Asahiyama Zoo — Attraction in Asahikawa

Reached the zoo around 12pm on Saturday. No queue.

Penguin walk was the main attraction here. Crowds gathered at least 30mins before 2.30pm to watch the 2.30pm penguin walk. Penguin walk isn’t just within their enclosure space - they will go one round in between the red lines. Staff will ask you to stand behind the red lines - it can get slippery.

One of the cool experiences was at the eagles area. It’s open air and the eagles can be perched on the cage grills, above your head with some distance.

Felt sad seeing the Polar bears pace back and forth the same route continuously. Their enclosure is quite small. Also saw red panda, Pallas cat, brown bear, wolves, tiger, lions, crane, seals too. Really feel that the animals need more space than what they have right now.

Food around the area is nice eg sausage, wolf shaped custard/red bean pancakes.

Beware of slippery ice, a few people slipped and fell. Some even fell on the stairs so hold handrails if not secure where available.

After washing your hands at the toilet, please hold onto your hand warmers. The water is not warm, it’s ice cold.

💰 Cost breakdown: Train fee from Sapporo to Asahikawa: 2860 + 1830 (unreserved seat) = 4690 yen per person.

For shuttle bus, pay cash only: 500 yen per person.

Total cost just to get to Asahikawa from Sapporo: 5190 yen. Double it for two-way.

Zoo entrance fee per pax: 1000 yen. No re-entry.

🚝 Transportation by train experience: We came from another location so we directly transited at Sapporo. We didn’t know there was additional 1830 yen for unreserved seat on the Lilac-Kamui line when transiting at Sapporo at first. Thankfully, we could pay the conductor when he checked tickets. We also had to reload the card by cash in the machine in front of the gantry before tapping out, because not enough yen in card as our IC card would be charged the 2860 yen (+cost from wherever tapped in before Sapporo) from Sapporo-Asahikawa directly once tapping out of Asahikawa.

When returning, we decided to buy tickets from Asahikawa to Sapporo from the ticket counter directly.

Before entering, you’ll need to insert both the 2860 yen ticket and 1830 ticket together at the gantry to enter. Queue at doors 2-5 for unreserved seats...

Once I visited Asahiyama Zoo Hokkaido, and it's still one of the most memorable trips I've had. Located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, this zoo is famous for its unique penguin parades and interactive animal exhibits. As an animal lover, I was thrilled to see the variety of species thriving in their naturalistic habitats.. 🇯🇵💴

The zoo's design is impressive, with spacious enclosures that mimic the animals' natural environments. I loved watching the penguins waddle and play, and the sea lions swim and dive in their enclosure. The zoo's focus on animal welfare and conservation is evident in the way the animals are cared for and presented. The attention to detail in the enclosures is remarkable, making it feel like you're observing the animals in their natural habitats.. 🐧🧸🐻‍❄️🦭

One of the highlights of my visit was seeing the animals up close and personal. The zoo's layout allows visitors to get close to the animals, making it a great experience for animal enthusiasts. I especially enjoyed the penguin feeding session, where I got to see these adorable birds up close. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, which added to the overall experience.

Asahiyama Zoo is also known for its innovative exhibits, such as the "Twilight Time" exhibit, where visitors can see nocturnal animals in a simulated nighttime environment. The zoo's commitment to education and conservation is evident in its various programs and activities.

After a fun-filled day at the zoo, I took a break at the zoo's restaurant, which served delicious Hokkaido-style cuisine. I enjoyed trying some of the local specialties, such as fresh seafood and soup curry. The restaurant's outdoor seating area offered great views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot to relax and recharge. There are also plenty of food stalls and cafes throughout the zoo, offering a range of snacks and refreshments.

With its unique exhibits, interactive experiences, and focus on animal welfare, Asahiyama Zoo is a great destination for anyone who loves wildlife. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, this zoo is definitely...

Asahikawa Aquarium: A Captivating Dive into Hokkaido's Underwater Wonders

As one of the largest aquariums in Hokkaido, the Asahikawa Aquarium offers a truly remarkable experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported into a world teeming with vibrant marine life, meticulously curated to showcase the diverse ecosystems of the region.

One of the aquarium's standout features is its extensive collection of over 9,000 aquatic creatures, ranging from playful seals and sea lions to majestic sharks and dolphins. The opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitats is nothing short of mesmerizing, as you can't help but be captivated by their graceful movements and unique behaviors.

The exhibit design is truly awe-inspiring, with the highlight being the massive underground aquarium that allows visitors to walk along the transparent walls and immerse themselves in the underwater realm. The attention to detail in recreating these environments is truly impressive, transporting you to the depths of the ocean without ever leaving the facility.

Beyond the stunning visuals, the Asahikawa Aquarium excels in its educational offerings. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide in-depth information about the marine species, while interactive programs and workshops further enhance the learning experience. Whether you're a curious child or a lifelong marine enthusiast, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.

The aquarium's architectural design is equally noteworthy, with the building itself resembling a giant whale, seamlessly blending form and function. This unique aesthetic adds to the overall immersive experience, making a visit to the Asahikawa Aquarium a truly memorable occasion.

Overall, the Asahikawa Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world of Hokkaido. With its impressive collection, state-of-the-art exhibits, and educational focus, it offers a captivating and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression on visitors...