Zoo animals and blue water in one day. That’s the basic magic of this Hokkaido trip: you hit Asahiyama Zoo (with penguins in a glass tunnel) and then slow down at Shirogane Blue Pond plus Shirahige Falls, with a Japanese lunch break built in. Add an English-speaking guide, and the day feels much less stressful if you’re trying to read signs, schedules, and transit on the fly.

I especially like that the zoo portion is built around real animal viewing moments, not just a generic stop. I also like how the day pairs “cute critters” with quieter scenery so your brain gets a breather before you head back to Sapporo. One thing to consider: your exact timing and how much time you get at each stop can shift with traffic and how many people are on the day, and lunch inclusion depends on the package you choose.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During the Day

• Penguins swimming through a glass tunnel at Asahiyama Zoo for a memorable viewing setup
• Polar bears, wolves, big cats, and apes at one focused zoo visit
• Shirogane Blue Pond plus Shirahige Falls to balance still water and a moving waterfall
• English (and other language) guidance to keep the day reassuring
• Mid-May to September melon buffet add-on available when you book the seasonal option

Why This Hokkaido Day Feels Like Two Trips in One

This tour is basically a “nature + animals” day in Hokkaido, organized into a single full-day loop from Sapporo. You start with Asahiyama Zoo, then transition to Furano-area scenic stops at Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, and end back in Sapporo.

The smart part is pacing. Zoos can be fast and tiring when you’re walking and reading everything on your own. Here, the transportation is handled, the main attractions are grouped together, and the guide helps you move through the day without second-guessing.

Sapporo Meet-Up: The EasyGo Flag and a Smooth Morning Start

Your day starts with a meeting point in Sapporo, and the exact location may vary depending on the option you book. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early because staff will be holding an EasyGo flag, and the tour isn’t responsible for late arrivals after the bus departs.

This matters more than it sounds. If you’re traveling from another part of the city, a few minutes can turn into a scramble, especially in cooler weather. Arriving early buys you margin to check the lineup, confirm your group, and get settled before the bus leaves.

Asahiyama Zoo Up Close: Penguins in a Glass Tunnel

Asahiyama Zoo is the anchor stop of the day. The zoo visit is where you’ll see polar bears, wolves, big cats, apes, and more, and the tour highlights one specific viewing moment: penguins swimming through a glass tunnel.

I love that detail because it changes the whole “zoo experience” from passive watching to something more immersive. A glass tunnel setup usually means you get more than one angle and a sense of movement right in front of you, which is exactly what you want from a zoo day.

You also get a fixed zoo admission as part of the tour package. That’s helpful because it removes one more chore from your planning, so you can focus on lining up your time with the animal exhibits the tour expects you to see.

A practical tip for the zoo portion

Since the tour duration at each attraction can vary due to traffic and participant numbers, keep your expectations flexible. If you’re hoping to take lots of photos, it helps to decide what you care about most—like the penguin tunnel—so you don’t end up hunting for time later.

Furano Farmhouse Lunch and the Melon Buffet Add-On

After the zoo, the itinerary moves toward lunch at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant. Lunch is described as a tasty Japanese meal, but whether it’s included depends on the selected package, so don’t assume it’s automatically covered.

That’s a small detail with real impact. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to check your package option early so you don’t get surprised at lunchtime. If you’re okay with paying extra, you still benefit from knowing ahead of time so you can plan what to order.

Seasonal bonus: all-you-can-eat melon

From mid-May to September, there’s an all-you-can-eat melon buffet option you can add. This is a season-specific perk, which makes it a fun choice if you’re traveling during those months and want one local treat that feels like more than just a snack.

If you’re going in off-season, you can still enjoy the lunch stop, but the melon buffet may not be available. Either way, this is one of the clearest “value moments” in the day because it’s tied to local produce and doesn’t require extra transit planning.

Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls: Water, Walks, Photos

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Shirogane Blue Pond for the tranquil scenery, and then continue on to Shirahige Falls. These are the stops that slow the day down and make it feel like Hokkaido scenery rather than just a bus-and-zoo itinerary.

The Blue Pond is the named highlight, so expect it to be the photo focus. The point of including it isn’t only how it looks; it’s also the contrast. After the zoo’s motion and crowds, you get a calmer environment where you can actually pause, look around, and soak in the atmosphere.

