Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City is a must-visit tourist destination, especially when traveling through areas like Biei and Furano. It's famous for allowing visitors to observe animals' lively behaviors up close, from seals swimming through the 'Marine Way' cylindrical tank to events like 'Mogu-Mogu Time' feeding sessions and the Penguin Walk.

In this article, we'll introduce the must-see animals and events at Asahiyama Zoo, along with tips for an efficient and time-saving visit, and convenient access information.

You can watch the penguins swim as if they are flying through the sky.

Asahiyama Zoo, opened in 1967, is Japan's northernmost zoo. While it once struggled with visitor numbers, it soared in popularity after introducing "behavioral exhibits" in 1997. Today, it's a premier tourist spot in Hokkaido, attracting around 1.4 million visitors from Japan and abroad each year.

The sight of the polar bears swimming is extremely popular.

Behavioral exhibits are a method of keeping animals in environments that are comfortable and close to their natural habitats. Instead of simply displaying the animals, these exhibits showcase their natural behaviors and lifestyles. You can see polar bears diving into a pool right before your eyes and red pandas crossing a suspension bridge overhead, offering a glimpse into their dynamic lives.

Watching them eat their food is an adorable sight.

It's not just the behavioral exhibits that are popular. The "symbiotic exhibits," where animals from similar habitats are housed in the same space, and the "Mogu-Mogu Time," where keepers explain the animals' ecology while feeding them, are also big draws. Another key point for tourists is its easy access via public transportation: it's about 40 minutes by local bus from JR Asahikawa Station and about 35 minutes from Asahikawa Airport.

The Penguin Walk is famous.

Asahiyama Zoo is packed with highlights! You can see animal behavioral exhibits all around the park, and there are numerous guided events like "Mogu-Mogu Time" and the "Penguin Walk." While everything is worth seeing, we've selected the top exhibits and events that first-time visitors absolutely shouldn't miss.

The zoo incorporates various behavioral exhibits, allowing you to observe the animals in their lively, natural states. Here are some of the most famous animals with behavioral exhibits.

A seal passes through the Marine Way.

The Seal House, home to spotted seals and slaty-backed gulls, is an absolute must-see at Asahiyama Zoo. A key highlight is the Marine Way, a vertical tube where you can watch seals swim up and down right in front of you! Along with the view into their large tank, you can enjoy watching the energetic seals up close. They pass through the Marine Way frequently, so you'll have plenty of photo opportunities. (*Please note: Flash photography is not allowed.)

The outdoor exhibit resembles a fishing harbor.

The outdoor area is designed to resemble a Hokkaido fishing harbor, and to replicate the natural life of wild seals, it also houses slaty-backed gulls that can no longer fly due to injury. You can enjoy watching the seals relaxing peacefully or swimming energetically.

You can observe them from directly below.

Along with the seals, the penguins are one of the most popular attractions at Asahiyama Zoo. At the Penguin House, you can see four species of penguins—King, Gentoo, Humboldt, and Rockhopper—from both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The "Mogu-Mogu Time" feeding sessions and the "Penguin Walk" during the snowy winter season are also must-sees.

The semi-circular underwater tunnel.

Inside the building, a glass tunnel runs through the penguin pool, allowing you to watch the penguins swim energetically as if you were walking underwater with them. In stark contrast to their leisurely appearance on land, the sight of numerous penguins zipping through the water is breathtaking—they look as if they're flying through the sky. Outside, you can observe the adorable penguins up close, a sight that is sure to melt your heart.

A red panda crossing the suspension bridge.

The Red Panda House, home to Sichuan red pandas, is famous for the suspension bridge that extends over the visitor path, where you can watch the red pandas cross. A 3.5-meter-high suspension bridge connects the enclosures on either side of the path, allowing visitors to watch from below as the red pandas scurry across.

Taking a leisurely break at the end of the suspension bridge?

There are also bay window-like sections where you can observe them eating or sleeping at very close range. Watching them climb trees and cross the bridge, you can truly appreciate the red pandas' high level of athleticism, and every one of their gestures is endearing. For the best view of them crossing the bridge, it's better to stand a little distance away rather than directly underneath it.

Asahiyama Zoo is full of clever designs that allow you to enjoy the behavioral exhibits of its animals in even more thrilling ways. Here are three animals whose powerful presence you can feel, almost as if you can hear them breathe.

The polar bears are incredibly powerful!

The Polar Bear House features an enclosure with a giant pool that can be observed from indoors, and a cageless enclosure that utilizes a moat. Indoors, you'll be astonished by the magnificent sight of a polar bear diving into the pool from the land area! You can watch the massive white body swim through the water from the side of the pool, getting a clear view of its facial expressions, paw movements, and fur flowing in the water.

