Hokkaido TourAsahiyama Zoo &Biei Waterfalls &Ningle Terrace

Hokkaido’s winter landscapes and wildlife bring a sense of wonder, and this organized day tour aims to showcase the best of the region’s natural beauty and charming crafts. While it’s an ambitious schedule packed into just one day, the experience offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and artisanal finds that appeal to many types of travelers.

What we particularly love about this tour is the opportunity to see penguins and polar bears up close at Asahiyama Zoo, wander among artisan-crafted cabins in Furano, and enjoy breathtaking waterfalls and snowy plains—all in a single day. There’s also the chance to visit the serene Blue Pond, which in winter looks like a frozen fairy-tale scene.

A possible consideration is the tight timing at each stop; if you’re the type who likes to linger or take endless photos, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. Plus, weather conditions can impact the itinerary, especially in winter, potentially limiting access to some sites like Ningle Terrace when crowds or operational issues arise.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Hokkaido’s winter charm without the hassle of planning multiple outings themselves. It’s ideal for those on a tight schedule, first-time visitors, or anyone craving a broad taste of Hokkaido’s wildlife, landscapes, and local crafts.

Key Points

All-in-One Experience: Combines wildlife, scenery, and artisan crafts, offering a well-rounded glimpse of Hokkaido.
Expert Guides: Multilingual guides provide insightful commentary and practical tips for each stop.
Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned bus with a manageable schedule minimizes travel fatigue.
Authentic Encounters: Close-up views of penguins, polar bears, waterfalls, and snow fields make for memorable moments.
Good Value for Money: The tour covers many highlights in one day, saving you time and effort.
Weather Variability: Be prepared for possible changes due to snow or crowds, especially at popular sites like Ningle Terrace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hokkaido Day Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at convenient locations in Sapporo, either at the Sapporo TV Tower or the Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel. From there, it’s a roughly 2.67-hour bus ride to the first major stop—Asahiyama Zoo. The coach ride is generally smooth and comfortable, making long-distance travel manageable even in winter.

Asahiyama Zoo: Wildlife Close-Up

The highlight for many travelers is the famous wildlife exhibits. The zoo’s unique enclosures are designed to give animals plenty of space and naturalistic environments, which means you get a real sense of their natural behaviors. Expect to see penguins waddling around, often with playful antics that delight visitors. The polar bears are a major draw, diving and swimming with impressive agility.

Reviews mention that the guide, Vivian, was particularly helpful, providing tips on the best spots to view the animals and explaining behaviors that make each exhibit special. Visitors typically get about 1.5 hours of free time here, enough for a leisurely stroll and snapping plenty of photos.

Biei and Shirahige Waterfalls

Next, the bus passes through Biei, a landscape famous for its snowy fields and rolling hills. While the drive isn’t long—around 50 minutes—it offers a glimpse of the quiet, endless plains that define this part of Hokkaido.

The Shirahige Waterfalls are a quick stop but a striking one. Even in winter, the cascading water continues to flow, creating a mist that rises into the cold air. When the snow surrounds the falls, it feels like a scene from a winter fairy tale. Expect about 20 minutes here, enough to appreciate the rugged beauty and perhaps snap some photos of the icy spray.

More Great Tours Nearby

Blue Pond: Serene, Frozen Beauty

From January 10, 2026, the Blue Pond becomes part of the itinerary, replacing a portion of the original plan. Even in winter, it’s a magical sight—frozen over with snow and ice, with the larch trees standing stark and silent around its edges. The vivid blue color is muted but still visible through the ice, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Visitors have praised the serenity of the pond and the photogenic quality of the scene. It’s a stark contrast to the lively zoo and offers a moment of calm amid the tour’s busier stops.

Ningle Terrace: Artisan Crafts and Cozy Cabins

The Ningle Terrace is often considered a highlight for those interested in local craftsmanship. The cluster of tiny wooden cabins feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with each one showcasing silverware, paper cuttings, and woodwork made by local artisans.

