Japan Trip: Animals Swimming and Bear Sleeping Away at Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido 17

Located just outside Asahikawa City in Hokkaido is the popular Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園). The zoo was created for the animals to use their abilities within a space where each animal can relax. With this theory in mind, the zoo has created unique enclosures for visitors to view these animals from different angles in a way which does not inhibit the animals.

Some of the unique structures this zoo is famous for include a glass tunnel through penguin pool which allows visitors to observe the penguins’ underwater flights, small glass domes in the middle of the polar bear and wolf enclosures so the visitors can observe the animals in their natural state. Asahiyama Zoo is continuously working on new enclosures and improvements for its residents and its visitors.

The residents of the zoo include native wildlife from Hokkaido, including deer, eagles, cranes and (now extinct) wolves. In addition, many animals from around the world, such as polar bears, apes, big cats and giraffes have made Asahiyama Zoo their home. It is advised to, if possible, to visit the zoo during the week as the zoo is very crowded on the weekends and during the holidays.

Visitors can enjoy some of these unique enclosures at Asahiyama Zoo:
Penguins
**Visitors can observe the birds as they fly through the water via an underwater glass tunnel.
Seals
**Inspectors can observe the passing seals via a glass pipe called “Marine Way.”
Polar Bears
Polar Bears attack seals located in the snow. The “Seal’s Eye” glass dome allows visitors to observe the polar bear from the seal’s position.
Wolves
The glass dome sticking out of the ground allows visitors to view the black wolves at the eye level.
Red Pandas
There are two red panda enclosures. The suspension bridge over the walking path connects the two enclosures. Lucky visitors will see the red panda on the bridge crossing over to the other enclosure.
Leopards
Visitors can view the leopard from a unique angle due to a unique cage construction.

Facility Information:
Hours:
Late April to mid October: 9:30 to 17:15 (last entry at 16:00)
Mid October to early November: 9:30 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
Mid November to early April: 10:30 to 15:30 (last entry at 15:00)
Closed: New Year (December 30th to January 1st)
Note: The zoo is closed for a few days between the summer and winter seasons for preparations. (end of October to beg of November as well as mid April to late April)
Admission: 820 yen

Access Information:
**From Asahikawa Station
Bus: board bus number 41, 42 or 47. The one way journey takes 40 minutes and costs 440 yen. There are about two buses per hour.
**From Asahikawa Airport
Bus: Few direct buses between airport to the zoo. The one way journey takes 35 minutes and costs 550 yen.
It is recommended to take a bus from the airport to Asahikawa Station.
The one way journey takes 35 minutes with a cost of 620 yen. The bus schedule is coordinated with the scheduled flight arrival times. From Asahikawa Station, board bus number 41, 42 or 47. The one way journey takes 40 minutes and costs 440 yen. There are about two buses per hour.
**From Furano
Train and Bus: First board the train via JR Furano Line to Asahikawa. The one way journey is 70 minutes with a cost of 1070 yen. There is one train per hour.
From Asahikawa Station, board bus number 41, 42 or 47. The one way journey takes 40 minutes and costs 440 yen. There are about two buses per hour.

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