
Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour worth booking?
Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour is a 9.5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $101 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (3)
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $101 per person
【Notice】: Tour Itineraries Vary by date and month ①Nov 11 – Jan 31 Itinerary Asahiyama Zoo(2hr)→Biei Shirahige Waterfall (20 min)→Biei Blue Pond (30 min) ②Feb 1 to Apr 7 Itinerary Farm Tomita (30 min)→Shirohige Waterfall, Biei (20 min)→Asahiyama Zoo (1 hr 30 min) Highlights: ・Visit the Asahiyama Zoo and watch different animals included Polar bear, Arctic fox, Red panda and Sika deer etc. ・Marvel at Hokkaido’s fairytale-like winter scenery as you visit the frozen Biei Blue Pond, illuminated at night to create an enchanting, romantic atmosphere amid the snow. ・Breathtaking Natural Wonders & Souvenir Shopping:Witness the majestic Shirahige Waterfall flowing over a cobalt-blue river, then enjoy relaxed shopping at Farm Tomita for authentic Hokkaido lavender goods, sweet treats, and winter greenhouse blooms.
What you get
About this experience
【Notice】: Tour Itineraries Vary by date and month ①Nov 11 – Jan 31 Itinerary Asahiyama Zoo(2hr)→Biei Shirahige Waterfall (20 min)→Biei Blue Pond (30 min) ②Feb 1 to Apr 7 Itinerary Farm Tomita (30 min)→Shirohige Waterfall, Biei (20 min)→Asahiyama Zoo (1 hr 30 min) Highlights: ・Visit the Asahiyama Zoo and watch different animals included Polar bear, Arctic fox, Red panda and Sika deer etc. ・Marvel at Hokkaido’s fairytale-like winter scenery as you visit the frozen Biei Blue Pond, illuminated at night to create an enchanting, romantic atmosphere amid the snow. ・Breathtaking Natural Wonders & Souvenir Shopping:Witness the majestic Shirahige Waterfall flowing over a cobalt-blue river, then enjoy relaxed shopping at Farm Tomita for authentic Hokkaido lavender goods, sweet treats, and winter greenhouse blooms.
What's included
Included
- Asahiyama Zoo admission fee
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Asahiyama Zoo
【Notice】 Visit Duration Limits • Nov 11 – Jan 31 : 2-hour • Feb 1 – Apr 7 : 1.5-hour Enjoy the "Penguin Parade", annual Winter event of Asahiyama Zoo. Located at the northest part of Japan, gives Asahiyama Zoo the advantages of letting their visitors to see penguin walk very closely. Lunch at own expenses.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Shirahige Falls
A impressive 30m waterfall pouring from lava cracks like a white beard. Contrast between cobalt blue Biei River and frosty winter scenery creates a breathtaking hidden beauty.
20 minutes here
Shirogane Blue Pond
▶Limited from Nov 11 to Jan 31: The Blue pond is a famous for its magical and fantastic scenery. In winter, snow falls on the frozen surface of the lake, creating a mystical sight that is different from summer. In addition, it is lit up only in winter, and the pure white "Blue Pond" is romantically colored. You can not miss this in winter Hokkaido!
30 minutes here
Farm Tomita
▶Limited from Feb 1 to Apr 7: Farm Tomita is a spot where you can enjoy the quiet beauty unique to winter. Enjoy a relaxing stroll while taking in the vast, snow-covered scenery. You can also see seasonal flowers inside the greenhouse. At the park's shops, you can enjoy souvenir shopping for fragrant lavender products, sweets, and more.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
【Notice】 Meeting& Departure times subject to change depending on the date. Details below: ①Nov 11 – Jan 31 :Meet 10:50/Dep 11:00 ②Feb 1 to Apr 7 : Meet 8:50/Dep 9:00 **Please check-in with the on-site staff at 1F Lobby inside ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
JR Sapporo Station
Options you can book
Bus Tour (Nov 11 to Jan 31 )
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo: (Meet 10:50 / Dep 11:00)
Bus Tour (Feb 1 to Apr 7)
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo: Meet 8:50 / Dep 9:00 a.m.(JST)
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 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- H.I.S.Co., Ltd.
Know before you go
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Japanese-speaking attendant only ! Communication via translation apps is possible.We appreciate your understanding.
- This tour is confirmed to run on all scheduled dates. It is guaranteed to run for even one person.
- Farm Tomita:Limited from Feb 1 to Apr 7
- Blue pond (Aoi ike):Limited from Nov 11 to Jan 31
- Please check-in with the on-site staff at 1F Lobby inside ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo
- Infants under the age of 2 are free. No seats will be provided. Child fares apply if a seat is required.(No seat, admission fee, or souvenirs are included. If a seat is needed, please book under the child rate.)
- If there is a closed section before using the expressway on both the outbound and return trips, it will be via national roads and roads, and the resting place may be a roadside station.
- Tour times may change due to road conditions. As a result, you may not be able to see events such as "Mogu Mogu Time" at Asahiyama Zoo.If you are unable to enter the zoo, the admission fee will be refunded.
- There may be some delays in arrival due to road conditions. In case of stormy weather, the tour may be canceled out of necessity on the day.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Penguin walk
It was pretty well organised tour. The tour guide Aoki was really friendly, speak English well! We enjoyed the trip, the penguin walk was the highlight of the trip
via Viator
Nice and friendly tour guide
Very nice tour guide and good one-day trip to different places in Hokkaido with convenient bus transportation.
via Viator
Better than sitting in your hotel room
The guide spoke good English and he did his job, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was only getting 1/3-1/2 the information that the Japanese tourists were getting. This seems to be normal in Japan. The tour started at 9:30 and went for 12hrs, due to the timing required to get the night lighting on the falls and the pond, plus weather conditions. Tips: 1) Buy food before joining the tour if you want full choice or are budget conscious. The rest stops offer mostly sweets, fancy biscuits and fried stuff as we went through there around 11am. The only place to get sandwiches is after exiting the zoo and is more expensive. Tasty hot food is available at the zoo and reasonably priced, small selection within the zoo and more extensive at the cafe near the tour group exit. 2) The tour company assigns seats, so there is zero benefit in arriving early to bag a good seat. This IS NOT communicated in the English tour notes. If you suffer from motion sickness, contact the tour company beforehand to arrange something, or, just accept that wherever you sit you will be asked to move at some point before the bus departs from the last pickup point, and you will get the worst seat.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $101 to $15,500
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by H.I.S.Co., Ltd., who run 185 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.5.
See everything H.I.S.Co., Ltd. runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour cost?
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Prices start at $101 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour take?
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Plan for about 9.5 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour 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 (4.3/5 across 3 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour?
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Around 1 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 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour?
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Included: Asahiyama Zoo admission fee; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour?
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【Notice】 Meeting& Departure times subject to change depending on the date. Details below: ①Nov 11 – Jan 31 :Meet 10:50/D. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants under the age of 2 are free. No seats will be provided. Child fares apply if a sea. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus 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 Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond "Aoi-Ike" 1 Day bus tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Bus Tour (Nov 11 to Jan 31 ), Bus Tour (Feb 1 to Apr 7). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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