Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo& Biei Blue pond Tour with Local Guide

The star of this Hokkaido day trip is the pairing of Asahiyama Zoo and Shirogane Blue Pond. You get close to animals such as polar bears, wolves, big cats, and penguins, then switch gears at a quiet natural attraction near Biei. It is a lot of ground to cover from Sapporo, but the route gives you two very different sides of Hokkaido in one day.

I like the included bus transfer because these sights are spread far beyond central Sapporo. I also like the English-language support, especially when you are managing a long day with several stops. The main consideration is time: traffic, weather, and the number of people on the tour can change how long you have at each place.

• Penguins through glass: Asahiyama Zoo’s glass tunnel gives you a view of penguins swimming overhead and around you.
• Two signature Hokkaido stops: The itinerary combines the animals of Asahiyama Zoo with the calm waters of Shirogane Blue Pond.
• Seasonal melon option: From mid-May through September, selected packages can include an all-you-can-eat melon buffet.
• Japanese lunch stop: The meal at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant gives the day a planned break between major sights.
• English-language guidance: The guide can provide support in English, Chinese, or Japanese, depending on the group.
• Simple Sapporo return: The bus brings you back to the meeting point at the end of the day.

Why This Route Works From Sapporo

Sapporo is a comfortable base, but several of Hokkaido’s best-known sights sit well outside the city. Asahiyama Zoo is in Asahikawa, while Biei and Shirogane are farther south. Reaching all three areas on your own means arranging transport, checking schedules, and allowing for connections.

This tour handles the long-distance movement by bus. That is the practical reason to book it. You can watch Hokkaido pass by instead of worrying about every leg of the route. The tradeoff is that you follow a fixed schedule, so this is not the right choice if you want to linger at one stop or change plans during the day.

The day begins at a designated meeting point in Sapporo. The exact location can depend on the package you select, so check your booking details carefully. Arrive at least 10 minutes early and look for staff holding an EasyGo flag. The bus will not wait for late arrivals.

Asahiyama Zoo and the Glass Penguin Tunnel

Asahiyama Zoo is the main attraction for animal lovers. The collection includes polar bears, wolves, big cats, apes, penguins, and other animals. The zoo is best known for presenting animals in ways that let you watch their movement and behavior from unusual angles.

The penguin tunnel is the stop you will likely remember most clearly. Instead of seeing penguins only from the side of a pool, you can watch them swimming through a glass passage. The view changes as they glide above and around you, giving the exhibit a more active feel than a standard enclosure.

The zoo also gives you the chance to see animals that are especially suited to Hokkaido’s northern setting. Polar bears and wolves fit the region’s cold-climate character, while the big cats and apes add variety. You should expect the zoo visit to be a highlights stop rather than a slow, all-day visit. The exact time available depends on traffic and the number of people on the tour.

That limitation matters. If you want to study every enclosure, read every sign, or take your time with photography, a separate visit to Asahiyama Zoo would give you more freedom. If your goal is to see the zoo’s most distinctive features while also reaching Biei, the guided day trip makes better use of limited holiday time.

The day can also work well for families, since the animals provide an immediate focus after the morning departure. Keep in mind that the experience still involves a long bus journey and a busy schedule. Younger children may enjoy the animals but tire during the transfers.

A Japanese Lunch at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant

Lunch is planned at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant. This gives you a proper pause between the zoo and the Blue Pond, rather than leaving you to search for food during a tight schedule.

Check the package wording before you pay. The supplied options differ on whether lunch is included, so the meal is not automatically part of every booking. The same caution applies to the seasonal melon buffet. From mid-May to September, selected packages offer an all-you-can-eat melon option, but you need to choose the package that specifically includes it.

That seasonal addition may appeal to anyone who wants to sample a well-known Hokkaido food during the trip. It is not a reason to assume every departure includes the buffet. Treat it as an optional package feature and confirm it during booking.

The group arrangement also affects lunch. People who book the same package dine together. That keeps the schedule organized, but it means you will not be choosing your own restaurant or deciding when to eat. I see this as a fair trade for a full-day route with several stops, provided you prefer structure over choice.

Shirogane Blue Pond: A Quiet Change of Pace

After the zoo and lunch, the tour heads toward Shirogane Blue Pond. The contrast is welcome. The zoo is built around movement, animal viewing, and close observation. The Blue Pond offers a slower stop, with tranquil water and scenery that invites you to pause.

The pond is known for its unusual blue color. You can take in the water, surrounding trees, and reflected shapes at your own pace within the time allowed. It is a good place to put the camera away for a moment, although the color and reflections naturally encourage photography.

Do not expect an extended walk through the Biei area. This is a scheduled stop on a route that also includes a zoo, lunch, and Shirahige Falls. Traffic and group size can affect the length of the visit. If you want to explore Biei’s countryside in detail, rent a car or book a slower local tour on another day.

For a first visit to Hokkaido, though, the stop makes sense. You get a clear taste of Biei without having to plan a separate transport network. The Blue Pond is also a useful counterpoint to the zoo, giving the day a calmer second half.

Shirahige Falls Adds Another Natural Stop

The itinerary continues to Shirahige Falls, another scenic point near the Shirogane area. This keeps the final part of the day focused on water and natural beauty rather than adding yet another urban or commercial stop.

