Sapporo Asahiyama Zoo & Shikisai no Oka Winter Tour

At Asahiyama Zoo, the winter penguin walk can turn a cold morning into the day’s cutest spectacle. It is seasonal, though, and weather or zoo conditions can cancel it, so treat it as a welcome bonus rather than a sure thing.

I like this tour for two reasons: you can see several far-flung Hokkaido sights without driving snowy roads, and the stops mix animals, open snowfields and small forest cabins. The trade-off is a packed day, with short visits and possible changes when weather or traffic gets in the way.

The day at a glance

• Penguin parade, if conditions allow: Asahiyama Zoo’s winter walk is the signature event, but it may not run on your visit.
• A long ride made simple: Round-trip bus transport from Sapporo saves you from winter driving and route planning.
• Biei’s lone poplar: The Ken & Mary Tree is viewed from the bus, not a dedicated stop.
• Snowmobile option: Ride across Shikisai-no-Oka’s snowy fields for an added fee.
• A changeable final stop: Ningle Terrace may be replaced by Takushinkan or another adjustment if closures, capacity or weather intervene.

Sapporo to Asahikawa: a long winter run

This is an 11-hour outing, leaving Sapporo around 7:20 or 7:35 and returning around 18:20 or 18:30. The exact meeting and return point is either the JR Sapporo Station North Exit bus parking lot or Odori Park Subway Station Exit 31. Check your confirmation for the assigned location and arrive at least 10 minutes early.

The first major stop is Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, roughly three hours from Sapporo in ordinary conditions. Snow can stretch that drive. Highway closures and heavy snowfall have caused major delays, while traffic and road conditions can force the guide to reshuffle or shorten stops.

That bus ride is a large part of the value. Winter roads in Hokkaido can be demanding, and you can leave the driving to a professional while the guide shares information about local history and the day’s plans. Guides on different departures have included Sunny, Hong, Mila, Lily and ShiShi. Their roles include giving instructions, keeping the group informed and helping the day run smoothly, though the guide assigned to your date will vary.

There is no meal included, and the schedule does not set aside a formal lunch break. Bring snacks for a stop, but note that eating and drinking are not allowed on the vehicle. A power bank is useful on a long day out. Keep your return flexible: the stated arrival time is an estimate, not a safe connection for a flight, train or dinner booking.

Asahiyama Zoo: memorable animals, limited time

The zoo visit is scheduled for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, self-guided, with admission included. Asahiyama is known for exhibition areas designed to let you see animals from different angles. Polar bears, seals, wolves and penguins are among the cold-climate animals you may encounter.

The winter penguin walk is the big draw. Seeing the birds waddle together over snow is a special seasonal sight, but it is not guaranteed. The walk depends on conditions, and some departures have missed it because of snowfall, timing or road delays. Even without the parade, the zoo gives you a chance to see animals suited to Hokkaido’s cold climate up close.

Plan your visit with the clock in mind. The zoo is large enough that 100 minutes can feel brief, especially if you want to see several exhibits, use the restroom and catch the penguin walk. Head to the event area promptly if the walk is taking place, then choose a few exhibits rather than trying to cover everything. A delay on the road can trim zoo time further.

The guide may provide a meeting time and instructions, but the zoo visit is self-guided. Keep track of the bus departure point and return time. If you get separated, follow the guide’s instructions rather than assuming the group will wait indefinitely.

Ken & Mary Tree: a passing postcard

The Ken & Mary Tree is a poplar in Biei’s rolling farmland, made famous by a 1972 Nissan Skyline advertisement. Its name comes from the ad’s characters, and it has since become a recognizable Hokkaido photo subject.

Here, it is a view from the bus, without getting out. That matters if you are expecting time to stand in the snow and take your own pictures. The tree makes a brief scenic interlude on the way between larger stops, not a full attraction visit. On a clear day, its solitary shape against the white fields can be striking, but you will need to be ready to photograph through the window.

Shikisai-no-Oka: snowfields and optional speed

The tour allows about an hour at Shikisai-no-Oka, a broad area of rolling fields that look very different under winter snow than in the flower season. You can walk around and take in the open space, or pay extra for a snowmobile ride.

The snowmobile is the day’s main optional activity. It adds movement and a bit of adventure to an itinerary otherwise built around sightseeing and bus transfers. Staff give safety instructions, and you must follow them. The cost is not included in the tour price, and the exact fee is not specified here, so check the on-site price before deciding. One rider reported paying 15,000 yen, but that should not be treated as a confirmed standard rate.

