During our winter trip to Hokkaido, Ayacchan successfully booked two guided tours through Klook that took us to various locations across the island. The first tour lasted the entire day and included visits to Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano. The second tour featured Noboribetsu‘s “Hell Valley,” Mount Usu (Usuzan), Lake Toya, Lake Hill Farm, and an hour-long snowmobile ride on a winter-only track in town.
Let us first take you on the first tour: Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano.
We began our day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we made our way to Exit 31 of Odori Station, where tour buses were set to meet their respective groups. Arriving promptly at 8 AM, we eagerly awaited our tour bus, surrounded by fellow travelers who were also waiting for theirs, as snow continued to fall around us.
The tour was conducted in English and Mandarin, catering to a group of Chinese, Indonesian, and Singaporean tourists. We set off from Odori Station in Sapporo, which took us to our first destination, Asahikawa. The scenic drive lasted approximately two hours, offering glimpses of the breathtaking winter landscapes and picturesque countryside that Japan is renowned for.
Asahikawa's Asahiyama Zoo
Before arriving at Asahikawa Zoo, our tour guide provided important guidelines about what to do and avoid during our visit. We were also informed about our time limit and the key attractions we shouldn’t miss, including the famous Penguin Parade.
We spent approximately two hours exploring the zoo and seeing the various animals. During our visit, we saw black bears, polar bears, wolves, various birds, reptiles, and monkeys. However, the highlight of the day was the main event: the Penguin Parade.
After the parade, we took our time to explore and take pictures. Once we finished, we returned to the bus just in time. Our next stop was Biei’s “Christmas Tree.”
Biei's "Christmas Tree"
Biei’s Christmas Tree is one of Hokkaido’s Six Unique Trees. It is a solitary Tohi spruce that draws tourists with its picturesque appearance, standing alone, proudly on a blanket of snow. During our visit, we were given just a few minutes to take in the beautiful sight.
The snow-covered landscapes were surreal, blanketing the ground in a pristine layer of white that mirrored the overcast, gray skies above. The solitary tree stood proudly against the winter backdrop. The stillness of the scene created a serene atmosphere. Many believe that winter is the best time to photograph the tree, as the beauty of the snow fields contrasting the tree is simply mesmerizing.
The Shirogane Blue Pond
Our next stop was Shirogane Blue Pond, located in Biei. This man-made pond was created due to the work done on the Biei River. The striking blue color is thought to be due to aluminum hydroxide in the water, which originated from the 1988 eruption of the nearby Mount Tokachi. Unfortunately, the area is covered in a thick blanket of snow during the winter, transforming the supposedly Blue Pond into a Frozen White Pond. Instead of exploring the icy scenery, we decided to visit a nearby shop to buy blue soft-serve ice cream, which was perfect to enjoy in the cold weather surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
The Shirahige Waterfalls
Our next stop was the Shirahige Waterfalls in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei, Hokkaido. The falls are formed by a cluster of groundwater streams that gush out from the cliffside into the stream below. The park features a bridge that allows visitors to walk and take in the area’s spectacular natural beauty. Below runs the Biei River, which is often referred to as the “Blue River” because of its striking deep cobalt blue hue. Among all the places we visited that day, Shirahige Waterfalls was the most breathtaking. It felt like stepping into a living postcard.
Furano's Herb Hill
Our tour came to an end at Herb Hill in Furano. Here, visitors can explore an exquisite range of lavender products, from soothing oils to lotions and scents. There were also various dairy products since Hokkaido is well known for its dairy farms. Prices range from affordable to luxury. Inside the shop were also food stalls, an ice cream station, and a soup kitchen serving comforting bowls of warmth.
After a delightful day in Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano, it was time to head back to Sapporo. The journey took approximately two hours, offering us a chance to reflect on the beautiful landscapes we had just experienced. We arrived at Odori Station around 7 PM, boarding the train back to our hotel near the lively Susukino district. On our way home, we stumbled upon these lovely snow lanterns at the nearby Nakajima-koen. We didn’t waste the immortalize the moment and took photos around before finally walking back to our hotel.
Hokkaido’s winters are truly captivating. The snow-covered scenery is reminiscent of a scene straight out of a postcard or a cinematic masterpiece. Each moment feels magical as we take in the stunning nature that surrounds us.