
Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour worth booking?
Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour is a 10-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $68 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (17)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Asahiyama Zoo & Biei Winter Illuminations Day Tour from Sapporo Discover the magical beauty of Hokkaido in winter on this unforgettable day trip from Sapporo. Spend approximately two hours at Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most popular zoos, and enjoy seeing its fascinating animals in a beautiful winter setting. Continue to the scenic town of Biei and visit the spectacular Shirahige Falls, where cascading water, snow-covered cliffs, frost-covered trees, and the vivid blue waters of the Biei River create a breathtaking winter landscape. As evening falls, experience the enchanting Blue Pond illuminated at night. Surrounded by snow and glowing blue light, the pond transforms into a mysterious and dreamlike winter wonderland. Enjoy three of Hokkaido’s most memorable winter attractions in one convenient day tour from Sapporo.
What you get
About this experience
Asahiyama Zoo & Biei Winter Illuminations Day Tour from Sapporo Discover the magical beauty of Hokkaido in winter on this unforgettable day trip from Sapporo. Spend approximately two hours at Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most popular zoos, and enjoy seeing its fascinating animals in a beautiful winter setting. Continue to the scenic town of Biei and visit the spectacular Shirahige Falls, where cascading water, snow-covered cliffs, frost-covered trees, and the vivid blue waters of the Biei River create a breathtaking winter landscape. As evening falls, experience the enchanting Blue Pond illuminated at night. Surrounded by snow and glowing blue light, the pond transforms into a mysterious and dreamlike winter wonderland. Enjoy three of Hokkaido’s most memorable winter attractions in one convenient day tour from Sapporo.
What's included
Included
- Driver/guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All activities
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo, in the northernmost part of Japan, is the landmark sightseeing spot of Hokkaido, and visited by huge number of visitors. This zoon has been designed to see not only animals’ appearance, also their behaviors through daily life display. In “Hippopotamus Hall”, ostrich and warthog could be found here as that in a natural environment; in “Seal Hall”, the movement of seal swimming in a glass pipe called “Marine Way” can also be clearly watched. ※Please note that 2.5 hours will be allocated for this stop during March. "Penguin's Parade" will not be seen during March.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Shirahige Falls
Shirahige Falls cascades into the Biei River, resembling a white beard. With a drop of approximately 30 meters, it offers a breathtaking and powerful spectacle, framed by surrounding rime ice and the striking blue waters of the Biei River.
20 minutes here
Shirogane Blue Pond
Biei is renowned for its gentle flower slopes, as well as its painting-like Blue Pond. The waterfall gushes with aluminum merges into Biei River, a colloid is produced and clashes with sunlight, therefore the lake presents the unique blue color. Moreover the withered Japanese birch and larch standing in the lake bring about a still yet gasping beauty.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
10:50AM
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Sapporo Station North Exit
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour&Charter International
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Pick-up and drop-off points are different.(Drop-off point is JR Sapporo station only)
- English will be provided through an interpreter. There will be no sightseeing explanation.
- Joining this tour on your last day in Hokkaido is not recommended. As there is a possibility of traffic congestion or other delay during the tour. In this case, no compensation will be made.
- Staying time at each sightseeing spot is subject to change depending on realtime traffic condition.
- There is a possibility that arrival is delayed due to traffic conditions. When meeting with stormy weather, the tour may be unavoidably canceled. Please kindly be noted.
- Lunch is at your own expense in the zoo.
- Admission fee for Asahiyama Zoo is included. Please kindly be noted that guide will not accompany to enter the zoo.
- Please note that we do not accept bus seat requests.
- Return time is about 20:30
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Love the tour
The ride is comfortable and the itinerary is perfect covering the zoo, blue pond and waterfall. Staff is polite. There is some English covering rules and time to get on the bus again
Response from the operator: Thank you for your compliment. I would appreciate your favor if there is another opportunity.
via Tripadvisor
Asahiyama Zoo, Fascinating Aoi-Ike Light Up and Shirohige Falls in Winter
This is a 12 hour trip, but worth it. It says English speaking guide, but he did not speak a word of English, he just held up paper with what to do in English. If you go in December/January make sure you rug up as it can be very cold at the zoo like -8 etc. Over all we enjoyed the trip. They pick you up from your accommodation, but they don't drop you back there, which was very strange, we had to walk back late at night.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your valuable opinion. We will consider it for future reference.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip
Excellent bus captain amazing control of the bus even through heavy snow Was good to see the penguins
Response from the operator: Hi thank you for contributing the review! We hope you had a great time with the tour and got to see beauty of Hokkaido. Bus tour could be a good choice sometimes for places difficult to reach or make joints, and we are glad you made it :-) Also thank you for the feedback on recording and tour organization. We will try to keep up the work and serve travelers well in the future. Cheers!
via Viator
Tour was conducted in...
Tour was conducted in full Japanese . Tour guide speaks a bit of English . Wanted to get off at Sapporo station only to realise that the bus was not stopping at the station at end of trip. N guide did not check with us on where we wanted to stop as all were communicating in Japanese . That’s the disappointment of the trip
Response from the operator: I am very sorry that this tour was not a satisfactory one. Your feedback will be used as a reference for future tours.
via Viator
WORST experience ever
TLDR: 1. A completely waste of one day. 2. Car crash (luckily seems like no one hurts), delayed us by 3 hours. We missed the zoo. 3. Super bad time arrangement and schedule after the crash. 4. Aoi-Ike Blud Pond has nothing to see in Dec. 5. Basically no English support while half of the group don't speak Japenese. Here is the story: 1. We are in our honeymoon and this is the last day of our stay in Hokkaido. This trip was listed as English friendly while the guide barely speaks any English. 2. The tour starts super late (we departure at around 10.30 while usually it's already dark at 4pm in Hokkaido) 3. The reckless driver hits another car (luckily no one hurts) We have to wait there for 2 hours. 4. Then the tour guide could have just let us leave the tour and we'd still have time to see other attractions. However, the tour guide took us to Asahikawa for another 1 hour, only to tell us that we'd miss the zoo. "You guys either continue to other attractions or take another bus back for 2 hours". Basically at this point, we wasted our entire day in a bus and we had nothing else to do. The zoo was supposed to be the key part of the trip. 5. Normally I'd understand it if it's for bad weather conditions. However, this worst experience is only caused by reckless driving, poop schedule, poor time management and risk handlings.
Response from the operator: I am very sorry that I could not be a satisfied tour due to the heavy snow this time. We have issued a full refund to all customer. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $10,400
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tour&Charter International, who run 26 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.6.
See everything Tour&Charter International runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour cost?
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Prices start at $68 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapporo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapporo is not rushed.
Is Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapporo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapporo and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapporo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
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On Outty we rank every Sapporo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class, Mondo's most popular No.1!Private experienceThe king of buckwheat noodles making and Japanese food in Sapporo!A plan to enjoy tempura!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapporo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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Included: Driver/guide; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and All activities. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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10:50AM Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour offered in?
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It runs in Japanese. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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