There are more than 1.5 million visitors each year and they are not only from Japan but also visitors from overseas like China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The number of visitors is the 3rd in Japan after Ueno zoo in Tokyo and Higashiyama zoo in Nagoya. Believe it or not, about 15 years ago, Asahiyama zoo was loss-making and struggling to stay open. The successful story of the zoo was made into a movie as “Asahiyama Zoo Story – Penguins fly in the sky–”
Asahiyama zoo keeps more than 600 animals and birds of 112 species including their popular animals like polar bears and spotted seals. The zoo became famous because of its unique ways of exhibition. It shows not only animals themselves but also their behavior. You can see animals from various angles and animals’ life as it is. It is also known as one of pioneers for mixed exhibitions such as spider monkeys and capybaras mixed exhibition. Since no animals live by one kind in nature, mix exhibitions put animals into a near-natural environment.
Fun events
Mogumogu Time
“Mogumogu” means feeding and special feeding time events are held every day. Mogumogu time is held at some specific enclosures such as polar bears, giraffes, penguins, chimpanzees and tigers. While feeding animals, zookeepers would explain animals’ unique habits. Mogumogu time is the best time to watch your favorite animals.
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is the most popular event in winter. Penguins walk from their enclosure to the main gate twice a day. Some penguins jump into snow and swim on the snow. The way they walk is very cute and many visitors are taking photo during the parade.
Night Zoo
Night time event is held in summer and it is only one week in August. You can see the different side of animals which you can’t see at day time. There are some guide tours by zookeepers. At night zoo, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese summer festival because they have food stalls and exhibition of huge handmade paper lanterns. If you are lucky to be there in the week, enjoy the short summer of Hokkaido at Asahiyama zoo.
Snow Light Zoo
During Winter Festival of Asahikawa in February, zoo is open until 20:30 and you can see snow lights at zoo. The snow lights are very beautiful and you will be surprised by unique behaviors of animals in silent and cold atmosphere.
Popular enclosure at Asahiyama Zoo
Spotted Seals
At the seal aquarium, there is a glass pipe which seals go through. This glass pipe is one of the most popular spot at the zoo. You can enjoy watching seals from all side.
Polar Bears
The polar bear enclosure is also attracting spot for visitors. There are two kinds of enclosures; one has huge glass tank which polar bears would jump in and another one has no fence so you can feel them closer.
Penguin
The penguin enclosure is the best spot for taking photos. There is a tunnel under the penguin aquarium which you can walk through and watch penguins swimming. The way of the swimming is looks like as if they were flying in the sky.
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