Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo houses more than 800 animals representing around 150 species. There are more than 25 exhibits, and a number of them give you a special view of the animals. Don’t miss penguins swimming overhead as you walk through the underwater glass tunnel in the penguin enclosure. A vertical underwater tank allows you to see spotted seals diving. And you can view polar bears or wolves up close in enclosures through pop-up plexiglass domes.

Visit Asahiyama Zoo independently, or as part of a sightseeing tour from Sapporo. Tours often visit other area highlights, such as Snow Crystal Museum, Biei Blue Pond, or Shirahige waterfall.

• There is a free internal shuttle bus.

• The ground can be slippery in the winter.

• On-site facilities include restrooms, nursing rooms, lockers, cafés, restaurants, and gift shops.

• Free Wi-Fi is available in designated areas of the zoo.

• The zoo is largely wheelchair and stroller accessible; both can be borrowed for free.

• Day tours from Sapporo can last upward of 11 hours.

The zoo is located east of Asahikawa in central Hokkaido. From Asahikawa Station, take bus No. 41, 42, or 47. Buses run twice an hour and take about 40 minutes to arrive at the zoo. The closest train station is Kita-Hinode Station, about a 40-minute walk. The zoo is a 30-minute drive from central Asahikawa.

The zoo is open year-round, except Dec. 30 through Jan. 1 and a few days in April and November. The zoo is popular on weekends and public holidays. During the winter, the popular Penguin Walk takes place once or twice each day. For a few days in August, the zoo is open late, until 8:30pm.

Every morning, the zoo puts out the animals’ mogu mogu (feeding) schedule, which can be found at the zoo itself and on their website. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly. The meal times are often staggered, so you can watch several feedings during your visit.