Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo (Asahiyama Zoo) in Hokkaido is a popular tourist spot that you should definitely visit when traveling in Asahikawa, as well as Biei and Furano. The zoo is famous for its lively animals that can be observed up close, including seals swimming in the "Marine Way," a cylindrical aquarium tank, as well as mugging time and penguin walks.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the must-see animals and events at Asahiyama Zoo, as well as tips for a quick and efficient visit, convenient access, and more.

You can observe penguins swimming as if they were flying in the sky!

Asahiyama Zoo, opened in 1967, is the northernmost zoo in Japan. In the past, the number of visitors to the zoo was sluggish, but when it began "behavioral exhibits" in 1997, it quickly became popular. Today, the zoo has become a famous tourist spot representing Hokkaido, attracting approximately 1.4 million visitors every year from Japan and abroad.

Polar bears swimming is very popular

Behavioral exhibits are a method of display in which animals are kept in an environment that is comfortable and close to nature. It is an exhibit that shows the behavior and lifestyle of the animals, rather than just showing them as they are. You can see polar bears diving into the tank right in front of you, red pandas crossing a suspension bridge overhead, and other lively animal scenes.

They look adorable as they eat their food!

Behavioral exhibits are not the only popular attraction. The "Symbiosis Exhibit," in which animals living in close proximity to each other are kept in the same space, and "Mogumogu Time," in which keepers feed the animals while explaining about their ecology, are also very popular. Another point that makes it easy for travelers to visit is that it is easily accessible by public transportation, taking about 40 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station and 35 minutes from Asahikawa Airport by local bus.

Famous penguin walk

Asahiyama Zoo has a lot to offer! You can see the animals in action throughout the zoo, and there are also many guided tours such as "Mogu-mogu time" and "Penguin walk". While all of these are highlights, we have carefully selected a few exhibits and events that we recommend you to see first when you visit Asahiyama Zoo for the first time.

The zoo features a variety of behavioral exhibits that allow visitors to observe a wide range of animals in action. Here are some of the most famous animals in behavioral exhibits.

Seals pass through the marine way

The "Seal Pavilion," which exhibits largha seals and seagulls, is a must-see facility when you visit Asahiyama Zoo. In particular, the sight of the seals going up and down the marine way in front of you in the pavilion is a must-see! You can enjoy watching the seals swimming energetically up close, along with the large aquarium tank. The seals frequently pass by the marine way, so there are plenty of shutterbug opportunities. (*Flash photography is not permitted when taking pictures.)

An outdoor exhibit that looks like a fishing port

The outdoor area is built to resemble a Hokkaido fishing port, and in order to recreate the life of seals in the wild, a Great Grey Gull, which is injured and unable to fly, is also kept here. Visitors can also enjoy the sight of seals standing leisurely and swimming energetically.

You can observe them from directly below.

Penguins are popular at Asahiyama Zoo along with seals. At the Penguin Pavilion, you can see four kinds of penguins: king penguins, gentoo penguins, Humboldt penguins, and rockhopper penguins, both indoors and outdoors. Also, don't miss the "Mogumogu Time" for feeding the penguins and the "Penguin Walk" held during the snowy season in winter.

Semi-circular underwater tunnel

The museum has a glass tunnel that runs through the penguin tank, allowing visitors to observe the penguins swimming energetically as if they were walking underwater. The penguins are so impressive that it is almost as if they are flying in the sky. Outside the museum, you can watch the adorable penguins right in front of you, which is sure to make your heart swell with excitement.

A red panda crossing a suspension bridge

At the "Lesser Panda House," which keeps the Sisen red pandas, the sight of the red pandas crossing the suspension bridge that spans overhead on the viewing path is very popular. There is a 3.5-meter-high suspension bridge between the release area and trees on either side of the tour route, and visitors can watch the red pandas walk across the bridge from directly below.

Taking a leisurely rest at the edge of the suspension bridge?

There is also a bay window where you can observe the pandas feeding and sleeping at close range. Climbing trees and crossing bridges, the red pandas' athleticism is apparent, and their every gesture is endearing. You can see the red pandas crossing the suspension bridge from a distance rather than directly under it.

Asahiyama Zoo has many tricks to make the animals in the behavioral exhibits look more powerful. Here are three animals that you can enjoy the powerful sight of as if you can feel their breath coming from their mouths.

Polar bears are full of power!

The Polar Bear Pavilion, where polar bears are bred, has an indoor release area with a huge pool where you can observe them from indoors, and a cage-free release area using a moat. The polar bears that dive into the pool from the land are so dynamic that it is surprising to see them indoors! You can observe the huge white body swimming in the water from right beside the pool, and you can clearly see its face, the movement of its arms and legs, and even its fur fluttering in the water.

