Sapporo

Tours

Explore the region of Hokkaido in the winter on this adventurous day trip from Sapporo. Marvel at the internet-famous trees of Biei, visit the magical Furano's Ningle Terrace, and, depending on the season, see the roaring Shirahige Falls. Begin your day tour by meeting your driver in Sapporo. Head to Asahiyama Zoo and spend about 1.5 hours exploring and eating lunch. Renowned Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's northernmost zoo and a must-visit in winter. Unlike many other zoos, here the animals don't hide away during the cold season See adorable penguins take a walk in the snow (from December to March), clumsy raccoons crawl on top of their heads to make faces, curious seals play up and down in the glass column, and monkeys snuggle with each other to keep warm.On days when the zoo is closed, visit other attractions instead. Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls (Apr.1th to Nov.30th) Between April 1 and November 30, your next stop is Biei Aoike. Spend around 30 minutes exploring this pond formed to intercept volcanic magma. Take a picture of the stunning blue water and compare it to the famous default Macbook photo. Next, continue to the Furano area，visit the roaring Shirahige Falls. It is 600 meters above sea level, located in the white gold hot spring town of Miei Town. It is named "White Beard Falls" because of the white whisker-like water that pours down from the crevasses in the rocks. Water gushing from the ground, lapping against the rocks, created a blue glow of spray. Here the mountains are green in summer and the snow is white in winter, and you can enjoy the contrast between the two seasons. If you're traveling between December 1 and March 31, 2024, marvel at the internet-famous trees of Biei instead. See the Ken & Merry Tree. Then visit Four Seasons Hill (approx. 40 minutes),When the winter is covered with snow, this time the four seasons color hill becomes a snow paradise, there are snowmobiles, sledding and other entertainment, even novice can enjoy the snow and nature. Finish your tour with a visit to the iconic Ningle Terrace (close from 4th Nov to 29th Nov) in Furano. Explore this workshop built by a character in the novels of Japanese writer Satoshi Kuramoto. Stroll through the chalets and small shops and buy a handmade souvenir to remember your Hokkaido adventure. After finding your perfect souvenir, return to Sapporo.

Join a Hokkaido tour from Sapporo, exploring the wonders of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Oyunuma Pond, and Shikotsu Toya National Park. Witness the spectacle of Showa Shinzan's volcano, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya, and delve into the charm of Otaru with its canal, glass arts, and winter festival. Start your tour from Sapporo, making your way to the first stop of the day, a relic of a crater in that was formed about 10,000 years ago in Noboribetsu. See Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, with its boiling sulfuric hot springs and volcanic steam plumes. Visit the Oyunuma Pond, the remains of a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mt Hiwa. Head to an observation deck to see the steaming lake. Walk to see its blue-green waters up close. As you take a stroll around the lake, smell the sulfur and see the steam rise from the source of hot springs. Watch yellow spherical sulfur floating on the surface of the water. If you wish to unwind at the outdoor foot bath, follow a long mountain road along a hot sulphur river in the woods (closed due to road reasons in winter). At noon, continue to the Lake Toyako area, a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Get 2 hours of free time for lunch and sightseeing. Then, it’s onward to Showa Shinzan, an active volcano that erupted in the early years of the Showa era (20th century). Witness white smoke and sulfurous fumes erupting from the reddish-brown mountains. While you cannot enter the mountain, you can feel the overwhelming energy of the earth simply by looking at it. Just a short walk from the Showa Shinzan Ropeway entrance, you’ll find the Bear Park, home to over 100 Hokkaido brown bears—the largest wild mammals in Hokkaido. Here, you can experience the fun of feeding these massive yet lovable creatures. Watch as they stand on their hind legs, wave enthusiastically, and charm visitors with their playful antics.（admission fee is not included） Then, make a stop at Lake Touyako Observatory. Gaze out over a broad panorama encompassing the entire volcanic lake and the surrounding natural wonders scattered throughout Shikotsu Toya National Park, including Mt. Usu, Mt. Yotei, Mt. Showa, and Nakajima Island. Continue to Otaru, an atmospheric port town with a romantic canal. Take a stroll through the ancient canal streets, surrounded by warehouses built from red bricks and gray tiles from the Meiji era. Visit Kitaichi Glass workshop to see the exquisite glass arts and crafts that the city is famous for. Explore Otaru Music Box Museum, Japan's largest music box store with thousands of music boxes from all over the world on display. In the winter, check out the Otaru Snow Light Path festival which lights up the city with shimmering lights and glowing snow statues (about 10 days in early February from 5 PM-9 PM). Additionally, many locals put lantern displays in front of their shops and homes, adding to the festive spirit. After a day full of exploration, head back to Sapporo.

