Table of Contents
- What Makes Asahiyama Zoo Special? A Must-Visit Spot in Hokkaido
- Asahiyama Zoo Tickets, Opening Hours & How to Get There
- Must-See Animals & Exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo
- What is the Penguin Walk? A Winter-Only Event You Can’t Miss
- The Best Way to Explore Asahiyama Zoo: Suggested Route & Time Guide
- Best Places to Stay Near Asahiyama Zoo
- Best Food & Attractions Near Asahiyama Zoo
- Final Tips for Making the Most of Your Asahiyama Zoo Visit
"How can I enjoy the penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo?"
"What are the opening hours? How much is the entrance fee? What's the best way to get there?"
"If I want to stay near the zoo, where's the most convenient place?"
For those with these questions, we’ve got all the details on Asahiyama Zoo’s charm and useful tips!
This zoo is a favorite among families and animal lovers, offering a rare chance to see the "Penguin Walk" up close in Japan.
In this article, we've put together all the key points to fully enjoy Asahiyama Zoo, from the entrance fee and highlights to the best accommodation. Be sure to use it to plan your itinerary!
🏨 If you're looking for a nice place to stay both short term and long term, the rental vacation home "BIG EAST" is the perfect choice! This rental vacation house offers easy access to popular tourist spots like Asahiyama Zoo, Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko, and Furano. Just like the vacation homes listed on Airbnb, it's ideal for family trips or small group travel. Get a good deal on a vacation home and rental car at "BIG EAST" and start your wonderful journey through Hokkaido!
1. What Makes Asahiyama Zoo Special? A Must-Visit Spot in Hokkaido
As a must-visit hot spot for Hokkaido travel, Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and is world-famous for its unique exhibition method called "behavioral exhibition."
"Behavioral exhibition" is a display method designed to allow animals to showcase their natural abilities and behaviors. This way, visitors can enjoy watching the animals up close in their most natural state.
Highlights
A water tunnel where penguins swim overhead
A powerful polar bear dive
Seals freely gliding through a cylindrical tank
This special zoo offers an experience that makes you feel as if you've stepped into the animals' world.
2. Asahiyama Zoo Tickets, Opening Hours & How to Get There
Entrance Fee
- Adults: 1,000 yen (approx. $6.44)
- Children (junior high school age and under): Free
💡 Purchasing in advance on the web makes entry smoother on the day of your visit!
Open the purchase page and click on your desired flag to change the language. → [Purchase page here]
Business Hours
| Opening Period | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 – 4/7 | 10:30 – 15:30 | 15:00 |
| 4/26 – 10/15 | 9:30 – 17:15 | 16:00 |
| 10/16 – 11/3 | 9:30 – 16:30 | 16:00 |
| 11/11 – 12/29 | 10:30 – 15:30 | 15:00 |
📌 Special openings, including Night Zoo events, are also held!
Access
🚍 By Bus
From Asahikawa Station: Take Asahikawa Electric Tramway Bus No. 41 or No. 47 from JR Asahikawa Station Bus Touch Stand No. 6. Approx. 40 minutes (Adults: 500 yen).
From Asahikawa Airport: Take Asahikawa Electric Tramway Bus No. 78. Approx. 35 minutes (Adults: 650 yen).
🚗 By Car
From Asahikawa Station: Approx. 11.3 km (About 30 min by taxi / Around 3,500 yen)
From Asahikawa Airport: Approx. 14.5 km (About 25 min by taxi / Around 3,500 yen)
From Sapporo: Approx. 152 km (About 2 hours by car)
From New Chitose Airport: Approx. 160 km (About 2 hours by car)
🅿 Parking Information
- Free Parking: Approx. 500 spaces
- Paid Parking: Approx. 1,100 spaces
For the latest updates and details, please check the official Asahiyama Zoo website.
🚗 Rental Car is Best!
For Hokkaido travel, rental car transportation is convenient.
You can arrange a rental car at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo, allowing you to travel with a flexible schedule without worrying about your luggage.
A special campaign is now available—rent for 3 or more days and get 1 day free! → [See details here!]
3. Must-See Animals & Exhibits at Asahiyama Zoo
Next, let's check out the must-see animals & exhibit areas at Asahiyama Zoo!
🐧 Penguin House – Penguins Swimming Right in Front of You
Walk through a transparent underwater tunnel and watch penguins effortlessly swim overhead! The sight of them gliding through the water, almost like they’re flying through the sky, is truly breathtaking.
During the winter-only "Penguin Walk," you can see penguins waddling across the snow up close.
🐻 Polar Bear House – A Powerful Dive!
The moment a massive polar bear leaps into the pool is absolutely stunning!
From below the tank, you’ll feel as if the bear is swimming right next to you, creating an incredibly immersive experience.
🦭 Seal House – The Fascinating Cylindrical Tank
Watch seals effortlessly swim up and down through a cylindrical water tank—an exclusive and unique sight you won’t find anywhere else.
It's the perfect photo spot, as you admire the seals gliding so gracefully.
🐺 Wolf Forest – A Pack of Wolves Roaming Together
Observe a pack of wolves walking freely across a vast natural area.
This exhibit offers an up-close look at wolves living in an environment close to the wild—an absolute must for animal lovers.
If you’re lucky, you might even hear them howl!
4. What is the Penguin Walk? A Winter-Only Event You Can’t Miss
The highlight winter event at Asahiyama Zoo is the "Penguin Walk"!
Watch adorable penguins freely waddle across the snow up close.