The capsule-shaped Seal's Eye.

Just as popular as the indoor pool is the "Seal's Eye," a viewing spot that allows you to observe the polar bear from the perspective of its prey, the seal. This capsule-shaped viewing window is located in the middle of the cageless, moat-style enclosure. You can pop your head up into the Seal's Eye from below the enclosure and look up.

Even from the facility's window, they come right up to you.

Seeing a polar bear's paw right next to your head is a heart-pounding experience; even though you know you're safe, you can't help but feel like you might be stepped on. There's often a line to experience this one-at-a-time viewing spot, but it's an experience you definitely don't want to miss.

You can get this close to the snow leopard too.

The Big Cat House, home to snow leopards and other fierce animals, is a facility where you can observe powerful predators up close from various angles, including from the side and directly below. In addition to snow leopards, it houses Amur leopards, lions, and Amur tigers.

An Amur leopard.

In a section where the cage juts out into the air, you can observe them from directly underneath, getting a clear view of the paw pads of the snow and Amur leopards. The spot where you can watch the snow leopard from the side of the cage is so close that there's a sign warning, "Urine might fly! Be careful if it turns its back to you!" It's a thrilling way to observe these big cats.

Making eye contact might give you a little jolt, don't you think?

The Wolf Forest, home to timber wolves, is an exhibit designed to resemble the nature of Hokkaido 100 years ago. Ezo sika deer are kept in an adjacent enclosure separated by a fence. Incidentally, the Ezo wolf inhabited Hokkaido until around the 19th century but became extinct around 1900 due to culling and other factors.

A wolf in the snow looks majestic.

In the Wolf Forest enclosure, you can watch the wolves bathing in a stream or howling on a rocky hill from an observation hall or outdoors. A must-see is the "Hare's Eye," a dome-shaped observation spot inside the hall. The sight of a wolf passing right by you on the other side of the glass is so powerful it can feel terrifying. It's a spot you'll definitely want to experience.

Thanks to the cleverly designed exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo, you can enjoy the cute gestures and powerful presence of the animals while also sparking your intellectual curiosity and leaving feeling a little smarter. While all the exhibits offer deep insights and social context, here are three that are particularly noteworthy.

A Geoffroy's spider monkey and a capybara.

The Spider Monkey and Capybara House is one of the prime examples of Asahiyama Zoo's symbiotic exhibits. It houses spider monkeys and capybaras, both native to Central and South America, in the same enclosure, which is designed to allow them to live separately in the upper and lower levels. For the spider monkeys, which live in the treetops, ropes are stretched between 7-meter-high poles to resemble a jungle. Meanwhile, for the capybaras, which spend their days in the water, there is a pool on the ground level.

An active spider monkey.

The spider monkeys, which skillfully use their tails like hands to move around, swing through the air like circus performers. Below, the capybaras, the world's largest rodents, offer a soothing sight as they relax. It's a strange feeling to observe different animals in the same space, but this is closer to their natural state. This facility helps you appreciate how various animals live together in the same environment.

The atmosphere feels like you've just encountered one in the forest.

The Ezo Brown Bear House is a facility where you can not only observe the powerful presence of the Ezo brown bear but also learn about the relationship between humans and animals. The spacious outdoor enclosure is planted with native Hokkaido trees, creating an atmosphere of peeking into a Hokkaido forest. In the indoor enclosure, you can observe their impressive forms up close, albeit through glass.

The outdoor enclosure even has an animal crossing sign.

Inside the facility, there are exhibits such as a picture scroll about the brown bear issue in Shiretoko, created in collaboration with the Shiretoko Nature Foundation and a Shiretoko-based picture book author, as well as panels illustrating the ecology of wild Ezo brown bears. In recent years, news of incidents and accidents involving encounters with Ezo brown bears in Hokkaido has become common. These exhibits are thought-provoking, making you reflect on the current state of the Ezo brown bear's habitat and the boundary with human living areas.

On the left is the indoor enclosure behind glass. On the right are exhibits by the Shiretoko Nature Foundation and others.

In fact, the Ezo brown bear housed here was originally a cub left behind when its mother was culled after the pair wandered into a human settlement. Asahiyama Zoo took in the cub for protection in 1999. The Ezo Brown Bear House is a facility that not only lets you enjoy the animal's powerful presence but also makes you think deeply about coexistence with wildlife.

The Hokkaido Animal House.

