Asahiyama Zoo just reached their 50th anniversary in 2017. It is known for creating a buzz around zoos roughly a decade ago. As a base concept, Asahiyama Zoo follows the idea of keeping things “the way animals act in nature”, leading exhibits to be designed around showing visitors the raw behaviors the animals would in their natural habitats. The seal exhibits, polar bear exhibits, and penguin exhibits are all enjoyable in this fashion.
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Polar Bear Exhibit
One of the most exciting sights to see at Asahiyama Zoo is the dive bombs the polar bears make into their pool! Through the glass window, you will be able to see them up close, as if you have wandered into their lair. Being able to compare their size to you is a rare experience available at Asahiyama Zoo.
Seal Exhibit
In this exhibit, spotted seals freely swim around in a cylinder shaped tank called the “Marine Way”. Here, the exhibit itself is merely a sheet of glass between a visitor and the seals, making them much easier to observe at a close distance. Some say that when you look at a seal, they are also observing you!
Penguin Exhibit
At the Asahiyama Zoo, there are 4 species of penguin featured in the exhibits; the king penguin, the gentoo penguin, the humbolt penguin, and the southern rock hopper penguin. Inside of the exhibit, there is an area that is surrounded by tanks. There, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of penguins freely swimming throughout. During the wintertime, there are programs where the penguins take a walk through the actual grounds with visitors around! It is one of the most popular events as you can see the penguins walk right by you!
The Zookeeper “Munch Time” Event
An event to keep out an eye for is the “munch time” events where zookeepers and aquarists talk about the animals while feeding them! You might learn a unique thing or two about specific creatures if you stick around! Anyone can take part, make sure to check the time schedules posted on the homepage.
Getting here
| Address | Higashi Asahikawacho Kuranuma, Asahikawa 078-8205, Hokkaido |
| ☎ | 0166-36-1104 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | Omotenashi Pass (*) | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (over high school student) | 820 yen | 820 yen | 1,020 yen |
| Child (Middle school student & under) | free | ― | ― |
*Valid from after midday on the first day until midday on the second day. (2day pass)
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Apr 28 – Oct 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m. |
| Oct 16 – Nov 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m. |
| Aug 10 – 16 | 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Last entry 8:00 p.m. |
| Nov 11 – Apr 7 | 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Last entry 3:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Apr 9 -27, Nov 4 – 10, Dec 30 – Jan 1 |
The schedule may vary. Please check the official website upon visiting.
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
There are four nursing lounges in the park.
Coin lockers
There are three coin lockers in the park.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
