Day Tour Exploring Hokkaido Zoo, Shikisai-no-Oka's Snow Activities, and Ningle Terrace

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, holds the distinction of being Japan's northernmost zoo and now attracts more visitors than any other zoo in the country. Your admission ticket includes entry and a complimentary lunch. The zoo closes December 30, 2025 through January 1, 2026. On closure dates, the itinerary shifts to Biei famous tree (30 minutes), Biei Blue Pond (30 minutes), Shirahige Falls (15 minutes), and Furano Grape and Wine Research Institute (approximately 30 minutes). Your guide will adjust all activity durations based on daily weather conditions. Winter at Asahiyama defies the stereotype that zoo animals retreat indoors. Instead, you'll witness penguins trudging through snow, raccoons climbing overhead with playful expressions, seals darting through glass columns, and monkeys clustering for warmth. The penguin walk, scheduled tentatively December through March at 11:00 AM, may be rescheduled or canceled depending on snow and weather. Duration varies accordingly. Biei's internet-famous trees are viewable by car only, without stopping. Ken & Mary Tree earned its name from a 1972 Nissan "Love Horizon" commercial, where actors Ken and Mary appeared against this distinctive tall poplar. A charming goose-yellow triangular building surrounded by Christmas trees stands nearby. Shikisai-no-Oka transforms under winter snow into a minimalist landscape where distant trees form neat rows like sentries across white terrain. Visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, sledding, and snow tubing (paid activities), or visit the adjacent alpaca farm. Winter hours run 9:00–16:00 early December through February (closed December 31 and January 1), then 9:00–16:30 in March. Hours shift with snowfall. At the HERB GARDEN rest stop, complimentary Hokkaido specialty beverages await. The stop location may change due to road or weather conditions; if relocated, beverages may not be provided. Ningle Terrace serves as Furano's beloved landmark. "Ningle" denotes mythical 15-centimeter "forest wise beings" inhabiting the forest.