Asahiyama Zoo (旭川市旭山動物園) is one of Japan’s most family-friendly attractions, where kids can get closer to animals than almost anywhere else in the country. Visiting Asahiyama Zoo in winter feels like stepping into a snowy wonderland, especially when the famous penguin walk begins and these adorable birds waddle right past delighted families. Whether you’re planning your day around Asahiyama Zoo’s tickets or checking the opening hours to catch your favorite exhibits, this Hokkaido adventure promises an unforgettable mix of wildlife, wonder, and wide-eyed excitement for all ages.
As you plan your trip to Asahikawa, Furano or Biei, this guide is a great place to start! Begin with our Best Things to Do in Asahikawa, Furano & Biei with Kids guide for family-friendly fun along the canal, local museums, sweet shops, and seaside walks. You can also explore our Sapporo with Kids Hub to find more Hokkaido ideas, day trips, and family adventures across the region. For even more inspiration across Japan, browse our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for theme parks, cultural highlights, nature escapes, and hands-on experiences.
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Why Asahiyama Zoo is Great for Families with Kids
- Families love how the interactive enclosures invite kids to crawl through tunnels, peek into domes, and feel part of the animals’ world, making learning as playful as it is memorable.
- Thanks to the compact layout and gentle walking paths, families can explore the zoo comfortably without feeling rushed, perfect for strollers and little legs.
- During winter, Asahiyama Zoo turns into a wonderland where snowflakes fall around lively polar bears and waddling penguins, making every visit feel like stepping into a storybook.
- The zoo’s educational displays and feeding times spark natural curiosity, helping kids understand animal behavior while having fun watching it in action.
- With plenty of indoor viewing areas and rest houses, families can warm up, relax, and enjoy the animals comfortably, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
Parent Insight: Around the world, the best family experiences are the ones that transform wonder into understanding. At Asahiyama Zoo, children don’t just watch, they engage, observe, and empathize. By encouraging your child to notice small details, like how a penguin moves differently on land and in water, you nurture curiosity that stretches far beyond the zoo gates and into every new place they explore.
Best Things to Do at Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
- Penguin Parade (Winter Only): The highlight of every winter visit, families can watch penguins waddle freely through the snow, often just a few feet away. It’s one of Japan’s most charming seasonal experiences and a must-see for children.
- Penguin Aquarium Tunnel: Walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by swimming penguins gliding above and beside you. Kids will love watching them zoom past like tiny underwater rockets.
- Seal Aquarium Cylinder: This vertical water tube lets kids see seals swim straight up and down, showing their speed and grace in a way few other zoos can.
- Polar Bear Dome: Peek through a clear dome that brings you nearly face-to-face with massive polar bears, a thrilling yet safe encounter that always sparks awe.
- Red Panda Walkway: Look up to see red pandas strolling along overhead bridges, often pausing to nibble or climb down for a closer look.
- Chimpanzee Forest & Orangutan Sky Walk: Watch primates swing through ropes and platforms in large outdoor enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. It’s both educational and entertaining for all ages.
Practical Tips for Visiting Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – ¥1,000 high school students and older; junior high and younger free.
- Best Age Range: Ages 3+, toddlers enjoy the close-up animal views, while school-age kids appreciate the interactive exhibits and seasonal parades.
- Stroller-Friendly?: Yes, the zoo’s paved paths make it easy to navigate, though winter snow can make pushing a bit tougher.
- Rest Areas: Multiple heated rest houses and indoor observation spots throughout the zoo provide warm breaks, plus benches and covered picnic areas in warmer months.
- Food: Cafés and snack stands serve light meals, including hot soup, curry, and local soft cream. Families can also bring bento lunches to enjoy in designated picnic spaces.
Best Time to Visit Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
The best time to visit Asahiyama Zoo with kids is during winter, when the famous penguin walk takes place and snow transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland. Families visiting in spring or autumn can enjoy comfortable weather, active animals, and colorful scenery without large crowds. Summer brings longer opening hours and special events but can feel warm in the middle of the day.
