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, 1380 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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Asahikawa RideView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Asahikawa Ride in Asahikawa offers family rooms with city views and work desks. Each room includes a shared bathroom and free WiFi.Guest Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, ski equipment hire, daily housekeeping, full-day security, bicycle parking, luggage storage, and ski storage.Local Attractions
Tokiwa Park is less than 1 km away, Asahikawa Yojo Station is a 19-minute walk, and Asahikawa Civic Cultural Center is 400 metres nearby. Asahikawa Airport is 14 km from the property.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, well-equipped kitchen, and convenient location. -
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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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9 C Hotel AsahikawaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
9 C Hotel Asahikawa in Asahikawa offers air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators, work desks, and free WiFi. Each room includes a TV, carpeted floors, and slippers for added comfort.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a bar and lounge, coffee shop, and 24-hour front desk. Additional amenities include a lift, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.Delicious Breakfast
A daily Asian breakfast is served, highly praised by guests for its quality and variety.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Asahikawa Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Asahikawa Yojo Station and a 5-minute walk from Asahikawa Station. Nearby attractions include Ayako Miura Literature Museum (1.7 km) and Tokiwa Park (1.8 km). -
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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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Takasago OnsenView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Takasago Onsen in Asahikawa offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The spa and wellness centre provides a range of treatments, while the games room and hot tub offer leisure activities.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for lunch. Private check-in and check-out services, a lounge, and a games room enhance the stay.Local Attractions
Located 3.8 km from Ayako Miura Literature Museum and 16 km from Asahikawa Airport, Takas offers easy access to nearby attractions. -
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HOTEL AMANEK AsahikawaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Amanek Asahikawa in Asahikawa offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities including free WiFi, a work desk, and a TV.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a refrigerator, electric kettle, and soundproofing.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast is served daily, and the hotel provides a variety of dining options nearby, including nearby shops, public transport, and options for food and drinks.Local Attractions
Located 1.7 km from Asahikawa Yojo Station, 1.9 km from Ayako Miura Literature Museum, and 3 minutes from Asahikawa Station. Tokiwa Park is a 19-minute walk away. Asahikawa Airport is 15 km distant. -
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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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Hotel WBF Grande AsahikawaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa in Asahikawa offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and city or mountain views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and work desk.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The spa and wellness centre provides a range of treatments, while free WiFi is available throughout the property.Convenient Location
Located 14 km from Asahikawa Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Ayako Miura Literature Museum (19-minute walk), Asahikawa Station (5-minute walk), and Kaguraoka Park (1.8 km). Public transport options enhance the stay. -
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Art Hotel AsahikawaFeaturing a sauna and fitness facilities, Art Hotel Asahikawa offers Western-style rooms in classic neutral shades and free Wi-Fi/wired internet. It has 3 dining options, and is a 5-minute drive from Asahikawa Train Station. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with pay channels. An electric kettle with green tea bags and bathroom amenities are provided. Art Hotel Asahikawa is a 30-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport and a 2-hour drive from Sapporo. It is within a 30-minute drive to Asahiyama Zoo and Inoue Yasushi Memorial Museum. Massages can be enjoyed in the room. A convenience store can be found across the street from the property. Restaurant Minori located on the top floor offers panoramic views of Asahikawa City and serves a buffet featuring local produces, while restaurant Arashiyama serves Japanese specialities.View on Booking.com -
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Lampstand STAY AsahikawaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Lampstand STAY Asahikawa in Asahikawa offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, TV, and electric kettle.On-Site Facilities
Guests can enjoy a coffee shop and free off-site private parking. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, and electric kettle.Convenient Location
Located 13 km from Asahikawa Airport, the ryokan is a 16-minute walk from Asahikawa Yojo Station and a 7-minute walk from Asahikawa Station. Nearby attractions include Ayako Miura Literature Museum (1.8 km), Tokiwa Park (2 km), and Kaguraoka Park (1.9 km).
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