One-Day Tour to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond & Ningle Terrace, Hokkaido

One-Day Tour to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond & Ningle Terrace, Hokkaido
US$80.40

Cobalt Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls Popular Sightseeing Tour + Complimentary Zoo Admission

The following itinerary is for reference only. The attractions, visiting order, and schedule may be adjusted depending on conditions on the day.

08:00 Sapporo

Begin today’s beautiful journey.

Meeting Point:
08:00 Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Boarding Area
Address: Kita 7-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
(Round-trip pick-up & drop-off plan)

Please cooperate and follow the instructions of the driver-guide.
Important Notice: This is a shared day tour. Guests must arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for and will be considered as voluntarily giving up the tour. We strongly recommend arriving at the meeting point 10 minutes in advance.

10:30 Asahikawa

Asahiyama Zoo (Admission Included | Approx. 110 minutes, including free lunch time)

Zoo Closure Periods:
April 8–25, 2025
November 4–10, 2025

If Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the itinerary will be replaced with:

  • Biei Blue Pond (30 min)

  • Shirahige Falls (15 min)

  • Herb Garden (20 min)

  • Furano Grape & Fruit Research Institute (30 min)

  • Ningle Terrace (30 min)

The guide may adjust the duration of each stop depending on weather conditions.

About Asahiyama Zoo:
Located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and has become one of the most visited zoos nationwide. Contrary to the belief that animals are inactive in winter, visiting the zoo during snowy seasons offers a truly unique experience. Watch adorable penguins parade through the snow, raccoons climbing overhead making playful faces, seals swimming up and down glass columns, and monkeys huddling together for warmth. The zoo is famous for its innovative enclosures that allow animals to live in a more natural environment while enabling visitors to observe them up close.

Alternative Attractions When the Zoo Is Closed

Furano Wine – Grape & Fruit Research Institute (Approx. 30 minutes)

In the 1960s, Furano had no grape cultivation other than wild mountain grapes. Due to its climate and soil being similar to Europe, grape cultivation and winemaking began to flourish. The Furano Grape & Fruit Research Institute was established to develop wine grapes and has over 50 years of history. Despite some wineries using imported grapes, Furano Wine remains committed to revitalizing local agriculture by producing wine using locally grown Furano grapes.

13:20 Biei

April 1 – November 30: Blue Pond (Approx. 30 minutes)

The Blue Pond is located on the left bank of the Biei River and was formed by a dam built to block volcanic debris. Under sunlight, the water reflects vivid shades of blue, creating a dreamlike landscape often compared to a fairyland. Known as “Japan’s Little Jiuzhaigou,” the pond is especially beautiful in the early morning. A photograph taken by National Geographic photographer Kent Shiraishi was later selected by Apple as a default Mac desktop wallpaper. Due to volcanic minerals in the water, the pond’s color changes subtly with the environment, making every visit unique.

14:00 Biei

April 1 – November 30: Shirahige Falls (Approx. 20 minutes)

Shirahige Falls, located in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei, drops about 30 meters from an elevation of 600 meters. The waterfall gets its name from the white, beard-like streams of water cascading through rock crevices. Spring water gushes from underground, striking the rocks and creating shimmering blue waves. The contrast between lush greenery in summer and snow-covered scenery in winter offers two distinctly beautiful seasonal views.

14:50 Furano

Herb Garden (Approx. 20 minutes)
Enjoy a complimentary Hokkaido specialty hot drink.

Take a short break and shop for Hokkaido lavender souvenirs such as aroma sachets, essential oils, incense, horse oil, moisturizing lotions, and more. Don’t miss the famous lavender ice cream.

15:50 Furano

Ningle Terrace (Approx. 30 minutes)

Ningle Terrace is a forest-themed handicraft village inspired by a character from novelist Satoshi Kuramoto’s works—a tiny forest spirit about 15 cm tall. The wooden cottages house small artisan shops selling unique handmade items such as glass crafts, paper art, paintings, and lavender dried-flower crafts. All products are exclusive to this location. The terrace becomes especially romantic when illuminated in the evening.

Ningle Terrace Closure (Expected):
November 3 – November 28, 2025

During this period, the visit will be replaced with:
Biei Shirogane Onsen (Approx. 90 minutes)
〒071-0235 Shirogane Onsen, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
(If unavailable, another onsen in the Biei area will be arranged.)

If Both the Zoo and Ningle Terrace Are Closed

The schedule will be adjusted as follows:

  • Blue Pond: 30 min

  • Shirahige Falls: 15 min

  • Herb Garden: 20 min

  • Onsen: 90 min

16:20 Return Journey

Depart for Sapporo and conclude the day’s tour.

