Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Ningle Terrace Tour

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, beckons travellers with its breathtaking winter landscapes and captivating cultural experiences. This tour promises an enchanting journey through the region’s natural wonders and artistic delights. From the innovative animal exhibits at the renowned Asahiyama Zoo to the ethereal beauty of the Biei Blue Pond, each destination unveils a unique facet of Hokkaido‘s winter magic. Venture further into Furano, where the whimsical Ningle Terrace showcases handmade crafts and local culinary specialties. With a blend of natural splendor and artistic charm, this immersive tour offers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries between reality and wonder blur, leaving you captivated and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This tour offers an immersive experience in Hokkaido’s winter wonderland, including visits to the Asahiyama Zoo, the Biei Blue Pond, and the Ningle Terrace in Furano.
• At the Asahiyama Zoo, visitors can observe innovative exhibits and witness the unique behaviors of animals like penguins, polar bears, and red-crowned cranes.
• The Biei Blue Pond is known for its mesmerizing azure hue, reflecting the surrounding forests and peaks, creating a dreamlike landscape in the winter.
• Furano’s Ningle Terrace showcases a whimsical collection of wooden cabins and workshops, offering a chance to discover handmade crafts and local delicacies.
• The tour also provides an opportunity to explore the serene Furano Ski Resort, known for its pristine powdery snow.

Tour Highlights

On this captivating Hokkaido tour, visitors will enjoy the region’s stunning winter wonderland, marveling at the serene beauty of the Biei Aoike (Blue Pond) and the captivating Shirahige Falls.

Witness the mesmerizing aquamarine hues of the Blue Pond, formed by the mineral-rich waters flowing from nearby Mount Tokachi. Nearby, the elegant Shirahige Falls cascade over a rocky outcrop, their icy flows sparkling in the crisp winter air.

Explore the whimsical Ningle Terrace, a charming collection of wooden cabins housing an array of locally-crafted souvenirs and handicrafts.

From the tranquil natural landscapes to the delightful shopping experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Hokkaido’s winter magic.

Itinerary Overview

This captivating Hokkaido tour begins with a pickup from either the Sapporo Oriental Hotel or Sapporo Station, allowing visitors to conveniently embark on their winter adventure.

After the initial pickup, the group heads to the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, where they’ll spend approximately 2 hours seeing the wonder of its diverse animal inhabitants.

Next, the tour ventures to the picturesque town of Biei, where travelers will marvel at the stunning Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.

The journey then continues to Furano, where participants can explore the whimsical Ningle Terrace and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Asahiyama Zoo Experience

Among the highlights of the Hokkaido tour is the visit to the captivating Asahiyama Zoo, where guests can enjoy the wonder of its diverse animal inhabitants for approximately 2 hours.

Visitors will be enchanted by the zoo’s innovative exhibits, which allow for close encounters with the animals.

Three must-see sights include:

1. The penguin-walking exhibit, where guests can observe the graceful movements of these tuxedo-clad creatures as they navigate their enclosure.
2. The polar bear exhibit, where the majestic animals can be seen swimming and playing in their carefully designed habitat.
3. The interactive red-crowned crane enclosure, where visitors can witness the mesmerizing mating dance of these magnificent birds.

Biei’s Blue Pond and Waterfalls

The stunning Biei Aoike, also known as the Blue Pond, captivates visitors with its otherworldly hue, a mesmerizing azure that seems to defy nature. Carved into the mountainside, this unique natural wonder reflects the surrounding forests and peaks, creating an ethereal, almost dreamlike landscape. Nearby, the cascading Shirahige Falls plunge over granite cliffs, their snowy white torrents contrasting sharply against the frozen winter backdrop.

