Thoughts

This Sapporo winter tour offers a balanced combination of wildlife, scenic views, and winter fun, all with the convenience of guided transport and insightful commentary. It provides an excellent way to experience Hokkaido’s frosty charm without the stress of organizing each activity independently. The optional snowmobile ride adds a memorable thrill, while the visits to Ningle Terrace and Shikisai-no-oka showcase the beauty of the region’s winter landscapes.

While weather conditions can influence the activities, the overall experience is flexible and well-thought-out, making it a good choice for travelers who want a comprehensive winter day trip from Sapporo. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate wildlife and scenic photography, enjoy gentle adventure, and prefer a guided, hassle-free outing.

To sum it up, this tour is a fantastic way to embrace Hokkaido’s winter magic in one day. It’s best for curious travelers eager to combine animal encounters with stunning landscapes and some snow-filled fun. Whether you’re into wildlife or just want to enjoy snowy vistas, this experience offers a practical, enjoyable, and memorable winter escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: