Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! worth booking?
Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! is a 12-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $64 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (34)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $64 per person
・2.5 hours' direct and hassle-free transportation to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Furano area en route back to Sapporo. ・Sufficient time to visit one of Japan's most popular zoo, and encounter with the lovely animal buddies! ・Grasp Hokkaido's seasonal beauty on the undulating flowery slope and feel jovial breathing the fresh air on this vast land. ・View the signature trees “Ken&Mary”, "Seven Star" that used to be filmed in TV commercial hits! ・A closer look at the sublime Blue Pond (Aoi-Ike) which shows an appearance different from cold times.
What you get
About this experience
・2.5 hours' direct and hassle-free transportation to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei and Furano area en route back to Sapporo. ・Sufficient time to visit one of Japan's most popular zoo, and encounter with the lovely animal buddies! ・Grasp Hokkaido's seasonal beauty on the undulating flowery slope and feel jovial breathing the fresh air on this vast land. ・View the signature trees “Ken&Mary”, "Seven Star" that used to be filmed in TV commercial hits! ・A closer look at the sublime Blue Pond (Aoi-Ike) which shows an appearance different from cold times.
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
Farm Tomita
The tour stay time is 30 minutes from April 26th to May 31st and October 1st to November 3rd, and 50 minutes from June to September. The best time to see lavender is usually in July.
50 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
Biei-cho
You can see trees such as the Parent and Child Tree, the Seven Star Tree, and Ken and Mary Tree, as well as the patchwork farmland scenery from the train window.
Pass by without stopping
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Schedule may be changed or cut due to actual traffic condition or other uncontrollable incidents. Please kindly be noted.
- Please note that we are expecting heavy traffic during the tourist season when we will be visiting the Blue Pond in Biei. Depending on the traffic situation, we may change the sightseeing spot to a hill to the northwest.
- Lunch is at your own expense in the zoo. We are scheduled to arrive at Asahiyama Zoo around 2:00 p.m.
- The return destination will be Sapporo Station.
- Return time will be around 18:00.
- Infants under 2 years old are free of charge and will not be provided with a seat. If a seat is required, a child fee will be charged.
- 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.
- The tour may be canceled due to bad weather (typhoon, etc.). In that case, we will contact you by email the day before, so please be careful.
- This is a mixed tour with Japanese people.
- Please note that we do not accept bus seat requests.
- The visit time at Farm Tomita is 30 minutes from April 26th to May 31st and October 1st to November 3rd, and 50 minutes from June to September. The best time to see lavender is usually in July .
- Please note that this is a group tour and if you are late you will not be able to join and there will be no refunds.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
34 verified traveler reviews for Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Would not recommend
There was about three tours meeting at the same location. No one acknowledged us when we walked in so we had to chase down each guide to find out which was our tour. There was a problem with the bus and our start was delayed by 30 minutes. The guide was speaking Japanese. He would talk for 5-10 minutes then his co-guide would translate to Chinese then English. Her translation lasted a minute for each language. I’m sure we missed a lot of the original speech and we had a hard time understanding the English. We stopped at the zoo first and was on our own for lunch. There was not enough time to go through the whole zoo and have lunch. This stop is too short. The rest of the tour was okay. I think that we were shorted in time because we still got back within the 12 hours from when the tour was supposed to originally start.
via Tripadvisor
It wasn't in English at all and the guide didn't understand me at all
It was not in English at all. I feel misled and lied to. The guide couldn't understand me at all. I want my money back. The sights were amazing but I couldn't ask any questions. I double checked and messaged to make sure it was an English tour. Very upset.
via Tripadvisor
Hokkaido adventure was a miss
This tour was an all day drive through the scenic mountains of Hokkaido. I don’t really understand why all the tours prioritize the zoo over the Hokkaido/japanese highlights. We spent over 2 hours at the zoo when we could have gone to niggle village or another Japanese attraction. Also the time spent at the Japanese attractions was not enough. We should have been able to spend an hour at the tomita farms and the lake, instead of feeling so rushed. Pros: - driver was excellent and very safe - enjoyed the tomita farms Cons: - the zoo - the guide wasn’t much of a guide and she wasn’t very friendly. Also I wished we had more of an explanation of why the farms exist and how the lake turned blue. Instead the description we were provided was to buy ice cream and eat it before viewing the farm or the lake. - only 30/45 minutes at the lake - only 30 minutes at the farm - didn’t get to see niggle village
via Viator
A great way to see Hokkaido
I traveled solo to Sapporo and was hoping to see more of Hokkaido than just the city. This trip was perfect for that desire. It's an all day trip on a nice bus (though it lacks phone charging outlets so plan accordingly). From reading some other reviews, there were differing opinions on the quality of the English translation, but my experience was that the English translator was quite good and friendly. It's a trip in Japan with a primary focus on Japanese visitors so it seemed like there was still more to be heard if you understand Japanese, but the English translation gave out the important details and enough additional details for me to follow along. The translator was available to reach out to as well for some additional details about the stops even despite me being the only primary English speaker. As for the stops themselves, they were all pretty good. The Zoo was fun and had a lot of fun animals. If you pace yourself well, you can see all of the animals and eat lunch in the 2 hours given. We only got around 25 minutes for Blue Pond, but that still seemed to be enough time. And Farm Tomita was great as well, though part of it was closed since the peak lavender viewing time is in July and I went in August. If I was to change one thing about my trip, I'd have gone in mid-July to get the full Farm Tomita experience. But all in all it was a trip well worth my time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Japan and please return again in the future. We will be more than happy to assist you again in any way we can. Kind Regards
via Viator
Supremely sublime
A well planned park , the Buddha on the hill -WOW a true masterpiece in a serene setting/structure.Architecture 😌 Other works recreated in the form of originals are an added feature and gateway to arrive .
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Japan and please return again in the future. We will be more than happy to assist you again in any way we can. Kind Regards
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $64 to $9,800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- 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 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! cost?
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Prices start at $64 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 34 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!?
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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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!?
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Around 12 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!?
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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.
What languages is Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!?
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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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」! 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 Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!?
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Across 34 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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