18:30 Arrival

Drop-off at Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Boarding Area

 

Price Includes

  1. Vehicle service fees as listed in the itinerary

  2. Asahiyama Zoo admission ticket (non-refundable and non-changeable if voluntarily waived)

  3. Fuel costs, toll fees, and highway fees

  4. Vehicle service time: within 10 hours (in accordance with Japanese law)

  5. Driver-guide service fee

    • 1–13 guests: premium small-group tour

    • 14–45 guests: bus tour
      (Actual arrangement depends on the number of participants on the day of departure)

  6. Reference vehicle types (for reference only, subject to adjustment based on group size):

    • 5–8 seats: Toyota Alphard or equivalent

    • 9–14 seats: Toyota Hiace or equivalent

    • 18–22 seats: Mini bus

    • 22 seats and above: Large bus

  7. Guests aged 70 and above may not travel alone and must be accompanied by family members

    • Infants aged 0–2 years (not occupying a seat): JPY 2,000 (must be informed at booking)

    • Children aged 2 and above are charged the same as adults

  8. One piece of luggage per person is allowed free of charge (no size limit; please note at booking)

Price Excludes

  1. Any items not mentioned under “Price Includes”

  2. Accommodation, additional attraction tickets, optional activities, and personal expenses

  3. If the number of infants aged 0–2 (not occupying seats) is not declared in advance and results in insufficient seating, boarding will be denied and no refund will be issued

Important Notes

  1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred shall be borne by the guest.

  2. Please provide complete booking information (full name, number of participants, phone number, WeChat ID, and pickup location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.

  3. Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Loss, theft, or damage shall be the guest’s responsibility.

  4. Elderly guests, guests with high blood pressure, heart disease, cardiovascular conditions, or pregnant women are advised to travel with accompanying family members.

  5. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed to book independently and must be accompanied by a guardian.

  6. This is a fixed carpool tour. Guests must comply with the stop durations at each attraction and follow the driver-guide’s arrangements.
    For flexible itineraries, please refer to our private charter services.

  7. Guests who fail to participate or leave the tour due to personal reasons or lateness will not receive any refund.

  8. Guests who leave the group mid-tour will be deemed to have voided the transaction. No refunds will be provided, and any personal or property risks incurred shall be borne by the guest.

  9. Arrival times may vary depending on traffic, weather, holidays, or crowd conditions. Delays or cancellations caused by force majeure are not grounds for refunds.

  10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.

  11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items.

  12. During free time, guests are responsible for their own safety and belongings. Any accidents caused by failure to follow advice shall be borne by the guest.

Participant Guidelines

  1. Guests aged 70 and above must be in good health and accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or above throughout the tour.

  2. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

  3. Elderly guests are required to provide a health certificate (electronic copies accepted) prior to departure.

  4. Pregnant women and guests with heart conditions, acrophobia, or other special conditions are not recommended to join and may be refused participation. Please book with caution.

  5. This product is open to non-Mainland China guests; however, only Chinese and Japanese language services are provided.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation more than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund

  • Cancellation 2–3 days before departure (inclusive): 50% refund

  • Cancellation 1 day before departure (inclusive): No refund

Travel Information

1. Pickup / Meeting

Please arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Late arrivals, missed departures, or joining midway are not permitted. No refunds or rescheduling will be provided for personal reasons.

2. During the Tour

  1. Leaving the group early or mid-tour is not permitted. Any unused portions will be considered voluntarily forfeited and non-refundable. Guests are responsible for any incidents occurring after leaving the group.

  2. During peak seasons or special circumstances, departure times may be adjusted earlier or later. Please follow the guide’s notification.

  3. Transportation, sightseeing, and stop durations are subject to actual conditions on the day. In case of traffic or weather issues, the guide may adjust the visiting order with guests’ consent without reducing attractions.

3. Meals

This tour does not include meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Some restaurants may prohibit outside food or seat-only usage without ordering.

4. Local Customs & Regulations

Please respect local customs and cultural practices during your trip.

5. Weather

  1. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or safety concerns. Staff reserve the right to suspend outdoor activities and make alternative arrangements as necessary.

  2. In case of severe weather or other force majeure, facilities or performances may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled without prior notice.

  3. Flower blooming conditions are subject to weather. Tours will proceed as scheduled even if conditions are not optimal. Guests who are concerned should book with caution.

6. Shopping

  1. Some attractions, restaurants, or rest areas may contain shops. These are not designated shopping stops arranged by the tour operator. Please shop rationally and keep receipts. Any disputes are the guest’s responsibility.

  2. Privately operated entertainment or consumption venues may exist at the destination and may lack proper licensing. Please exercise caution.

Warm Tips

  1. Please keep your mobile phone reachable during the trip.

  2. If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare preventive medication in advance.

  3. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and prepare sunscreen, insect repellent, windproof outerwear, and a camera.

  4. Take good care of personal belongings. Loss or damage is the guest’s responsibility.

Safety Reminder

Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and snow play involve inherent risks. Please assess your physical condition carefully and follow local authorities’ and professional institutions’ safety advice before participating.