Asahiyama Zoo Zoo

Address: Higashiasahikawacho Kuranuma 1-1-18, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-8001, Japan

Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm (seasonal variations possible)

Admission: Admission approx. ¥1,000-¥2,000 (varies by season and age group)

Asahiyama Zoo is a zoological park in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, famed for its close-up, behaviour-focused enclosures and visitor-facing viewing designs. It has national recognition in Japan for exhibits that encourage animals to display natural behaviours close to public viewing galleries.

Popular features include outdoor penguin walks in winter and enclosures with underwater viewing galleries for seals and polar bears that allow visitors to see animals swimming and interacting. The facility is scaled as a major regional zoo with multiple species and themed enclosures rather than a small local collection.

The zoo opened in the mid 20th century and underwent significant exhibit redesigns that emphasised behavioural viewing, which greatly increased its visitor numbers and national profile. These changes established the zoo’s reputation for innovative exhibit design.

Asahiyama Zoo is located in the north-central city of Asahikawa on the island of Hokkaido, and is easily reached from the city by local transport.

• Signature exhibits and seasonal events: The zoo is known for ‘behavioural exhibits’ that place viewing galleries close to animals to encourage natural activity; the winter penguin walk is a major seasonal draw.
• Location tip: Located in Asahikawa city, Hokkaido - combine a visit with other local winter attractions when travelling in the region.

What to See#

• Penguin area and parade: Penguin enclosures and the daily ‘penguin parade’ in winter, where penguins walk outdoors in front of visitors for close viewing.
• Polar bear and marine animal exhibits: Polar bear and seal exhibits with underwater or close-up viewing galleries designed to show natural behaviours and underwater activity.

Asahiyama Zoo is about a 40-50 minute bus ride from Asahikawa Station; local buses run regularly, and taxis are available from the station. Driving from Asahikawa city centre takes about 30-40 minutes.

• Arrive early-animal exhibits, especially penguins in winter, can draw long lines later in the day.
• Winter viewing galleries are designed for close encounters with polar species; check feeding times posted at the entrance.
• Combine with a visit to Asahikawa city's ramen shops-local food is a proper complement to a day at the zoo.