Capsule-shaped seals eye

Along with the indoor pool, the most popular viewing spot is the "seal's eye," which allows visitors to observe polar bears from the perspective of predatory seals. This capsule-shaped viewing window is located in the middle of the cage-less moat. Visitors can observe the bears as if they were looking up at them from below the pen, with their heads poking out of the Seals' Eye.

You can see it through the facility's window and it's right in front of you.

When you see the polar bear's paws looming right next to your head, you are filled with a sense of excitement, as if you might be trampled, even though you know you are in a safe place. There may be a line of people waiting to see the exhibit where you can observe the animals one at a time, but this is a must-see spot.

Snow leopards this close up!

The Mokyukan, where snow leopards and other animals are kept, is a facility where visitors can observe these powerful beasts of prey up close from various angles, including right beside and right below the animals. In addition to snow leopards, Amur leopards, lions, and Amur tigers are kept here.

Amur leopard

The cages are raised into the air so that visitors can observe the snow leopards and Amur leopards from directly below, and even the paw pads of the leopards can be clearly seen. The snow leopards and Amur leopards can be seen from directly below, and their paw pads are clearly visible! If you see a snow leopard's buttocks pointing at you, watch out! The place where you can observe snow leopards right next to their cages is so close and powerful that there is a sign that reads "Pee, fly away! You can enjoy the thrilling experience of observing the fierce animals.

You may feel a little nervous when your eyes meet theirs.

The "Wolf Forest," where the Shinrin wolves are kept, is an exhibition facility that evokes the nature of Hokkaido 100 years ago, with Ezo sika deer being kept next to the wolves in cages. Incidentally, Ezo wolves lived in Hokkaido until around the 19th century, but became extinct around 1900 due to extermination and other reasons.

Wolves in the snow are also dignified

At the Wolf Forest, visitors can watch wolves bathing in a creek and howling on a rocky hillside from the observation hall or outdoors. Of note is the "Hare's Eye," a dome-shaped observation area located in one corner of the observation hall. The sight of a wolf passing right by through the glass is so powerful that it is almost frightening. It is a must-see experience.

The Asahiyama Zoo has devised a number of ways to display its animals, so you can enjoy their cute behavior and powerful appearance, but also feel like you are becoming a little bit smarter with your intellectual curiosity piqued. While all of the zoo's exhibits offer a deep sense of knowledge and social background, we would like to introduce three of the zoo's most notable exhibits.

Jeffrey spider monkey and capybara

The Spider Monkey and Capybara Pavilion is one of the representative facilities for symbiotic exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo. Spider monkeys and capybaras, which live in Central and South America, are exhibited in the same cage, and the building is designed to separate them above and below ground in the facility. The spider monkeys, which live in the trees of the forest, are roped to a 7-meter-high column, reminiscent of a jungle. On the other hand, for capybaras that spend their daytime in the water, there is a pool on the ground.

Active spider monkeys

Spider monkeys move around with their tails dexterously manipulated as if they were hands, and they look like members of a circus troupe when they walk across the sky. The capybara, the world's largest rodent, can be seen relaxing under the facility. It is a strange feeling to be able to observe different animals in the same space, but this is as close to the original state of nature as one can get. This is a facility where you can feel that a variety of animals live in the same environment.

The atmosphere is as if you have met them in the forest

The Ezo Brown Bear Museum is a facility where visitors can observe the powerful appearance of Ezo brown bears and learn about the relationship between people and animals. The outdoor area is a large, deep space planted with native Hokkaido trees, creating an atmosphere as if you are peering into a Hokkaido forest. In the indoor area, visitors can observe the powerful animals at close range, albeit through glass windows.

The outdoor feeding area with a sign warning visitors to be careful of animals.

Inside the facility, there is a picture scroll about the brown bear problem in Shiretoko, produced in cooperation with the Shiretoko Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, and a picture book author living in Shiretoko, as well as a panel exhibition illustrating the ecology of wild Ezo brown bears. Recently in Hokkaido, we often see news reports of incidents and accidents involving encounters with Ezo brown bears. The exhibition materials include the current state of the habitat of Ezo brown bears and the boundary between the habitat and the human sphere of life, and are worth a closer look.

On the left is the indoor release area through glass. On the right are exhibits by the Shiretoko Foundation and others.

The Ezo brown bears kept here were originally a cub left behind when a mother bear and her cubs were exterminated after the mother and cubs lived together in a human village. The Ezo Brown Bear Museum is a facility where visitors can enjoy the powerful sight of the bears and think deeply about coexistence with animals.

