What other travelers are saying about Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo
Love this zoo. It is built on a hill slope. Animals are well kept and clean. Great place for children and adult alike. We entered by the East Gate which is at the top of the hill and stroll slowly downhill. When getting back to the East Gate, there is a bus stop mid point of zoo where you can catch a shuttle bus back to the top if you are tired. Inexpensive entry fees and worth your 3 to 4 hours spent there.. enjoy!
Reasonably sized, clean, well laid out zoo. You can spend anywhere from an hour to a few here depending on whether you stop to see everything. They've got a good variety of animals, especially those for cold climate such as polar bears, seals and penguins.
There are also kids areas for interacting with small animals. There are feeding sessions to watch as well, though you'll generally want to come in the morning for those as most are finished by early afternoon.
Absolutely great place to visit on our last day drive out to Sapporo. Though it was little hotter on the day of visit and we got sun burn but worth it. Good light also gave us an opportunity to click better pics. I found penguin in the open space were very good for photography and interaction. Loved the big wolf, healthy lions, cheetah, bear, and many more species plus birds. Good place to go though the car parking could be a challenge but not that bad as Furano farm. Here jt is well managed.
Well run, clean zoo. Animals look healthy and have spaces to wander. It’s free for kids and ¥1000 for adults. For food East Gate has a large restaurant with tables both indoors and outdoors (shaded) and a view. Close to West Gate there is a small kiosk that you can buy food and sit at outdoor tables that has parasols for shade. You can easily spend half-a-day here. There is also a short shuttle bus that take visitors from the spider monkey enclosure up to East Gate (useful if you don’t want to climb the steps).
Visited Asahiyama Zoo in mid-July. Even though it was hot and rainy, the zoo provided umbrellas for visitors, which was a really thoughtful touch. The paths are easy to walk, and it’s simple to get from one animal area to another. Lots of animals to see, and everything felt well maintained. A great experience overall—highly recommended!
Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa is open from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM (April-October) and 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (November-March). Adult admission is 1,000 yen, children (junior high school and younger) are free. The zoo is closed from December 30 to January 1 and has irregular closures in April and November.
From Sapporo, take the JR Kamikawa bus direct to Asahiyama Zoo (1 hour 40 minutes). From Asahikawa Station, take bus route 41 or 42 to Asahiyama Zoo (40 minutes). Rental cars and taxi services are also available. The zoo provides free parking for visitors driving to Asahikawa's famous Asahiyama Zoo.
Asahiyama Zoo features polar bears, penguins, seals, red pandas, wolves, and snow leopards in innovative behavioral exhibits. Popular feeding times include polar bear feeding at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM, penguin walk (winter only) at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Check the daily schedule as feeding times may vary seasonally.
Yes, Asahiyama Zoo is exceptional in winter, offering unique experiences like the famous penguin parade from December to March. Winter visitors can see polar bears and seals more active in cold weather. Dress warmly as Asahikawa temperatures drop below freezing. The zoo's winter illuminations and snow-covered exhibits create magical photo opportunities.
Asahiyama Zoo offers multiple restaurants including Zoo Kitchen and Penguin-kan serving local Hokkaido cuisine. Facilities include gift shops with exclusive zoo merchandise, coin lockers, baby changing rooms, wheelchair rentals, and heated rest areas. The zoo also features educational centers and observation decks throughout the Asahikawa attraction.
