Asahiyama Zoo: Hokkaido's Famous Penguin Walk

A zoo built around watching animals behave naturally, with seals swimming overhead and penguins marching through snow in winter.

Published October 18, 2026 at 8:51 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Asahiyama Zoo is in Asahikawa, central Hokkaido, and is known for exhibits designed to show animals' natural behavior, such as a seal tunnel and polar bear viewing. In winter, penguins take outdoor walks across the snow. The zoo is about 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station, and it closes for short periods each year, so check the schedule.

What makes Asahiyama different

Asahiyama Zoo opened in 1967 in Asahikawa, the second largest city in Hokkaido. Over the decades, it became one of Japan's best-known zoos by changing how animals are displayed. Rather than emphasizing the animal's shape or species label, exhibits are designed to show behavior: how an animal swims, climbs, hunts or plays. This approach is often called behavioral exhibition. Visitors can stand beneath a clear tube and watch a seal swim upward, or look through glass as a polar bear dives.

The design makes the animals look lively and gives viewers a closer view of movement. The zoo's approach inspired attention from other zoos in Japan and elsewhere, and visiting here gives a sense of how thoughtful exhibit design can change the experience. The layout encourages a slower visit than many zoos. Instead of a single circuit, paths branch through several areas, and you can double back to a favorite viewpoint when an animal becomes active. Staff often post handwritten notes and illustrated signs with facts about each species, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

The penguin walk

Each winter, the zoo's king penguins leave their enclosure and waddle in a line across a snowy path, led by keepers. The event is the zoo's signature attraction. Visitors line the route, watching the penguins as they stroll, slide and sometimes pause to look around.

The walk typically runs from around mid-December to mid-March, depending on snow and temperature conditions, and takes place once or twice a day when conditions allow. Check the zoo's official page for the current schedule. Get to the route early for a good view, dress very warmly and keep a respectful distance. Photographing is welcome, but flash can disturb the animals, so avoid it.

Other highlights

The seal tunnel is a favorite stop, as the seals glide through a vertical clear tube, appearing to pass directly overhead. Polar bears can be viewed through glass from below as they swim, and from other angles above. A penguin pool with an underwater tunnel gives a similar view of penguins zooming through the water. Other popular areas include the wolf forest, where wolves can be seen from a raised platform, and the red panda and tiger exhibits.

The zoo also features animals native to Hokkaido, such as brown bears and Ezo deer, showing local wildlife. Daily feeding talks provide additional insight, and times are posted at the entrance. Look for the enclosures designed for smaller animals as well. Birds, monkeys and amphibians each have spaces that show how they move, whether swinging between branches or gliding over water. Children enjoy the playful design, and adults often find that the observation details reward a second look. It is easy to spend more time here than planned.

Visiting in different seasons

Summer is warm and green, and many animals are active outdoors. The zoo is large, and walking can take a few hours. Shaded rest areas and cafes provide breaks. Autumn offers cooler air and colorful leaves, and crowds are smaller. Winter is the most popular time because of the penguin walk, but it is also cold, with deep snow. Wear insulated boots, gloves, a hat and layered clothing. Paths are cleared, but can be icy. Hand warmers are useful.

Spring brings melting snow and returning greenery, and the zoo often reopens its outdoor areas gradually. Because the zoo closes for maintenance in parts of November and April, confirm open days on the official site. Spring and autumn are good choices for visitors who want fewer crowds and easier walking. The penguin walk is not offered then, but the polar bear and seal exhibits remain just as engaging, and the lighter foot traffic lets you linger at windows without feeling rushed. Weekday mornings are generally the quietest period at any time of year.

Getting to Asahiyama Zoo

From Asahikawa Station, a direct bus runs to the zoo in roughly 40 minutes, depending on traffic and season. Buses also run from Asahikawa Airport at certain times. Taxis are available but cost more. Asahikawa is reached from Sapporo by limited express train in about 1.5 hours or by bus.

In winter, allow extra travel time because of snow. Check the bus operator's website for current timetables, and plan your return trip ahead. If you are driving, there is parking at the zoo, but busy days can fill quickly. Many visitors combine the zoo with a day in Asahikawa and the nearby scenic areas of Furano and Biei.

What to eat in Asahikawa

Asahikawa is known for its style of ramen, which usually features a soy sauce-based broth topped with a thin layer of oil that helps keep the soup hot in cold weather. The broth is often made with both pork and seafood stock, and the noodles are typically thin and curly. Ramen shops are plentiful around the station and the city center.

At the zoo, cafes and restaurants offer casual meals and snacks, including some themed items. Hokkaido dairy products, such as soft serve ice cream, are popular. Asahikawa is also known for sake brewing, thanks to the clean water and cold climate, and sake shops and breweries welcome visitors. Check hours before visiting any brewery.

Planning your day, with tips for families and photographers

Families will appreciate the zoo's mix of indoor and outdoor viewing, which gives breaks from the cold. Strollers and wheelchairs can be used on most paths, but snow may limit access in winter. Nursing and rest areas are available, and staff can provide information if needed. Photographers should use patience, since animals move quickly. Glass windows can reflect light, so press your lens close to reduce glare. Respect other visitors by not blocking views, and follow zoo rules about distance and feeding. A calm approach also helps keep the animals relaxed.

Plan at least half a day to enjoy the zoo at an easy pace, and a full day if you want to see everything. Arrive near opening time to see animals when they are active, and check the posted schedule for the penguin walk and feeding events. Bring cash and cards, as payment options vary. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are hilly in places. In summer, bring water and sun protection. Because the zoo's schedule, admission and events change, consult the official page shortly before your visit. A flexible plan helps if weather affects outdoor exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you see the penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo?

The penguin walk usually takes place in winter, roughly from mid-December to mid-March, depending on snow and weather. Check the official schedule for current dates and times, and arrive early for a good viewing spot. Dress warmly, because the route is outdoors, and avoid flash photography so the penguins stay relaxed.

How do you get to Asahiyama Zoo from Asahikawa Station?

Take a direct bus from the station. The ride takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic and season. Check the bus operator's website for the current timetable, and plan your return trip in advance. Buses also run from Asahikawa Airport at certain times, and winter travel may take longer.

Is Asahiyama Zoo open all year?

The zoo is open for much of the year but closes for short periods, commonly in parts of November and April, for maintenance. Confirm open days on the official site before you go, as schedules can change. Winter hours and special events also change by year, so the official page is the safest guide.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Hokkaido Prefecture Travel Guide, Sounkyo Gorge: Hokkaido's Mountain Valley and Sapporo in 2 Days: Beer, Ramen and Parks.