When you think of bus tours, you probably imagine group trips with a tour guide where the entire itinerary is predetermined.
However, recently, "day trip bus tours," which are easy to use even for individual travelers, have become extremely popular. So why are they recommended...?

So, this time, we've selected five recommended bus tours that will help you fully enjoy winter in Hokkaido.
I've gathered together only the most worthwhile tours, all available for a limited time, so please take a look!

*This article contains information as of October 2018.

<Contents>
1. [Limited Time Offer] Day Trip Bus Tour to Sapporo to Catch Drift Ice
2. [Popular in winter too] Bus tour from Sapporo to enjoy Asahiyama Zoo
3. [Event] Sapporo Departure - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Bus Tour
4. [Classic] Half-day bus tour of Sapporo city
5. [This is convenient] Otaru & Sapporo bus tour that can be used on the last day of your trip

1. [Limited Time Offer] Day Trip Bus Tour to Sapporo to Catch Drift Ice

"Monbetsu | Exploring the Land of Drift Ice."
The "Garinko II Icebreaker Day Trip Bus Tour" allows you to experience the unique winter scenery of Hokkaido, including drift ice, on a day trip from Sapporo.
This tour is very popular every year because it also includes a ticket for the Monbetsu icebreaker "Garinko II," which is often difficult to book.

Drift ice tours offer the thrill of breaking through the drift ice that arrives in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk every winter, and allow you to experience the magnificent natural beauty of the vast ocean with drift ice stretching as far as the eye can see. This experience is only available for a short period of time.

Recently, it has been featured on television and other media, so I'm sure there are many people who would like to visit it at least once.
The sight of them cutting through the ice floes in front of you with their drills is truly breathtaking!

Among them, the Garinko II, which departs from Monbetsu, is an evolution and more powerful version of the original, allowing it to travel even further.

However, since the number of passengers is limited, it has become difficult for individuals to obtain tickets.

This tour departs from and returns to Sapporo, includes a packed lunch, and is a day trip by bus, making drift ice tours much more accessible.
Why not try enjoying this winter-only treat?

【Schedule】 6:40 Departure from ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 6:50 Departure from Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 7:00 Departure from Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Via the Hokkaido Expressway ▼ Kontakgawaigawai * Sunagawa Service Area (15-minute break) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai * Roadside Station Takinoue (15-minute break) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Boarding the icebreaker Garinko II in Monbetsu (60 minutes) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Free time at Tokkari Center and Okhotsk Tower (fee applies/at your own expense) (60 minutes) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Marukaichi Fisheries (20 minutes) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Dezuka Suisan (Free crab mayonnaise balls - 20 minutes) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Rest stops (2 locations) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Arrival between 19:30 and 20:00 at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo, Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park, and Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu.

~Course Contents~
<Tour operator:Sapporo Transport Club Get's>
Tour Name: Monbetsu - A Day Trip Bus Tour to Explore the Land of Drift Ice on the Icebreaker "Garinko II"
Tour dates: Full-day course
Minimum number of participants: 1 person (January 26, 2019 - March 10, 2019)
Estimated time: Approximately 14 hours
Reservation phone number: 011-272-7020
Price: Adult: 11,800 yen
Child: 11,300 yen
For more details, please see here♪
To book an ice floe bus tour:Click HereHere you go ♪

2. [Popular in winter too] Bus tour from Sapporo to enjoy Asahiyama Zoo

A popular day trip from Sapporo takes you to the most famous and popular zoo in Hokkaido, or even in all of Japan.

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa can be enjoyed in all four seasons, but winter is actually by far the most popular time to visit.
The secret is that Asahiyama Zoo, being the northernmost zoo, has many animals that are native to cold climates, and when they have behavioral exhibits such as the now-famous "Penguin Walk" in winter, visitors can see the animals in a lively and vibrant state.

Rather than feeling like you're in a "zoo," the exhibits, full of the zookeepers' ingenious ideas, give you the feeling that "this is probably how they would live in the wild." What's amazing is that they are designed in a way that doesn't spoil the animals' natural, wild behavior.

There are also plenty of other fun events for both children and adults, such as handwritten explanations and snack time!

This zoo truly captures the unique characteristics of a "zoo in the snow," a place specific to northern regions, allowing you to experience firsthand the不思議な charm that makes it so enjoyable precisely because of the cold!

Many people considering a winter trip to Hokkaido will likely consider Asahiyama Zoo, but all the inconveniences of driving on winter roads in a rental car, or having to make transfers on your own, or having to book accommodations solely for the purpose of visiting Asahiyama Zoo, can be solved with [a solution].
This is the day trip bus tour, "Asahiyama Zoo 1-Day Picnic Bus."

What's more, it's convenient because you can depart from Sapporo, a major tourist hub, and return the same day!
This tour is also appealing because the price includes admission to Asahiyama Zoo.

Since departures are made from numerous hotels within Sapporo city, travel is very easy, and it's convenient to plan other activities around the same time. Highly recommended!
Let's go and see them moving around with lots of energy!

【Schedule】 8:00 Departure from Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 8:10 Departure from Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 8:20 Departure from Sapporo Prince Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 8:32 Departure from Century Royal Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 8:43 Departure from Hotel New Otani Inn Sapporo ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 8:55 Departure from Sapporo ANA Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Iwamizawa Service Area (10-minute break) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 11:40 Arrive at Asahiyama Zoo (scheduled) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 15:20 Departure from Asahiyama Zoo ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Sunagawa Highway Oasis (approximately 20-minute break and sightseeing) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 18:30-19:15 Arrival at hotels in the Sapporo area (Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, Sapporo Prince Hotel, Century Royal Hotel, Sapporo ANA Hotel)

~Course Contents~
<Tour operator:Hokkaido Access Network>
Tour name: Asahiyama Zoo 1-Day Picnic Tour
Tour dates: Full-day course (November 20, 2018 to April 7, 2019)
*Service suspended from December 30th to January 1st due to the closure of Asahiyama Zoo.
Minimum number of participants: 1 person
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes (This is the estimated time to return to Sapporo city. Approximately 1 hour will be required for transfers to individual hotels afterward.)
Reservation phone number: 011-219-4411
Price: Adults (12 years and older): 6,500 yen
Children (ages 3 to under 12): 4,900 yen
*Infants (2 years old and under) are free of charge, but do not have a seat.
For details and reservationsClick HereHere you go ♪

In addition to the buses mentioned above, Asahiyama Zoo is also attracting a lot of attention.Biei's "Blue Pond Light-Up"We also offer bus tours that combine these options.

Please note that numerous companies offer various day trip bus tours from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo. For detailed information, please check the "Tabi Plus One" page, which can be accessed via the banner below.

[Check these out too!]
・Take a bus to Asahiyama Zoo! Includes a comparison chart of tours departing from Sapporo that you can see at a glance.

~Click here for bus tours to Asahiyama Zoo~

3. [Event] Sapporo Departure - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Bus Tour

This is a must-see for anyone who has been wanting to go there!
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, one of Hokkaido's most popular winter events, is just around the corner.
The Hyoto Festival, a popular illumination spot held in northern Japan, will take place from January 25th (Friday) to February 1st (Sunday) in 2019.

Lake Shikotsu is known for its highly transparent lake water, often referred to as "Shikotsu Blue," and its ice sculptures are created by spraying the water with sprinklers.
When it's lit up, you can really see just how clear the water is. During the day, it shines with Lake Shikotsu's natural color, "blue."

The ice sculptures, ranging in size, are truly unique and can only be seen here at this time of year.
During the event period, there will also be fireworks displays that light up the winter night sky, stage events such as an ice wedding, and much more, so there will be plenty to see and do!

Incidentally, "hyōtō" refers to ice formations created by the spray of waves on a lake, and the somewhat difficult-to-read character "tō" means "wave."

In other words, it's called the "Ice Tower Festival" because they are making ice pillars.
This is a very Hokkaido-like event, isn't it!

Every year, many tourists visit to catch a glimpse of its natural beauty.

Lake Shikotsu is about a 40-minute drive from Sapporo, making it easily accessible, but the challenge of winter driving can be a major obstacle. The "Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Train" eliminates the frustration of not being able to go even if you want to.
You absolutely shouldn't miss out on the "limited-time bus tours" that only operate during the event!

Furthermore, if you choose a hotel that offers shuttle service, meeting up with guests becomes much easier, making the experience as comfortable as possible.

Since you're on a trip to Hokkaido, choosing a bus tour is a very effective way to make the most of your time and experience the beauty and enjoyment of winter.

Add a little spice and create lots of wonderful memories!

【Schedule】 14:10 Departure from Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 14:20 Departure from Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 14:35 Departure from Century Royal Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 16:00 Arrive at Lake Shikotsu (Free time to visit the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 18:00 Departure from Lake Shikotsu ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 19:25-19:50 Arrival at hotels in the Sapporo area Hotels offering shuttle service: Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, Century Royal Hotel)

~Course Contents~
<Tour operator:Hokkaido Access Network>
Tour name: Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival Tour
Tour dates: Half-day course (January 25, 2019 to February 17, 2019)
Minimum number of participants: 1 person
Estimated time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Reservation phone number: 011-219-4411
Price: Adults (12 years and older): 4,300 yen
Children (ages 3 to under 12): 3,300 yen
*Infants (2 years old and under) are free of charge but do not have a seat.
For details and reservationsClick HereHere you go ♪

4. [Classic] Half-day bus tour of Sapporo city

There are certain tourist spots that are worth visiting precisely because they are "classic" destinations, aren't there?
Whether it's your first time visiting Hokkaido or you're a repeat visitor, the "Sapporo City Half-Day Bus Tour," which covers all the essential sights and allows you to explore every corner, is in a sense a valuable experience.