Spend the day skiing at Sapporo International Ski Resort. Take the hassle out of your experience with transportation, ski gear rental, and a day pass to the slopes, all included. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as you ski through premium powder snow, stopping for snacks and drinks as needed. Meet your driver and board the bus to Sapporo International Ski Resort in Hokkaido. On arrival, get help from your driver to complete the necessary rental procedures for the ski resort before picking up your pre-booked skis, poles, snowshoes, and other gear, depending on the chosen option. Start your day of skiing in an area renowned for its abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow, providing excellent skiing conditions. Explore a variety of slopes of different difficulties, catering to skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, so you can find the right slope for you. You can also explore other snow activities, such as snowshoe hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, allowing you to enrich your skiing adventure and fully enjoy the pleasures of winter. Relax at restaurants, cafes, and cozy resting areas during breaks, savoring delicious local cuisine. Admire the beautiful natural surroundings of Hokkaido, with spectacular snowy landscapes and forests all around, for a full day before returning your equipment to the service desk and meeting your driver at the ski resort's main gate to head back to the meeting point.

Experience a safe and reliable private airport transfer with 24-hour service between New Chitose Airport and your accommodation in Sapporo City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name. They will monitor your flight status, ensuring you are not inconvenienced by any delays. Avoid the hassle of carrying heavy luggage and navigating public transportation. Rest assured that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high standards, providing you with a comfortable and secure journey.

--- Begin Your Journey from Sapporo --- Start your adventure with convenient pickups at Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel or Sapporo TV Tower. Board a comfortable coach and relax as you travel to your first stop. --- Admire Stunning Views at Lake Toya Sairo Observatory --- Begin your exploration at the Lake Toya Sairo Observatory, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, and the surrounding volcanic mountains, including Showa Shinzan and Mount Usu. --- Enjoy a Relaxing Break at Lake Toya Onsen Town --- Stop at the Lake Toya Onsen Town for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Relax with free foot baths and hand baths along the lakeshore. Don’t forget your camera—on clear days, you can capture views of Mount Yotei, known as Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji. --- Discover Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch --- Visit Showa Shinzan, one of the newest volcanoes in Japan, formed in the mid-20th century. Opt to visit the nearby Bear Ranch to see Hokkaido’s iconic brown bears up close. Tickets for the ranch can be included depending on your package. --- Explore Noboribetsu Hell Valley --- Marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a hot spring source with unique sulfuric fumes and bubbling water. Experience the raw power of nature in this iconic geothermal wonder. --- Seasonal Highlight: Shikotsu Ice Festival (Feb 1–Feb 24) --- During the Ice Festival, replace the Mitsui Outlet Park stop with a visit to the enchanting Shikotsu Ice Festival. Admire dazzling ice sculptures created from the lake’s pure waters, glowing blue by day and illuminated with colorful lights at night. This unforgettable winter experience is a must-see! --- Shop at Mitsui Outlet Park (Nov 1–Jan 31, Feb 25–Mar 31) --- On non-festival dates, enjoy a shopping spree at Hokkaido’s largest outlet mall. Discover a variety of local products, international brands, and delicious Hokkaido treats. --- Return to Sapporo --- Relax on the journey back to Sapporo with convenient drop-offs at the TV Tower or Tokyu REI Hotel. Reflect on a day filled with Hokkaido’s natural beauty and seasonal charm.

