The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating wildlife of the region. Travelers can expect an immersive experience, with up-close encounters with polar bears and Siberian tigers complemented by the serene natural beauty of Biei. Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the overall experience. While the tour promises a memorable day, the true highlight may lie in the unexpected moments that linger long after the journey has ended, leaving visitors eager to uncover more of Hokkaido’s hidden gems.
Key Points
- The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Tour offers an immersive wildlife viewing experience, featuring up-close encounters with polar bears and Siberian tigers.
- The tour includes diverse natural landscapes, such as the picturesque Biei region and the serene Aoike Pond, providing ample photography opportunities.
- Knowledgeable guides provide educational insights and ensure a seamless, wheelchair-accessible tour experience for all participants.
- Complimentary refreshments, including freshly-baked cookies and herbal teas, are provided to enhance the overall tour experience.
- The tour itinerary is well-paced, allowing sufficient time for visitors to explore each destination, from the Asahiyama Zoo to the Ningle Terrace craft village.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Tour is a comprehensive day-long excursion that allows visitors to explore the diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes of the Biei region.
Priced at $93.00 per person, the tour offers exceptional value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
The itinerary highlights include wildlife viewing at the Asahiyama Zoo, scenic landscapes in Biei, and visits to the Shirahige Waterfall and Ningle Terrace.
The tour is led by live guides fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all participants.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting the day from Sapporo Oriental Hotel, the tour journeys to Asahiyama Zoo, where visitors can witness the diverse wildlife in engaging enclosures over 2.33 hours.
After exploring the zoo, the tour heads to Biei, a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes. Guests have 70 minutes to marvel at the scenic vistas.
The next stop is the Shirahige Waterfall, where travelers can admire the flowing cascades for 1 hour.
The final destination, Ningle Terrace, offers 80 minutes to peruse handcrafted treasures and take in the serene atmosphere.
The tour then returns to the starting point at Sapporo Oriental Hotel.
Tour Experience
A live tour guide, fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, accompanies guests throughout the day, enhancing the overall experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the full day of nature and adventure. Explore the unique wildlife at Asahiyama Zoo, marvel at the picturesque landscapes of Biei, and experience the mystical beauty of Aoike Pond. Complimentary treats await at the Herb Garden, providing a delightful respite during the journey.
| Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Asahiyama Zoo | 2.33 hours |
| Biei | 70 minutes |
| Shirahige Waterfall | 1 hour |
| Ningle Terrace | 80 minutes |
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, seamlessly blending wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and handcrafted treasures, creating a memorable day in Hokkaido.
Meeting Point and Directions
Guests for the Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Tour will meet at the Sapporo Oriental Hotel, located at 4-chōme-422番41 Minami 8 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0808, Japan.
Travelers should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The hotel’s central location makes it a convenient starting point for the day’s activities.
From here, the tour will transport visitors to the Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, Aoike, and Elf Terrace, providing a comprehensive exploration of Hokkaido’s natural wonders.
Asahiyama Zoo Exploration
The tour whisks visitors away from the Sapporo Oriental Hotel to the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, where they can expect to spend approximately 2.33 hours immersed in the captivating world of wildlife.
Guests are treated to up-close encounters with a diverse array of animals, from playful polar bears to majestic Siberian tigers. The zoo’s unique architecture and innovative enclosures allow for unparalleled viewing experiences, enabling visitors to observe the animals’ natural behaviors.
Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience. Whether it’s witnessing the clever antics of the red pandas or the mesmerizing movements of the seals, the Asahiyama Zoo exploration leaves a lasting impression on all who venture through its gates.
Scenic Landscapes of Biei
After departing the Asahiyama Zoo, the tour ventures into the picturesque landscapes of Biei, a scenic town known for its rolling hills, vibrant fields, and meandering streams.
Visitors are captivated by the breathtaking vistas, where the natural beauty is accentuated by the region’s unique geological formations. The tour guide points out the signature blue ponds, created by the refraction of light through the mineral-rich waters.
Photographers eagerly capture the stunning scenery, while others simply take in the serene atmosphere. The tour offers ample time to explore Biei’s charming backroads and pause for reflective moments amidst the tranquil countryside.
Mystical Beauty of Aoike Pond
Amidst the rolling hills of Biei, the mystical beauty of Aoike Pond captivates visitors. This hidden gem, a natural wonder, is known for its stunning turquoise hue, a result of the pond’s mineral-rich waters.
Visitors are drawn to the serene atmosphere, as they bask in the tranquility of the surroundings. The pond’s surface, like a mirror, reflects the lush greenery and azure sky, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
Strolling along the boardwalk, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the pond’s ethereal charm. It’s a place that invites introspection and a deeper connection with nature, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness its enchanting splendor.
Enjoy Complimentary Treats
At the Herb Garden, visitors are treated to a delightful array of complimentary snacks and refreshments. Crisp, freshly-baked cookies and aromatic herbal teas are just a few of the offerings.
These complimentary treats provide a welcome respite from the day’s adventures, allowing travelers to recharge and savor the tranquil atmosphere. The Herb Garden’s serene setting, with its lush greenery and soothing scents, perfectly complements the tasty morsels.
This thoughtful addition to the tour enhances the overall experience, leaving visitors feeling rejuvenated and appreciative of the attention to detail. The complimentary treats are a testament to the tour’s commitment to providing a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, many tours in Japan do offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring with the tour operator about any available discounts prior to booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as there are no restrictions. However, they’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary treats at the Herb Garden during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can explore the sights at their own pace and spend more time as they see fit during the free time provided throughout the itinerary.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically ranges from 10 to 25 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience. The small group size allows for greater flexibility and enables the guide to cater to the needs of each traveler.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place During the Tour?
This tour follows COVID-19 safety protocols such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitization measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The group size is kept small to allow for proper distancing.
Recap
The Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Tour offers an immersive experience, blending thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural landscapes. Guests can marvel at the playful polar bears and majestic Siberian tigers, while also discovering the serene beauty of Biei and the captivating Aoike Pond. With knowledgeable guides, complimentary treats, and a well-organized itinerary, this tour provides an unforgettable day filled with nature’s wonders, making it a must-try for any Hokkaido visitor.
