Kurodake Ropeway, Asahiyama Zoo Autumn Leaves Bus Tour

Planning a day trip in Sapporo that combines nature, wildlife, and local cuisine? This Kurodake Ropeway and Asahiyama Zoo tour offers just that. It’s a well-rounded way to experience the best of Hokkaido’s vibrant fall scenery, adorable animals, and delicious ramen—all in one day.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the spectacular views from the ropeway are something you won’t want to miss, offering sweeping panoramas of autumn foliage in Japan’s largest national park. Second, the innovative exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo promise engaging animal encounters, including the famous penguin walk. Third, the stop at Asahikawa Ramen Village allows you to enjoy authentic, steaming bowls of local ramen—perfect for warming up after a day outdoors.

A potential consideration is the tight schedule, which means you’ll need to keep an eye on timing, especially if you want to savor each experience fully. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife, and cultural bites, and who don’t mind a busy itinerary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates nature’s changing seasons, animal lovers, and foodies eager to try regional specialties, this tour hits all marks. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer guided trips that cover a lot of ground without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Keep in mind, it’s a full day—so it suits those prepared for a day of exploration and adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views on the ropeway, perfect for photography.
• Close animal encounters at Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for creative exhibits.
• Authentic ramen tasting at Asahikawa Ramen Village.
• Efficient, guided experience with included admissions and transportation.
• Flexible schedule with some optional food purchases and souvenirs.
• Weather-dependent activity, so be prepared for changeable conditions.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Daisetsuzan Sounkyo & Kurodake Ropeway

Your day kicks off in the morning at 8:00 am at the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo. The highlight here is the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway, starting around 11:00 am. The gondola ride is a true highlight, offering breathtaking views over Hokkaido’s autumnal landscape. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours, and during the ride, you’ll see the trees transform into a sea of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The views are so expansive that you’ll want to have your camera ready—these moments are perfect for sharing or just soaking in the tranquility.

This part of the tour is included in the price, which makes it a great value considering the cost of a similar scenic ride on your own. From reviews, we know that guests appreciate the wide-open vistas and crisp mountain air. One traveler mentioned, “The gondola offers some of the best autumn views I’ve seen—absolutely worth the trip.” Keep in mind, weather can influence visibility, so flexible plans are essential.

Asahikawa Ramen Village: A Taste of Local Flavor

Post-ropeway, the group heads to Asahikawa Ramen Village around 1:30 pm. This themed food area brings together several popular ramen shops, each offering a different style of this beloved dish. While the tour doesn’t include the ramen fee, you’ll find this stop is a highlight for many, as it offers a chance to sample authentic Hokkaido ramen.

Guests often remark on the diverse flavors and cozy atmosphere, perfect for warming up after the outdoor excursion. One reviewer noted, “The ramen here was delicious and satisfying—exactly what I needed after a chilly mountain ride.” Since food isn’t included, it’s an opportunity to try a few different bowls or pick your favorite shop for a more personalized experience.

Asahiyama Zoo: Wildlife Close-Up

At around 2:45 pm, the tour moves to Asahiyama Zoo, an animal lover’s paradise. The zoo is renowned for its innovative, engaging exhibits that bring visitors closer to the animals. Expect to see the famous penguin walk, where the adorable birds waddle outdoors in a charming procession that visitors find utterly delightful.

The zoo, with an hour allocated to it, is a chance to see animals in thoughtfully designed enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. One review highlighted how the zoo’s creative exhibits make the animals seem almost approachable. Guests often comment on how fun and interactive it is; “The penguin walk was a highlight, and the staff setup makes it feel like the animals are just as curious about us.”

Tour End and Practical Tips

The entire trip wraps up around 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sapporo Station. While the day is packed, the guided nature of the tour means you can relax and enjoy each stop without worrying about logistics. The small group size (maximum 40 travelers) ensures a more personal experience, and the English guide helps answer questions along the way.

Practical Details and Insights

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a comfortable bus, with the ability to bring along luggage, though very large items may be refused. There’s no toilet on the bus, so plan accordingly, especially for bathroom breaks before departure. You’re allowed to eat or drink on the bus, but please take your trash home—this helps keep the environment pristine.

Pricing and Value

At $122.23 per person, this tour offers inclusive admission to key sights plus guided commentary. The scenic gondola ride alone is often a costly experience on its own, so including this in the price makes it quite attractive. The zoo visit and the ramen stop add cultural and culinary depth, making this a great value for a full day exploring Hokkaido.

Weather & Flexibility

Since the activities depend on weather conditions, it’s good to be aware that poor weather could impact the sightseeing or the ropeway operation. The tour provider is prepared to reschedule or offer refunds if necessary, which provides some peace of mind.

What to Bring

• Layered clothing suitable for mountain and outdoor conditions.
• Rain gear and umbrellas, as no rentals are available.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for daytime activities.
• Your own snacks if desired, though food is available at the stops.

Final Thoughts

This day tour perfectly balances scenic views, animal encounters, and local cuisine. It’s well-suited for those eager to experience Hokkaido’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning multiple trips or transportation. The inclusion of the ropeway ride offers exceptional views, while the zoo and ramen stop add cultural richness, making for a well-rounded day.

While it’s a busy itinerary, the guided format ensures you won’t miss out on key highlights and can enjoy each stop at a comfortable pace. The small group size and English-speaking guide help create a friendly, informative atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and hassle-free experience.

If you love seeing nature’s seasonal changes, are curious about wildlife, or want a taste of Hokkaido’s culinary scene, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour? No, lunch is not included. You are encouraged to choose from the ramen shops at Asahikawa Ramen Village, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious options.

What are the main attractions? The key stops are the Kurodake Ropeway, Asahiyama Zoo, and Asahikawa Ramen Village.

How long do we spend at each location? Expect about 1.5 hours on the ropeway, 1 hour at Ramen Village, and 1 hour at the zoo.

Can I bring luggage? Yes, you can bring luggage, but very large items might be refused. The tour provider isn’t responsible for lost luggage.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and the highlights are family-friendly, especially the animal encounters and beautiful scenery.

What should I wear? Dress in layers suitable for outdoor mountain views and potential weather changes. Bring rain gear and sunglasses.

Are there any restrictions at the zoo? Yes, please do not get too close to the animal cages beyond the fences.

Is there any free time? The schedule is quite structured, but the stops allow some time for personal exploration and photo-taking.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds. After that, no refunds are available.

How do I book? The tour is operated by H.I.S.Co., Ltd. and can be booked through Viator or similar platforms.

Overall, this tour offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, wildlife fun, and local flavors—all packed into one memorable, guided day in Hokkaido. Whether you’re after stunning autumn landscapes or a taste of regional cuisine, it’s a scenic, engaging way to experience the best of Sapporo’s surroundings.