Hokkaido

  • Asahiyama Zoo

    A zoo in Asahikawa City known for its behavioral exhibition approach. Visitors can observe animals' natural behaviors up close through features like penguin walks and seals moving up and down cylindrical aquariums. Over 1 million visitors annually. Open year-round, including winter when snow and animals create magical scenes.

    Address: Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

    Access: About 1 hour 30 minutes by express train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station, then about 40 minutes by local bus

    Transportation: Bus frequency decreases in winter; check schedules in advance

    Tags: Family-friendlyBehavioral ExhibitionWinter Penguin Walk

  • Furano & Biei Lavender Fields

    Purple carpets reaching their peak in mid-July. Lavender farms including Farm Tomita feature fragrant flower fields and magnificent rolling hill landscapes. Lavender soft cream and dried flower craft experiences are also popular, making this a representative scenic spot of Hokkaido's summer.

    Address: Kisen Kita 15, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

    Access: About 2.5 hours by car from Sapporo, or 7-minute walk from JR Lavender Field Station on the Furano Line

    Transportation: Temporary station opens only during blooming season

    Tags: LavenderInstagram-worthySummer Only

  • Shiretoko Five Lakes

    Five lakes scattered across the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site. The mystical landscape reflects pristine forests and the Shiretoko mountain range like mirrors. The elevated wooden pathway is barrier-free and allows safe viewing even during brown bear activity. Ground-level trails with guides offer immersive forest experiences.

    Address: Iwaobetsu, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

    Access: About 2 hours 20 minutes by rental car from Memanbetsu Airport

    Transportation: Tour buses operate from Utoro only in summer

    Tags: World HeritagePristine ForestHiking

  • Otaru Canal

    Symbol of this retro port town where stone warehouses are illuminated by stone gas lamps. Learn history on daytime cruise tours, and enjoy romantic gas light-ups at night. Surrounding area features glass workshops and sushi restaurants, perfect for strolling and food sampling.

    Address: Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido

    Access: About 35 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo Station, then 10-minute walk from Otaru Station

    Tags: Historic SceneryNight PhotographyGlass Craft

  • Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower

    City park stretching 1.5km east-west through central Sapporo. Hosts seasonal events like beer festivals and illuminations, serving as a gathering place for citizens. Observatory atop TV Tower offers panoramic views of the grid-pattern cityscape and Ishikari Plain.

    Address: Odori Nishi 1-12, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido

    Access: 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station

    Tags: EventsNight ViewCity Park

Model Courses

  • Sapporo Snow Festival 1-Day Plan

    Classic course centered on Odori venue, enjoying snow sculptures and gourmet food, followed by evening light-ups and Susukino ice sculptures.

    • View snow sculptures and take photos
    • See winter-only penguin walk (special bus)
    • Romantic stroll at Otaru Snow Light Path