Hokkaido Tour: Snowy Landscapes & Polar Animals & Waterfalls

Travelers seeking a taste of Hokkaido’s winter magic will find this day trip packed with highlights—from the playful penguins at Asahiyama Zoo to the shimmering icicles of Shirahige Waterfall. While the itinerary is tight, it offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and local cuisine that makes for a memorable journey.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see Hokkaido’s famous penguins in action during their walk show. Second, the scenic stops at ice-framed waterfalls and iconic trees that capture the region’s wintry beauty. Third, the convenience of door-to-door bus transportation from Sapporo, making it accessible and stress-free.

A possible consideration is the weather dependency—since winter conditions can be unpredictable, there might be last-minute adjustments or cancellations. Still, this tour is best suited for those who love nature, animals, and scenic landscapes and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Key Points

• Wildlife & Nature: Visit Asahiyama Zoo to see animals behaving naturally, especially the penguin walk show.
• Scenic Highlights: Marvel at waterfalls and the iconic trees of Biei, like the Seven Stars Tree or Ken & Mary Tree.
• Convenience: All travel is by comfortable bus, with pickup and drop-off from central Sapporo.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, adding to the overall value.
• Weather Factors: Be prepared for possible schedule changes due to winter weather conditions.
• Tour Pace: The tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, photo opportunities, and downtime.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hokkaido Day Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins either at the Sapporo Tourist Information Center or near the REI store, making it easy to access for most travelers. Once aboard the bus, the roughly 2.83-hour drive takes you through the snowy landscapes to your first stop, setting the tone for a day filled with winter wonder.

Visiting Asahiyama Zoo

The highlight for many is the Asahiyama Zoo—one of Hokkaido’s most-loved attractions. Known for its interactive and thoughtfully designed exhibits, the zoo offers a chance to observe animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats.

The penguin walk show is a real crowd-pleaser, especially in winter. Visitors get to see penguins waddling and swimming just overhead, an experience described as “amazing” in reviews. The zoo remains open during winter, but note it will be closed from December 30, 2025, to January 1, 2026, so plan your trip accordingly. With about 1.5 hours there, you’ll have enough time to see the main exhibits without feeling rushed.

Exploring Biei’s Iconic Trees

After the wildlife encounter, the journey continues to Biei, famous for its stunning natural sculptures—the Seven Stars Tree or the Ken & Mary Tree. The guide will choose the most photogenic spot of the day, depending on weather and accessibility.

Travelers love these stops for their surreal winter beauty, often described as “magical,” with snow and ice framing the trees in a way that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Expect about 15 minutes for photos and sightseeing—a brief but memorable moment to capture the wintry artistry.

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Lunch Break and Local Flavors

Next, a buffet lunch offers a well-earned break and a chance to sample regional ingredients. Reviews praise the delicious buffet, noting it provides a variety of local specialties that satisfy even the hungriest travelers after a busy morning. The buffet format also adds great value, giving you a substantial meal included in the tour price.

Shirahige Waterfall’s Winter Show

The tour’s pièce de résistance might be the Shirahige Waterfall, famed for its striking appearance in winter. Snow and ice create a dreamlike frame around the cascading water, which appears almost suspended in time. The 30-minute stop allows for plenty of photos and a chance to really soak in the serenity of this natural wonder.

The waterfall’s access can sometimes be impacted by severe weather, but on clear winter days, it’s a sight to behold. Travelers have described the scene as “stunning”, with the icy formations adding a magical touch.

Return Journey and Final Drop-Offs

The return trip takes approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Drop-offs are at convenient locations in Sapporo, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, and those craving winter scenery. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer guided day trips that include transportation and meals, offering value and convenience. If you’re prepared for potentially cold weather and a packed schedule, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

For travelers on a tight schedule or those with limited mobility, the bus comfort and short walking distances make it manageable. However, those looking for a more relaxed pace might find the itinerary a bit full.

Practical Details and Insights

Pricing and Value: The tour’s included buffet and transportation make it a cost-effective way to see key sights without the hassle of planning multiple logistics. Based on reviews, the value for money is high, especially considering the variety of experiences packed into one day.

Guide Quality: Guests consistently praise the guides, often mentioning their ability to speak English, Chinese, and Japanese. One reviewer called the guide “really friendly and answered all questions,” enhancing the overall experience.

Weather and Flexibility: Since the tour is heavily weather-dependent, natural conditions may influence the itinerary. The guide might adjust the schedule or skip certain stops like the Ken & Mary Tree if access becomes difficult. Travelers should be prepared for this and keep flexible expectations.

Group Size: The small group format, combined with shared transportation, fosters a more intimate experience. The tour’s relaxed pace and personalized attention make it a hit with travelers seeking an authentic, less commercial feel.

Accessibility: The bus is wheelchair accessible, adding to the tour’s inclusivity.

Final Thoughts

This Hokkaido day tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into the region’s winter charm. From playful penguins to icy waterfalls, it showcases the natural beauty and wildlife that make Hokkaido so special. The blend of scenic stops, delicious local food, and knowledgeable guides ensures you’ll leave with lasting memories—and plenty of stunning photos.

It’s a great choice for those wanting a full-day adventure that balances wildlife encounters with scenic serenity. While weather can always be unpredictable in winter, the tour’s flexibility and high-quality guide service make it a reliable way to explore Hokkaido’s icy marvels.

If you’re after a practical, fun, and value-packed excursion into Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, all transportation is by comfortable bus, with pick-up and drop-off at central locations in Sapporo.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around 1 day, with approximately 2.83 hours traveling to the first stop and 2.5 hours returning.

Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch featuring local specialties is part of the package, providing good value and variety.

Can I visit the Ken & Mary Tree and Seven Stars Tree? The guide will choose one of these based on weather and accessibility on the day.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and snacks or drinks as needed, especially since winter conditions can be harsh.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels? The bus is wheelchair accessible, but the tour involves some walking and outdoor stops, so check your mobility needs beforehand.

What happens if the weather is severe? The itinerary may be adjusted or certain stops may be skipped if weather conditions make access unsafe or impossible.

Exploring Hokkaido’s winter landscapes doesn’t have to be complicated. With this guided day trip, you get to enjoy the region’s best sights with ease, making it ideal for a memorable, hassle-free adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: