Rabbit Island
2020.6.1
Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, is renowned for its methods of encouraging animals to act like they do in the wild—known as behavioral enrichment—an approach that brings in visitors from around the world. Winter is the best season to see these cold-climate animals in their prime, and the hugely popular march of the penguins is one behavioral activity that can only be seen after we've had snowfall. You can get so close you could almost touch the cute little critters as they toddle along from A to B.
The penguin house features an underwater tunnel with 360° views, letting you watch in awe as ocean wildlife swims above your head. There's also a cylindrical tank full of darting largha seals, a giant pool where you can see polar bears diving, and much more besides. Feeding times with commentary by the zookeepers are especially popular, so be sure to check the timings in advance.
Hours:
Winter season: November 11, 2019–April 7, 2020
Zoo opening times: 10:30 am–3:30 pm (last entry: 3:00 pm)
Admission:
Adults: JPY 820, Children (under 16 years old): Free
Note: Admission fee will rise to JPY 1,000 from April 29, 2020
Winter season: November 11, 2019–April 7, 2020
Address: Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa
Airport: Asahikawa Airport
Notes:
Closed:
December 30–January 1
Tel:
+81-0166-36-1104
Access:
Approx. 35 minutes by regular bus from Asahikawa Airport