About this tour
When Tom from our team ran this full-day loop around Hokkaido's northern reaches, it stacked three proper stops into one smooth run: Asahiyama Zoo for the penguins and polar bears, then out into Biei's patchwork farmland with its famous scenic trees and rolling views, finishing at Shirohige Falls and Blue Pond. The vibe is relaxed, family-friendly, and genuinely mixed—wildlife lovers, photographers, and people after a scenic countryside breather all feel at home. It's eight to nine hours door-to-door, which gives you decent time at each spot without feeling rushed.
Highlights
- Penguins and seals at close range in thoughtfully designed zoo enclosures
- Biei's rolling hills and seasonal colour — proper photography-stop terrain
- Blue Pond's striking turquoise water framed by forest
- Wheelchair accessible throughout, including all viewing areas
- English-speaking guide handles the logistics and storytelling
- Shirohige Falls glimpse offers a quiet natural moment
- Pram-friendly paths at zoo and scenic viewpoints
What to expect
You'll start at Asahiyama Zoo early, where the animal enclosures are designed to let you see creatures behaving more naturally than in older-style zoos—penguins, seals, and polar bears are the headliners. The zoo is well-paced and not claustrophobic, even on busier days. After an hour or two there, you'll head south into Biei proper: rolling countryside, scattered farmland, and several stops at photo-friendly viewpoints. The landscape shifts with the season, so spring brings blossom, summer is green and lush, autumn brings warm tones. You'll visit an iconic tree or two (Ningle Terrace is the backup if seasonal maintenance closes the main one), then finish at Blue Pond and Shirohige Falls—both visually arresting and worth the camera work. Pacing feels comfortable; it's not a mad dash.
What travellers say
- Zoo exhibits let animals behave naturally, not behind bars
- Biei's countryside scenery justifies the travel time
- Fully wheelchair-accessible route, rare for scenic tours
- Guide manages driving and stops—you just soak it in
- Season shifts the landscape look; worth revisiting
- Long day in vehicle may tire younger kids and restless types
- Crowds at popular spots peak in spring and summer
- Lunch and snacks aren't included; budget accordingly
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour genuinely suits all ages and fitness levels. Asahiyama is a highlight even for zoo-sceptics because the exhibit design is a step above the usual concrete-and-bars approach. Biei is stunning year-round, though autumn and late spring hit different. The guide handles all driving and logistics, so you just turn up and enjoy. The whole thing is wheelchair-accessible and pram-friendly, which is rare for countryside tours.
It's a long day in a vehicle (eight to nine hours total, including transport), so patience helps. Crowds at the zoo and Blue Pond can be thick in peak season—go early or mid-week if you can. Weather can turn quickly in Hokkaido; bring a windproof jacket and sunscreen. The Tree of Ken and Mary closes for maintenance March to May, though Ningle Terrace isn't a bad swap. Lunch and snacks aren't included, so budget for a meal stop. Check what's included with your booking—admission to Asahiyama is confirmed, but other costs vary.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.