Japan, Sapporo – I personally do not like traveling in winter because it is not only too cold for me, but the sun also sets earlier. That time I got 2 days layover in Chitose (I worked as a cabin crew) so I asked myself, Why NOT!!!
I have been to Japan many times. However, this was the first time I visited Hokkaido, located at the north end of Japan. One of my checklist here is to see adorable penguins at Asahiyama Zoo.
It was freezing as it was snowing all day. Even though a person from the Equator like me love seeing snow, I would say I did not enjoy minus 12 degrees that much.
Asahiyama zoo is a very famous zoological garden in Asahikawa where it is about 2 hours drive by car from Sapporo. Highlights include Polar bears, King penguins, Reindeer and Arctic foxes which can not be seen in Tropical countries.
Seeing animals in the snow made it a unique experience for me.
To see the penguin walk is a must to do here. But I did not have a chance to see these cuties walk as the snow was not thick enough for them. A bit disappointed!
So if you would like to see it, you should visit here from late December to the middle of March which means during this time of year.
Another favorite one here is the Hokkaido Sika deer, the only native deer of the Japanese archipelago. One of the largest Sika species that weight could be up to 100 kgs originated in the eastern fringes of the Eurasian continent and live on all of Japan’s main islands.
The Sika deer are most active from dusk to dawn, especially in winter. They are driven to be active in the daytime too.
Observing polar bears’ daily life is something that you should not miss. These giant white (they are literally almost white.) loves walking around to say hi to all visitors.
When they get tired of people, they will just lay down anywhere they want . . . Like this! How cute!
Watching these smart seals show off their talent was such a pleasant time.
After that, I was heading to Furano to have a buffet lunch before continuing the journey to one of the spectacular spots in Biei.
With white snow-covered, Shirahige Fall was indeed a magical land on earth. I thought I was in the enchanted forest, being one of Disney’s princesses and singing a song with animals.
Shirahige fall is named after splashes of the falls like “The white beard”. Do you know that it is also an unusual waterfall as it is actually underground water drops from cracks of rocks? Interesting, isn’t it?
This place is also not far from the famous Blue Pond. Do you know that both sites are connected in terms of color?
The color of the pond is caused by impurities in the water from Shirahige Fall. It is mixed with the water from the Shirogane Onsen and Biei river which is contained aluminum. But the water is harmless to human bodies.
I would love to spend time a little longer in this wonderland, but the cold kept bothering me. My both hands turned red and the DSLR camera took so long to respond. The best thing to help me had a great shot was my iPhone.
Just before heading back to Sapporo, we made a quick stop at Ningle Terrace. The timber cottages are a collection of specialty arts and crafts which are perfect for getting souvenirs with a natural touch.
Strolling on the walkways was even more memorable with the fairy lights and a beautiful blanket of soft white snow.