Exploring the Penguin Fun & Snowmobile Tour in Sapporo: A Winter Wonderland Experience

Thinking about venturing into Hokkaido’s snowy beauty? This Penguin Fun & Snowmobile Tour from Sapporo offers a packed day of winter highlights, combining animal encounters, scenic vistas, and thrilling snow activities. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded winter adventure.

What I love about this experience is its diverse lineup of attractions—from watching adorable penguins waddling in snow, to zooming across snowy fields on a snowmobile, and wandering through charming craft villages. The inclusion of a multilingual guide makes navigating Hokkaido’s winter landscape much easier for international visitors. A possible snag is the limited time at some stops, especially Ningle Terrace, which can feel rushed if you’re eager to browse or take photos.

This tour suits travelers who want a full day of varied winter fun—ideal for families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers alike. It offers an excellent way to explore Hokkaido’s outdoor beauty without the hassle of planning each stop independently.

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Key Points

Variety of activities including animal watching, scenic views, and snowmobiling.
Comfortable transportation in heated buses ensures warmth even on cold days.
Guided experience with multilingual, knowledgeable guides who enhance sightseeing with local insights.
Time-efficient plan covering multiple highlights in a single day.
Limited walking required, making it accessible even for those with mobility concerns.
Value for money with included zoo admission and well-organized stops.

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Diving into the Details: What This Tour Offers

A Comfortable Start with Pickup and Transport

The day begins with convenient pickups at Odori Park Subway Station or JR Sapporo Station. From there, you can settle into a heated bus that shields you from the chill of Hokkaido’s crisp winter air. The bus ride itself is around 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy your guide’s commentary. The friendly guides, who are fluent in English and Chinese, make the journey informative and engaging, sharing travel tips and tidbits about local culture.

Visiting Ningle Terrace: A Fairytale Forest

The first major stop is Furanos Ningle Terrace, a cozy village of wooden huts inspired by author Kenji Miyazawa. Picture snow-dusted cabins, warm wooden interiors, and artisan stalls selling local crafts like lavender souvenirs and ice-glassware. This spot is a favorite for the atmosphere and charm, especially if you love photography and handcrafted goods.

However, reviews note that accessibility might be limited during weekends or holidays due to traffic restrictions, and sometimes this stop is replaced by the Takushinkan Museum if the terrace is closed. The museum offers a different kind of winter experience, with panoramic views of snowy Biei from big windows, and an exhibit of snow-themed photography.

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Scenic Views at Shikisai-no-oka

Next is Shikisai-no-oka, a vast field of snow blending with distant snow-capped mountains. It’s a perfect spot for panoramic photos and soaking in the quiet beauty of Hokkaido winter. Here, visitors can enjoy free time for photos and perhaps try a short snowmobiling session, which can be booked for an extra fee. The snowmobile ride is quite popular, with prices around ¥15,000 for a single and ¥20,000 for a double. It’s a fantastic way to feel the wind and explore the open snowfields.

A word of caution from reviews: snowmobiling is weather-dependent, and on some days, thin snow might delay or cancel this activity. Also, if snowmobiling isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy just by wandering and taking in the scenery.

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The Iconic Ken & Mary Tree

A quick drive-by gives you the chance to see the Ken & Mary Tree, a snow-laden landmark that’s perfect for photos without having to brave the cold. The guide often pauses here for group shots, capturing the stunning winter sunlight reflecting off the snow. It’s a short stop, but an essential one for those classic Hokkaido winter photos.

Asahiyama Zoo: Animal Encounters in Snow

The highlight for many is the visit to Asahiyama Zoo, where the animals are thriving amidst the snow. Penguins waddling on icy terrain, seals splashing in pools, and monkeys in their snowy enclosures showcase the resilience of wildlife in winter. The zoo’s naturalistic habitats shine during this season, and the penguin parade is especially adorable, with fluffy birds marching across snowy grounds.

Reviews mention that the zoo is well-maintained with English signage, making it accessible for international visitors. The guide handles check-in, making the entry process smooth, which is a relief given the busy winter crowds. Plus, the zoo’s layout allows for leisurely exploration, with plenty of opportunities for photos and close-up animal encounters.

Wrapping Up with a Return Journey

After a full day of sightseeing and fun, the bus heads back to Sapporo, giving you about 2.5 hours to relax and reflect on your trip. Many reviewers appreciated the expert handling of logistics and the warmth of the guides, who went out of their way to help with booking dinner reservations or calling ahead.

Practical Details and Value

Duration and Logistics

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup to drop-off, making it a fulfilling day without being overly tiring. Pickups are flexible, and the itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing while allowing for some free time at key spots.

Cost and Inclusions

The price typically covers transportation, a multilingual guide, and zoo admission. Snowmobiling is an optional extra, costing around ¥15,000-¥20,000, so if you’re craving adventure, it’s worth budgeting for. Given the number of attractions and the convenience of transportation, many consider the fee to be reasonable for a stress-free day exploring Hokkaido’s winter highlights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, animal lovers, and casual travelers who want a taste of Hokkaido’s winter without the hassle of planning each destination. It’s also suited for those interested in scenic photography and wildlife, as the stops are beautifully curated for memorable photos.

Considerations

Be prepared for potentially shorter stops if attractions are closed or weather delays occur. The tour is quite full, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer time at each stop, you might want to look for a more tailored experience. Plus, children under 3, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues may find some activities challenging, though the tour is generally accessible.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience Best For?

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Hokkaido’s winter charm—combining animal encounters, scenic landscapes, and snow activities in one day. It’s most suited for travelers who value simplicity and convenience but still want a meaningful experience. The guides’ professionalism and the overall organization ensure a smooth day, making it a great choice for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights.

While the tour delivers excellent value, keep in mind that some stops may feel rushed, and snowmobiling, if added, is a paid extra. If you’re seeking an authentic, hassle-free way to enjoy Hokkaido’s snowy season and take home lasting memories, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides comfortable, heated bus transportation from Sapporo to all the major stops.

Can I join the snowmobile ride? Snowmobiling is optional and costs extra, approximately ¥15,000-¥20,000 depending on whether you choose a single or double ride. Confirm with your guide on the day.

What should I bring? Dress warmly with weather-appropriate clothing, including winter gear, and consider bringing a power bank for your devices.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children under 3 are not eligible, and the tour may not be ideal for those with mobility impairments or health concerns related to cold weather.

How long is the zoo visit? Expect about 100 minutes at Asahiyama Zoo, enough time for animal viewing and photos.

Will I have free time? Yes, at each stop, including Ningle Terrace, Shikisai-no-oka, and the zoo, with some flexibility depending on weather and traffic.

Are guides bilingual? Guides speak both English and Chinese, with some reviews noting limited English commentary when the group is small.

Is the itinerary flexible? The schedule is designed to maximize site visits, but may adjust due to snow or road conditions, especially on weekends or holidays.

What if attractions are closed? Some stops might be replaced, such as Ningle Terrace with Takushinkan Museum, to ensure a full day of sightseeing.

How do I book and pay? You can reserve now with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free if done 24 hours in advance.

This Penguin Fun & Snowmobile Tour offers a balanced taste of Hokkaido’s winter magic, combining wildlife, scenic beauty, and exciting activities—all wrapped up in a well-organized day trip. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or craving adventure amidst snow-covered landscapes, it’s a fantastic way to experience Japan’s northern winter wonderland.

Penguin Fun & Snowmobile : Sapporo Winter (Asahiyama Zoo)