There is a very popular zoo that can be found in Asahikawa City and it’s called the Asahiyama Zoo. What makes this zoo unique from the rest is the specially designed enclosures on which you can view the animals in various different angles. It is home to over 800 animals from 150 different species.
1. Underwater Glass Tunnel
the Underwater Glass Tunnel is one of the main attractions of Asahiyama Zoo. Visitors of the park are able to observe the penguins as they swim across the water and make it seem like they’re flying. You’d be surprised on how these seemingly clumsy birds on land, can perform difficult maneuvers when they are under the water.
2. The Penguin Parade
Everyone loves penguins. These adorable animals can be seen at the Asahiyama Park and some people frequently visit the park just to see them. During winter, the penguins are taken out of their enclosure to perform the Penguin Parade. These penguins along with their caretakers walk across the park to the delight of the visitors.
3. Up Close and Personal with Polar Bears
Polar bears are considered as the biggest bears in the world and are easily recognized because of their white fur. These bears are found in places near the Arctic Circle mainly Russia, Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Norway. Their special enclosure at Asahiyama Park gives visitors an opportunity to see them up close and personal.
4. Ride the Asahiyama Zoo Train
Hiroshi Abe, one of the former staff from Asahiyama Zoo designed this train. This colorful train designed with pictures of animals was made to tell a story about how they live in the wild. Children can play with the various stuffed animals that are on the Zoo train. It departs from Sapporo at 8:30 am and arrives at Asahikawa station at around 10:00 am. The return trip starts at 4:00 pm and arrives at Sapporo at around 6:00 pm.
5. Mogu-Mogu Time! (Yum Yum Time!)
Every day, the zoo announces the time on which the staff is going to feed the animals and they call it the “Mogu-Mogu Time”. If you have any favorite animals and would like to observe them while they eat, it would be best to check the schedule that is posted at the zoo.
6. Souvenirs from the Zoo!
Of course, it would be best to buy a souvenir from the zoo and give it to your family and friends back home. The cute animal designs that are printed on these souvenirs are bound to make anyone happy. It might even motivate them to visit Asahiyama Zoo. With that in mind, be sure to bring back the best souvenirs that you can find and share your happiness with them!
7. Interaction with the Animals
The fun part about going to Asahiyama Park is the chance to interact with the animals. Children loves animals and if given the chance to pet or hold one, they would gladly say yes. Some of the animals in the zoo are very tame and the staff allows visitors to touch and pet them under their supervision.
Information
- Address: Kuranuma Higashi Asahikawacho, Asahikawa 078-8205, Hokkaido
- Phone: +81 166-36-1104
- Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Access: Ride Bus No. 41, 42 or 47 from Asahikawa Station and get off at Asahiyama Zoo
- Admission Fee: ¥820
- Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazo
Have a Good Trip and Travel!
