Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo& Biei Blue pond Tour with Local Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido and looking for a well-rounded day that combines wildlife, scenic beauty, and local flavor, this tour offers a compelling option. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a balanced, immersive experience perfect for travelers wanting to see some of the island’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to walk through Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its innovative enclosures and playful animals, promises a fun and engaging experience. Second, the Shirogane Blue Pond captivates with its surreal, crystal-clear waters—a must-see for anyone who loves stunning natural scenery. Lastly, the convenience of having an English-speaking guide means you’ll navigate the day smoothly, gaining insights you might miss on your own.

Of course, no experience is perfect—this tour is a full-day affair, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a packed schedule and want to maximize their sightseeing. Also, weather can influence some aspects of the trip, so flexible plans are advisable. This trip appears to suit travelers eager for authentic encounters, scenic beauty, and the comfort of guided logistics.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with bus transfers simplifies your day and maximizes sightseeing time.
• Guided experience ensures you get local insights and language support in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
• Visit iconic sites like Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond, both of which are very photogenic and offer distinctive experiences.
• Value for money at $69, especially considering included entry fees and lunch options, makes this a reasonable choice.
• Flexible options with or without lunch, plus a special all-you-can-eat melon buffet (May to September).
• Timing and weather can influence tour length and access, so being adaptable is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Meeting in Sapporo and Departure

The tour begins in Sapporo, with travelers expected to arrive at least 10 minutes early—look for the staff holding the ‘EasyGo’ flag. The meeting point varies depending on your booking, so be sure to check your confirmation. Once everyone’s on board, the day kicks off with a comfortable bus ride, which in itself is a chance to soak in some of Hokkaido’s landscape.

Asahiyama Zoo: More Than Just Animals

This zoo is more than a standard animal park. It’s renowned for its innovative enclosures that allow visitors to observe animals in more naturalistic environments. Expect to see polar bears, wolves, big cats, and playful apes, but the star of the show is the penguins swimming through a glass tunnel—an experience that is often described as delightful and even magical.

One reviewer, Matthew, called the experience “very informative”, mentioning how guides help you understand animal behaviors and zoo features. The zoo’s design emphasizes education and engagement, making it a hit for both families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Japanese Lunch at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant

After the wildlife adventure, a tasty Japanese lunch provides fuel for the rest of the day. You might find it to be a hearty, satisfying meal, giving you a real taste of local cuisine. The exact inclusion of lunch depends on your package, so double-check your booking details.

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Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls: Surreal Natural Beauty

Post-lunch, your journey takes you to the Shirogane Blue Pond, a site famous for its surreal, vivid blue waters caused by natural mineral deposits. The tranquil scenery offers fantastic photo opportunities, with reflections of trees and sky adding to the spectacle.

Nearby, Shirahige Falls adds a peaceful, lush backdrop to the landscape. The tour’s reviews highlight how stunning the views are, and many travelers comment on the calming effect of the scenery. The tour schedule is designed thoughtfully to give you enough time to enjoy these sights without feeling rushed.

Return to Sapporo

After a full day of exploration, you’ll head back to Sapporo, arriving in the evening. Depending on traffic and weather, the tour may wrap up early or run slightly over, so it’s wise to plan your evening accordingly.

Transportation and Group Size

The primary mode of transport is a bus, which offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to connect the different sites. The group size isn’t specified but is likely moderate, allowing for a more personal experience. The tour is suitable for those who prefer not to navigate public transportation alone but still enjoy a sense of camaraderie.

Price and Value

At $69 per person, this tour provides a lot of value considering the admissions, guided support, and included lunch (if selected). For travelers who want a cost-effective way to see Hokkaido’s highlights without the stress of planning, it’s a very reasonable option. The addition of an all-you-can-eat melon buffet from May to September is a fun bonus for melon lovers, adding a touch of seasonal indulgence.

What We Like—and What to Consider

Pros:

• The tour covers key attractions in one day, ideal for travelers with limited time.
• Guided experience ensures you don’t miss out on interesting insights, especially important in a foreign country.
• The scenic stops are genuinely photogenic, providing memorable visuals.
• The value for money is high, especially when considering all included fees and options.

Considerations:

• The schedule might be tight, and delays due to weather or traffic could affect the experience.
• If you’re not a fan of bus travel, long hours might be tiring.
• Entrance times and availability at each site could be affected by seasonal closures or restrictions, so check in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided day trip that hits the highlights of Hokkaido’s natural and wildlife attractions. It’s perfect for those who appreciate stunning scenery, animal encounters, and cultural flavor without the hassle of navigating alone. Families, nature lovers, and first-time visitors will find this tour offers a well-balanced taste of the region.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s nature and zoo visits are engaging for children, making it family-friendly, as long as they’re comfortable on a full-day bus trip.

What languages does the guide speak?
The guide provides guidance in English, Chinese, and Japanese, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

Is lunch included?
It depends on your selected package. Usually, a Japanese lunch is offered, but confirm your booking to see if it’s included.

Can I join last minute?
You can reserve and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, making last-minute bookings feasible.

Will the tour be canceled in bad weather?
Yes, in cases of extreme weather or unforeseen events, the tour might be canceled with options to reschedule or receive a refund.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts a full day, with the exact duration depending on traffic and conditions, but typically wraps up in the evening.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended to capture the scenic beauty.

Is the small-group experience intimate?
While group size isn’t specified, the tour’s design suggests a comfortable group size, allowing for friendly interactions but enough space to enjoy each site.

Final Thoughts

This Hokkaido day trip offers a well-rounded blend of wildlife, scenic views, and local culture, all guided in a language you understand. The convenience of transportation and expert guidance makes it a smart choice for travelers who want to make the most of their limited time.

You’ll love the chance to see polar bears, penguins, and wolves in a thoughtfully designed zoo, then unwind by the colorful Blue Pond, sinking into the tranquil scenery. The inclusion of lunch and optional seasonal treats like the melon buffet makes the day feel complete.

If you’re after an easy, fun, and visually stunning introduction to Hokkaido, this tour seems to deliver a lot for a reasonable price. It’s ideal for first-timers, wildlife fans, or anyone wanting a stress-free way to tick multiple highlights off their list in one day.

In summary, this tour is a great choice for travelers seeking a balanced, guided experience with iconic sights and natural beauty. It offers good value and convenience, with the flexibility to adapt to weather and seasonal changes. Make sure to check your itinerary in advance and prepare for a memorable day exploring the best of Hokkaido.

You can check availability for your dates here: