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ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).

● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.

● Mt. Moiwa Observatory
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.

Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Highlights Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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When you think of Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo and the Blue Pond are the most popular tourist spots. This 1 day bus tour will take you there and turn out quite economical and enjoyable.
Getting on the expressway, we will head toward Asahiyama Zoo. Enjoy the scenery and interesting stories from the local guide during your trip. We will have 150 minutes at Asahiyama Zoo including time for lunch.
Afterwards, we will go to the Blue Pond. The Blue Pond, with its milky blue color, and dead pine trees standing in the water, creates a mysterious atmosphere. After we visit the Blue Pond we will had for Farm Tomita (Jun 27 – Jul 31), and Shikisai-no-oka Hill (Jun 10 – 26, Aug 1 – Oct 10). At Farm Tomita we will see the spectacular field of about 15 hectares planted in lavender and other flowers. Shikisai-no-oka Hill uses the fields that make up Biei’s Patchwork Hills, and are planted with anywhere between 30 to 40 varieties of flowers. It is an vast entertainment garden full of Hokkaido flair.

Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka and Blue Pond Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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*Farm Tomita : Enjoy the history of lavender and flowers in season at Farm Tomita, a tourist lavender farm in Japan. In the gift shops on site seasonal flowers, soaps, perfume and other original products made of lavender.
　
*Shikisai-no-Oka Hills: The vast fields of flowers that bloom over the hills of Shikisai-no-Oka make up the beautiful patchwork scenery of Biei. Between 30 to 40 varieties of flowers are planted in the fields that were once owned by farmers, which bloom every year between May and late October. Peak season is between late July and late September. The sight of rolling hills covered in colorful flowers is absolutely spectacular! The first Alpacas to be raised in Hokkaido, are being raised on Shikisai-no-Oka. They are quickly becoming popular mascots to children who visit from all over the world.
　
*Blue Pond : In recent years, the Blue Pond has become a super popular site in the Biei area. The dead Japanese larch trees that stand amidst the milky blue water of the pond create a mysterious atmosphere.
　
*Furano Wine House: The Furano Wine House is located on a hill overlooking the city of Furano, the lavender fields, vast pastoral landscapes and the panoramic view of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. It is a “”local production for local consumption,”" restaurant where guests can enjoy delicious Western food while taking in the amazing view. The 100% Furano Grape Juice, the brainchild of wine-making experience, products made with lavender, and many other original items are sold.
Lunch menu consists of Furano Wine House famous “”Petite Fondue + Hamburger Steak + Rice + Coffee or Tea.

Highland Furano, Farm Tomita and Blue Pond Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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●Highland Furano: A large hot spring and accommodation facility situated near vast forests and lavender fields. Visitors can enjoy views of the impressive Tokachidake Mountain Range and a bright purple “sea of lavender.” A footpath leads through the forest, where visitors can enjoy “forest bathing,” bird-watching and viewing wildflowers. For lunch we will enjoy petite fondue + hamburger steak + rice * coffee or tea. We especially recommend the petite fondue.
　
●Farm Tomita: The oldest and most historic lavender farm in Japan. Discover the history of lavender and seasonal flowers. At the gift shop on site, you can purchase seasonal flowers, soaps, perfumes and other original items made from lavender.
　
●Blue Pond: One of the most popular sights of Biei in recent years. The mysterious pond appears blue on the surface, with dead pine trees creating an eerie and fantastic atmosphere.

【Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
　
Discover Sapporo’s top attractions with this well-rounded itinerary, which features scenic city views from the bus and guided stops at two major highlights: Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
　
From the elevated vantage point of the bus, take in sweeping views of Odori Park—the green corridor running east to west through the heart of the city—the stately Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence nestled among trees, the Toyohira River beloved by locals and host to summer fireworks displays, and the striking Sapporo Dome with its graceful, silver, curved silhouette.
　
Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, an active venue on the eastern slope of Mt. Okura at an elevation of 307 meters. From the summit observation deck, take in a sweeping panorama of central Sapporo and the vast Ishikari Plains beyond, framed dramatically by the steep approach slope below. Gazing down from the ski jump start point, the 145.0-meter hill record distance is truly breathtaking. See the scale for yourself and experience the thrill from above.
　
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is home to the famous statue of Dr. William S. Clark, depicted with his right arm outstretched toward the horizon. In summer, sheep graze across the lush green lawn, with the cityscape of Sapporo stretching out in the distance, a scene that captures the very spirit of Hokkaido. Strike the same post beside Dr. Clark and snap a memorable photo as you embrace his inspiring message, “Boys, be ambitious.”
　
Let our scheduled sightseeing bus take you to the iconic landmarks that every visitor to Sapporo wants to see.

【Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
　
Our first stop is the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. Often associated with Prince Chichibu Yasuhito, affectionately known as the “Prince of Sports,” the facility traces its origins to 1932, when Baron Kishichiro Okura commissioned its design from Lieutenant Helsel of Norway at the Prince’s suggestion. In 1970, it was renovated in preparation for the Sapporo Olympic Games and later served as the venue for the 90-meter ski jumping competition at the 11th Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo 1972.
　
From the observation deck at the 307-meter starting point of the jump hill, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view stretching beyond the approach slope to the cityscape of Sapporo and across the vast Ishikari Plain.
　
Once we depart Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, our journey continues to Shiroi Koibito Park. This popular attraction features the Chocotopia Factory, where visitors can observe the production process of Hokkaido’s iconic confection, Shiroi Koibito, as well as the Tudor House, a charming recreation of medieval English architecture.
　
In summer, the park’s Rose Garden comes alive with vibrant English roses and old garden varieties in full bloom. Adjacent to the park is the Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Stadium, where onlookers may even catch a glimpse of FC Consadole Sapporo’s training sessions.
　
Following our visit to Shiroi Koibito Park, we continue to our final stop, the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Outer Market. Here, seafood, vegetables, and fruits from across Hokkaido are gathered in one lively marketplace. Numerous local eateries serve fresh seafood bowls and set meals made with the day’s best catch, and lunch is at your leisure.
　
After enjoying delicious cuisine and picking up plenty of souvenirs, guests may choose to disembark at one of Sapporo’s most iconic landmarks, the Sapporo Clock Tower, conveniently located near Odori Park.
　
Though compact in duration, this course is rich in experiences and reasonably priced, a satisfying and efficient way to explore Sapporo aboard a scheduled sightseeing bus.

【Operated in 2025 / Ice Fishing Experience】 Wakasagi Smelt Fishing & Shinshinotsu Hot Spring Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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This is the best course to experience and fully enjoy the harsh winter of Hokkaido and enjoy ice fishing from January to February.
Shinshinotsu Village, about an hour from Sapporo, sits in the heart of the Ishikari Plain. With strong winds and heavy snowfall, this area lets visitors experience Hokkaido’s true winter.
The main event, smelt fishing, takes place at Shinotsu Lake, a dam lake on the Ishikari River. Inside a tent set up on the ice, get ready for a full-on battle with the smelt.
It is extremely cold outside (freezing), but inside the tent is a different world. There is a kerosene heater, and plywood boards are laid underfoot so fishers don’t have to kept their feet in the snow. No matter how cold it is outside, the tent stays toasty warm and comfortable.
The fishing site is a one-minute walk from Shinshinotsu Hot Spring. After fishing, please enjoy a nice soak in the springs or relax in the rest area.
What’s more, if you wish, the smelt you catch can be cooked at the restaurant for your to enjoy (¥500 per cook).
・The tour bus will come back to Sapporo at 17:00 (around 17:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), and this is a perfect deal for those who want to spend a satisfying day-trip in Hokkaido.

【Operated in 2025】Takino Snow World, Moai Statues, and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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● Takino Snow World
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Takino Snow World is a leisure area where visitors can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter. The expansive grounds, covered in pure white snow, offer a wide range of activities, including snow tubing, walking skis, and snowshoeing, suitable for beginners and advanced visitors alike. One of the most popular attractions is the long tubing course, where both children and adults slide down at full speed with excitement. Beyond snow play, winter nature walks are also appealing, allowing winter enthusiasts to enjoy Hokkaido’s magnificent scenery in crisp, clear air.
　
● Snow-Covered Moai Statues and the Hill of the Buddha at Takino Cemetery
Takino Cemetery becomes a magical sightseeing spot in winter. The giant Moai statues lined across the grounds take on an even more mysterious presence when covered in snow, creating an atmosphere like stepping into another world. The Hill of the Buddha, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another must-see. (Separate admission fee required) The concrete architecture harmonizing with the snowy landscape is stunning, and the tranquil presence of the Great Buddha leaves a deep impression on visitors. It is a unique place where culture and art blend together, offering solemn winter scenery found only in Hokkaido.
　
● Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Located close to central Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular spot offering panoramic views of Hokkaido’s vast snowy fields. In the clear winter air, the endless stretch of white landscape creates a quintessential Hokkaido view. The statue of Dr. William S. Clark, known for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious!”, stands on the hill and is a classic photo spot. The pastoral scene of sheep grazing calmly, combined with panoramic views of Sapporo, offers visitors both relaxation and inspiration. It is a place where visitors can experience the quiet beauty unique to winter.

【Operated in 2025】ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Winter Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
　
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
　
● Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
・Observation deck: The summit has an observation deck where you can take in the views at your leisure.

【Operated in 2025 / Winter】Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

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● Experience a Japanese Heritage Site: The Nostalgic Ambiance of the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is beloved as a symbol of the city. Walk along the canal lined with stone warehouses, and you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped back to the early 1900s. These warehouses once served as a hub for good entering Hokkaido, symbolizing Otaru’s prosperity as the region’s economic lifeblood. They are part of the Japanese heritage site: Otaru – The Town Once Called the “”Heart”" of Hokkaido. The historic buildings and the calm waters of the canal create a soothing scene that warms the hearts of visitors. You can also explore attractions such as Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, and the Nitori Museum of Art.
　
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru
For lunch, dine at Otaru Bine, housed in the renovated former Hokkaido Bank Head Office—a building steeped in history. The interior features high ceilings and stately decor, where you’ll enjoy a seafood grill lunch made with fresh, local catches from Otaru and Hokkaido. The building itself is a symbol of Otaru’s financial power, which supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period onward.
　
● Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Closed Tuesdays and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Completed in 1906, this was the second Otaru branch building of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line).
Built during the port’s boom years, it stands as a symbol of Otaru’s prosperity as a thriving commercial and port city. It is also a Japan Heritage Site. Its refined interior include a marble side entrance, intricately carved wooden stair railings, and a finely crafted central ornament. Many imported materials were used, such as American steel shutters and German linoleum.
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
　
● Otaru Aquarium (Visited only on operating days from Dec. 13 to Feb. 23)
Home to around 250 species and 5,000 animals, the aquarium’s winter highlight is the “”Penguin Snow Walk,”" where you can watch penguins strolling across the snow up close. Up to 15 gentoo penguins, including chicks born in 2025, take part in this charming event. At the Dolphin Stadium, watch bottlenose dolphins perform spectacular jumps and playful tricks. Inside, take a look at northern species such as harbor porpoises, lumpfish, and sea angels—species that are kept only at Otaru Aquarium in Japan.
　
● Shiroi Koibito Park
This theme park offers factory tours of the production line for Hokkaido’s beloved “”Shiroi Koibiti”" cookies, exhibits on the history of chocolate, and hands-on sweets-making experiences. Its British-style buildings and gardens make for many picturesque photo spots. Visitors can enjoy exclusive sweets at the on-site shops and cafés, making it a favorite destination for families and tourists alike. (Note: From January 3 to July 31, 2026, parts of the 3rd-floor “”Chocotopia”" viewing area, including the production line, may be closed for renovations. Paid admission areas will remain open during construction.)

