Hokkaido Highlights Of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond 'Aoi-ike'!

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, boasts a wealth of natural wonders that captivate visitors from around the world. From the vibrant flower carpets to the mesmerizing Blue Pond, this comprehensive tour offers a chance to discover the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Explore the innovative animal enclosures of Asahiyama Zoo, witness skilled artisans at work, and witness the iconic trees that have graced the backgrounds of countless commercials. With the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and a delicious lunch, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of Hokkaido’s enchanting secrets.

Key Points

Comprehensive tour showcasing Hokkaido’s natural wonders around Sapporo, including vibrant flower carpets, the serene Blue Pond, and the captivating Asahiyama Zoo.
Departs from Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo, with air-conditioned vehicle transportation to various stunning locations, including the Blue Pond and Asahiyama Zoo.
Visitors can marvel at the vibrant flower carpets at Farm Tomita and the mesmerizing Blue Pond, known for its otherworldly blue hue.
Exploration of the impressive Asahiyama Zoo, featuring innovative animal enclosures for close observation, and the charming craftspeople’s cottages.
Opportunity to spot the iconic trees that have graced the backgrounds of countless commercials and advertisements, showcasing Hokkaido’s breathtaking scenery.

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Tour Overview and Inclusions

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Hokkaido’s natural wonders around Sapporo, showcasing the region’s vibrant landscapes, unique attractions, and cultural heritage.

Travelers will experience the breathtaking beauty of colorful flower carpets, the serene Blue Pond, and the captivating Asahiyama Zoo, where they can observe a variety of animal species.

Along the way, they’ll also visit quaint craftspeople’s cottages and see the trees featured in popular commercials.

Suitable for families, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and a delicious lunch, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

With a pickup from the Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo and a drop-off at the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour departs from the Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo at 7:50 AM, providing a convenient starting point for the day’s exploration of Hokkaido’s natural wonders.

From there, the air-conditioned vehicle transports guests to various stunning locations, including the Blue Pond, Asahiyama Zoo, and the charming cottages of local craftspeople.

The tour ends at the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, allowing easy access to further exploring the city.

Travelers should note that the schedule may change due to traffic or other uncontrollable incidents, and there’s no compensation for bus delays.

The tour’s English and Japanese-speaking staff ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

Flower Carpets and Blue Pond

Amidst the natural beauty surrounding Sapporo, visitors can marvel at the vibrant flower carpets and the mesmerizing Blue Pond, two of the tour’s highlights.

At Farm Tomita, guests will be treated to a stunning display of colorful blooms, their petals forming a lush carpet across the landscape.

The Blue Pond, meanwhile, gets its otherworldly blue hue from the mineral-rich water, creating a breathtaking contrast against the surrounding forest.

While the flowers may be sparse during certain months, the Blue Pond remains a year-round attraction, its ethereal beauty captivating all who visit.

These natural wonders offer a chance to take in Hokkaido’s stunning natural landscapes.

Asahiyama Zoo and Craftspeople’s Cottages

Visitors to the Hokkaido tour can also explore the impressive Asahiyama Zoo, known for its innovative animal enclosures that allow guests to observe the creatures up-close.

The Asahiyama Zoo offers three main highlights:

The penguin-walking exhibit, where visitors can see the flightless birds strolling around.
The polar bear enclosure, featuring a glass-enclosed underwater viewing area.
The chimpanzee ‘mountain’, which allows the apes to roam freely while still being visible to guests.

Plus, the tour includes a stop at the charming craftspeople’s cottages, where travelers can witness skilled artisans at work, crafting unique local products.

Trees in Commercials

Alongside the natural wonders witnessed throughout the Hokkaido tour, visitors can also spot the iconic trees that have graced the backgrounds of countless commercials and advertisements over the years.

These picturesque trees, often featuring vibrant autumn foliage, have become a symbol of Hokkaido’s visual appeal.

Whether it’s the striking red maples or the delicate cherry blossoms, the trees captured in these commercials have helped to showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery to a global audience.

As you explore the tour’s various destinations, keep an eye out for these familiar sights – you might just spot a tree that you’ve seen before on the small screen, adding an extra layer of delight to your Hokkaido adventure.

Suitability and Accessibility

This tour is well-suited for families, offering an accessible experience that caters to a wide range of travelers.

The air-conditioned vehicle, comprehensive inclusions, and wheelchair/stroller accessibility ensure a comfortable and seamless journey for all participants, from infants to seniors.

Infants can sit on laps during the tour, ensuring they’re accommodated comfortably.

The transportation and activities are designed to be wheelchair accessible, catering to those with mobility needs.

The tour is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for those relying on alternative modes of getting around.

Schedule Changes and Cancellation

The schedule may change due to traffic or uncontrollable incidents, and the tour may cancel if the weather turns unfavorable. Travelers should keep this in mind when planning their itinerary.

The tour operator notes that the flower display locations may change – Farm Tomita may have fewer flowers in April, May, and October-November, in which case the tour will visit Ningle Terrace instead.

Plus, lunch at the Asahiyama Zoo is at the traveler’s own expense.

While the tour is generally wheelchair and stroller accessible, there’s no compensation for delays caused by bus issues.

In the event of a cancellation due to bad weather, a full refund is provided.

English and Japanese-speaking staff are available, though detailed sightseeing guidance may be limited.

Tour Group Size and Guidance

According to the information provided, the Hokkaido Highlights tour has a maximum group size of 45 travelers. While English and Japanese-speaking staff are available, the tour doesn’t offer detailed sightseeing guidance, focusing instead on providing a convenient and accessible experience for families.

The tour highlights include:

Visiting natural attractions like the colorful flower carpets, the Blue Pond, and the Asahiyama Zoo.
Exploring the charming craftspeople’s cottages and seeing the trees featured in commercials.
Enjoying a hassle-free outing with an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, and a provided lunch.

This tour is well-suited for those seeking a leisurely and family-friendly way to discover the natural beauty around Sapporo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors can take pictures at the various sights, including the flower carpets, Blue Pond, and Asahiyama Zoo. However, flash photography may not be permitted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.

Can Special Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour does not specify whether special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Travelers with dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about availability and options for accommodating their requirements during the included lunch.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

There is no audio guide available for this tour. The tour is led by an English and Japanese-speaking driver/guide, but no detailed sightseeing guidance is provided. Travelers are encouraged to ask the guide for any clarification during the tour.

Can I Request to Change the Pickup Location?

Yes, you can request to change the pickup location, but it must be done at least 24 hours in advance. The tour operator can accommodate changes if they’re notified early enough, but last-minute changes are not accepted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price is the same for all travelers, regardless of age. Tickets and transportation are included in the tour cost.

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