Asahiyama Zoo (ˆ®ŽR“®•¨‰€, Asahiyama Dōbutsuen) is a very popular zoological garden just outside of central Asahikawa City in the middle of Hokkaido. Its popularity lies in the enclosures which allow visitors to observe the animals from various angles, many of which are unique to Asahiyama Zoo.
Highlights include a glass tunnel through the penguin pool that allows visitors to observe the birds' underwater flights, and small glass domes in the middle of the polar bear and wolf enclosures that can get visitors right among the animals. The zoo was also one of the first to organize penguin walks in winter. Work on new enclosures and improvements to existing ones is constantly ongoing.
Animals on display include native wildlife from Hokkaido, including deer, eagles, cranes and (now extinct) wolves, as well as various animals from across the world, such as polar bears, apes, big cats and giraffes. If possible, try to visit the zoo outside of weekends and holidays to reduce the crowds.
Some unique enclosure at Asahiyama Zoo:
Getting there and around
From Asahikawa Station
Take bus number 41, 42 or 47 from Asahikawa Station to Asahiyama Zoo. The one way ride takes 40 minutes and costs 500 yen. There are about two buses per hour.
By car, the zoo can be reached from central Asahikawa in about half an hour. The taxi fare is around 3000-4000 yen one way.
The closest train station to the zoo is Kitahinode Station, a 30-40 minute walk away.
From Asahikawa Airport
There are very infrequent direct buses between the airport and the zoo (35 minutes, 650 yen one way). During the rest of the day, take a bus from the airport to Asahikawa Station (35 minutes, 750 yen, departures timed with flight arrivals) and then take another bus from there to the zoo (see details above). By car, it takes about 25 minutes from the airport to the zoo. The taxi fare is around 3500-4500 yen one way.
From Furano
Take the JR Furano Line from Furano to Asahikawa (70 minutes, 1290 yen, one train per hour) and then a bus from Asahikawa Station to the zoo (see details above). By car, it takes about 70-90 minutes.
How to get to and around Asahikawa
Hours and Fees
Hours
Mid October to early November: 9:30 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Mid November to early April: 10:30 to 15:30 (entry until 15:00)
Closed
November 4 to 10
December 30 to January 1
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Asahikawa
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Mimatsuso RyokanSituated within 48 km of Azumamachi Hall and 1.2 km of Tokiwa Park in Asahikawa, Mimatsuso Ryokan offers accommodation with seating area. This 1-star ryokan offers free shuttle service. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, every unit comes with a tatami, a flat-screen TV, a shared bathroom, bed linen and towels. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Asahikawa Yojo Station is 1.8 km from the ryokan, while Ayako Miura Literature Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Asahikawa Airport is 15 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Asahikawa RideSituated in Asahikawa, near Tokiwa Park, Asahikawa Yojo Station and Asahikawa Civic Cultural Center, Asahikawa Ride features a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms. Every unit comes with a safety deposit box and certain rooms are fitted with city views. All units at the guest house are fitted with a shared bathroom and bed linen. A ski equipment rental service and ski storage space are available at the guest house, and guests can go skiing in the surroundings. Azumamachi Hall is 47 km from Asahikawa Ride, while Ayako Miura Literature Museum is 2.6 km from the property. Asahikawa Airport is 14 km away.View on Booking.com -
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JR Inn AsahikawaOpen from March 2015, JR Inn Asahikawa offers simple accommodation directly connected to JR Asahikawa Station. A public bath and laundry facilities are available on site. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Featuring a minimalistic design, all rooms are fitted with original pillows and a flat-screen TV. Shower facilities are provided in all rooms, while only some rooms come with a bathtub. Asahikawa JR Inn is a 35-minute drive or airport limousine ride from Asahikawa Airport. Asahiyama Zoo is a 30-minute drive away. There is an Aeon shopping centre adjacent to the hotel. The hotel offers various facilities and services including free luggage storage. Parking is available on site for a fee. A buffet breakfast is available at the on-site restaurant.View on Booking.com -
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HOTEL AMANEK AsahikawaSet within 2.2 km of Kaguraoka Park and 300 metres of Asahikawa Station, HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa provides rooms in Asahikawa. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 48 km from Azumamachi Hall. At the hotel, each room includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. All units at HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa include air conditioning and a desk. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Asahikawa Yojo Station, Tokiwa Park and Ayako Miura Literature Museum. Asahikawa Airport is 15 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Morinoyu Hotel HanakaguraSet in Asahikawa, within 18 km of Asahikawa Yojo Station and 19 km of Kaguraoka Park, Morinoyu Hotel Hanakagura offers accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 20 km from Ayako Miura Literature Museum, 21 km from Tokiwa Park and 17 km from Kashiwaen Park. Asahikawa Airport is 9 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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9 C Hotel AsahikawaSituated in Asahikawa and with Azumamachi Hall reachable within 47 km, 9 C Hotel Asahikawa features a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. Located around 2 km from Kaguraoka Park, the hotel is also 500 metres away from Asahikawa Station. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk and a TV. At 9 C Hotel Asahikawa rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a shared bathroom. An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are willing to help at any time of the day at the reception. Popular points of interest near 9 C Hotel Asahikawa include Asahikawa Yojo Station, Ayako Miura Literature Museum and Tokiwa Park. Asahikawa Airport is 15 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Dormy Inn AsahikawaDormy Inn Asahikawa is a 10-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Train Station. It offers modern accommodation with a large public hot-spring bath and free in-room wired internet. Guestrooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, an electric kettle with green tea, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A humidifier and a trouser press are also provided. Guests can enjoy a relaxing bath at the natural hot spring bath located on the hotelfs top floor. Sauna facilities are also available. Other facilities include a coin-operated laundrette. Complimentary Japanese Yonaki (Ramen) noodles are available from 21:30-23:00 on a first-come, first-served basis. Hot coffee is also served from 15:00-23:00 to guests arriving to the property. Asahikawa Dormy Inn is a 40-minute drive from Asahiyama Zoo and about a 10-minute drive to Kamikawa Shrine.View on Booking.com -
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Lampstand STAY AsahikawaLampstand STAY Asahikawa is set in Asahikawa, 1.8 km from Ayako Miura Literature Museum, 2 km from Tokiwa Park, and 1.9 km from Kaguraoka Park. Built in 1909, this 1-star ryokan is within 47 km of Azumamachi Hall and 1.4 km of Asahikawa Yojo Station. The ryokan offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, the units come with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A fridge and kettle are also featured. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop on-site. Asahikawa Station is 600 metres from the ryokan. Asahikawa Airport is 13 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel WBF Grande AsahikawaSet in Asahikawa, 47 km from Azumamachi Hall, Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa features a spa and wellness centre and views of the city. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk and a flat-screen TV. Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa offers some units with mountain views, and every room is equipped with a kettle. At the accommodation all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The hotel offers a hot spring bath. Popular points of interest near Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa include Ayako Miura Literature Museum, Asahikawa Yojo Station and Kaguraoka Park. Asahikawa Airport is 14 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Kuretake Inn AsahikawaLocated within 47 km of Azumamachi Hall and 2.2 km of Ayako Miura Literature Museum, Kuretake Inn Asahikawa provides rooms in Asahikawa. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, every room comes with a desk. All units in Kuretake Inn Asahikawa are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisine. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are always at hand to help. Popular points of interest near Kuretake Inn Asahikawa include Asahikawa Yojo Station, Tokiwa Park and Asahikawa Civic Cultural Center. Asahikawa Airport is 13 km away.View on Booking.com
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