Popular Aquariums & Zoos in Asahikawa

There are many family-friendly attractions around Asahikawa besides the famous Asahiyama Zoo. You can consider visiting 'Sounkyo Gorge' to experience magnificent natural scenery, take a cable car to admire bizarre rock formations and waterfalls, and enjoy the ice fall festival in winter. Additionally, the 'Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway' is an excellent choice for getting close to nature, allowing your whole family to ride the ropeway to high altitudes for alpine vegetation and fresh air. For those interested in local culture, the 'Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum' offers insights into sake history and brewing processes, with some areas suitable for children to visit and learn about Hokkaido's local industries.

The most common and convenient way to get to Asahiyama Zoo from Asahikawa city is by bus. Take the Asahikawa Electric Tramway Bus from JR Asahikawa Station, which goes directly to the zoo's main entrance. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes with frequent services. If you have a larger group or elderly individuals and children with mobility issues, chartering a car or taking a taxi is also a comfortable option, saving waiting time. For travelers seeking more itinerary flexibility, renting a car for self-driving is a good option, as the zoo has a large parking lot.

Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique 'Behavioral Exhibits,' designed to showcase animals in their most natural states and behaviors, such as penguins swimming through underwater tunnels and a cylindrical tank for seals, offering close-up viewing opportunities. The zoo focuses on Hokkaido's native and cold-climate animals. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, on the other hand, is an aquarium primarily featuring marine life, with massive tanks, penguin parades, and dolphin shows, presented in a European castle-like style. If you're interested in animal behavior and outdoor activities, Asahiyama Zoo is the top choice; if you prefer diverse marine life and indoor facilities, Noboribetsu Marine Park would be more suitable.

Asahiyama Zoo is particularly popular in winter, with its most famous attraction being the 'Penguin Walk.' Visitors can get up close to watch the penguins waddling cutely, a signature experience of the zoo. Additionally, the winter snowscape adds a unique ambiance to the park, allowing you to observe many cold-climate animals active in the snow, such as polar bears and snow leopards. Some animal exhibits are adjusted for winter to showcase their unique behaviors in snowy conditions, presenting a starkly different scene from summer.

Tickets for Asahiyama Zoo can be obtained through various methods. You can choose to purchase tickets on-site at the ticket booths at the entrance upon arrival. Alternatively, to save time queuing and enjoy booking convenience, consider pre-ordering through online platforms. For example, booking via KKday offers support in Chinese and flexible cancellation, alleviating language barriers and streamlining your travel arrangements. It's recommended to check the opening hours and booking procedures in advance when planning your itinerary.

Asahiyama Zoo has many classic areas worth exploring. The 'Penguin House' with its underwater tunnel allows you to see penguins swimming swiftly; the 'Polar Bear House' features a transparent dome for visitors to watch polar bears diving from below. The 'Seal House' with its cylindrical tank offers amusing views of seals swimming vertically. The 'Wolf Forest' and 'Big Cat House' also utilize unique exhibition methods to provide deeper insights into the natural behaviors of these animals. It is recommended to arrive early and plan your route to ensure you don't miss these remarkable exhibits.

The Penguin Walk event at Asahiyama Zoo typically takes place during the snowy winter season, usually from mid-December to mid-March annually. There are two sessions daily, generally starting around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, each lasting about 30 to 40 minutes. The exact times may vary depending on the animals' condition and weather, so it's advisable to check the park's announcements or official website upon arrival or before entering to confirm the day's schedule and avoid disappointment. This event is very popular, so it's recommended to secure a viewing spot along the route early.

Asahiyama Zoo has several restaurants and kiosks offering light meals, simple dishes, and drinks such as ramen, curry rice, and hot dogs, convenient for visitors to refuel during their visit. You can find dining options at places like the 'Asahiyama Zoo Rest House' or 'ZOO SHOP.' For a wider variety of choices, it is recommended to dine in Asahikawa city, which boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from Hokkaido specialties to chain eateries, catering to different tastes.

For convenience in visiting Asahiyama Zoo, most tourists opt to stay in Asahikawa city. The area around Asahikawa Station is the preferred choice for accommodation due to its excellent transportation links, making it easy to take a bus to the zoo. It also offers comprehensive amenities, including department stores, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, the city has many hot spring hotels, allowing you to relax and enjoy a hot bath after your sightseeing. If you prefer a quieter environment, consider unique hotels or guesthouses near the zoo or in the outskirts of Asahikawa, although transportation accessibility might be less convenient.

To thoroughly and comprehensively explore Asahiyama Zoo, experience its unique 'Behavioral Exhibits,' and see most of the animals, it is recommended to allocate approximately 3 to 5 hours. If you also plan to watch specific events like the Penguin Walk or animal feeding shows, you will need more ample time for planning. Families with children or travelers who prefer a leisurely pace might require even more time, possibly considering a half-day to a full-day itinerary to comfortably enjoy the park's attractions and take breaks in different areas.