Popular Aquariums & Zoos in Asahiyama Zoo

The Asahiyama Zoo's popular penguin walk event typically takes place during winter (from mid-December to mid-March), with one session in the morning and another in the afternoon each day. Actual times are subject to adjustment based on the zoo's daily conditions, so it's recommended to check in advance. Viewing is primarily along the specially designated penguin walking route within the zoo. Visitors can watch from either side of the path to get a close-up view of the penguins waddling cutely. This activity is designed to give penguins outdoor exercise while offering visitors a unique viewing experience, making it a must-see feature during winter visits.

The best season to visit Asahiyama Zoo in winter is from mid-December to mid-March. During this time, the grounds are covered in snow, and the animals are active in the snowy environment. The penguin walk, in particular, is a special event exclusive to winter. If you wish to avoid crowds, it's advisable to visit on weekdays. On weekends, Japanese national holidays, and during the New Year period, visitor numbers will significantly increase, and the zoo will be more crowded. Arriving early or visiting before the zoo closes are also good ways to avoid peak times and enjoy a more comfortable visit.

Admission to Asahiyama Zoo typically requires purchasing a ticket. Visitors can buy tickets directly at the ticket booths located at the zoo entrance. For convenience in planning your trip and saving time in line, you can also consider purchasing tickets online in advance. For example, booking through platforms like KKday offers Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, alleviating language barrier concerns and providing more flexibility and peace of mind for your travel arrangements. It's recommended to plan your ticketing method in advance to ensure smooth entry and an enjoyable zoo visit.

Asahiyama Zoo is located in the outskirts of Asahikawa city, with many nearby attractions worth visiting. Within the city, you can explore Asahikawa Ramen Village to sample various Hokkaido ramen. For those who enjoy natural scenery and horticulture, Ueno Farm is a good option. The Asahikawa Design Center is also worth considering. For accommodation, most visitors choose to stay in hotels in Asahikawa city. These offer convenient transportation and a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly to comfortable hotels, making it easy to visit the zoo and other city attractions.

Asahiyama Zoo is very suitable for family trips. Its unique 'action exhibits' allow children of all ages to observe animal behavior up close in their natural settings. For preschoolers, the transparent tunnels in the penguin, seal, and polar bear exhibits offer novel perspectives. School-aged children can learn ecological knowledge through observing animal behavior and may participate in some educational activities. The zoo is equipped with accessible ramps and nursing rooms, making it friendly for families with strollers. Bringing an animal guide book can enhance interactive fun.

The primary mode of public transport from Asahikawa city to Asahiyama Zoo is by bus. You can board the 'Asahiyama Zoo Line' bus from the bus terminal in front of JR Asahikawa Station. Buses run frequently, and the journey takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes, offering scenic views of the city along the way. This is the most convenient and fastest option to reach the zoo. After arriving at Asahikawa Station, simply exit the station to find clear bus stop signage, making transfers very easy and ensuring a smoother journey.

If you have limited time, the choice between Asahiyama Zoo and Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo depends on your preferences. Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its unique 'action exhibits,' allowing visitors to observe animal behavior from different angles, such as penguins swimming underwater or polar bears overhead, offering a more immersive and distinctive experience. Maruyama Zoo is located within Sapporo city, offering convenient access and a wide variety of animals. It's more suitable for visitors who wish to combine their zoo visit with exploring Sapporo city. Consider your priority for animal interaction experiences and your overall itinerary when making your decision.

Asahiyama Zoo's opening hours are subject to seasonal adjustments. Generally, summer hours are longer, usually from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM. Winter hours are shorter, typically from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The zoo has a few closure periods each year, mainly for maintenance in early spring (around April) and early autumn (around November), and there may be additional closures during the year-end and New Year holidays. It is recommended to check the specific opening hours and closure dates for the season you plan to visit.

The Polar Bear Exhibit is one of the must-see highlights at Asahiyama Zoo. The most popular feature is the 'Marine Way' design, where visitors can look up from a transparent underwater tunnel to watch polar bears swim gracefully, creating an immersive experience as if you are in their habitat. Additionally, there are several viewing points within the exhibit where you can observe polar bears playing and hunting on land up close. The zoo generally does not have fixed feeding times for polar bears to encourage natural foraging behavior. However, keepers may conduct feeding and interaction sessions periodically, adding to the viewing interest.

During summer (approximately June to September), wear light, breathable clothing and bring sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses. Occasional rain showers occur in summer, so have rain gear ready. In winter (approximately December to March), wear heavy, warm clothing, including a down jacket, thermal layers, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof, slip-resistant shoes are also recommended for walking on snow. Comfortable walking shoes are essential regardless of the season. Portable chargers, cameras, and some simple snacks and water are also advisable.