When visiting Hokkaido, beyond skiing and local cuisine, a top spot for families and animal lovers is Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa! This guide covers the zoo’s highlights, tickets, transportation, must-see exhibits, special activities, and useful Hokkaido discount passes to help you plan your trip with ease.
Features of Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and is guided by the philosophy of “Conveying Life.” By creating exhibits that mimic natural habitats, the animals can display their true behaviors and natural postures. Visitors not only get to observe animals in their authentic state but also gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder of life, fostering respect for nature and the environment.
Your Guide to Asahiyama Zoo
The zoo opens at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM, while closing times vary depending on the date. It’s recommended to check the official website’s calendar for the most accurate information before you go. For ticket prices, you can refer to this page~
How to get to Asahiyama Zoo?
If you’re traveling from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo, here are two transportation options to choose from based on your needs~
If you prefer driving, it takes about 2 hours from Sapporo to the zoo! There are both free and paid parking lots nearby with over 1,000 spaces, so you don’t need to worry about finding a spot.
If you prefer public transportation, it’s recommended to start from Sapporo Station, take the JR train to Asahikawa Station, and then catch bus No. 41 or No. 47 from the bus terminal for a direct ride to the zoo!
5 Must-See Exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo!
If you’re planning to visit Asahiyama Zoo, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the map beforehand to avoid getting lost. The zoo has many exhibits, so if time is limited, be sure to check out these 5 must-see areas! Each one is full of charm and surprises, letting you fully immerse yourself in the adorable world of the animals.
Seal Pavilion
The Seal Pavilion features multi-angle viewing windows, allowing visitors to get up close to admire the seals’ graceful swimming and playful behavior! The highlight is the transparent cylindrical tank, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the seals skillfully navigating the narrow waterway.
Polar Bear Pavilion
The Polar Bear Pavilion is divided into two exhibit areas, where visitors can watch polar bears diving, swimming, and hunting through viewing windows. The highlight is a semi-circular “seal’s-eye view” window, offering an exhilarating perspective as the polar bears swim past you.
Red Panda Pavilion
The Red Panda Pavilion features elevated wooden bridges and platforms, allowing the red pandas to climb freely and move about leisurely. Their small, adorable bodies and agile movements make it hard not to watch them again and again.
💡 Fun Fact: Can’t tell red pandas and raccoons apart? Appearance is the easiest clue! Red pandas have reddish-brown fur and a fluffy tail with rings, while raccoons have grayish fur and distinctive black “mask” markings on their faces.
Image Source:photoAC
Children’s Farm
Although it’s called the Children’s Farm, adults will also enjoy this exhibit! The farm is home to gentle animals such as goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Visitors can get up close, feed them, and even pet them, making for a truly heartwarming experience.
Penguin Pavilion
The Penguin Pavilion houses four different penguin species. Its 360-degree panoramic tank allows you to see the penguins swimming gracefully up close, as if gliding right past you. In summer, you can watch them “fly” through the water, and in winter, the Penguin Parade is a highly recommended experience!
Winter-Only Event: Penguin Parade
When it comes to Asahiyama Zoo, the Penguin Parade is a must-see! Every winter, when snow covers the ground, the zoo lets the penguins waddle together around the park to get some exercise. Watching their adorable, wobbly walk is simply irresistible!
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Event Period：Around Late December to Mid-March
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Penguin Walk Time：About 1–2 sessions per day (each session lasts around 40 minutes)
※Quick Reminder：The event period and dates may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Please refer to the official website for the most accurate schedule.
Asahiyama Zoo Feeding Show Schedule
Want to watch the penguins, seals, polar bears, and other animals being fed? Asahiyama Zoo holds daily “Mogu Mogu Time” (feeding shows), so don’t miss it! Feeding times may change, so it’s recommended to check schedule on the official website on the day of your visit or ask at the zoo’s information desk.
Visiting Asahiyama Zoo? We Recommend This Ticket 🎫
When visiting Hokkaido, you can’t miss the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass! It features popular attractions and restaurants across the region, letting you choose any 3 favorites within a week. Simply show the QR code for easy entry and enjoy the experience!
4 Key Features of the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass
Hokkaido, making it very convenient for travelers who want to explore multiple places in one trip!
Flexible Schedule: Unlike many single-day passes, the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass allows users to freely choose 3 attractions to visit within 7 days.
E-ticket Usage: If you don’t want to worry about losing a physical ticket, this pass is highly recommended! It’s an instant-use e-ticket—just scan the QR code for easy access!
Recommended Spots：With this pass, you can redeem a great-value ticket to Asahiyama Zoo! In addition, it also includes tickets to many other attractions such as Mount Moiwa, Okurayama Ski Jump Observatory, and Jozankei Onsen. Since the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass is updated periodically, you can check here for the latest information and a full list of redeemable attractions!
Beyond the must-see exhibits mentioned, Asahiyama Zoo has many more fascinating areas waiting to be explored! While watching the daily lives of adorable animals, you’ll also gain insights into their ecology and behaviors—this is part of the zoo’s true charm. If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, don’t forget to make use of the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass. It’s not only a great way to save money but also makes your Japan trip more enriching and enjoyable!