🕰 Event Schedule (2024-2025)
- Period: December 12, 2024 (Thu) – Mid-March 2025 (as long as there is snow)
-
Time:
- December – February: 11:00 AM / 2:30 PM
- March: 11:00 AM only
💡 Important Notes
- The schedule may change or be canceled depending on course conditions.
- Please watch quietly to avoid stressing the penguins.
5. The Best Way to Explore Asahiyama Zoo: Suggested Route & Time Guide
Asahiyama Zoo is large, so choosing the right route based on your available time is key!
⏳ Short Visit Route (Approx. 2 Hours)
For those who want to see only the most popular exhibits quickly!
📍 Main Gate → Penguin House → Polar Bear House → Seal House → Wolf Forest → Goal
🕰 Half-Day Route (Approx. 3–4 Hours)
For those who want to enjoy the Penguin Walk as well!
📍 Main Gate → Penguin House → Penguin Walk (Winter Only) → Polar Bear House → Seal House → Chimpanzee Forest → Small Animal Corner → Goal
🌟 Full-Day Route (Approx. 5–6 Hours)
For those who want to fully enjoy the zoo, including lunch!
📍 Morning: Penguin House → Penguin Walk (Winter Only) → Polar Bear House → Seal House
📍 Lunch: Enjoy Hokkaido gourmet at a restaurant inside the zoo
📍 Afternoon: Wolf Forest → Red Panda House → Shopping at the souvenir shop!
⛄ In winter, walking on snowy paths can take extra time, so plan a relaxed schedule!
6. Best Places to Stay Near Asahiyama Zoo
Staying midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa is more convenient than staying in Asahikawa City!
If you stay in Asahikawa City, the next day's travel time will be longer, and you may need to leave early in the morning.
On the other hand, staying between Sapporo and Asahikawa reduces travel stress and lets you enjoy your trip in a nice way!
That's why the best choice is the rental vacation home "BIG EAST"!
The Appeal of the Rental Vacation House "BIG EAST"
✅ Enjoy BBQ in summer and snow play or snow sledding in winter!
✅ Ski rental available, so even beginners can feel at ease.
✅ Located between major tourist spots like Sapporo, Asahikawa, Furano, Otaru, and Niseko, making it easy to plan a flexible itinerary!
✅ Run by a Hokkaido-born host who provides great travel support.
✅ Spacious living room & fully equipped kitchen—perfect for family or small group trips.
✅ With hot springs and ski resorts nearby, you can experience life in Hokkaido, whether for a short term or long term stay.
📍 About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Asahiyama Zoo
📍 About 35 minutes by car from Sapporo
By staying at the rental vacation home "BIG EAST," you can reduce travel stress and enjoy Hokkaido travel in a nice way! → Check now and start planning your ideal trip!
7. Best Food & Attractions Near Asahiyama Zoo
After Enjoying Asahiyama Zoo, Explore Asahikawa’s Unique Gourmet and Sightseeing!
The area around the zoo is filled with delicious Asahikawa ramen and fascinating tourist attractions that let you experience the city's history and culture.
🍜 Must-Visit Spots for Asahikawa Ramen!
📍 Asahikawa Ramen Village (About 30 min by car from the zoo)
This is the best place to compare different famous ramen shops in one spot!
Asahikawa is known for its rich soy sauce-based broth and curly noodles—a signature style of Asahikawa ramen.
Here are two of the best places to try:
🏆 Santouka
Famous for its creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, offering a smooth and flavorful taste.
🏆 Baikoken
A long-established favorite featuring soy sauce-based broth and house-made curly noodles loved by locals.
🎨 For Art Lovers: Asahikawa Museum of Art
📍 Asahikawa Museum of Art (About 30 min by car from the zoo)
This museum showcases art inspired by Asahikawa’s nature and culture, including works by some of Hokkaido’s most renowned artists.
Enjoy the quiet, reflective atmosphere and immerse yourself in art while savoring the memories of your journey.
🍶 For Sake Lovers: Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum!
📍 Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum (About 20 min by car from the zoo)
Asahikawa is a famous sake-producing region, and this museum offers a glimpse into the traditional art of sake brewing.
Visitors can also enjoy free tastings, making it a must for Japanese sake enthusiasts!
Don’t forget to pick up Hokkaido-exclusive sake as a souvenir.
🚗 Rental Car is Convenient for Exploring Hokkaido’s Tourist Attractions!
If you want to enjoy sightseeing after visiting Asahiyama Zoo, traveling by rental car makes everything smoother.You can rent a car at New Chitose Airport or Sapporo and drive directly to Asahiyama Zoo and other nearby tourist attractions.A special campaign is now available—rent for 3 or more days and get 1 day free!
8. Final Tips for Making the Most of Your Asahiyama Zoo Visit
3 Key Tips for Fully Enjoying Asahiyama Zoo – Have a Comfortable Trip!
✅ 1. Plan Your Viewing Route in Advance
To make the most of the zoo’s behavioral exhibitions, check the areas you want to visit beforehand!
Popular spots like Penguin House, Polar Bear House, and Seal House tend to get crowded, so visiting them first thing in the morning is the best strategy.
✅ 2. Enjoy Asahikawa Gourmet
After the zoo, indulge in Asahikawa ramen and Japanese sake!
On a cold winter day, a steaming bowl of ramen is the perfect reward.
✅ 3. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Staying midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa makes travel smoother and reduces fatigue.
At the rental vacation home "BIG EAST," you’ll have great access to Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, and Niseko, plus a spacious, comfortable space to relax with family and friends.
After a long day at Asahiyama Zoo, choosing the right place to rest is just as important as the sightseeing itself!
I hope these tips help you enjoy your Hokkaido travel to the fullest when visiting Asahiyama Zoo.
Thank you for reading until the end!