Hokkaido Zoo

The Hokkaido Animal House is a facility that exhibits many birds and small animals from Hokkaido. The structure is designed to make visitors feel as if they are entering a Hokkaido forest to observe the animals and birds, and to feel the richness of Hokkaido's natural forests and mountains.

Steller's sea eagle with its wings spread

A white-tailed eagle, Steller's sea eagle, and bear hawk are displayed in a large bird cage that incorporates several trees, and a variety of birds, owls, and mammals, including owls, red-headed woodpeckers, Ezo squirrels, Ezo raccoon dogs, and Ezo snow bunnies, surround the bird cage. Even though they are inside the bird cage, white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles with their large wings spread are a majestic sight.

Ezo raccoon dog with fluffy fur

On the other hand, this facility also has animals not originally found in Hokkaido. The exhibit compares non-native species and Hokkaido's native species, such as the raccoon and the Ezo raccoon dog, and the Hondo marten and the Ezo black marten. It is also a place that provides an opportunity to rethink the issue of non-native species that can destroy the balance of the ecosystem.

Asahiyama Zoo offers a variety of guided tours and events throughout the year. Some are held every day of the week, while others are limited to certain days of the week or seasons. Here are some of the most famous and must-see events.

Giraffe eating

In "Mogumogu Time," a keeper feeds the animals while explaining their unique behavior. The polar bear dives for the food thrown by the keeper, and the giraffe sticks out its long tongue and eats grass as if it were reeling it in, making for a spectacular sight. In the "Becoming a Guide" program, the animals are not fed, but the keeper explains the animals' characteristic behaviors in the same way as in "Mogu-mogu Time.

Polar bear mugging time is a must-see!

In both cases, the keeper's explanations are interesting and entertaining, and there are a number of "I see! The keeper's commentary is interesting and amusing, and you will find yourself saying, "I see! Both are held daily for 10 to 15 minutes at a time at a number of animal houses. The time and animals are decided on the morning of the day. The schedule is announced on the Asahiyama Zoo's official website and on the park's bulletin board around 10:00 a.m. every morning, so be sure to check it out when you visit the zoo.

The zoo illuminated by ice candles

Asahiyama Zoo extends its opening hours until nighttime for about one week around the Bon Festival and for about three days in midwinter. In summer, the zoo is open until 21:00 (last admission 20:00) as the "Night Zoo" and until 20:30 (last admission 20:00) as the "Snow Light Zoo" in winter. This is a rare opportunity to visit the zoo at night, as there are only a few days throughout the year when you can enter the zoo at night.

Polar bears at night are also quite powerful!

The attraction of the zoo at night is that you can enjoy the lively appearance of nocturnal animals. For example, hippopotamuses are often still during the day, but at night they can be seen actively roaming the grounds of the zoo. Lions also often rest in the shade during the day, but at night they become active, indicating that they have a habit of hunting at night.

A must-see in winter! Penguin Walk

Penguin Walk is a winter tradition at Asahiyama Zoo. Many visitors come to Asahiyama Zoo just to watch the penguins stroll on the snow! The sight of the penguins sliding and running freely on the snow is also a wonderful sight to behold. If you visit Asahiyama Zoo in winter, this is definitely a must-see event.

You can observe them from a very close distance!

The penguin walk is usually held twice a day during the snow season (late December to mid-March) at 11:00 and 14:30 (only once in the morning in March). The penguins walk about 500 meters from the Penginkan and return to the Penginkan after about 30 minutes. The penguins walk along a route that attracts crowds of people on both sides of the penguin walk. Some people even set up their places and wait for the penguins long before they start their walk.

The penguins are full of energy as they stroll and skate on their stomachs.

Incidentally, the penguin walk is not an event started for visitors, but actually a project started to relieve the penguins' lack of exercise and to build up their stamina for breeding. It is not just a spectacle, but also a way of displaying animals in consideration of their natural ecology. (*The event may be canceled or changed at short notice depending on the condition of the penguins or course conditions.)

Asahiyama Zoo viewed from near the East Gate

If you are planning to visit Asahiyama Zoo, it is important to keep in mind the tips and efficient way to get around the zoo. You will have a more enjoyable and fulfilling visit. Which entrance gate is best to use? What is the best route to take around the park? This is especially important for those who have limited time and want to maximize their enjoyment in a short time.

Asahiyama Zoo has three entrances: Main Gate, West Gate, and East Gate. The Main and West Gates are relatively close to each other, but the East Gate is located directly opposite from the Main Gate. Which entrance to use depends on your mode of transportation and the priority of the animals you wish to see.

Main gate of Asahiyama Zoo

If you are going by bus or cab, use the Main Gate or the East Gate.

West gate of Asahiyama Zoo

The West Gate is the closest to each animal house, especially the Seal Pavilion. If you have limited time and want to see the zoo efficiently, or if you do not want to walk too much, the West Gate is the best choice. There are many parking lots near each gate of Asahiyama Zoo, but the West Gate is the one with the most parking spaces, so it is easy to park there. However, parking near the West Gate is charged (500 yen per day), while parking near the Main Gate and East Gate is free (some areas near the Main Gate are charged).

East gate of Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo itself is a facility located on a mountain slope, with the main gate area at the bottom of the mountain and the East Gate at the top of the slope. When using the East Gate, you may not be bothered by the downhill stairs and slope when entering the zoo, but be aware that you will have to climb the stairs and slope when leaving the zoo. Note that a free shuttle bus runs to the stairway portion of the East Gate, so even those who are not confident with their legs and feet can enjoy the park.

No matter which gate you enter, it is best to tour the park in a counterclockwise direction. The entrance to each animal house and information signs are designed so that visitors can see them efficiently by going counterclockwise. Unless you have something special in mind, such as moving in time for mooching time, it is best to tour counterclockwise.

Part of the schedule published on the official website of Asahiyama Zoo

If you want to tour around the zoo efficiently in a short time, it is essential to check the time of the guide, which is announced around 10:00 every morning, as well as the time of the Mogu-mogu time! Check what time the animal events you definitely want to see will be held, and also check the park map to see if there is any difficulty in getting around. If you have a strategy for where and when to go, you will waste less time, and you will also reduce the amount of time you spend going this way and that.

Here is some useful information on how to enjoy Asahiyama Zoo, including information on meals, souvenirs, opening times, admission fees, and how to get there without a car.

Asahiyama Zoo Central Cafeteria

There are several restaurants and souvenir stores in the park. There are several stores mainly from the Main Gate to the West Gate, as well as on the second floor of the East Gate building. Some of the food and beverages and souvenirs are based on motifs of the zoo's animals. The menus of the restaurants vary from store to store, but visitors can mainly enjoy noodle dishes such as ramen, curry, and rice bowls, as well as fast food such as menchikatsu (fried pork cutlets) and french fries.

Restaurants are all reasonably crowded during lunch hours. Make the most efficient use of your time by prioritizing the time you want to see the animals, such as mugging time, and having lunch earlier or later in the day. The souvenir stores are crowded in the afternoon, especially near closing time. If you are using a bus, be careful of the departure time and enjoy shopping.

Asahiyama Zoo is open in summer and winter. The summer season runs from late April to early November, and the winter season from mid-November to early April. The park is closed in mid-April and mid-November when the summer and winter seasons are interchanged. Please be aware of the closing periods when planning your trip. Opening and closing times may vary depending on the season.

The ticket office is located to the right of the main gate.

Entrance fees can be purchased at the ticket windows at each gate, or in advance online or at convenience stores. Advance purchase is recommended for those who do not want to wait in line at the ticket windows. Tickets purchased at the counter accept cash, credit cards, and all major cashless payment methods.

If you are going to Asahiyama Zoo by car, the nearest highway exit is the Asahikawa North Interchange, and it takes about 35 minutes from the interchange to the zoo. However, if you are coming from Sounkyo, Kitami, Abashiri, or Monbetsu, the Aibetsu IC on the Monbetsu Expressway is closer and more convenient.

There are two bus routes to Asahiyama Zoo: one from Asahikawa Station and the other from Asahikawa Airport. The Asahikawa station bus stop is right in front of the station, bus stop #6.

Asahiyama Zoo is one of the famous sightseeing spots in Hokkaido, attracting many visitors. The zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hokkaido and attracts many visitors. The attraction of the zoo is its lively, lovable, and exciting animals, as well as its exhibitions that stimulate intellectual curiosity. Please tour the park efficiently in the limited time you have for your trip and enjoy the wonderful encounters with the animals.

Asahiyama Zoo

Location: Asahiyama Zoo, Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Asahikawa
Opening hours (2024)
Summer opening hours: April 27 (Sat) - October 15 (Tue) 9:30 - 17:15 (last admission 16:00) / October 16 (Wed) - November 3 (Sun) 9:30 - 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Night Zoo: August 10 (Sat.) - August 16 (Fri.) 9:30 - 21:00 (last admission 20:00)
Winter opening: November 11 (Mon.) - April 7, 2025 (Mon.) 10:30 - 15:30 (last admission at 15:00)
Closed: April 8 - April 26, November 4 - November 10, December 30 - January 1, 2025
Admission: High school students and older: 1,000 yen / Special fee for citizens: 700 yen / Junior high school students and younger: free
Click here for details and map information of Asahiyama Zoo.

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