Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls & Buffet Lunch (with Optional All-you-can-eat Cantaloupe) and Chinese and English speaking tour guide (Departure from Sapporo)

— Attractions Info —

[Asahiyama Zoo]

Located at the northernmost point of Japan, Asahiyama Zoo is the most visited zoo in Japan and has been voted the most popular by the public. The zoo focuses on creating enclosures based on the animals' natural behaviors, preserving their most natural and primal living environments. It is designed to allow visitors to observe and interact with the animals up close. The winter-only penguin walk show is one of the highlights of Hokkaido tourism each year.

[Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)]

Located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido, Japan, at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, the Blue Pond is renowned for its crystal-clear, azure waters. Surrounded by mist, it exudes a dreamy, ethereal beauty. The water’s color changes with the seasons, weather, and environmental conditions, creating various hues. The interplay of the pond with the surrounding forest offers a uniquely enchanting landscape.

[Shirahige Waterfall]

Shirahige Waterfall, with a drop of 30 meters and located at an altitude of 600 meters, is situated in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei Town. The waterfall, named for the way its water cascades from the crevices in the rocks, resembles a white beard. Additionally, the water flowing from underground continually crashes against the rocks, creating spectacular blue-tinted spray and a breathtaking, pleasant view.

[Seven Stars Tree]

In 1976, this cedar tree, along with the surrounding scenery, was featured on the packaging of Seven Stars cigarettes in Japan. Since then, the tree has been known as the Seven Stars Tree.

[Tree of Ken and Mary]

The Ken & Mary Tree is a birch tree standing in the fields of Furano, renowned for its appearance in a 1970s Nissan Skyline commercial. The birch tree symbolizes purity, beauty, resilience, and vitality, while the romantic couple “Ken” and “Mary” in the ad add a symbolic meaning of love. Today, the tree is a popular photo spot for tourists, appreciated for its profound symbolism and charming scenery.

[Ningle Terrace (Winter Itinerary)]

Ningle comes from the book of the same name by author Sō Kuramoto. It refers to the “forest wise men” who have lived in the forests of Hokkaido for a long time, standing just 15 cm tall. Today, in the "little village" of Ningle Terrace, under each of the wooden cabins, there are still artisans who carry on the “forest wisdom.” They do not merely create handmade crafts but also engage in the act of “creation.”

*Due to high visitor numbers at Ningle Terrace, and to improve travel quality and address transportation concerns, the attraction will be replaced with a 30-minute visit to Biei Blue Pond from December 28, 2024, to February 28, 2025. We appreciate your understanding.

[Furano - Garden Restaurant]

Explore the Japanese restaurants hidden in the countryside and experience the Japanese countryside flavor. Farmhouse meal menu: unlimited Furano melon, special Japanese yakiniku (depending on the ingredients of the day), barbecue, special omelette rice, soup curry, Hokkaido ramen, tempura, assorted salads, and more than 30 other dishes. ※For guests who did not purchase a meal-included package, the restaurant will provide an a la carte menu with Japanese dishes such as ramen/udon/gyudon.

— Itinerary Info —

[Winter Itinerary from December 1, 2024 to April 7, 2025]

• 7:40 am Depart from Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
• 7:50 am Depart from Sapporo TV Tower
• 9:05 am Sunagawa Service Area (approx. 15 minutes)
• 10:30 am Asahiyama Zoo (approx. 90 minutes)
• 12:30 pm Seven Stars Tree in Biei or Tree of Ken and Mary (Alight from the vehicle and visit for 15 minutes)
• 1:05 pm Herb Garden Restaurant (lunch at your own expense or purchase the package that includes a meal; 60 minutes)
• 2:30 pm Shirahige Waterfall (approx. 20 minutes)
• 3:40 pm New Furano Prince Hotel - Ningle Terrace (approx. 40 minutes) 
  *Due to high visitor numbers at Ningle Terrace, and to improve travel quality and address transportation concerns, the attraction will be replaced with a 30-minute visit to Biei Blue Pond from December 28, 2024, to February 28, 2025. We appreciate your understanding.
• 5:40 pm Iwamizawa Service Area
• 6:30 pm Arrive at Sapporo TV Tower
• 6:40 pm Arrive at Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
  
  

[Summer Itinerary from April 26, 2025 to November 30, 2025]

• 8:10 am Depart from Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
• 8:20 am Depart from Sapporo TV Tower, 1F (In front of the Information Center)
• 9:20 am Sunagawa Service Area (approx. 15 minutes)
• 10:30 am Asahiyama Zoo (approx. 90 minutes)
• [-----------] Patchwork Road (Admire the views from the vehicle)
• 12:30 pm Seven Stars Tree (Explore freely for 15 minutes)
• [-----------] Tree of Ken and Mary (Admire the views from the vehicle)
• 1:10 pm Furano - Garden Restaurant (lunch at your own expense or purchase the package that includes a meal; 60 minutes)
• 2:30 pm Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) (approx. 30 minutes)
• 3:05 pm Shirahige Waterfall (approx. 20 minutes)
• 5:35 pm Iwamizawa Service Area (approx. 10 minutes)
• 6:25 pm Arrive at Sapporo TV Tower
• 6:30 pm Arrive at Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel