Winter Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Aoi-Ike 1 Day Bus Tour

Exploring the enchanting Winter Asahiyama Zoo and the stunning Blue Pond Aoi-Ike on a one-day bus tour from Sapporo, Japan is an unforgettable experience. This tour offers visitors an opportunity to witness the captivating penguin walk, savor a delightful lunch, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. With a friendly tour guide and a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, guests can embark on a seamless journey, making it an ideal choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. But the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to uncover the hidden gems that await…

Key Points

• A one-day bus tour exploring Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond in Sapporo, Japan, priced at $87.47 per person with a maximum capacity of 46 travelers.
• The tour includes admission to Asahiyama Zoo, a provided lunch, and a friendly tour guide, but is not wheelchair accessible and requires infants to sit on laps.
• The tour starts at 8:30 AM from the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo and ends around 5:00 PM at Sapporo Station North Square, with access via public transportation.
• Positive reviews highlight the penguin walk and the overall organization of the tour, suggesting a pleasant experience for visitors to these attractions.
• The tour is designed to accommodate most participants, with stroller access available, despite some limitations in accessibility.

Tour Overview

The Winter Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Tour is a 1-day bus tour that takes visitors to the Asahiyama Zoo and the famous Blue Pond (Aoi-Ike) in Sapporo, Japan.

Priced from $87.47 per person, the tour accommodates up to 46 travelers and includes admission to the Asahiyama Zoo and a provided lunch.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.

Despite a non-refundable cancellation policy, the tour has received positive reviews, with highlights including the friendly tour guide and the penguin walk at the zoo.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour meeting point is the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, located at Kita 3-Jo, 1-chōme-2-9 Nishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan.

Guests should arrive by 8:20 AM, as the bus departs promptly at 8:30 AM.

The tour ends at Sapporo Station North Square, 3-chōme-12–2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan.

The tour is accessible via public transportation, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly.

Infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to accommodate a variety of guests.

Inclusions

This tour includes the admission fee to Asahiyama Zoo, where visitors can witness the captivating penguin walk.

An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, and a provided lunch keeps travelers well-fed.

The tour is designed to accommodate most participants, with stroller access and proximity to public transportation.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour caters to a broad range of travelers.

With these inclusions, the Winter Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Aoi-Ike 1 Day Bus Tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the region.

Accessibility Information

According to the accessibility information, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.

It’s located near public transportation, so it’s convenient for those using public transit. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Most travelers can participate in this activity, though specific accessibility needs should be confirmed prior to booking.

The tour provider aims to accommodate a wide range of guests, though certain limitations exist.

Travelers with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact the tour operator for more details to ensure this tour meets their individual needs.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided a total of 3 reviews for this tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars across Viator and Tripadvisor.

The highlights of the tour include:

1. Friendly tour guide (Aoki)
2. Well-organized tour
3. Penguin walk as the trip highlight
4. No negative reviews found, with all ratings either 3, 4, or 5 stars.

While the sample size is small, the reviews suggest this tour provides a positive experience for visitors to the Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond in Sapporo, Japan during the winter season.

About Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is a popular winter attraction located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan. Known for its unique animal enclosures and penguin walk, the zoo offers a delightful experience for visitors.

Highlights include the polar bear exhibit, where visitors can observe the bears swimming underwater through glass panels, and the penguin walk, where penguins march through the zoo during designated times.

The zoo’s natural settings and architectural designs provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to get close to the animals.

With its diverse animal collection and engaging exhibits, Asahiyama Zoo is a must-visit destination for those exploring Hokkaido in the winter.

Exploring the Blue Pond Aoi-Ike

What makes the Blue Pond (Aoi-Ike) in Hokkaido so captivating? The stunning blue hue of the water, created by the reflection of the sky and surrounding trees, is truly mesmerizing.

Visitors can explore the serene natural landscape, which features:

1. Striking blue-green waters that appear almost otherworldly.
2. Picturesque wooden bridges that allow for a closer look at the pond’s surface.
3. Lush forests surrounding the pond, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
4. Opportunities to photograph the pond’s unique color and scenery.

The Blue Pond is a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Itinerary and Logistics

Although the tour begins at 8:30 AM, guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point, the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, by 8:20 AM to ensure a timely departure. The tour ends at the Sapporo Station North Square, with an estimated arrival time of around 5:00 PM. During the day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Asahiyama Zoo and the picturesque Blue Pond Aoi-Ike. Lunch is provided as part of the tour package. The itinerary is well-organized, allowing participants to make the most of their time and experience the highlights of the region.

Itinerary	Time
Meet at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo	8:20 AM
Depart for Asahiyama Zoo	8:30 AM
Explore Asahiyama Zoo	9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch	12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Visit Blue Pond Aoi-Ike	1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Arrive at Sapporo Station North Square	~5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Shopping or Free Time?

The tour does not appear to include any stops for shopping or free time. The itinerary focuses on visiting the Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond Aoi-Ike, with transportation and lunch provided as part of the tour package.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour, but visitors are recommended to dress warmly and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Layering is advised, as the weather can be cold, especially at the outdoor zoo.

Are Any Covid-19 Safety Measures or Protocols in Place During the Tour?

The tour operator requires all participants to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines throughout the tour. They’ve implemented enhanced sanitization procedures and encourage guests to bring their own hand sanitizer. COVID-19 safety protocols are in place to protect everyone’s wellbeing.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized or personalized to individual preferences. It’s a pre-set itinerary with a fixed schedule, admission fees, and transportation. Travelers must adhere to the group’s plans and timeline during the tour.

What Is the Tour Guide’s Level of English Proficiency?

The tour guide’s English proficiency is not explicitly mentioned, but based on reviews highlighting their friendliness, the guide likely has a sufficient level of English to communicate effectively with English-speaking travelers on the tour.

The Sum Up

This one-day bus tour from Sapporo offers a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting Winter Asahiyama Zoo and the stunning Blue Pond Aoi-Ike. With admission, a delightful lunch, and a friendly tour guide, guests can enjoy a seamless journey, despite the tour not being wheelchair accessible. Families with young children will appreciate the stroller-friendly aspect, making it a suitable option for their winter adventures in Japan.