The Hokkaido Animal House is a facility that showcases many of Hokkaido's native birds and small animals. It's designed to make you feel as if you've stepped into a Hokkaido forest to observe the animals and birds, giving you a sense of the richness of Hokkaido's natural forests and mountains.

A Steller's sea eagle spreading its wings.

A large birdcage incorporating several trees houses white-tailed eagles, Steller's sea eagles, and mountain hawk-eagles. Surrounding the birdcage are various other birds, owls, and mammals, such as owls, great spotted woodpeckers, Ezo squirrels, Ezo raccoon dogs, and Ezo mountain hares. Even within the birdcage, the sight of a white-tailed or Steller's sea eagle spreading its massive wings is truly majestic.

A fluffy Ezo raccoon dog.

However, this facility also houses animals not originally from Hokkaido. It features comparative exhibits of invasive and native Hokkaido species, such as the raccoon and the Ezo raccoon dog, and the Japanese marten and the Ezo sable. It's a place that provides an opportunity to reconsider the problem of invasive species, which disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

Asahiyama Zoo holds various guides and events throughout the year. Some are held daily, while others are limited to specific days of the week or seasons. Among the many options, here are some of the most famous and must-see events.

A giraffe during its meal.

During "Mogu-Mogu Time," keepers feed the animals while explaining their characteristic behaviors. You can see impressive sights like a polar bear diving for food thrown by a keeper, or a giraffe using its long tongue to wrap around and eat grass. The "Naruhodo Guide" (Insightful Guide) does not involve feeding, but like Mogu-Mogu Time, keepers provide commentary on the animals' unique behaviors.

The polar bear's Mogu-Mogu Time is a must-see!

In both events, the keepers' explanations are interesting and fun, leading to many "I see!" moments. Both last for about 10-15 minutes, are held daily, and take place at numerous animal houses. The schedule of which animals will be featured changes daily and is decided on the morning of. The schedule is announced around 10 AM each morning on the official Asahiyama Zoo website and on bulletin boards inside the park, so be sure to check it when you visit.

The zoo illuminated by the light of ice candles.

For about a week during the Obon holiday in summer and for about three days in mid-winter, Asahiyama Zoo extends its opening hours into the evening. In summer, the "Night Zoo" is open until 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM), and in winter, the "Snow Light Zoo" is open until 8:30 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM). With the exception of a few facilities, you can tour the zoo just as you would during the day. These nighttime openings are rare opportunities, happening only a few days a year.

Seeing a polar bear at night is also quite a powerful experience.

The charm of the Night Zoo is the chance to see nocturnal animals in their active state. For example, hippos, which often stay still during the day, can be seen actively walking around their enclosure at night. Lions, which usually rest in the shade during the day, become more active at night, revealing their natural hunting instincts.

A must-see in winter! The Penguin Walk.

The "Penguin Walk" is a signature winter event at Asahiyama Zoo. Many people visit just to see it, and the sight of a flock of penguins waddling across the snow is irresistibly cute and adorable! Watching them freely slide on their bellies or run on the snow is also fantastic. If you visit Asahiyama Zoo in winter, this is an event you absolutely must see.

You can observe them from a very close distance.

The Penguin Walk is typically held twice a day at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM during the snowy season (late December to mid-March), though it's only held once in the morning in March. Starting from the Penguin House, they march about 500 meters through the park and return to the Penguin House after about 30 minutes. The event is so popular that crowds of spectators form two or three rows deep on both sides of the penguins' walking route. Some people even stake out a spot long before the walk begins.

The penguins energetically walk or slide on their bellies.

Interestingly, the Penguin Walk wasn't started for the visitors' entertainment; it was actually initiated to help the penguins get exercise and build up their strength for the breeding season. It's not just a show, but another example of the zoo's exhibition methods that consider the animals' natural ecology. (*Please note that the event may be canceled or changed at short notice depending on the penguins' condition or the course conditions.)

A view of Asahiyama Zoo from near the East Gate.

When visiting Asahiyama Zoo, it's a good idea to know some tips for an efficient tour. This will help you have a more enjoyable and fulfilling visit. Which entrance gate is best? What's the best route to take through the park? These are especially important points for those who have limited time and want to make the most of their visit.

Asahiyama Zoo has three entrances: the Main Gate, the West Gate, and the East Gate. The Main and West Gates are relatively close to each other, but the East Gate is on the opposite side from the Main Gate. Which entrance to use depends on your mode of transportation and which animals you want to prioritize seeing.

The Main Gate of Asahiyama Zoo.

If you are arriving by bus or taxi, it is generally best to use the Main Gate or the East Gate.