Shirahige Falls adds a different kind of visual. Instead of still water, you get movement and sound, which makes for a fuller nature mix. I like pairing one still-water setting with one waterfall because it gives you variety even if your weather changes.

Timing can shift, and that’s okay

The tour notes that sometimes, due to facility closures or restricted visiting hours, the group may arrive early at the next destination or conclude the tour earlier. Also, delays can happen due to traffic congestion or inclement weather. This doesn’t mean the day falls apart—it means you should treat the schedule as a guideline, not a promise down to the minute.

What the Tour Price Covers (and What It Does Not)

The price is $69 per person. For that, you get bus transfer fees and Asahiyama Zoo admission. Lunch is included only if your selected package says so, and individual expenses aren’t included.

Here’s how I’d judge value: you’re paying for the convenience of one organized day that connects multiple major Hokkaido sights from Sapporo. Zoo admission alone can be a meaningful expense, and the transfer time between the zoo and the scenic pond/waterfall areas is exactly the kind of thing that can cost you time (and stress) if you’re figuring it out yourself.

So even if you end up paying separately for lunch depending on your package, the core value is still solid: transportation + entry + guided flow. And since the tour guide provides guidance in multiple languages—Chinese, English, and Japanese—you’re not just buying tickets. You’re buying a smoother day.

Pace, Timing, and Weather: The Reality of a Full-Day Loop

This is a full-day tour, and that always comes with a trade-off: you’ll be moving. The duration of visits to each attraction depends on traffic conditions or the number of participants that day, so you might get more time in one place and less in another.

Also, if weather is extreme or something unforeseen happens, the tour could be canceled. If that happens, you can book a different date or request a refund.

I’d treat this like a common-sense planning exercise. If you have a tight next-day reservation, give yourself buffer time. If you’re flexible, then this style of day trip is exactly what it should be: a focused, guided hit of top highlights without a lot of logistics work.

One more note that’s easy to miss: the guide gives guidance in different languages. That can be reassuring if you’re not fluent, because you’ll have help understanding what to do next and when.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want a guided, structured day with two big categories of sights: animals and scenery.

I’d point it at:

• Zoo fans who want Asahiyama Zoo’s standout viewing setup, especially the penguin tunnel
• People who want Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls without organizing transit between them
• Travelers who value an English guide (plus other language options) to reduce confusion
• Anyone traveling to Hokkaido with limited time who still wants a full day of highlights

It might be less ideal if you hate group schedules or you require long, unhurried time at one single stop. Because visiting times can change with traffic and participant numbers, you won’t have total control over pacing.

Should You Book This Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Tour?

If you like the idea of hitting Asahiyama Zoo and the Shirogane Blue Pond area in one organized day, this is a very reasonable booking. The standout value is the combination: zoo admission handled, transport included, and a guide available in multiple languages to keep things reassuring.

I’d book it if:

• You’ll appreciate the zoo’s specific animal highlights, especially the penguin tunnel
• You want a scenic afternoon that’s different from city sights
• You’re comfortable with a day where timing can shift due to traffic or weather
• You’re traveling during mid-May to September and can take advantage of the melon buffet option

Before you click confirm, do one simple check: confirm whether lunch is included in your selected package. That’s the only “big variable” in the day that can change your out-of-pocket costs.

With a 4.8 rating across 5 reviews, and at least one comment focusing on how informative the experience was, the overall signal is clear: this tour is doing its job—connecting major sights in a way that helps you enjoy the day instead of wrestle with details.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book. You’ll meet at a designated location in Sapporo in the morning, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure. Staff will be holding an EasyGo flag.

What attractions are included in the tour?

You’ll visit Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls. A Japanese lunch stop at Furano Farmhouse Restaurant is also part of the day.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included only if the selected package says so. The tour notes that lunch inclusion depends on the package you choose.

Will I have an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour guide provides guidance in different languages, including English, plus Chinese and Japanese.

Is the melon buffet available year-round?

No. The all-you-can-eat melon buffet option is available from mid-May to September.

What’s included in the $69 per person price?

The tour includes bus transfer fees and Asahiyama Zoo admission. It also notes that lunch inclusion depends on your selected package.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If canceled due to extreme weather or unforeseen events, you can book a different date or ask for a refund. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund.

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