Sapporo Biei Bus Tour Comparison 2026: Ningle Terrace & More
Planning a winter trip to Sapporo? Discover the best Biei bus tours for 2026! I've compared top operators, focusing on Ningle Terrace visits, Junpei reservations, and value.



Sapporo Biei Tour Comparison
Bus Tour to Ningle Terrace
A must-do for any winter trip to Sapporo:
a Biei tour!
With so many tour operators out there, it can be tough to compare prices and itineraries one by one.
So, I’ve gone ahead and compared
most of the popular bus tour companies for you, all in one glance!
Bus Tour Comparison


Here are the key factors I considered
<Biei Tour Comparison Criteria>
✔️ Does it visit Ningle Terrace?
✔️ Is the price reasonable?
✔️ Is Junpei Restaurant booking available?
These were my top three!
Among them, visiting Ningle Terrace was undoubtedly the most important!
I fell in love with it after seeing it on Instagram and absolutely had to go.
When I finally visited, it was even more beautiful than photos could capture!
⭐Here’s the tour I ultimately chose!
*Exclusive discount code: PACKMKTP~$2
PACKMKTP~$4 (Applicable only via the link above)
Bus Tour Company | Price | Features |
White Shadow Tour ❄️Most Recommended❄️ | ~$72 | - Visits Ningle Terrace - No sledding area visit - Includes regular holidays Junpei reservation available - Late meeting time at 9:20 AM |
Indigo Travel | ~$87 | - Most reviews - Visits sledding area - DSLR photo shoot - Includes regular holidays Junpei restaurant available |
N-Day Trip | ~$58 | - No sledding area, no Ningle Terrace - Junpei booking agency service (restaurant, bento box) - Guaranteed departure even for 1 person |
Raku Tour | ~$58 | - Junpei bento box reservation - Visits sledding area |
Soso Bus ❄️Recommended❄️ | ~$55 | - Visits sledding area, Ningle Terrace - Junpei restaurant X bento box reservation - Cheapest price |
Rental Car (Other) | ~$31~ | - Can move according to desired itinerary - Difficult driving on snowy and night roads (Night roads are very dark and challenging) |
Even after narrowing it down to companies with lots of reviews, there are still so many, right?
Out of these, my top recommendations are
the White Shadow Tour and the Soso Bus Tour!

The White Shadow Tour visits Ningle Terrace.
It doesn't go to a sledding area, but I wasn't interested in sledding, so that was perfectly fine for me.
Junpei restaurant reservations are also possible!
The Soso Bus Tour visits both, but since the Junpei reservation was for a bento box instead of dining in, I skipped it.
However, it has the cheapest price, so if a bento box is fine with you, I highly recommend it!
Meeting Point

We gather right in front of the Daiwa Roynet Hotel and depart at
9:30 AM, so there's absolutely no rush!
The best part? Our schedule is perfectly timed so we don't clash with other tour groups,
meaning fewer crowds at each amazing stop!
Takushinkan



Step inside Takushinkan, and you'll discover a stunning exhibition of works by the renowned photographer
Shinzo Maeda. Every single piece beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes of Biei!
You can also browse for unique souvenirs and grab a coffee at their cozy little cafe.


Now, for Takushinkan's most iconic photo spot: the enchanting birch forest path!
The trees here are absolutely colossal, creating a truly magnificent scene.
Prepare to capture some incredibly picture-perfect, 'shot-of-a-lifetime' photos here!

⭐Pro Tip⭐
The birch forest path actually splits into two! Instead of the crowded path on the right,
if you follow the left path straight ahead, you'll discover a peaceful, secluded trail with no one else around.
This is where you'll get those truly magical, unobstructed shots!
Shirahige Waterfall


Shirahige Waterfall is renowned for its breathtaking snowy landscape, which truly adds to its charm.
Unfortunately, when I visited, some of the snow had melted, so the view wasn't quite as pristine as it could be.
But don't worry! In February, snowy days are almost a guarantee,
so you'll likely get to witness the pure white waterfall just like in the stunning picture on the right!

Don't forget to snap some fun photos at the unique vending machine photo zone nearby!
Junpei

For lunch, we'll be indulging at Junpei,
a restaurant proudly featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Special!
This place consistently receives rave reviews from everyone, and for good reason –
their Ebi-don was absolutely heavenly!

Just imagine, during peak lunchtime, practically every Biei tour group
flocks to this very spot!
Typically, that means a long wait is guaranteed if you don't have a reservation.
But with the White Shadow Tour, you can breathe easy! We've got you covered, as
in-store dining is possible, even on their usual closing days!
Christmas Tree

And now, for the much-anticipated Christmas Tree!
It's a privately owned piece of land that has become incredibly popular with tourists.
There were even rumors it might be cut down due to over-tourism, but happily,
those were just rumors – it's still standing tall and magnificent!

I really wish I had researched some poses beforehand, because all I could think of was to awkwardly reach out my hand! 😂
But hey, you can learn from my mistakes – make sure to plan your perfect poses before you go!


Even though it can get quite busy, the area is so expansive that
you'll have no trouble finding your perfect shot.
Thirty minutes here is more than enough time to capture a ton of incredible photos!
Ningle Terrace
Our final stop is Ningle Terrace, a place so utterly magical that photos simply can't do it justice...
Ningle Terrace, so enchanting..⭐

It's a collection of charming little cabins nestled deep in the forest.
After the sun dips below the horizon, the pristine white snow and warm yellow lights combine to create a truly magical and breathtaking scene.


Each charming cabin offers unique handmade crafts, lovely trinkets,
and even delicious coffee.
With a generous 50 minutes to explore, make sure to snap lots of photos
and take your time browsing through the adorable shops.

Ningle Terrace is the grand finale of your tour, before you're dropped off at either Odori Park or
Susukino, marking the end of an unforgettable day.
You can choose your drop-off location, and since it'll be around 8 PM,
I highly recommend getting off at Susukino to enjoy a fantastic dinner there!

The Biei tour is an absolute must-do for any winter trip to Sapporo!
I've even been in summer, but honestly,
winter offered a far more satisfying and magical experience.
Definitely opt for a tour that includes Ningle Terrace – it's an unmissable part of the experience!
🔗Book Your Sapporo Biei White Shadow Tour
*This is the tour I personally picked!
🔗Exclusive Discount Codes |
PACKMKTP3000 Get ~$2 off purchases over ~$73 PACKMKTP5000 Get ~$4 off purchases over ~$109 |
These codes can only be entered via the exclusive link above.
Just input them at checkout and enjoy your unforgettable trip for an even better price~
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the price differences and Ninguru Terrace visit status between the White Shadow Tour and Sosobus Tour recommended in the article?
The White Shadow Tour costs ~$72 and visits Ninguru Terrace but not the sledding area. The Sosobus Tour costs ~$55, visits both Ninguru Terrace and the sledding area, and is the most affordable option.
Which tour operators allow reservations for in-store dining at Junpei, the lunch spot during the Biei tour?
The White Shadow Tour allows reservations for in-store dining at Junpei, even on its regular closing days. Indigo Travel is also mentioned in the article as allowing use of Junpei for in-store dining.
What are the meeting point and departure time for the Sapporo Biei Tour?
The tour's meeting point is in front of the Daiwa Roynet Hotel. It departs at 9:30 AM, allowing you to start the tour at a relaxed pace.
How long is the stay at Ninguru Terrace, and what activities can be done there?
The stay at Ninguru Terrace is 50 minutes. During this time, you can browse handmade crafts, small items, coffee, and more sold in the forest cabins, as well as take photos.
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