Hokkaido Day Trip From Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo to Ningle Terrace

Planning a day trip around Hokkaido from Sapporo offers a chance to see some of the island’s most iconic sights in one go. This particular tour, offered by Scenic Bend, promises a full day of wildlife, stunning scenery, and artisan crafts. It’s marketed as a way to experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido while ticking off key attractions like Asahiyama Zoo and Ningle Terrace, with the added bonus of scenic stops like Biei’s famous blue pond and flower gardens.

What we find most appealing about this tour is its potential to combine multiple signature locations into a single day, offering a taste of Hokkaido’s diverse landscape—from wildlife encounters to artistic villages. However, some travelers have noted issues with communication and organization, which could impact your experience. This tour likely suits those who enjoy structured group outings and are okay with a tight schedule, rather than travelers seeking complete flexibility or personalized itineraries.

Key Points:
1. Scenic variety: From wildlife and flower gardens to quaint artisan shops, the itinerary covers a broad spectrum of Hokkaido’s highlights.
2. Value for the price: At $85, the tour includes entrance tickets to Asahiyama Zoo and several scenic stops, making it a potentially good deal for those who want multiple attractions in one day.
3. Organized but rigid: The fixed schedule ensures you see key sights, but it leaves little room for personal exploration or spontaneous stops.
4. Potential communication issues: Some reviews warn about poor communication and logistical problems, especially in coordinating pickup and drop-off.
5. Limited flexibility: The tour is a set itinerary; if attractions are closed due to seasonality or other reasons, replacements are provided.
6. Practicality for travelers: Not recommended if you’re carrying a lot of luggage or need a flexible schedule, as it’s a full-day group experience with specific timing.

Analyzing the Itinerary and Its Highlights

Asahiyama Zoo: Japan’s Northernmost Animal Sanctuary

The day kicks off with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, a zoo famous for its innovative animal enclosures that allow visitors close encounters with creatures like polar bears and penguins. The ticket is included, and you’ll spend about two hours wandering through exhibits that prioritize naturalistic habitats.

In winter and colder months, the zoo often features special events like the penguin walk at 11:00 am, which is a delightful sight—watching the tuxedoed birds waddling around outside their enclosure is uniquely charming. The reviews highlight that this zoo is Japan’s most popular due to its clever displays, which make animal observation more engaging than at traditional zoos.

However, be aware that the zoo has specific closed days—between April 8 and April 26, 2024, and in early November, among others—so if your trip falls during these times, the itinerary shifts to alternative scenic stops such as Biei Mangrove and Shirasuga Falls. This flexibility is practical, but it’s important to check the schedule in advance.

Biei: Blue Waters and Pastoral Landscapes

Next, the tour visits Biei-cho, home to the famous Aoike (Blue Pond). This small, volcanic dam-formed pond turns a vivid blue under sunlight, creating an almost surreal landscape. It’s a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike—Kent Shiraishi, a National Geographic photographer, captured its hues, adding to its reputation.

The visit is scheduled for about 30 minutes, providing enough time for quick photos and to soak in the view. The tour emphasizes tourist etiquette in Biei, encouraging respectful behavior in the farmland area—a reminder of how fragile and cultivated this scene is. Some recent visitors mentioned that unfortunately, the increasing number of travelers has caused issues, like trampling crops or entering farmland improperly, which could spoil the experience or harm local farmers’ efforts.

Ningle Terrace: Handmade Gifts in a Forest Setting

Then, the tour heads to Ningle Terrace in Furano, a charming collection of small shops crafted in a forest setting. Inspired by Japanese literary elves, these tiny cabins sell handmade crafts—glassware, painted paper, lavender products, and more. It’s a peaceful place to stroll, browse, and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

The stop is about 30 minutes, and visitors note that the evening lighting makes for a romantic atmosphere. Everything sold here is exclusive—nothing mass-produced—making it a worthwhile detour if you appreciate artisanal crafts. The reviews don’t mention major downsides, but the limited time means you won’t be able to explore every shop in detail.

Shikisai no Oka: A Blooming Panorama

Finally, the tour visits Shikisai no Oka, a hilltop flower garden that blooms from spring to autumn. You’ll see tulips, lupines, lavender, and sunflowers in a patchwork of colors, perfect for photos and a relaxing walk. The visit lasts about 50 minutes, giving you enough time to marvel at the sea of blooms and snap some pictures.