8:00AM Meet at 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807 Japan Asahiyama Zoo (closing time of Nov.4th-10th 2024, Dec.30th,2024-Jan.1th 2025) Start your day with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most innovative and popular zoos, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Famous for its unique animal enclosures and close-up views of animals in their natural habitats, Asahiyama Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to see a wide variety of animals from both Hokkaido and around the world. The zoo is renowned for its "Glass Tunnel" exhibit, where visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel surrounded by the zoo’s playful penguins, and the "Ice and Snow World" exhibit, which showcases polar bears and other cold-weather animals. The zoo is designed to encourage the animals' natural behaviors, and it offers a fantastic chance for close-up interactions with many species. Ken and Mary’s Tree (Biei Ins popular tree watch in the bus instead from 1st Dec 2024-31st Mar 2025) Next, head to Ken and Mary’s Tree, a famous landmark in the beautiful Furano region. This solitary tree became an iconic symbol after appearing in a popular Japanese TV commercial for a car brand in the 1980s. You can take a memorable photo there! Shikisai no Oka (Visit from 1st Dec 2024 - 31st Mar 2025) Just a short drive from Ken and Mary’s Tree is Shikisai no Oka, a flower park that offers stunning views of Hokkaido’s seasonal landscapes. Known for its vibrant flower fields, this park is a photographer’s dream. Enjoy a hot drink passing by the HERB GARDEN, choose one from the Hokkaido's specialty corn soup or hot tea. Biei Pond (Visit from 1st Apr - 30th Nov) Nestled in the picturesque town of Biei, Hokkaido, Blue Pond is famous for its striking, vibrant blue waters. The pond’s unique color is a result of natural minerals and fine particles suspended in the water, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. Shirahige Falls (Visit from 1st Apr - 30th Nov) As a stunning waterfall known for its distinctive white, milky appearance. The falls cascade from a height of 20 meters, with the water flowing over a series of rocks, creating a beautiful, foamy mist. Ningle Terrace (Close from 4th Nov - 29th Nov) Next, visit Ningle Terrace, a magical location nestled within the forested mountains of Furano. This spot is known for its wooden terrace that offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. The terrace is designed to give visitors a sense of tranquility and a connection with nature, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. Furano Wine Laboratory (Visit from 4th Nov - 29th Nov when Ningle Terrace closes) End your day with a visit to it, where you can learn about the region’s agricultural practices and enjoy the bounty of Furano’s famous fruits. Hokkaido, with its cool climate, is known for producing high-quality fruits, and Furano is particularly famous for its grapes, melons, and strawberries.

08:00 - Sapporo ◆Start your beautiful journey today. Meet at the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop. Address: 3-1, Kita 7 Jo Nishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido. (For pick-up and drop-off service.) ◆10:30-Asahiyama Zoo (Approx. 120 minutes, including free time for lunch) Asahiyama Zoo is located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, and is Japan's northernmost zoo. It has become the most visited zoo in Japan. During the winter months, you can enjoy watching penguins walk in the snow, mischievous raccoons climbing overhead, seals swimming in clear glass tubes, and monkeys cuddling for warmth. The zoo maximizes animal freedom while offering visitors close-up views. Penguin Walk (Expected to run from December to March; the time may vary depending on snow conditions, and it may be canceled due to weather.) (closed from Nov 4-10, 2024, and Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025). If the zoo is closed, the tour will visit the Ken & Merry Tree, Biei Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, and Ningle Terrace. The guide will adjust the schedule based on weather conditions for an optimal experience. ◆ 13:00 - Biei Ken & Merry Tree (Seasonal from December 1st to March 31st – vehicle sightseeing, no stop to get off the bus) The Ken & Merry Tree is famous for appearing in a 1972 Nissan commercial. This towering white poplar tree became an iconic backdrop for the commercial, and the area is surrounded by Christmas trees, creating a charming setting. ◆13:50 - Furano Shikisai-no-oka (Approx. 40 minutes, Seasonal from December 1st to March 31st ) During winter, Shikisai-no-oka becomes a snowy playground. You can enjoy snowmobile rides, sledding, and other winter activities. Even beginners can fully enjoy the snow and nature. You can also choose to visit the alpaca farm. Note: Snow activities are at your own expense. ◆14:40 - Furano (Approx. 30 minutes) Ningle Terrace, inspired by a character from Japanese writer Kōbō Abe's novel, is a charming collection of small handcrafted shops. The tiny cabins sell unique handmade items, such as glass and paper crafts, lavender products, and more. The lights at dusk create a magical and romantic atmosphere. ◆Furano Wine ( if Ningle Terrace is closed, Nov.4th-29th) Furano Wine is made from locally grown grapes, produced by the Furano Grape and Vine Research Institute. The area has a history of over 50 years of winemaking, promoting local agriculture. Taste the region’s signature wine here. ◆15:40 - Return Return to Sapporo City, finishing your day with happy memories! ◆18:10 - Arrival and Dissolution Arrive at Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop.

