4 Zoos Tours in Japan Worth Booking

1.【Private Car】Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, Ningle Terrace (from Sapporo)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews Our pick

Travel from Sapporo in a private car with your own group of up to three people. Spend the day at Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Ningle Terrace. Drivers such as Kate, Masaru, Tommy, and Andrew have earned praise for safe driving, patience, and flexible stops, but English support varies.

“My driver Ms. kishimoto was super nice, she drove me for 2 days . For this trip we went from Sapporo to Asahikawa, the zoo was small but cute . I saw penguin feeding and polar bear . If it is in winter I guess you will see penguins walking in the snow. The blue pond and the waterfall was so beautiful. The waterfall was my most favorite of the day . The driver will find restaurant that you like and souvenir stores . I am glad I booked this trip.”

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2.Sapporo Winter : Asahiyama Zoo (Penguin Fun & Snowmobile)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $58Best value

Travel from Sapporo to Furano and Asahiyama Zoo by heated bus, with stops at Ningle Terrace, Shikisai-no-oka, and the Ken and Mary Tree. Meet guides such as Hong or Sunny when available, see the famous penguin walk, and add a snowmobile ride for an extra fee.

“Well, the best tour guide ever Sunny! If you choose this tour, you have to ask to be with this guy! The best. The tour is very good! Snowmobile was the best part!”

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3.Penguin Fun & Snowmobile : Sapporo Winter (Asahiyama Zoo)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $58

This nine-hour Sapporo day trip pairs Asahiyama Zoo’s penguin parade with snowy Biei and Furano scenery. You’ll ride a heated bus, browse Ningle Terrace or Takushinkan Museum, and optionally snowmobile at Shikisai-no-oka for an extra fee. English and Chinese guides may include Mr Lin, Mr Hong, or Xiao Hong.

“L'activité est vraiment incroyable, les paysages sont fabuleux surtout en motoneige, un grand merci tout particulièrement au guide Mr. HONG qui a su répondre à nos questions, être chaleureux et amical, je recommande fortement !”

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4.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Ningle Terrace Day trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $89

Leave Sapporo at 8:00 a.m. for a small-group winter day trip to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei, and Ningle Terrace. You’ll see penguins, snowy fields, forest craft shops, and seasonal sights from an air-conditioned vehicle. Basic English guidance is provided, while most exploring is independent.

“I like it! Very good day tour, we saw the penguins and bear in the zoo. My daughter was so excited, and she said this is the best place in Hokkaido!”

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