Asahiyama Zoo
Cold climate animals in natural enclosures
Asahikawa Zoo, located in the northernmost part of japan, is a must-visit attraction in the Asahikawa area. This zoo is known for its specialization in cold climate species and houses more than 700 animals from 124 different species. What makes Asahikawa Zoo unique is its commitment to creating environments that closely resemble the natural habitats of these animals.
Don’t Miss: The Daily Penguin Walk
One of the highlights of visiting Asahikawa Zoo is witnessing the daily penguin walk, especially during the snowy season. Penguins, known for their adorable waddling, take a stroll outside of their enclosures in front of an excited crowd. It’s a sight to behold as these cute creatures march in unison, resembling a tiny army. The penguin walk is a favorite among visitors and provides a unique opportunity to see these incredible animals up close.
The Polar Bear Aquatic Park
Another must-see attraction at Asahikawa Zoo is the Polar Bear Aquatic Park. Here, visitors can witness polar bears diving and swimming in a specially designed aquatic environment. The park offers a unique perspective on these majestic creatures as they showcase their natural behaviors in the water. It’s a mesmerizing sight to see these powerful animals gracefully navigate through the water, leaving visitors in awe of their strength and beauty.
Feeding Time
One of the highlights of visiting Asahikawa Zoo is experiencing feeding time. The zoo has staggered feeding times for different animals, allowing visitors to witness multiple feeding frenzies throughout the day. It’s a thrilling experience to see the animals eagerly devour their meals and showcase their natural hunting instincts. Whether it’s the polar bears diving for fish or the penguins eagerly gobbling up their food, feeding time at Asahikawa Zoo is a spectacle not to be missed.
How to Get There
Asahikawa Zoo is conveniently located for a day trip from Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. It is approximately 40 minutes away by bus from Asahikawa Station. To reach Asahikawa Station from Sapporo, you can take the JR Hokkaido Line, which takes around 80 minutes. On weekends and national holidays, there are special Asahikawa Zoo express trains decorated in a zoo theme, providing a fun and playful atmosphere for visitors.
Quick Facts
Asahikawa Zoo attracts approximately 1.4 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular zoos in Japan. It is also known for its success in natural breeding of cold region animals, such as polar bears, Amur leopards, and Scops owls. The zoo’s dedication to conservation and breeding programs contributes to the preservation of these endangered species.
See Nature Up Close
One of the key features of Asahikawa Zoo is its design for maximum efficiency and visibility. The zoo is planned in a way that allows visitors to maximize their encounters with animals. Abundant windows and bubble domes provide an opportunity to see animals at eye level, offering a unique and immersive experience. Whether it’s watching the playful antics of the seals or observing the penguins swim overhead in underwater tunnels, the zoo provides a close-up view of nature’s wonders.
Act Naturally
A fundamental concept of Asahikawa Zoo is to showcase animals’ natural behaviors. The zoo creates environments that allow animals to exhibit their innate behaviors, providing visitors with a glimpse into their natural habitats. Spotted seals dart through the water and dive through transparent tanks called marine ways, giving visitors a chance to see their agile movements. Penguins appear to fly above visitors through aqua tunnels, creating a sense of wonder and amazement. Polar bears dive and play, demonstrating their strength and agility in the water. By allowing animals to act naturally, Asahikawa Zoo creates an educational and immersive experience for visitors.
Penguin Star Power
Penguins are undoubtedly one of the stars of Asahikawa Zoo. Their playful nature and distinctive appearance make them a favorite among visitors of all ages. At the zoo, visitors can walk through underwater tunnels as penguins swim overhead, providing an up-close and personal experience with these fascinating creatures. During the winter season, the penguin walk is a highly anticipated event. Visitors gather to watch as the penguins waddle along outside of their enclosures, captivating the crowd with their adorable movements.
In conclusion, Asahikawa Zoo offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. With its specialization in cold climate species and dedication to creating natural enclosures, the zoo provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of these incredible animals. From the daily penguin walk to the Polar Bear Aquatic Park, there are numerous attractions that highlight the natural behaviors and habitats of the animals. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, a visit to Asahikawa Zoo is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Address And Maps Location:
Kuranuma, Higashiasahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido
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