Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue and Ningle Terrace 1-Day Tour (Hokkaido Line A)

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07:45-08:00 Meeting point: Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop, Address: 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807 Japan

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10:30-12:30 Asahiyama Zoo Visit Head to Asahiyama Zoo and spend about 2 hours exploring and eating lunch. Renowned Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's northernmost zoo and a must-visit in winter. Unlike many other zoos, here the animals don't hide away during the cold season See adorable penguins take a walk in the snow (from December to March), clumsy raccoons crawl on top of their heads to make faces, curious seals play up and down in the glass column, and monkeys snuggle with each other to keep warm. Notes: If Asahiyama Zoo is closed, the itinerary will be adjusted to visit Biei's popular trees, Blue Pond, Shirogane Waterfall, Shikisai no Oka, or Terrace of the Fairies (the guide will adjust the time spent at each attraction based on the weather conditions of the day, and the duration at each location may be appropriately extended or shortened).

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13:20-13:50 Sightseeing Biei Blue Pond- (From 1st Apr to 30th Nov) Your next stop is Biei Blue Pond. Explore the pond, formed to intercept volcanic magma, marvelling at its striking blue colour. Interestingly, the color of the water changes with its environment. Ken & Merry Tree-(From 1st Dec. to 31th Mar.) (13:00-13:10) The tree was named after appearing in Nissan's 1972 commercial "Love Horizon". In the advertisement, the protagonists, Ken & Mary, performed a captivating story against the backdrop of this tall popular tree, set in the vast northern landscape. Near the Ken & Mary Tree, there is a charming, triangular building painted in goose yellow, surrounded by Christmas trees. It’s a delightful sight, and the visit can be enjoyed from the car without stepping out.

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13:50-14:20 Furano-Shikisai no Oka-(From 1st Dec. to 31th Mar.) In winter, Shikisai no Oka is blanketed in pristine white snow, transforming it into a snow paradise. Here, you can enjoy activities like snowmobiles, sledding, and other fun winter experiences, perfect even for beginners to fully enjoy the snow and nature. Additionally, you can choose to visit the alpaca farm. The distant trees on the hills during winter stand in neat rows, like loyal guardians protecting the land. Against the vast expanse of white snow, only the tall trees remain, creating a minimalist beauty that compels visitors to pause and admire. This is the unique charm of Shikisai no Oka in winter. (Please note: Snow activities such as the alpaca farm, snowmobiles, snow rafting, sledding, and snow tubing are at your own expense.) Visit Shirahige Falls-(From 1st Apr to 30th Nov) (14:05-14:20) Next, continue to the Furano area and visit the roaring Shirahige Falls. Based 600 meters above sea level, located in the white gold hot spring town of Miei Town, the falls are named the "White Beard Falls" because of the white whisker-like water that pours down from the crevasses in the rocks.

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14:50-15:20 Ningle Terrace Visit Finish your tour with a visit to the iconic Ningle Terrace in Furano. Explore this workshop built by a character in the novels of Japanese writer Satoshi Kuramoto. Stroll through the chalets and small shops and buy a handmade souvenir to remember your Hokkaido adventure. Notes: If the parking lot is closed due to heavy snow, please understand that this attraction will be changed by the on-site guide if this is the case.

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15:30-18:00 Back and drop off at Sapporo Station. *All schedules are in local time. *The itinerary is subject to change due to external factors such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.