The falls and Blue Pond are close enough in theme to feel like a sensible pair, but they offer different views. The pond is still and reflective. The falls bring movement and sound. You will likely appreciate the change after spending the earlier part of the day indoors and outdoors among animal exhibits.

As with the Blue Pond, the time here is not fully fixed. Weather, road conditions, and the number of participants can influence the schedule. The tour operator also notes that a stop may happen earlier than planned if a facility closes or limits visiting hours, and the full day can finish earlier in some cases.

That flexibility is useful operationally, but it means you should not build another tightly timed activity immediately after the return to Sapporo. Traffic congestion or bad weather can delay the bus. Leave a generous gap if you need to catch another train, flight, or bus.

What the $69 Price Really Covers

At $69 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want to see both Asahiyama Zoo and the Biei area without arranging long-distance transport yourself. The price includes the bus transfer and admission to Asahiyama Zoo. Those are the two costs that make the trip easier to plan.

Lunch requires closer attention. It may be included in one package and excluded in another. Individual purchases and fees not clearly listed are also outside the base price. I would compare the available package choices rather than choosing the cheapest option automatically.

The value is strongest for visitors staying in Sapporo for a limited time. You pay for one organized day and gain access to several distant sights. The value is weaker if you already have a rental car, prefer independent meals, or want to set your own pace at each attraction.

There is also a useful payment advantage: you can reserve a place and pay later. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, according to the stated terms. The tour can be canceled because of extreme weather or other unexpected events. If that happens, you can request a refund or select another date.

The English Guide and Group Experience

The tour provides guidance in English, Chinese, and Japanese. That can make the day easier, particularly at the meeting point and during transitions between the zoo, lunch, Blue Pond, and falls.

The guide is not there to create a private tour experience. You are part of a scheduled group, and people who select the same package dine together. The main benefit is reassurance and coordination: you know where to meet, what comes next, and how to return to the bus.

One short rating of 5 out of 5 described the experience as very informative. That fits the role this tour appears designed to fill. It is a practical introduction rather than a custom-made deep study of Hokkaido wildlife or Biei scenery.

Because no individual guide name is provided, you should not expect to request a particular guide. Language support can vary by departure, so confirm the language you need when booking.

Timing, Weather, and Small Practical Details

Start the day early at the assigned Sapporo meeting point. Arriving 10 minutes before departure is the minimum advice, but I would give myself more time if the location is unfamiliar. Staff will carry an EasyGo flag, which should help you identify the correct departure point.

Bring a little flexibility. The route covers major distances, and road traffic can slow the bus. Weather can also affect the schedule or lead to cancellation. The operator may adjust the order of stops, arrive early at the next attraction, or end the day earlier if a facility changes its hours.

Your visit length at each attraction can change based on traffic and group size. This is normal for a long coach route, but it is important if you are hoping to spend a precise amount of time at the zoo or take a separate evening booking in Sapporo.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Since the start and end point are tied to the selected option, check the final details before departure. Keep your personal spending separate from the advertised price, since individual expenses and unlisted fees are not included.

Who Should Book This Hokkaido Day Trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you are staying in Sapporo and want an efficient route to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Shirogane. It is especially useful if you do not want to drive or work out several train and bus connections.

Families may appreciate the mix of animals, lunch, and scenery. Animal fans will get the most from the zoo, especially the penguin tunnel and the chance to see polar bears, wolves, big cats, and apes. Photographers will enjoy the Blue Pond, though the fixed schedule may feel short.

The tour is less suitable if you want a quiet, flexible day. You cannot decide to skip lunch, extend your zoo visit, or linger at the falls without affecting the group. You also need to accept the possibility of traffic delays.

I would choose a package with lunch included if you prefer predictable costs. From mid-May through September, the melon buffet option can make sense if that food experience appeals to you. Otherwise, the basic package may be enough, since the main value lies in transport, zoo admission, and access to distant sights.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if your Hokkaido plans center on Sapporo and you want to combine wildlife with Biei scenery in one organized day. The $69 price is reasonable for the bus transfer and Asahiyama Zoo admission, provided you understand the lunch and seasonal melon options before selecting a package.

Skip it if you have several days for independent travel or want long, unhurried visits. For most first-time visitors with limited time, I like the clear route, the English-language help, and the unusual mix of penguins, polar bears, a blue pond, and a waterfall. Just arrive early, allow extra time after the tour, and keep your expectations focused on a well-planned overview rather than an open-ended exploration.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at a designated meeting point in Sapporo. The exact location may vary according to the package you book.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Sapporo.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Staff will be holding an EasyGo flag, and late arrivals may miss the bus.

Is Asahiyama Zoo admission included?

Yes, the Asahiyama Zoo admission fee is included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch depends on the package you select. Check the package details before booking.

Is the melon buffet included?

Selected packages offer an all-you-can-eat melon buffet from mid-May through September. It is not automatically included in every option.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The tour allows you to reserve your place and pay later.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Extreme weather or unforeseen events can lead to cancellation. You may then choose another date or request a refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Half Day – Snow View Rafting in NisekoPrivate Full Day Guided Tour In HakodateOtaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour from Sapporo StationNopporo Forest Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo, presenting a retro Cycle cap