Asahiyama Zoo

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo is a zoo operated by Asahikawa City. It opened in 1967, but rather than simply showing animals, it became famous after shifting to "behavioral exhibits" that highlight animals’ natural actions and lifestyles. This transformation led to a dramatic increase in visitors starting in 1997, and today it is one of Asahikawa’s sightseeing spots. Because the focus is on seeing animals in action, the zoo operates with schedules that match the times when animals are most active. There are many popular highlights such as "flying penguins," the "Mogumogu Time" feeding events, and the "Tori no Mura" bird village. The zoo also practices mixed-species exhibits, such as keeping Geoffroy’s spider monkeys and capybaras in the same space, as part of its approach. In summer, the "Night Zoo" is especially popular because you can observe animals’ nighttime behaviors up close, which are normally hard to see. In winter, letting king penguins take a walk on snowy paths has become one of the zoo’s signature seasonal attractions. To get to Asahiyama Zoo, take a bus from JR Asahikawa Station (about 40 minutes) or from Asahikawa Airport (about 35 minutes). Buses run about every 30 minutes from Asahikawa Station, while buses from the airport run twice a day.