Biei Blue Pond	Shirahige Falls
Otherworldly Azure Hue	Cascading Snowy Torrents
Reflects Forests and Peaks	Plunges Over Granite Cliffs
Ethereal, Dreamlike Landscape	Frozen Winter Backdrop
Carved into Mountainside	Stunning Natural Beauty
Unique Natural Wonder	Powerful Waterfalls

Exploring Furano’s Attractions

Exploring Furano’s Attractions

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of central Hokkaido, the quaint town of Furano enchants visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and artistic charm. At the heart of this picturesque destination lies Ningle Terrace, a whimsical collection of wooden cabins and workshops that showcase the region’s finest handmade crafts and local delicacies.

Visitors can peruse the charming boutiques, sampling artisanal ice cream, browsing handblown glassware, and admiring traditional Ainu-inspired woodcarvings.

Just a short drive away, the vibrant Shikisai no Oka fields burst with a kaleidoscope of colors, from the vivid greens of summer to the vibrant hues of autumn.

Nearby, the serene Furano Ski Resort offers a peaceful respite, where skiers and snowboarders can carve through the pristine powdery snow.

Inclusions and Amenities

This comprehensive day tour from Sapporo to Hokkaido’s winter wonders includes an array of amenities to enrich the experience.

Travelers can look forward to the services of a live Japanese, English, and Chinese-speaking guide, as well as convenient pickup and drop-off options at the Sapporo Oriental Hotel and Sapporo Station.

The tour also covers entry to the renowned Asahiyama Zoo and provides a complimentary Hokkaido specialty ice cream or hot beverage per person.

Throughout the journey, guests will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Hokkaido’s stunning natural landscapes, from the Biei Blue Pond to the charming Ningle Terrace.

Important Considerations

While the tour package offers a wealth of inclusions, there are a few important considerations travelers should keep in mind when planning their Hokkaido adventure.

First, the Asahiyama Zoo, a popular highlight, is closed during specific periods throughout the year, so visitors must check the schedule to ensure it’s open during their desired travel dates.

Secondly, the itinerary may be subject to changes due to unpredictable weather, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Finally, it’s recommended to avoid scheduling other activities immediately after the tour, as the long duration of the day trip can be tiring.

Pickup and Drop-off Options

The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off options, allowing participants to easily access the excursion. Travelers can choose to be picked up and dropped off at either the Sapporo Oriental Hotel or Sapporo Station, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Hokkaido adventure.

This flexibility caters to the needs of different travelers, whether they’re staying at the Sapporo Oriental Hotel or arriving by train at the central Sapporo Station. The designated pickup and drop-off points make it simple for guests to join the tour and return to their starting location after a day of exploring Hokkaido’s winter wonders, including the Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond, and Ningle Terrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?

While the tour has a set itinerary, the tour provider may be able to accommodate minor customizations if requested in advance. However, major changes to the planned activities and destinations may not be possible.

Is Photography Allowed at All Locations on the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed at all locations on the tour, though visitors should follow any site-specific rules. The stunning winter landscapes of Hokkaido provide ample photo opportunities to capture the natural beauty throughout the day.

What Should I Bring for the Winter Weather Conditions?

To prepare for the winter weather, visitors should bring warm, layered clothing like thermal undergarments, thick coats, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots. Carrying hand/foot warmers and a portable charger for your devices can also make the outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary does not offer any options to extend the duration. The tour is a fixed 10-hour experience that covers the key winter attractions in the Hokkaido region. Extending the tour would likely require booking a separate, longer package.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. Travelers can arrange a personalized Hokkaido adventure with their own group, selecting pickup/drop-off locations and enjoying a more intimate experience with a dedicated guide.

Recap

This Hokkaido winter tour immerses travelers in a realm of natural wonders and cultural charm.

From the delightful penguin displays at Asahiyama Zoo to the ethereal Blue Pond in Biei and the whimsical Ningle Terrace, each captivating destination offers a glimpse into Hokkaido’s enchanting winter splendor.

Blending stunning landscapes, innovative animal exhibits, and local artisanal delights, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the region’s enchanting winter magic.