Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo + Shirahige Waterfall + Seven Stars Tree Romantic 1-day Tour | Optional Set Lunch Included Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Watch the famous penguin walk and observe polar bears swimming underwater at Asahiyama Zoo.

• Witness the stunning silver threads of Shirahige Waterfall cascading through the rocky crevices.

• Capture the perfect souvenir photo at the iconic Seven Stars Tree with the rolling Biei hills in the background.

• Savour an optional farm-to-table set lunch featuring fresh, authentic Hokkaido local specialties.

Hidden Gems

• The underwater tunnel at the polar bear enclosure offers a rare, eye-level view of these massive predators swimming gracefully above you.

• Shirahige Waterfall is one of the few rare underground waterfalls in Japan, giving the water its distinct, pure blue-white hue.

• The Seven Stars Tree is actually a Ken and Mary Tree relative, but visiting during the golden hour just before sunset provides the most dramatic, shadow-free lighting for photos.

What Makes it Special

• Combines the best of Hokkaido's wildlife, dramatic natural landscapes, and iconic cinematic photography spots into one seamless day trip.

• Features Asahiyama Zoo's revolutionary action exhibits that allow you to see animals behaving naturally in their element.

• Offers the convenience of round-trip transportation from Sapporo with an optional authentic Furano farm-to-table lunch upgrade.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Winter (December to February) is the absolute best season to visit, as you can witness the famous Asahiyama Zoo penguin walk and see Shirahige Waterfall surrounded by stunning snowscapes. Summer offers lush green hills around the Seven Stars Tree, but expect larger crowds and warmer weather. Aim for an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and beat the midday tour buses at the waterfall.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Use a fast shutter speed at the penguin walk to capture the birds waddling in sharp focus, and get low to the ground for a penguin's-eye view.

• For the Seven Stars Tree, use a polarizing filter to enhance the blue sky and make the green foliage or white snow pop against the landscape.

• When shooting Shirahige Waterfall, a slightly slower shutter speed will beautifully blur the cascading water into the famous silver threads it is known for.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese queues are strictly respected, so please line up patiently for zoo exhibits and the bus, avoiding loud conversations or pushing. When dining at the optional local restaurant, it is customary to say itadakimasu before eating and gochisosama deshita after finishing your meal to show appreciation for the food. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply pay the exact amount for any extra snacks or souvenirs.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk runs daily during the winter snow season (usually mid-December to mid-March), weather permitting.

• The Biei and Furano regions burst into vibrant colour during the summer lavender and sunflower blooming seasons from July to August.

• Autumn foliage season in late September to October transforms the trees around Shirahige Waterfall into a stunning canopy of red and gold.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay strictly within the designated viewing areas at Shirahige Waterfall, as the rocky cliffs and gorge edges can be steep and slippery.

• Keep a safe distance from the animals at Asahiyama Zoo and never attempt to feed them or tap on the glass enclosures.

• During winter, watch your step on icy pathways and consider bringing attachable shoe spikes for better traction on snow-packed trails.