While some reviews note that Ningle Terrace can sometimes be crowded due to its popularity, the guide’s tips on the best times to visit help you avoid the busiest periods. If it’s too crowded, the tour may adjust slightly, possibly spending more time at the Blue Pond instead.

Optional: Food and Rest Breaks

A 30-minute stop at a local restaurant provides a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy Hokkaido’s hearty cuisine. Reviewers often suggest packing your own lunch for a better experience, as the buffet was considered not worth the price by some travelers. The guide offers helpful tips on where to find good local treats and how to navigate the options.

Transportation, Timing, and Overall Experience

The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort, especially during winter. The schedule is designed to maximize your sightseeing time while keeping the day manageable. The total duration is about one day, making it accessible for most travelers, though it is a fairly packed itinerary with little downtime.

Because of the tight schedule, early risers will appreciate the efficiency, but those craving more relaxed exploration might find it a little rushed, particularly at sites like Ningle Terrace. Still, most reviewers agree that the value for money is excellent when considering the number of attractions covered.

Guided Expertise and Multilingual Support

The live guides speak English, Chinese, and Japanese, making the experience accessible for international visitors. The guides are praised for their friendly, helpful attitude and for providing insightful commentary about each site. Reviewers from diverse backgrounds appreciated the clear communication and the guide’s willingness to help with questions or additional tips.

Price and Value

Compared to booking separate tickets or trying to navigate the region on your own, this tour offers great value. It bundles transportation, guiding, and entrance fees, making it a hassle-free way to see multiple top sights in a single day. The reviews highlight that the guides’ tips enhanced the experience, helping travelers make the most of each stop.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Hokkaido wanting a broad overview without the stress of planning. It’s an excellent choice for families, solo travelers, or couples interested in wildlife, scenic landscapes, and local crafts. If you’re someone who enjoys a well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and appreciates multilingual guides, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you prefer more time at each attraction or want to explore places in-depth, you might find the schedule a little too tight. It’s best for those who like a balanced blend of guided sightseeing and free time.

The Sum Up

This Hokkaido day tour offers a fantastic snapshot of the region’s winter allure. From close encounters with animals at Asahiyama Zoo to wandering through artisanal cabins in Furano and marveling at icy waterfalls and snow-covered plains, it delivers a broad, visually stunning experience. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation make it a convenient way to tick off multiple highlights in just one day.

While the itinerary can be tight and subject to weather or crowd considerations, most travelers find the value and variety outweigh the minor drawbacks. It’s an especially good choice for those new to Hokkaido or visitors who want a comprehensive, fuss-free day tour.

If you’re looking to combine wildlife, scenic beauty, and authentic crafts into a single memorable experience, this tour will serve you well—just remember to bring your camera, some snacks, and an adventurous spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus ride from Sapporo?
The bus ride to Asahiyama Zoo takes around 2.67 hours, so be prepared for a comfortable trip with scenic views along the way.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll see penguins and polar bears at Asahiyama Zoo, which are the highlights for many visitors eager to see Arctic animals in a well-designed environment.

Is there free time at the attractions?
Yes, most stops include free time—about 1.5 hours at the zoo, 20 minutes at Shirahige Waterfalls, and 50 minutes at Ningle Terrace, allowing you to explore or take photos at your own pace.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring food and drinks, as well as cash for personal purchases or optional activities. Packing a warm layer is advised since it’s winter.

Can the itinerary change?
Yes, due to weather, crowds, or operational issues, some sites like Ningle Terrace may be skipped or replaced, and the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The tour’s highlights, like animals and scenic spots, are family-friendly, and guides are attentive to group needs.

This comprehensive day trip offers a great way to pack in Hokkaido’s best sights without the stress of self-guided travel. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return, you’ll walk away with memories of snowy landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and beautiful craftsmanship.

You can check availability for your dates here: