Sprawling Sapporo is home to a wealth of popular attractions! Getting from one to another can be a challenge, especially in winter. This tour takes you to sights across the city, including Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, Shiroi Koibito Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, and Sapporo Beer Garden if any guests wish to get off there.
Feel the winter chill, warm up with piping-hot ramen, and take in the views on a tour that lets you enjoy Sapporo to the fullest in just one day. Enjoy a smooth day of sightseeing aboard a bus with a tour guide, with no driving or transfers to worry about.
Tag Archives: 1 day tour
Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Hot Springs & Lake Toya Winter Tour (Lunch Included)
In winter, Hokkaido becomes a world of glistening snow. This tour reveals more than just snowy scenery, from the rising steam of Noboribetsu Hell Valley to sweeping panoramas of Lake Toya from Silo Observatory!
Enjoy a Japanese set lunch featuring plenty of locally sourced ingredients at Toya Kohantei. You can also opt for a soak overlooking Hell Valley at Dai-ichi Takimotokan, a historic hot spring inn with over 160 years of history (additional charge). Make the most of winter in Hokkaido on a sightseeing bus tour.
Asahiyama Zoo Winter Day Tour
Located in Asahikawa, near the center of Hokkaido, Asahikawa’s Asahiyama Zoo draws visitors from far and wide as Japan’s northernmost zoo. Our Regular Sightseeing Bus takes you directly to this popular destination, around 150 km from Sapporo!
The journey takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, but your guide’s commentary makes the time fly! Engaging insights into Hokkaido’s history, the scenery outside your window, and local trivia add to the enjoyment of the journey.
On the way, we stop for a break at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, which brings together local specialties from across Hokkaido. Browse Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional foods, or Soraichi Market for vegetables and other food products from the Sorachi region. It is an ideal stop for souvenir shopping.
Asahiyama Zoo’s creatively designed exhibits let you see animals behaving naturally. Watch seals swim up and down a cylindrical tank at the Seal House, marvel at spectacular dives at the Polar Bear House, and look up from an underwater tunnel at the Penguin House as penguins seem to fly overhead. There are 30 other animal enclosures, along with plenty of activities, including Mogumogu Time feeding sessions and talks by zoo staff. These close encounters with the animals make this popular zoo a favorite with returning visitors.
Come and meet the zoo’s lively residents on a comfortable, convenient Regular Sightseeing Bus tour!
Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Guide Available)
An audio guide in English, Chinese, and Korean is available on your smartphone! Set off through the crisp winter air to discover two lakes of mysterious beauty!
Our first stop, Lake Shikotsu, has some of the clearest water in Japan. Gaze across its pristine surface and watch the reflected light shimmer. At the nearby Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, you can learn about the volcanic forces that shaped the lake, the plants and animals that live around it, and much more.
After taking in Lake Shikotsu, we continue toward Lake Toya, stopping along the way at Kinoko Okoku’s Otaki Main Store for a break and some shopping. Choose from more than 2,000 souvenirs, including the mushroom specialties that give this shop its name, which means “Mushroom Kingdom”!
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch is served at Toya Kohantei on the lakeshore.* Enjoy Hokkaido’s rich culinary bounty in a set meal featuring plenty of locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and more.
*On certain dates, lunch is at your own expense, with approximately 60 minutes at Kinoko Okoku for dining and a break.
After lunch, we head to Mt. Usu, part of one of Japan’s first Global Geoparks, areas recognized for their geological heritage. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway through the air, then admire the spectacular scenery from the terrace at the top. You can also choose to visit Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch at an additional charge. Watch the brown bears playing and relaxing, or try feeding them!
This tour offers a chance to experience the rugged, magnificent beauty of Hokkaido’s winter landscape. Set out across this vast island in a comfortable bus, with the driving in expert hands!
A journey through the lakes and mountains of the Toya and Noboribetsu area in autumn
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, Lake Toya & Usuzan Ropeway Autumn Tour (Lunch Included)(Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
When Hokkaido’s long winter arrives, the landscape turns into a world of silver-white snow. Just before that season begins, set out on a late-autumn journey to some of the best sights in the Toya and Noboribetsu area. Feel the end of the green season and the coming of winter in the crisp air.