There are practical limits. Snow depth and operating conditions affect whether rides are available, and busy periods can mean waiting. If you do not ride, you can spend the stop on the snowy grounds, but the schedule may not leave time for a separate activity. During Shikisai-no-Oka’s closed period or when it is fully booked, the stop may change to Chiyoda Farm.

Ningle Terrace or Takushinkan: a flexible finish

The final scenic stop is usually Ningle Terrace, a cluster of wooden cabins connected by paths in a forest. In winter, snow covers the roofs, trees and boardwalks, creating a quiet, storybook feel. The scheduled visit is about 30 minutes, enough for a stroll and a few photographs, but not a long browse if the area is busy.

Ningle Terrace is seasonal and can close. If it is unavailable, the tour may substitute Takushinkan, a former school building associated with photographer Maeda Shinzo. On certain days, the museum offers a chance to see Hokkaido’s changing light and scenery through photography. The exact alternative can depend on the day and conditions.

Do not build your plans around one specific version of this stop. Weather, road incidents, opening schedules and capacity can prompt changes, and the guide may need to adjust the route. Some departures have had very little time at the final stop or missed it altogether. If Ningle Terrace is your main reason for booking, a tour focused more narrowly on Furano and Biei may suit you better.

What the price covers, and what it does not

The tour starts at $56.85, with zoo admission, round-trip transfers and an English- or Chinese-speaking guide included. For a day that covers Sapporo, Asahikawa and Biei, that is a practical way to bundle transport and the zoo ticket. It can also be good value if you want to avoid driving in snow or piecing together public transport between several rural sights.

The base price does not include snowmobiling, meals, drinks, personal expenses or insurance. Those extras can change the day’s total, especially if you choose a snowmobile ride. Check the current activity charge before committing, and bring money for food and any personal purchases.

The value is less convincing if your priority is lingering at each place. You are paying for reach and convenience, not a slow visit. The zoo gets a limited window, the Ken & Mary Tree is seen from the bus, and weather can reduce or rearrange stops. A self-drive trip or an overnight stay around Asahikawa and Biei gives you more control, but puts winter road planning on you.

Who should book this winter tour?

I would consider it if you have one free day in Sapporo and want to see several winter sights without renting a car. It suits people who value an easy transport plan, enjoy a mix of animals and scenery, and are comfortable treating the itinerary as flexible. Families should include infants and children in the passenger count when booking.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a long, unhurried zoo visit or considers the penguin walk and Ningle Terrace essential. Both can be affected by weather and operating conditions, and the day’s tight schedule leaves little room to make up lost time. If you want to explore the zoo deeply, consider staying in Asahikawa instead.

Dress for outdoor time in winter: wear warm layers, a hat and gloves, and choose non-slip shoes. The route includes outdoor stops, and the ground may be snowy or icy. If you have health concerns about outdoor activity or snowmobiling, assess your comfort before booking.

Free cancellation is available with at least 24 hours’ notice. The operator may cancel in extreme weather or reschedule if the minimum group of four is not met. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, so take the meeting time seriously.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the appeal is a full winter day without the job of driving, and you are happy to see several places briefly. The zoo, snowy Biei fields and optional snowmobile ride make a varied day, while the guide and bus simplify the logistics.

Skip it if you need guaranteed access to the penguin walk, a fixed visit to Ningle Terrace or plenty of time at every stop. Winter is part of the charm here, but it is also the reason the plan can change. Go for the range of experiences, keep your expectations flexible and leave the evening open.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, with departure from Sapporo around 7:20 or 7:35 and an expected return around 18:20 or 18:30. Traffic and weather can change the timing.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is either the JR Sapporo Station North Exit bus parking lot or Odori Park Subway Station Exit 31. Check your confirmation for the assigned location and arrive 10 minutes early.

Is admission to Asahiyama Zoo included?

Yes. Admission to Asahiyama Zoo is included in the tour price.

Is the penguin walk guaranteed?

No. The winter penguin walk depends on conditions and may be cancelled. The zoo’s closure dates are November 4 to 10 and December 30 to 31, when visits are not possible.

Is snowmobiling included?

No. Snowmobiling is optional and costs extra. Availability can depend on snow and operating conditions.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, and the tour does not list a dedicated lunch break. Eating and drinking are prohibited on the vehicle.

Will the tour visit Ningle Terrace?

Ningle Terrace is a planned stop, but it may be closed or omitted because of weather, road conditions or capacity. Takushinkan may be used as an alternative on certain days.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Bringing your own gloves and hat is recommended, especially for the outdoor stops.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using destination local time. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.