Asahiyama Zoo Revisited 2023 - Hokkaido

My family and I had the opportunity to explore Asahiyama Zoo (旭川市旭山動物園) for the first time on November 20, 2022, marking my 384th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the highlight of our day trip to Asahikawa City. We all enjoyed the numerous facilities in the zoo.

Asahiyama Zoo Revisited 2023

That didn’t stop me from bringing my siblings there during our Sibling Roadtrip #3 when they visited Hokkaido last July 27, 2023. It was the highlight of the day, and we spent the whole day exploring the vast zoo.

Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Brief History of Asahiyama Zoo

Located at the northernmost part of Japan, Asahiyama Zoo was inaugurated on July 1, 1967, under the visionary leadership of then-Mayor Kōzō Igarashi. The zoo initially showcased 75 animal species, and despite challenges like dwindling attendance, it reinvented itself into a leading wildlife conservation center. Innovative exhibits introduced since the late 1990s, such as the Penguin Walk and Seal Aquarium, have made it a world-renowned attraction.

Asahiyama Zoo Ground Map

Unique Exhibits to Explore

Asahiyama Zoo boasts a wide array of facilities designed to provide a close-up and immersive experience with wildlife. Here are some must-see highlights:

1. Penguin Museum
   Featuring king, gentoo, Humboldt, and rockhopper penguins, this exhibit is famed for its "Penguin Walk," where these adorable birds waddle freely in winter.
2. Seal Museum
   The Marine Way cylindrical aquarium offers an enchanting view of seals swimming vertically, mimicking their natural aquatic behaviors.
3. Polar Bear Museum
   Visitors can observe polar bears swimming gracefully in large pools or wandering in cage-free enclosures, a true marvel for animal lovers.
4. Totori Village
   A spacious, netted area where waterfowl fly freely, providing a natural habitat-like experience.
5. Red Panda House
   This facility offers close encounters with red pandas as they navigate suspension bridges and trees with effortless agility.
6. Chimpanzee and Orangutan Museums
   These exhibits showcase the exceptional agility and playful behaviors of primates in both indoor and outdoor environments.
7. Wolf Forest
   Experience a glimpse of Hokkaido’s natural history with this expansive habitat for wolves, featuring a 360-degree observation area and close-up domes.
8. Ezo Brown Bear Museum
   Opened in 2022, this exhibit brings visitors up close to the iconic brown bears of Hokkaido, offering views of their seasonal behaviors.
9. Flamingo House
   Displaying three species of flamingos, this vibrant exhibit is a favorite among visitors (closed during winter).

Asahiyama Zoo Photos

flamingos

penguin

Different kinds of seals

Tiger paws

lions

lesser panda

... also called red panda

Ezo deer

red-crowned crane

Japanese rat snake

Ezo brown bear

White-handed gibbon

Asahiyama Zoo Monument

Hippo

Giraffe

A Day at the Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo offers a well-rounded experience with its engaging exhibits and family-friendly atmosphere. It serves as both an educational hub and a leisure destination, drawing visitors from across the globe. With carefully curated environments for each animal, the zoo emphasizes conservation and provides visitors with an appreciation for wildlife.

Team Nicerio Revisits Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo Admission Fees

To visit Asahiyama Zoo, adults (high school students and above) need to pay an entrance fee of 1,000 yen, while children (junior high school students and younger) can enter for free.

Asahiyama Zoo tickets

If you plan to visit Asahiyama Zoo frequently, consider purchasing the “Zoo Passport” for 1,400 yen. This pass grants unlimited access to the zoo for one year from the date of first use. Additionally, the Zoo Passport provides discounts at other zoos and aquariums in Hokkaido, including:

• Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo
• Obihiro Zoo
• Kushiro City Zoo
• Otaru Aquarium
• Sunpiazza Aquarium
• Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix
• Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium

Asahiyama Zoo Operating Hours:

Season: Summer: April 29th ~ October 22nd. Winter: November 3rd ~ April 6th. 

Hours: 9:30am ~ 5:15pm

The park is closed on specific dates, and potential changes due to unforeseen circumstances, like infectious diseases, are noted. Additionally, closure may occur if safe operation is compromised.

 

Why visit Asahiyama Zoo?

Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most popular zoos, is a must-visit for animal lovers. It features unique, interactive exhibits showcasing diverse wildlife, including penguins, polar bears, and more. Highlights like the "Penguin Parade" and "Tunnel Aquarium" offer unforgettable experiences, while educational displays emphasize conservation and animal behavior. Set amid Hokkaido's stunning scenery, the zoo offers entertainment and learning for all ages.

Getting to Asahiyama Zoo

From Asahikawa JR Station, walk to the bus terminal in front of the station and board bus number 41 or 47. Board down at the Asahiyama Zoo bus stop. 

Travel time: 43 minutes

Fare: 500 yen

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