After departing Sapporo Station, the first stop is the roadside station Boyo Nakayama, located at the top of Nakayama Pass. It is also a scenic viewpoint with views of Mt. Yotei. Its local specialty is ageimo, deep-fried potato balls that sell around 300,000 servings a year and have remained a bestseller for more than 50 years.
Next, visit Silo Observatory at Lake Toya. Here, enjoy lunch and a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Toya from above. Lunch features Kitano Kaisen Nabe, a hearty hot pot filled with seafood. The special miso soup is rich with the flavor of the seafood, and can be enjoyed to the very last drop with udon noodles added at the end.
After lunch, take an aerial ride on the Usuzan Ropeway and enjoy the magnificent scenery shaped by nature from the mountaintop terrace and walking trails. You may also visit Showa-Shinzan Bear Ranch as an optional activity. Watch the bears playing and relaxing, or try feeding them yourself.
The final highlight of this course is Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley. This massive explosion crater was formed by volcanic activity, and the sight of volcanic gas and steam rising from the rugged rock surface truly lives up to its name, “Hell Valley.” A wide variety of hot spring waters that make up the Noboribetsu Onsen area gush from this site, totaling 10,000 tons per day. Walk through the sulfur-scented valley and experience the power of the earth with all five senses.
Hokkaido’s autumn, tucked between its long summer and winter, passes in the blink of an eye. Yet this season offers many sights found only at this time of year, from autumn foliage and clear skies to trees shedding more leaves with each passing day. Set out on a bus journey and enjoy the atmosphere of late autumn.
ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● 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.
Scenic View of Biei’s Rolling Hills and the Iconic Seven Stars Tree from the Window
Best-of Asahikawa and Biei Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This premium sightseeing course brings together two of Hokkaido’s signature attractions, Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and the Shirogane Blue Pond, in a single day.
The journey begins in Sapporo, traveling to Asahiyama Zoo for approximately two hours of exploration, followed by a visit to the Shirogane Blue Pond. While the route covers a considerable distance, the experience remains engaging aboard a guided sightseeing bus. A stop is also included at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, offering time to rest and shop. This hub for Sorachi specialties is an excellent place to pick up local souvenirs and sweets.
Asahiyama Zoo is designed to showcase the animals’ natural abilities and behaviors to their fullest. Known as “behavioral exhibits,” these features allow close observation of dynamic scenes, from orangutans crossing overhead ropes to polar bears diving and swimming in pools, all in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
After the zoo visit, the tour continues to the Shirogane Blue Pond in Shirogane, a scene of striking, almost painterly beauty. Depending on the weather and angle of light, the water shifts between cobalt and emerald blue, with standing larch trees rising from its surface, creating a truly mesmerizing natural landscape.
The return journey features sweeping views of Biei’s hills, the Patchwork Road, and the iconic Seven Stars Tree, offering classic Hokkaido scenery from the window.
Covering nearly 390 km, this route would be demanding to drive independently. A scheduled sightseeing bus allows the journey to unfold comfortably under the care of professional drivers. Discover Hokkaido’s green season with ease and comfort.
Visit Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, both famed for their beautiful waters, plus Mount Usu, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, all in one day!
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel through Hokkaido’s magnificent natural landscapes aborad a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Lake Shikotsu was once ranked No. 1 in Japan for water quality for 11 consecutive years, and is known for having some of the clearest water in the country. Step off the bus and take in the lake’s deep blue waters, shimmering as they reflect the surrounding light. Near the shore, the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is a place where sightseers can learn more about the area’s dramatic volcanic history as well as the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding landscape.
After enjoying Lake Shikotsu, the tour continues on to Lake Toya, with a rest and shopping stop along the way at Kinoko Oukoku Otaki Main Store. With more than 2,000 kinds of souvenirs on offer, it is a great place to browse, especially for specialty mushroom products, just as the name suggests.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch will be served at Toyako Kohantei on the lakeshore*. Enjoy a set meal generously prepared with locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and other regional ingredients, for a true taste of Hokkaido’s abundant nature. As the planned stay here is approximately 70 minutes, those wanting some fresh air can also enjoy a stroll along the lakeside after lunch.
*During certain periods, lunch will be at the traveler’s own discretion instead, with approximately 60 minutes allotted for the stay and meal at Kinoko Oukoku.