Sapporo has numerous tourist attractions scattered throughout the city, far too many to visit in a single trip.
A half-day bus tour that compiles the must-see spots within a limited timeframe is more than just a way to make the most of your time; it's truly worthwhile.

It's so packed with content that you probably wouldn't be able to visit everything this efficiently on your own! It's like they've thought of everything you could possibly want to see, making for a fulfilling half-day!

The itinerary involves viewing major buildings in Sapporo, such as the former Hokkaido Government Office building, Odori Park, and the former Sapporo Court of Appeals, from the car window, while also visiting the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck.

You can enjoy a luxurious way to spend your time, such as taking a half-day tour during your free time on your last day and then relaxing at the airport.

Don't underestimate this half-day tour—you should definitely give it a try!

【Schedule】 8:50 Departure from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Viewing the former Hokkaido Government Office building and Odori Park from the car window ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 9:20-10:25 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (tour) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 11:00-11:40 Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck (Sightseeing) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai Viewing Sapporo Dome from the car window ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 11:50 Fukuzumi Subway Station (stopovers permitted) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 12:25 Arrived at Sapporo Station Bus Terminal

~Course Contents~
<Tour operator:Hokkaido Chuo Bus>
Tour Name: A - Sapporo Morning Sightseeing - Okurayama & Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck Course
Tour dates: Half-day course (January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019)
Minimum number of participants: Reservations must be made by 6:00 AM on the day of use, and the tour will operate with a minimum of 1 person.
Estimated time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Reservation phone number: 03-6866-9608
Price: Adults (12 years and older): 2,700 yen
Children (ages 3 to under 12): 1,400 yen
For details and reservationsClick HereHere you go ♪

5. [This is convenient] Otaru & Sapporo bus tour that can be used on the last day of your trip

This is a fantastic tour that departs from Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park, Century Royal Hotel, and ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel!

What to do on the last day of your trip...? This is a great itinerary that can accommodate everyone, including those who don't know how to get around Sapporo and Otaru.

Winter in Otaru is incredibly beautiful, with its nostalgic atmosphere enhanced by the addition of snow.
Furthermore, you'll have free time for lunch in Otaru, so you can enjoy a meal to your heart's content at a place that suits your taste, such as "Otaru Sushi" where you can savor fresh seafood, or a stylish cafe.

Besides the Otaru Canal, you can also buy souvenirs at Tanaka Brewery, famous for its local Otaru sake, and Shiroi Koibito Park, a famous Hokkaido confectionery shop, so there's no need to buy them at the airport when you're tired.

Tanaka Brewery offers a wide selection of sake, wine, and other alcoholic beverages that women will love, making it a must-visit for any liquor enthusiast. It also makes a great place to buy souvenirs!

It's common to spend the last day of your trip at the airport buying souvenirs, but with this, you won't need to do that at all!
You can sightsee and get souvenirs at the same time, making for an efficient trip.

Since you can also get to the airport in one go, this is the best tour you could ask for.
A perfect way to end your trip!

【Schedule】 08:35 Departure from Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 08:45 Departure from Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 08:52 Departure from Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 09:05 Departure from Century Royal Hotel ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 09:15 Departure from New Otani Inn Sapporo ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 09:20 Departure from ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 09:40 Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 10:15 Departure from Sapporo Central Wholesale Market ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 10:35 Arrived at Ishiya Seika Shiroi Koibito Park ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 12:00 Arrive in Otaru (Sakai-machi area) (Free time for sightseeing) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 14:00 Departure from Otaru (Sakai-machi area) ▼ Kontakgawaigawai 15:40 Arrived at New Chitose Airport

~Course Contents~
<Tour operator:Hokkaido Access Network>
Tour Name: Hokkaido Resort Liner [Buy-Bye Sapporo, Otaru & Chitose] Winter 2017
Tour dates: Full-day course (November 23, 2018 to April 1, 2019)
Minimum number of participants: Reservations must be made at least 9 days prior to the date of use, and the tour will operate with a minimum of 1 person.
Estimated time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Reservation phone number: 03-6866-9608
Price: Adults (12 years and older): 5,800 yen
Children (ages 3 to under 12): 4,800 yen
*Bus fare included
For details and reservationsClick HereHere you go ♪

Afterword

I think you understand that there's a reason why our standard courses are so popular.
Adding a little something extra to your solo trip can completely change how you experience it.

It's a good idea to enjoy the places you absolutely want to visit or the places you want to explore slowly on your own beforehand, and then allocate the rest of your itinerary to the bus tour!

To make the most of your precious travel time, try using bus tours wisely and create lots of unforgettable memories!

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