Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園, 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
Late April to mid October: 9:30 to 17:15 (entry until 16:00)
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)
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
April 8 to 28 (or the beginning of Golden Week, whichever occurs first)
November 4 to 10
December 30 to January 1
November 4 to 10
December 30 to January 1
Admission
1000 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Asahikawa
Top rated in Asahikawa
Budget:
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Mimatsuso RyokanOffering affordable Japanese-style accommodations, Mimatsuso Ryokan is a 5-minute drive on the free shuttle from JR Asahikawa Train Station. Traditional souvenirs such as origami and bookmarks are offered to guests for free. Free Wi-Fi is available. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Yukata robes, a TV and a trouser press are included in each. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Guests can store food in the shared fridge and use the free-use launderette. Japanese meals are served at the shared dining room. Guests can reserve a private dining room, which has a capacity of up to 4 people. Ryokan Mimatsuso is a 10-minute walk from Tokiwa Park and a 30-minute drive from Asahiyama Zoo. Various shopping malls are within a 5-minute walk from the Ryokan.View on Booking.com -
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Asahikawa RideFeaturing free WiFi and a shared lounge, Asahikawa Ride offers accommodation in Asahikawa, 10 km from Asahiyama Zoo and 600 metres from Tokiwa Park. Around 600 metres from Asahikawa Museum of Art, the property is also close to Asahikawa Science Center. Local points of interest like Kaguraoka Park and Ayako Miura Literature Museum are reachable within 2.3 km and 2.3 km, respectively. All rooms in the guest house are fitted with kitchenette with a kettle, microwave and toaster. Each bed in the dormitory rooms has a reading light and socket. A safety deposit box is provided for each guest. There are storage facilities including ski and snowboard equipment. Guests at Asahikawa Ride will be able to enjoy activities in and around Asahikawa, like skiing, cycling and mountain climbing. The guest house staff can assist guests with local information and tourist destinations. Sutaruhin Stadium is 2.1 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 13 km from Asahikawa Ride.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. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 15 km from HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa.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 located 20 km from Ayako Miura Literature Museum, 21 km from Tokiwa Park and 17 km from Kashiwaen Park. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 9 km from the hotel.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 hotel’s 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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Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa EkimaeJust a 3-minute walk from Asahikawa Station, Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae offers accommodation with private parking on site. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Decorated in natural earth tones, all carpeted rooms feature air conditioning, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. An air purifier/humidifier, electric kettle, hairdryer and refrigerator are provided. The private bathroom comes with a bath, shower, free toiletries and high-tech toilet. Guests can unwind in the public bath on the 17th floor that boasts a city view. Free ironing services are available at the 24-hour front desk. The property offers a drinks vending machine and coin-operated washing machine. Meeting facilities, fax and photocopying services can be arranged for an additional fee. A Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast including freshly baked bread is provided at the on-site restaurant La Mer. There is a coffee shop and convenience store on the ground floor. Ayako Miura Literature Museum and Asahikawa Museum of Art are 10 minutes by car from the property. Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae is a 35-minute drive away from Asahiyama Zoo and Asahikawa Airport.View on Booking.com -
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Lampstand STAY AsahikawaFeaturing 1-star accommodation, Lampstand STAY Asahikawa is set in Asahikawa, 47 km from Azumamachi Hall and 1.4 km from Asahikawa Yojo Station. Housed in a building dating from 1909, this ryokan is 600 metres from the Asahikawa 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. During the colder months, guests can enjoy winter sports in the surrounding area. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Ayako Miura Literature Museum, Tokiwa Park and Kaguraoka Park. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 13 km from Lampstand STAY Asahikawa.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, rooms are equipped with a desk, a TV, a shared bathroom, bed linen and towels. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at 9 C Hotel Asahikawa can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are willing to help at any time of the day at the reception. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Asahikawa Yojo Station, Ayako Miura Literature Museum and Tokiwa Park. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 15 km from 9 C Hotel Asahikawa.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 offers 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 features 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. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa. 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. The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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