Asahiyama Zoo, Biei tree, Shirohige Falls and Blue Pond Day Tour

Arrive at JR Sapporo Station North Exit by 07:50 and look for the bus pickup area. Please be punctual as latecomers or no-shows cannot be refunded. Ensure you arrive ten minutes before departure to avoid any delays.

At Asahiyama Zoo, travelers will enjoy one of Japan’s most popular and innovative wildlife parks, known for its unique animal enclosures that allow visitors to observe natural behaviors up close. From the famous underwater glass tunnel where you can watch penguins “fly” through the water, to the vertical viewing domes that let you see polar bears and seals from below, every exhibit is designed to create an immersive and educational experience. Guests can also see a wide variety of animals, including red pandas, wolves, and snow leopards, all in environments that mimic their natural habitats. Seasonal attractions like the penguin walk in winter add even more charm to your visit.

Please note: Asahiyama Zoo will be closed from December 30, 2025 to January 1, 2026. The route will be adjusted during this period. Please refer to the specific arrangements provided on the day of your tour.

Travelers visiting the Biei area in Hokkaido can enjoy charming seasonal landscapes centered around the region’s iconic scenic trees. From November 10 to April 7, the highlight is the “Christmas Tree Tree” (クリスマスツリーの木)—a solitary conifer standing gracefully against the snow-covered hills, resembling a perfect Christmas tree and offering a peaceful, winter wonderland photo spot. During this period, visitors also have the option to visit the famous Ken & Mary Tree, a tall poplar tree made famous by a 1970s car commercial, standing elegantly in the rural landscape.

From April 26 to November 3, when the fields turn vibrant green and colorful with flowers, travelers visit either the Ken & Mary Tree or the Seven Star Tree, a large oak tree featured on a popular cigarette package and now a symbol of Biei’s pastoral beauty.

At Shirahige Falls, travelers will be captivated by the sight of multiple thin, white streams of water gracefully cascading down a 30-meter-high cliff into the crystal-clear Biei River below. Located in the scenic town of Biei in Hokkaido, the name "Shirahige" means "white beard," a fitting description for the waterfall’s delicate and misty appearance. Visitors can view the falls from the nearby Blue River Bridge, where the contrast between the milky white streams and the turquoise-blue river creates a truly magical scene—especially breathtaking in winter when the surrounding landscape is covered in snow. The area is perfect for photography, nature walks, and relaxing in the nearby hot springs, such as those at Shirogane Onsen. Shirahige Falls offers a peaceful, picturesque experience that highlights the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

At the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, travelers will be mesmerized by the pond’s surreal blue color and dreamlike beauty. This natural wonder gets its striking hue from the mineral-rich waters fed by nearby hot springs, with the reflection of the sky and surrounding birch and larch trees enhancing its magical appearance. Dead tree trunks standing silently in the pond create an otherworldly, almost painting-like scene that changes with the seasons—from vibrant blues in summer to snow-dusted serenity in winter.

The nearby Platinum Pool, lesser-known but equally captivating, features softer, silver-blue tones and offers a more tranquil, less-crowded viewing experience. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along designated paths, take stunning photos, and immerse themselves in the peaceful natural surroundings of Biei’s beautiful forested landscape.