【Operated in 2025 / Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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This bus is compatible with multilingual audio system in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, will take you to some of Sapporo’s famous highlights in a short amount of time.
You will view Odori Park from the bus as it travels through downtown toward the west and south. Side stops include Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, which allows you to visit two popular spots within a short time. From the bus you can enjoy viewing the Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence tucked in a forest, Toyohira River which runs through central Sapporo and which is known for its fireworks display in summer, the sleek silver shape of Sapporo Dome and much more. Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, located in Miyanomori, Sapporo, is owned by the city of Sapporo, and sits on the east slope of Mt. Okura 307 meters high. The Bakken record at the stadium is held at 145.0 and is a must see. At Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill where the bus stops for sightseeing, is the monument of famous professor “Clark.” In summer the city of Sapporo laid out beyond the green grassy fields is beautiful. The Clark monument is also rather large up close, and makes for a great photo opportunity. Take this opportunity to visit two of the most famous sightseeing spots most visitors go to, the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and Mt. Okura, on our Regular Sightseeing Bus.

【Operated in 2025 / Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

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This course is operated with a multilingual audio system that provides explanations in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. All of the sights will be introduced within a short time. First we will visit “Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium.” 　
The bus will head for Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. The ski jump stadium here is said to be the prince of all sports. It is said that the Baron Okura Kishichro heard the voice of the late Chichibu Prince, and commissioned the architectural design of the ski jump to Major General Olaf Helset of Norway. Numerous competitions have been held here and have contributed to the nurturing of many athletes. However, the ski jump was renovated in 1970 in preparation for the Winter Olympics which were to be held two years later, and became the stage for the 11th Sapporo Winter Olympics 90-meter ski jump venue. From the observation deck located at an elevation of 307 meters, the approach to the jump (runway), and the entire city of Sapporo and Ishikari Plains can be seen.
(Please note that during ski jumping competitions, the Okurayama Observatory Lift will be unavailable on competition days and practice days. Additionally, passengers using the regular sightseeing bus will be granted complimentary access to the ski jumping viewing area.)
　
line at CHOCOTOPIA Factory and the “tudor houses” of medieval Great Britain, along with the grand mechanical clock tower Grand Meister. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sapporo. Next door is the “Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Field,” home field of the Sapporo Consadole Soccer Team where visitors can sneak take a sneek peak of their practice.
After our visit at Shiroi Koibito Park, we will go to the Central Sapporo Wholesale Market.
　
The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is the kitchen of Sapporo, where fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, crabs, and other fresh seafood can be purchased. There are also a number of restaurants to choose from that offer gourmet seafood bowls, fresh grilled fish combos, and much more, so this is where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. After you have filled your stomachs with great food and bought some souvenirs, we will stop by the Sapporo Clock Tower, an iconic tourist attraction of Sapporo. You can even get off here and sightsee downtown. This is a fulfilling course that takes you to a number of great attractions within a short amount of time.

Recent Changes Regarding the Regular Sightseeing Bus COVID-19 Countermeasures [May 8, 2023]

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Thank you for choosing the Regular Sightseeing Bus for your travels.
　
In accordance with recent changes to the status concerning COVID-19 – now considered a category five of the Infectious Disease Act – the Regular Sightseeing Bus will also change its COVID-19 countermeasures.
　
For details please see below. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
　
〇Effective May 8 (Mon), 2023
　
〇Changes:
Temperatures will no longer be taken before boarding the bus.
We will no longer carry sanitizer onto the bus or sanitize passengers before boarding.

About the Niseko Ski Bus Time Schedule

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We apologize for the delay in posting the 2021 Niseko Ski Bus Schedule:
https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/7768
New Chitose Airport Niseko / Rusutsu
Sapporo Niseko
　
*If passengers board a bus from Niseko/ Rusutsu to New Chitose Airport, the bus may be subject to delay due to traffic or inclement weather. Please be sure to allow for ample time to board your plane. (If there is only one hour between time of departure and arrival of the ski bus at the airport, we cannot guarantee your connection.)
　
*In the event of inclement weather and the roads are closed in some areas with no detours provided, operation of the bus may be determined difficult and the tour may be canceled.