The West Gate of Asahiyama Zoo.

The West Gate is the closest to many of the animal houses, especially the Seal House. For those with limited time who want to see things efficiently, or for those who prefer not to walk too much, the West Gate is the best choice. Additionally, while there are many parking lots near each gate, the one at the West Gate has the largest capacity, making it easier to find a spot. However, the parking lots near the West Gate are paid (500 yen per day), while those near the Main and East Gates are free (though some near the Main Gate are paid).

The East Gate of Asahiyama Zoo.

Asahiyama Zoo itself is built on the slope of a mountain, with the Main Gate at the bottom and the East Gate at the top. If you use the East Gate, you might not notice the continuous downhill stairs and slopes when you enter, but be aware that you will have to climb them when you leave. There is a free shuttle bus that runs along the staircase section of the East Gate, so even those who are not confident in their physical fitness can enjoy their visit without worry.

Regardless of which gate you enter from, it's best to tour the zoo in a counter-clockwise direction. The entrances to the animal houses and the signs are designed for efficient viewing when following a counter-clockwise route. Unless you have a special reason to move around for Mogu-Mogu Time, you should stick to a counter-clockwise path.

A portion of the schedule published on the official Asahiyama Zoo website.

For a time-saving and efficient tour, checking the Mogu-Mogu Time and Naruhodo Guide schedule, announced around 10 AM each morning, is essential! Confirm the times for the animal events you absolutely want to see, and check the park map to ensure your route is feasible. By planning out where you need to be and when, you can minimize wasted time and avoid the loss of time from backtracking across the park.

Here is some helpful information for enjoying Asahiyama Zoo, including details on dining and souvenirs, opening seasons, admission fees, and access without a car.

Asahiyama Zoo Central Restaurant.

There are several restaurants and souvenir shops within the zoo. Most are located between the Main Gate and the West Gate, with another on the second floor of the East Gate building. You can find food, drinks, and souvenirs themed after the zoo's animals. While menus vary by restaurant, you can generally enjoy meals like ramen and other noodle dishes, curry, and rice bowls, as well as fast food items like menchi-katsu (minced meat cutlet) and french fries.

Restaurants tend to be busy during lunchtime. To use your time efficiently, prioritize the animal events you want to see, like Mogu-Mogu Time, and plan your lunch for an earlier or later time. Souvenir shops get crowded in the afternoon, especially near closing time. If you are taking a bus, be mindful of your departure time while you shop.

Asahiyama Zoo's operating year is broadly divided into summer and winter seasons. The summer season generally runs from late April to early November, and the winter season from mid-November to early April. The zoo is closed in mid-April and mid-November when the seasons change. Be sure to check these closure periods when planning your trip. Also, opening and closing times vary depending on the time of year.

The ticket counter is to the right of the Main Gate.

Admission tickets can be purchased at the ticket windows at each gate, or you can buy them in advance online or at convenience stores. Advance purchase is recommended if you want to avoid waiting in line at the ticket window. When purchasing at the window, in addition to cash, credit cards and major cashless payment methods are accepted.

If you are driving to Asahiyama Zoo with a rental car or your own vehicle, the nearest expressway interchange is the Asahikawa-Kita IC. From the interchange, it takes about 35 minutes. However, if you are coming from the Sounkyo, Kitami, Abashiri, or Monbetsu areas, the Aibetsu IC on the Monbetsu Expressway is closer and more convenient.

Public buses to Asahiyama Zoo depart from in front of Asahikawa Station and from Asahikawa Airport. The bus stop at Asahikawa Station is bus platform #6, right in front of the station exit.

Asahiyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's most famous tourist destinations, constantly bustling with visitors. Its charm lies in its intellectually stimulating exhibits, which are crafted with great care, alongside the adorable and thrillingly powerful presence of its lively animals. Make the most of your limited travel time by touring the zoo efficiently and enjoy wonderful encounters with its amazing animals.

*Event details and times are subject to change (as of 2026).

Asahiyama Zoo

■ Location: Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Asahiyama Zoo
■ Opening Hours (2026)
January 2 (Fri) – April 7 (Tue) 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Last entry 3:00 PM)
April 29 (Wed) – October 15 (Thu) 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)
October 16 (Fri) – November 3 (Tue) 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)
November 11 (Wed) – December 29 (Tue) 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Last entry 3:00 PM)
・Special Openings:
February 7 (Sat) – February 9 (Mon) 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
August 10 (Mon) – August 16 (Sun) 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
■ Admission Fee: High school students and older 1,000 yen / Special rate for citizens 700 yen / Junior high school students and younger Free
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