When visiting Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is an attraction you shouldn’t miss. Located on the outskirts of Asahikawa, the zoo opened in 1967. It was originally created in response to residents’ hopes for a recreational and educational place where children could connect with nature and learn about life. At the time, there was even debate over funding and whether it needed to be built, but thanks to public support, it was finally completed. Today, it has become one of Hokkaido’s most iconic zoos.
What makes Asahiyama Zoo particularly special is its famous “behavioral exhibits.” Rather than keeping animals in cages for visitors to view, the zoo places greater emphasis on the animals’ natural abilities and habits, designing environments where they can move around, climb, swim, and rest comfortably. Many exhibits deliberately minimize heavy fencing and barriers, allowing visitors to observe the animals’ most natural behavior up close and from unexpected angles.
As you walk around the zoo, you’ll also see many handwritten information boards made by the keepers themselves. They’re lively and full of clever touches, explaining not only the animals’ names but also why they behave the way they do and what interesting habits they have. The zoo also holds daily feeding and educational programs featuring different animals, so you can choose a few that interest you ahead of time. The natural and adorable interactions between the keepers and animals are often even more memorable than simply watching the animals.
The penguins are definitely the most heart-melting part! The low fences provide an almost completely unobstructed view, so you can watch them swim and walk up close. It feels like stepping right into their world. After snow falls in winter, there’s also the hugely popular “Penguin Walk.” This activity was originally created to help the penguins get more exercise during winter, but it unexpectedly became Asahiyama Zoo’s most iconic winter attraction. Watching a group of penguins waddle right past you is so cute that you just can’t stop taking pictures!