Explore Sapporo in your own way with a private licensed guide. Choose the 6 or 4-hour option depending on what fits with your schedule. Let the guide know what special requests you have for the day and they will tailor your itinerary accordingly. All guides hold the nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification. It is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good understanding of Japanese culture and history. Sapporo City, on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, may be more famous for its winter activities, but with your guide, you will see how is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. This tour feature a morning pickup at your hotel in Sapporo, then a visit to any number of possible sites. You can customize your itinerary according to the places you want to visit. See a suggested itinerary below.  This tour begins with your local guide greeting you at your accommodation or the nearest train station. You will then proceed to Okurayama Viewing Point. Take in the great panoramic view and experience the steep slope of a ski jump from 307 meters above sea level. Next, visit the historical village of Hokkaido. The village has a unique history and is home to 60 typical buildings from all over Hokkaido, dating back to the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868 to 1926), the era when Hokkaido developed quickly.  Then, have lunch at Nijo Ichiba Market, with all its delicious seafood. Enjoy a kaisen-don bowl made from freshly-caught seafood, a local specialty. After lunch, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. Sapporo Beer is one of the best premium beers in Japan. You can taste a reissued version of the beer that was produced 130 years ago.

Explore the region of Hokkaido in winter on this adventurous day trip from Sapporo. Marvel at the lively Asahiyam Zoo, picture the internet-famous trees of Biei, visit the magical Shirahige Falls, and Biei Blue Pond. If your tour falls on one of the dates the Asahiyam Zoo is closed, take comfort in the white gold hot spring as an alternative. Begin your day by meeting your driver in Sapporo and heading straight to Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's northernmost zoo and a must-visit in winter, by bus. Explore the zoo and eat lunch at your own pace. Unlike many other zoos, the animals don't hide away during the cold season, so you can see them up close and personal. Marvel at penguins taking a walk in the snow (from December to March), clumsy raccoons making faces, curious seals playing up and down the glass column, and monkeys snuggling with each other to keep warm.(If the zoo closed, the tour guide will arrange to white gold hot springs instead.) Then, head to the fashionable Biei Christmas tree. Regardless of seasons and time, this tree is remarkable and well-known in Hokkaido. Take your time snapping photos of this internet icon. Your next stop is Biei Blue Pond. Explore the pond, formed to intercept volcanic magma, marvelling at its striking blue colour. Interestingly, the color of the water changes with its environment. Next, continue to the Furano area and visit the roaring Shirahige Falls. Based 600 meters above sea level, located in the white gold hot spring town of Miei Town, the falls are named the "White Beard Falls" because of the white whisker-like water that pours down from the crevasses in the rocks. Head back to Sapporo having had your fill of stunning nature in Hokkaido.

Experience a safe and reliable private airport transfer with 24-hour service between New Chitose Airport and your accommodation in Niseko City. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name. They will monitor your flight status, ensuring you are not inconvenienced by any delays. Avoid the hassle of carrying heavy luggage and navigating public transportation. Rest assured that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high standards, providing you with a comfortable and secure journey.