Itinerary for reference only. Stop order and times may change due to snow, weather and traffic.
A winter day with two sides: wide-open snow in Biei in the morning, and Japan's most famous zoo in the afternoon, when the cold-loving animals are at their liveliest.
— 7:30 AM | Depart from Sapporo Station North Exit –Meet the coach at JR Sapporo Station's North Exit and settle in. It's about 2.5 hours to Biei, with snowy farmland all the way.
— Biei Snow Park | 60 min –Start with play time at Shikisai-no-Oka or Farm's Chiyoda, depending on the date. The summer flower hills become open snowfields: take a snowmobile for a spin, ride a snow raft (paid on site), or simply make the first footprints.
— Christmas Tree, Biei | 20 min –A single spruce stands on a white hill, shaped like a Christmas tree. In the clear morning light it's one of Biei's cleanest winter photos, taken from the roadside.
— Shirahige Falls | 20 min –Groundwater bursts from a cliff and falls about 30 m into the Biei River, which runs milky blue between snowy banks. Stand on the bridge for the classic shot.
— Asahiyama Zoo (admission included) | 120 min, lunch time included –Japan's northernmost zoo is at its best in winter. Watch penguins “fly” overhead in an underwater tunnel, seals glide up a clear water tube and polar bears pace the snow. From mid-to-late December to mid-March, when there's enough snow, king penguins waddle a 500 m route at about 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Lunch is at the zoo's restaurants at your own cost. Winter hours are 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
— 6:00 PM | Drop-off in central Sapporo –Relax on the ride back, reaching central Sapporo around 6:00 PM depending on the roads.
Please note: times are approximate and may change with winter weather and road conditions.
FAQ
Q: Will I see the Penguin Walk?
A: It runs on snowy days from about mid-to-late December to mid-March, around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. It isn't held in early December and can be cancelled.
Q: Is zoo admission included?
A: Yes. Guests of junior high school age and younger enter the zoo free anyway.
Q: Where do we eat lunch?
A: Inside the zoo during your 2-hour visit, at your own cost. There are restaurants and snack stands on site.
Q: Does this tour visit the Blue Pond?
A: No. You'll see Shirahige Falls, just upstream. For the Blue Pond light-up, see our Blue Pond and Ningle Terrace evening tour.
Q: Is snowmobiling included?
A: No. Snow park activities are paid on site and depend on snow. In early December the park may not be fully open.