Arriving early in the morning gives kids a chance to explore at their own pace, see the animals when they’re most active, and take great photos before groups arrive.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How Long to Spend at Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
Plan to spend about 3 to 4 hours at Asahiyama Zoo with kids, enough time to enjoy the major exhibits, the penguin walk, and a relaxed lunch break without feeling rushed. This timeframe lets families move comfortably between areas and revisit favorite enclosures like the penguins or polar bears.
For toddlers and younger kids, 2 hours may be plenty before nap time, while school-age children often enjoy exploring longer, especially if you add photo stops or feeding sessions. Families visiting in winter should allow extra time for rest breaks in the heated indoor areas.
How to Get to Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
- By Train: Trains from Sapporo to Asahikawa take roughly 1.5 hours via the Limited Express.
- By Bus: Direct zoo buses operate from Asahikawa Station and sometimes from Sapporo during peak winter season. Look for buses marked “旭山動物園行き” (Asahiyama Zoo).
- By Car: About a 30-minute drive from central Asahikawa. Paid parking is available at the main entrance and nearby lots.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Don’t skip the glass tunnels, penguins and seals love to show off for anyone who watches closely! Try counting how many penguins zoom past in one minute.
If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa
- Luxury
- OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts – A stylish, family-friendly hotel featuring cozy bunk-style rooms, a playful lobby lounge, and shuttle options to the zoo.
- ART HOTEL Asahikawa – Spacious rooms and an on-site kids’ play area make this upscale stay ideal for families. About a 30-minute drive to the zoo, with easy access to Asahikawa’s dining and shopping streets.
- Mid-Range
- JR INN Asahikawa – Connected directly to JR Asahikawa Station, making travel with kids effortless. Comfortable family rooms, a public bath, and easy access to the zoo bus.
- Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa – Family-friendly onsen hotel featuring Japanese-Western rooms and kid-approved buffets. Just a short walk from Asahikawa Station.
- Budget
- Dormy Inn Asahikawa – Known for its clean, cozy rooms and free evening ramen, this popular chain hotel provides great value and easy access to public transport.
- Hotel Route-Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae – Modern, reliable, and convenient for zoo trips with kids; includes breakfast and public baths.
- Ryokan Sensyoen – A traditional Japanese inn offering tatami rooms, home-style meals, and an authentic cultural stay experience perfect for families seeking something unique.
Finding the right base can make exploring Hokkaido easier and more enjoyable with kids. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights family-friendly stays across the country, from modern hotels with spacious rooms to cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats. If you’re still choosing which Hokkaido destinations to include in your trip, explore our family guides to Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano & Biei for ideas on what to see, do, and experience with kids.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Asahiyama Zoo
- Tokiwa Park – One of Asahikawa’s largest parks, perfect for picnics, paddle boats, and cherry blossom viewing in spring.
- Kamikawa Shrine – A peaceful, tree-lined shrine where families can make wishes and learn about local Shinto traditions.
- Ueno Farm (The Gnomes’ Garden) – A colorful English-style garden that’s open seasonally, offering scenic walks, flower mazes, and a relaxing café with kid-friendly treats.
- Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum – Learn about the culture and traditions of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu people through exhibits, clothing, and crafts.
- Asahikawa Science Museum – A hands-on museum with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a planetarium, perfect for curious kids who love to explore and experiment.
- Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka – Rolling hills covered in rainbow-colored flowers from spring to autumn. Families can ride tractors, take photos, or sample lavender soft cream.
- Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) – One of Hokkaido’s most iconic sights, the pond’s bright blue water looks almost unreal, especially on sunny days.
- Shirahige Waterfall – Located near the Blue Pond, this cascading waterfall looks magical in every season, steaming mist in winter, lush greenery in summer.
- Asahidake Ropeway – Ride up Hokkaido’s tallest mountain for panoramic views, alpine trails, and bubbling volcanic vents. Great for older kids and adventurous families.
- Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway – A scenic gondola ride through the Daisetsuzan mountain range, especially stunning during autumn foliage season.
- Asahikawa City Museum -Explore exhibits on Hokkaido’s wildlife, archaeology, and regional culture, a short, enriching stop for families before or after the zoo.
- Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village – A massive outdoor park with playgrounds, camping areas, and open fields for biking or picnicking, perfect for letting kids run wild after a zoo day.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Visiting Asahiyama Zoo with Kids
Here are quick answers to the most common questions families ask when planning a visit to Asahiyama Zoo with kids, from penguin walk schedules and winter tips to entry tickets and opening hours. For more details, see the official Asahiyama Zoo map.
A: Asahiyama Zoo is generally open 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM in summer and 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM in winter, though hours may vary by season. The zoo typically closes on select days in April and November for maintenance. Families should check the latest schedule before visiting, especially during winter months.
A: Tickets for Asahiyama Zoo cost ¥1,000 for high school students and older, while junior high school students and younger can enter for free. Families can buy tickets directly at the gate or from local convenience stores in Asahikawa before arriving.
A: The Asahiyama Zoo penguin walk runs from late December through mid-March, depending on snow conditions. Families can watch penguins waddle along the designated snow path twice daily, usually around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Arrive early for a good viewing spot, as this event is one of Hokkaido’s most popular winter attractions.
A: Yes! Asahiyama Zoo is one of Japan’s most magical winter attractions for families. The penguin walk, snowy landscapes, and active cold-weather animals make it a favorite with kids. Heated rest areas and indoor viewing spots keep the visit comfortable even on chilly days, so families can enjoy the full winter experience.
A: To reach Asahiyama Zoo from Sapporo, take the JR Limited Express train to Asahikawa Station (about 1.5 hours), then the Zoo Bus for about 40 minutes. From central Asahikawa, direct buses and taxis make the trip quick and easy. Driving is also convenient, with parking available near the main entrance.
A: Yes, Asahiyama Zoo is stroller-friendly with paved pathways and ramps connecting most exhibits. Families can rent strollers near the entrance, and rest houses provide space to warm up or take breaks. In winter, snow may make some paths slippery, so baby carriers are helpful for very young children.
A: The best time to visit Asahiyama Zoo with kids is early in the morning, right after opening. Animals are most active then, crowds are lighter, and families can enjoy the penguin walk or feeding sessions before groups arrive. Morning light also makes for great family photos and calmer exploration.
A: Yes, families can bring their own food into Asahiyama Zoo. There are designated picnic areas and rest houses where visitors can enjoy lunch or snacks. The zoo also has cafés and food stalls selling local favorites like curry, soup, and soft cream, perfect for warming up during winter visits.
A: Asahiyama Zoo has several indoor viewing areas that let families enjoy animal exhibits comfortably during cold or rainy weather. Popular ones include the seal aquarium, penguin tunnel, and polar bear dome, all with warm rest houses nearby for taking breaks.
A: Asahiyama Zoo is great for kids of all ages, but it’s especially engaging for children ages 3 and up. Preschoolers love the close-up tunnels and animal movement, while older kids enjoy learning about wildlife behaviors and conservation. The zoo’s size and layout make it easy for families with toddlers or school-age children to explore comfortably.
A: Yes, Asahiyama Zoo has two free parking lots near the entrances, available on a first-come, first-served basis. When those fill up, several paid parking lots nearby offer additional spaces, usually costing around ¥500 per vehicle. Families driving from Asahikawa or Sapporo should arrive early during weekends or winter penguin walk season to secure a spot close to the gate.
A: Asahiyama Zoo tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through select Japanese travel and ticketing websites. Most families find it easiest to buy tickets upon arrival, as lines move quickly. Some local hotels and convenience stores in Asahikawa also sell advance tickets, making it easy to plan ahead.
A: Asahiyama Zoo is home to more than 700 animals from around the world, including penguins, polar bears, seals, red pandas, snow leopards, and chimpanzees. The zoo’s unique enclosure design allows kids to see animals moving naturally, swimming, climbing, or diving right before their eyes.
Until Next Time…
A visit to Asahiyama Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals, it’s about discovering how they move, play, and live up close in ways that make every child’s eyes light up. Whether your family comes for the famous penguin walk, the snow-dusted winter exhibits, or simply to marvel at a polar bear’s curious gaze, the zoo turns ordinary observation into genuine wonder. For kids, it’s a day filled with discovery; for parents, it’s a reminder of how curiosity connects us all.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
