Every winter, Central Hokkaido transforms into Japan’s most captivating silver wonderland. Departing from downtown Sapporo, this 10-hour golden winter route seamlessly connects three of Hokkaido’s top snow attractions: watching waddling penguins on their daily snow walk at Asahiyama Zoo, admiring the solitary Christmas Tree standing on Biei’s snow-covered hills, and strolling through the warm, lantern-lit fairytale village at Ningle Terrace at dusk.

Winter road conditions in Hokkaido present ice-burn, heavy snowfall, and blinding whiteouts, while rural public transportation options are severely limited. Choosing a private charter service operated by certified green-plate commercial vehicles with professional chauffeurs—offering attentive service with English-speaking drivers as well as Cantonese and Mandarin options—eliminates freezing waits and slipping on icy roads for a safe, comfortable winter trip.

Asahikawa & Biei & Furano Winter Private Charter: Sapporo ➔ Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk ➔ Biei Christmas Tree ➔ Ningle Terrace ➔ Sapporo (Return)

Sapporo Downtown ➔ Asahikawa ➔ Biei ➔ Furano ➔ Sapporo Return 10-Hour Private Charter Schedule & Itinerary

Note: The schedule and driving durations above are for reference only. All itineraries are fully customizable to your preferences and subject to real-time traffic or weather conditions.

Spot 1: Asahiyama Zoo: Winter-Exclusive Penguin Walk & Polar Wildlife

The first highlight of the day brings you to Asahikawa’s world-famous Asahiyama Zoo. From late December to March each year, the daily Penguin Walk serves as the star attraction. King penguins waddle rhythmically along snow paths right before your eyes in a heartwarming display.

Visitors can also observe polar bears playing in snowdrifts through large glass domes and watch seals swim effortlessly through vertical cylindrical tanks, offering an unforgettable winter wildlife experience for adults and children alike.

Spot 2: Biei Christmas Tree: Solitary Poetic Landmark on Silver Snowfields

Leaving Asahikawa, your private vehicle heads south toward the rolling hills of Biei to visit the iconic Christmas Tree. This wild spruce earned its name because its tip resembles a bright Christmas star.

In winter, Biei presents an endless expanse of pristine white snow, with this solitary tree standing proudly along a gentle slope. Whether under clear blue skies or framed by soft falling snow, the view presents a poetic and tranquil northern landscape.

Spot 3: Ningle Terrace: Illuminated Fairytale Village in a Snowy Forest

At dusk, arrive at Ningle Terrace, located adjacent to the New Furano Prince Hotel. Nestled inside a towering larch forest are 15 artisan craft log cabins.

As night falls, warm yellow lanterns illuminate the snow-covered roofs and wooden boardwalks, creating a magical atmosphere where forest elves seem ready to emerge at any moment—bringing your 10-hour winter charter to a fairytale ending.

Why Choose a Private Charter for This Winter Asahikawa, Biei & Furano Route?

1. Seamless Connection Across Three Regions: Public transit links between Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano are sparse in winter. Completing all three major spots in a single day via JR trains or local buses is nearly impossible. A private charter maximizes your 10-hour golden window seamlessly.
2. Conquer Sub-Zero Cold & Icy Roads: Enjoy a continuously heated vehicle cabin throughout the day. Store heavy winter coats, personal bags, and souvenirs inside the vehicle trunk, reducing exposure to cold winds.
3. Attentive Multilingual Driver Service: Operated with licensed green-plate vehicles certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, our service provides English-speaking drivers as well as Cantonese and Mandarin options for clear, barrier-free communication and safe winter driving.