After taking in the scenery at Lake Toya, head to Mount Usu, the first site in Japan to be recognized as a Global Geopark, a natural heritage designation for areas of major geological significance. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway for a scenic journey through the air, then admire the dramatic natural vistas from the summit terrace and walking trails. As an optional stop, visitors can also go to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, where the bears play and relax, and even enjoy a feeding experience.
This course is perfect for becoming immersed in the natural beauty created by Hokkaido’s lakes, forests, and mountains. Sit back, relax, and set out on a grand Hokkaido journey in comfort with a professionally operated bus tour!
Seafood Grill and Ropeway Views
Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Otaru was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2025. This sightseeing bus tour offers a richly rewarding day, combining the history and scenery of Otaru with a visit to one of Sapporo’s classic attractions, Shiroi Koibito Park.
The first destination, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, is a hugely popular spot known as a favorite filming location for movies. At the summit station, five observation points offer sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape, the Sea of Japan, and the mountains rising in the distance, scenery that is also recognized as part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets. In addition to the views, the summit station also features shops and cafés, a ski museum, a chipmunk park, and activities such as a zipline, making it full of things to enjoy.
At the foot of Tenguyama is The Glass Studio in Otaru, where the glassmaking process behind Otaru glass can be observed, and with advance reservation, a glassblowing experience of about 10 to 20 minutes is also available.
*Glassblowing experience is closed every Tuesday.
After enjoying the views, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is served at Otaru Bine, a renovated Meiji-era building that once housed the former head office of Hokkaido Bank, where a seafood grill meal can be enjoyed in a historic setting. Savor Otaru specialties such as herring marinade and seasonal seafood.
After lunch, the next stop is the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Built in 1906 in a Western-style design inspired by the revival architecture of modern Europe, this building is both part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Inside, the lavish interior showcases finely crafted details in the columns, wallpaper, and ceiling decorations, vividly reflecting Otaru’s former prosperity.
*Closed every Tuesday and on September 24. On those dates, this stop is omitted and time for exploring Otaru is extended to approximately 3 hours.
After visiting the historic building, the tour continues with a drop-off at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town of Otaru.
Nearby are attractions such as the Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street, lined with popular spots including Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and Kitakaro. Planning which places to visit in advance is recommended.
On the way back to Sapporo, the tour stops at the sweets-themed park Shiroi Koibito Park for sightseeing and shopping. Highlights include an English garden filled with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, along with a mechanical clock tower where animal automata perform a cheerful parade every hour on the hour.
*Admission to the paid area requires a separate fee.
One of the great appeals of this tour is the chance to fully enjoy both the historic landmarks and popular attractions of Otaru and Sapporo. Why not enjoy a full day of sightseeing on a bus journey departing from and returning to Sapporo?
Asahiyama Zoo One-Day Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Located in Asahikawa City, near the heart of Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and a beloved destination for visitors from across the country and around the world. About 150 km from Sapporo, this attraction is easily reached by direct scheduled sightseeing bus.
The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with engaging commentary from your professional guide, the time will fly by. Enjoy fascinating insights into Hokkaido’s history, scenic views, and fun local trivia that make the ride itself part of the experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its creative enclosures designed to showcase animals in their most natural and dynamic forms.
At the Seal House, watch seals swim gracefully through a towering cylindrical tank. At the Polar Bear House, witness powerful dives up close. In the Penguin House, a glass tunnel offers a unique underwater perspective, where penguins appear to soar overhead as if flying through the sky.
Beyond these highlights, the zoo features around 30 animal habitats, including the Red Panda House, Orangutan House, and Beast House. Popular programs such as the lively “”Mogu Mogu Time,”" when visitors can observe animals during feeding, along with informative talks by zookeepers, add to the experience. With so many opportunities to connect with the animals, it’s no wonder this beloved zoo welcomes many repeat visitors.
On the return journey, enjoy a relaxing break at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a popular stop where fine products from across Hokkaido come together in one place. Browse for souvenirs at Oasis Plaza, featuring renowned local sweets, regional sake, and specialty gourmet items, or explore Sorachi Market, a farmers’ market offering fresh produce and artisanal goods from the Sorachi region. The site is also home to the very first shop of the beloved confectionery brand Kitakaro, where visitors can savor exclusive menu items available only here.
With ample time scheduled for our visit to Asahiyama Zoo, this course allows guests to explore the park at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.
Why not take advantage of this comfortable, convenient, scheduled sightseeing bus and set out to meet the zoo’s lively, charming animals?
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