The allure of Asahiyama Zoo, located just a few hours from Sapporo, beckons visitors to embark on an immersive journey through innovative animal exhibits and captivating conservation efforts. Showcasing a unique penguin parade and other must-see attractions, the zoo offers a distinctive experience. However, as the primarily Japanese-centric communication and unclear transportation logistics pose challenges for non-Japanese speakers, the tour’s overall experience appears to be a mixed bag. With thoughtful enhancements to support international guests, this renowned destination could truly shine as a world-class wildlife sanctuary. But what other surprises might this Sapporo-to-Asahiyama adventure hold?
Key Points
- Asahiyama Zoo is known for its innovative exhibits that showcase animals in their natural habitats, providing visitors with close-up and educational experiences.
- The zoo’s focus on animal welfare and conservation creates an engaging platform for appreciating wildlife and natural beauty.
- Despite the English-speaking staff, the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese, which may cause language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
- The tour includes a visit to the stunning Blue Pond in Biei, a natural phenomenon with a unique blue color, and the enchanting Ningle Terrace forest area.
- Unclear drop-off points at the end of the tour and a lack of comprehensive information from English-speaking staff have been reported as issues by some customers.
Tour Overview
The tour from Sapporo typically visits Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Furano Forest, offering a comprehensive day-trip experience.
Priced from $93.57 per person, the 10-hour tour includes bus fare, admission to Asahiyama Zoo, and an English-speaking staff fee. While meals aren’t included, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary covers notable attractions like the Blue Pond in Biei and Ningle Terrace, with ample free time allotted at each location.
However, based on customer feedback, the tour seems to be primarily conducted in Japanese, with minimal English updates, and an unclear drop-off point, suggesting areas for improvement to enhance the overall experience.
Itinerary Breakdown
Starting from the Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo, the tour kicks off with a 70-minute bus ride to Sunagawa, where a 15-minute break is allotted.
The next stop is Asahiyama Zoo, a 1-hour drive away, with 2.5 hours of free time to explore the zoo’s unique behavioral exhibits.
Then, it’s on to Biei, a 1-hour journey, for a 30-minute visit.
The tour continues to Ningle Terrace, a 1-hour drive, where visitors can spend 40 minutes browsing the nature-themed log houses.
Asahiyama Zoo Highlights
At the heart of the tour lies Asahiyama Zoo, a renowned attraction renowned for its innovative behavioral exhibits that allow visitors to observe animals in their natural states.
The zoo is particularly known for its creative enclosures that mimic the animals’ natural habitats, enabling guests to witness their behaviors up-close.
From the captivating penguin parade to the mesmerizing polar bear swimming display, the zoo offers a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors into the lives of the animals.
With its focus on animal welfare and conservation, Asahiyama Zoo provides a sustainable and educational platform for visitors to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
Blue Pond in Biei
Beyond the captivating exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo, the tour also takes visitors to the mesmerizing Blue Pond in Biei.
This natural phenomenon is a result of the Tokachi eruption, which created a unique blue color in the water. The pond’s striking hue is due to the presence of minerals and light refraction, giving it an almost ethereal appearance.
Surrounded by lush forests, the Blue Pond offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The tour provides an opportunity to witness this natural wonder and experience the tranquility of the Biei countryside.
Ningle Terrace Experience
The tour also takes visitors to the enchanting Ningle Terrace, a shopping area nestled within the forest.
This unique destination features 15 log houses showcasing nature-themed products, creating a cozy and atmospheric experience.
Wandering through the wooden structures, visitors can browse a variety of handcrafted items, from local artisanal goods to whimsical souvenirs.
The surrounding forest setting adds to the charm, allowing visitors to enjoy a tranquil, natural environment while exploring the various shops.
Ningle Terrace offers a delightful respite from the typical tourist attractions, providing a chance to connect with Hokkaido’s natural beauty and discover unique local offerings.
Road of Patchwork
The Road of Patchwork in Biei is a renowned scenic attraction that captivates visitors with its diverse array of crops arranged in a grid-like pattern. This unique landscape, often featured in advertisements and dramas, showcases a stunning visual tapestry of vibrant colors and textures. Visitors can marvel at the intricate patchwork of fields, each section dedicated to a different crop, creating a mesmerizing mosaic against the backdrop of the Hokkaido countryside. The patchwork fields are a true feast for the senses, inviting travelers to slow down, appreciate the natural beauty, and enjoy the serene, rural ambiance.
| Crop | Color |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Purple |
| Wheat | Golden |
| Potatoes | Green |
| Rapeseed | Yellow |
Staff and Language
English-speaking staff accompany the tour, providing necessary linguistic support for non-Japanese-speaking participants. They offer information and guidance throughout the day, ensuring seamless communication for visitors.
However, according to customer feedback, the majority of the tour was conducted in Japanese, with minimal English updates provided. This left some participants feeling disconnected from the experience and unsure of the details.
The meeting point at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo lobby offers a convenient starting location, but the drop-off point at the end of the tour was reported to be unclear, causing confusion for some travelers.
Customer Feedback
According to customer feedback, the tour received an overall rating of 2 out of 5 based on a single review.
The review highlighted several issues, including:
- Majority of the tour conducted in Japanese with minimal English updates.
- Unclear drop-off point at the end of the tour.
- Lack of English-speaking staff providing comprehensive information.
- The reviewer didn’t recommend the tour.
These customer concerns suggest that the tour operators need to improve their language support and communication to better meet the needs of English-speaking travelers.
Addressing these feedback points could enhance the overall experience and satisfaction for future participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Based on the tour overview, the itinerary appears fixed, and there’s no indication that customization is an option. Customers must follow the predetermined schedule during the 10-hour excursion from Sapporo.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no stated dress code for this tour. Travelers can dress casually and comfortably for the activities and weather conditions. Layering is recommended as temperatures may vary throughout the day during the different stops.
Are There Any Discounts for Senior Citizens?
The tour does not mention any discounts for senior citizens. However, travelers 65 years and older may be eligible for discounts through other means, such as using senior-specific travel services or booking directly with the tour operator.
Can I Pay With a Credit Card on the Bus?
Travelers can pay with a credit card on the bus for this tour. However, the tour overview doesn’t specify if this payment option is available, so it’s best to confirm with the tour operator prior to the trip.
Is There a Vegetarian Meal Option Available?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any vegetarian meal options. Participants will need to bring their own food if they have dietary restrictions, as the tour only includes transportation and admission fees, excluding meals.
Recap
The Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo tour provides a captivating experience, showcasing the zoo’s innovative exhibits and conservation efforts. However, challenges exist for non-Japanese speakers, with unclear drop-off points and limited English support. While the zoo itself is a highlight, the tour could benefit from improved multilingual guidance to enhance the experience for international visitors. The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Japan’s premier zoos.
