Hokkaido Day Trip From Sapporo, Asahiyama Zoo to Ningle Terrace

Asahiyama Zoo tickets included (about 110 minutes, including free lunch time). Asahiyama Zoo closed days: April 8 to April 26, 2024, November 4th to November 10th, December 30th to January 1st, 2025. If Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the itinerary will change to Biei Mangrove (30 minutes) - Shikisai no Oka (50 minutes) - Biei Green Pond (30 minutes) - Shirasuga Falls (15 minutes) Asahiyama Zoo is located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. It is the northernmost zoo in Japan and has become the most popular zoo in Japan. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals through clever displays. (Enterprise Estimated launch date for the Goose Walk from December to March: we'll watch penguins taking a walk at 11:00 am in the morning.) When Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the tour will visit Furano Wine, where you can experience the local specialty, "Furano Wine," made from grapes grown in the region （approximately 30 minutes).

From April 1st to November 30th, the tour will visit Blue Pond (about 30 minutes). Blue Pond is located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido. It was formed by a dam built to intercept volcanic lava. Under the sunlight, the pond water reflects a blue color, hence its name. Approaching Biei Blue Pond is like stepping into a fairyland, with a hazy beauty that is often referred to as Japan's "Mini Jiuzhaigou." Every morning, the water color becomes even more pure and azure, truly a feast for the eyes. The Blue Pond was once photographed by National Geographic photographer Mr. Kent Ishii. His work was later acquired by Apple Inc. and became one of the default desktops for the MAC series. The water of the Blue Pond contains abundant minerals and soil particles from volcanic ash. Under the sunlight, the pond will display various colors with subtle changes in the environment. You never know what it will look like in the next moment, which is full of anticipation.

The tour will visit Shirahige Falls (about 20 minutes) from April 1st to November 30th. Shirahige Falls in Furano, Hokkaido, has a drop of 30 meters and an elevation of 600 meters. It is located in the Biei-cho, Biei Onsen area. The waterfall is named for its water that cascades down through the rock crevices like white beards. The water that gushes out from underground strikes the rocks, creating blue - tinged splashes. Here, you can enjoy the stark contrast between the lush greenery and clear waters of summer and the snow - covered landscape of winter.

Passing by HERB GARDEN, complimentary Hokkaido specialty hot drinks will be provided (about 20 minutes). Here, you can take a short break, purchase Hokkaido - specific lavender souvenirs (such as sachets, essential oils, incense sticks, horse oil, and moisturizing creams), and also enjoy the specialty cuisine - lavender ice cream.

Ningle Terrace in Furano is a forest craft workshop inspired by a character from a novel by Japanese writer Soji Kuramoto ( a 15cm - tall elf living in the great forest). The log cabins here are small shops selling unique handicrafts, all of which are handmade, such as glass crafts, paper crafts, hand - painted pictures, and lavender - based crafts. Each shop is small but exquisite, and the items sold here are exclusive, with no other outlets available. The lighting at dusk is particularly romantic. Ningle Terrace Closure Dates:November 3, 2025 to November 28, 2025 Alternative Itinerary during Ningle Terrace Closure: Meiyo Biei Onsen (90 minutes) Address: 071 - 0235, Biei - cho, Kamikawa - gun, Hokkaido, Biei Onsen Note: If the onsen is closed, another one in the Meiyo area will be substituted. If both the zoo and Ningle Terrace are closed, the itinerary will be adjusted as follows: Blue Pond (30 minutes) Shiraito Waterfall (15 minutes) Herbgarden (20 minutes) Onsen (90 minutes)