This stop is highly praised for its visual impact, though it’s seasonal—if you visit outside blooming months, you might find it less impressive or closed. It’s a relaxing, scenic conclusion to a busy day, and the wide open spaces help to unwind before heading back.

The Practical Aspects and What They Mean for You

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a vehicle service that handles tolls, fuel, and driver services, meaning you’re in a comfortable car or bus for the day. With a maximum of 45 travelers, it’s a fairly sizable group—good for socializing, but it also means waiting for others and sticking to the schedule.

Timing and Flexibility

The scheduling is tight, with each attraction allocated a specific time. If attractions are crowded or delayed, you might find yourself rushing or missing out on some experiences. Some reviews warn about poor communication, which can lead to confusion about pickup times or the itinerary.

Cost and Value

At $85, including zoo tickets and entrance fees to several sites, the tour offers a decent value for a full day of sightseeing. However, the lack of food and drinks included means you’ll need to budget extra for meals, which can add up. If you’re someone who prefers flexibility or a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Seasonality and Accessibility

Some attractions are seasonal or might be closed during certain periods, like the zoo’s closure in April or early November. Always check the specific dates and the weather forecast—Hokkaido can get chilly outside of summer, and some sites may be less vibrant or inaccessible.

From Reviews to Real-World Experience

While some travelers praise the scenic vistas at Biei and the uniqueness of Ningle Terrace, others have reported significant frustrations. One reviewer specifically mentioned poor communication and hostile service, suggesting that organizational issues can tarnish what should be an enjoyable day. Another had trouble finding the pickup point and couldn’t get a refund after missing the tour, which underscores the importance of clear instructions and reliable communication.

If you’re considering this trip, it’s worth weighing whether you’re comfortable with a structured, group-based outing and whether the potential for logistical hiccups is acceptable—especially given the high praise for the scenery and unique activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see multiple highlights of central Hokkaido without the hassle of planning transportation and routes. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and limited free time, you’ll appreciate the chance to tick off key sights like Asahiyama Zoo and the flower gardens in one go. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy organized group experiences and are comfortable with the possibility of changes or disruptions due to weather or operational issues.

However, if your priority is flexible exploration or personalized recommendations, you might find this tour restrictive. Similarly, travelers carrying large luggage or seeking a calm, unrushed day may prefer alternative options.

Final Thoughts

This Hokkaido day trip from Sapporo packs a lot into one day, offering a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and artisanal crafts. The inclusion of tickets for Asahiyama Zoo and access to beautiful spots like Biei’s blue pond and Shikisai no Oka makes it a decent value for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of central Hokkaido.

Nonetheless, potential logistical issues and the rigid schedule mean this isn’t the best choice for everyone. Travelers who prioritize seamless communication and spontaneous exploration might want to explore other options or consider renting a car for more control. If you’re prepared for a busy day and want to see some of Hokkaido’s most photogenic spots, this tour could be a worthwhile adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all seasons?
The tour operates year-round, but some attractions are seasonal. For example, the flower garden is best from April to October, and the zoo has specific closed days in spring and fall. Always check the schedule before booking.

How long do we spend at each stop?
The itinerary allocates about 2 hours for Asahiyama Zoo, 30 minutes for Biei Aoike, 30 minutes at Ningle Terrace, and 50 minutes at Shikisai no Oka. These times are fixed and may feel rushed if you like to explore slowly.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not part of the package. You should plan to bring snacks or budget for lunch separately.

What should I bring on this trip?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for walking around zoos and gardens. Also, carry your passport and valuables, as some stops are quick and require attention to personal belongings.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
While the itinerary isn’t explicitly designed for accessibility concerns, most sites involve walking on relatively flat terrain. Confirm with the provider if you have specific needs.

What if attractions are closed?
If Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the itinerary shifts to alternative scenic stops like Biei Mangrove, Shikisai no Oka, and Shirasuga Falls, ensuring you still get to see beautiful sights.

Who do reviews suggest should avoid this tour?
Travelers seeking flexibility, personalized service, or those with luggage might find this experience too rigid and logistical issues problematic. Reviewers have cited poor communication as a concern, so solo travelers or those unfamiliar with group tours should proceed with caution.

To sum it up, this day trip offers a visually rich experience of Hokkaido’s highlights but comes with caveats related to logistical organization and schedule rigidity. For adventurous, independent travelers eager to see a lot in a single day, it could be a decent choice—just go in with your eyes open about potential hiccups.