Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk 2026: A Unique Sapporo Day Trip

Asahiyama Zoo: A Must-Visit Near Sapporo

Experience the Famous Penguin Walk

Hello, fellow explorers! :)

I'm Chaengniya, your guide to the charm of island nations and quaint small towns.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, near Sapporo.

This isn't just any zoo; it's a truly special place!

I'll be diving deep into what makes Asahiyama Zoo so unique, its location, how to get there,

and of course, all about the iconic Penguin Walk.

Book Your Asahiyama Zoo Tickets Here!

*Booking your tickets in advance is often cheaper than buying them on-site.

01. A Must-Visit Near Sapporo

Asahiyama Zoo

Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 AM ~ 3:30 PM

Admission: High school students and above: 1,000 yen / Junior high school students and below: Free

Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most renowned zoos.

Originally, it was just an ordinary, struggling zoo. However, it gained significant attention for its innovative behavioral exhibits, which allow visitors to observe animals' natural behaviors and ecology.

Among these, the Penguin Walk is undoubtedly the star attraction!

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This Penguin Walk isn't just a simple show or performance. It's actually a deeply meaningful activity designed to ensure the penguins get enough exercise, especially during winter when their activity levels naturally decrease, thereby preventing obesity and simultaneously satisfying their wild instincts.

02. Location & How to Get There

First things first, from Sapporo to Asahikawa, a bus takes over two hours. So, I highly recommend taking the JR train instead.

You can take either the Kamui or Lilac train; both are fine. The journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the round-trip cost is a little over ~$36.

Once you arrive at Asahikawa Station, you can take a local bus directly to the zoo. It takes approximately 35 minutes, and since it's a direct route, you won't need to transfer or walk, making it super convenient.

If you're planning to rent a car, you can reach the zoo from Asahikawa Station in just 20 minutes. Plus, the parking lot is free! So, if your itinerary includes a Biei tour, I highly recommend renting a car over public transportation.

03. The Penguin Walk

The Penguin Walk takes place twice a day, at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM.

Since the zoo opens at 10:30 AM, many visitors rush in right at opening to catch the walk.

When watching the Penguin Walk, please remember these important rules: do not touch the penguins, do not cross the designated lines, and do not use flash photography.

I arrived around 10:40 AM, and already the prime spots on the first floor were completely packed, so I had no choice but to head to the second floor.

Even then, just before 11:00 AM, there were no spots left, and many people had to squeeze in at the back to see. But guess what? Even if you arrive a little late, there's a secret tip for snagging a great spot on the first floor!

At this point, head down to the first floor and grab a spot!

Then you'll be able to see the penguins returning to their starting point

up close!

The return to the starting point

happens about 10-15 minutes later.

Thanks to this, I got to see the penguins right in front of me!

Their walking speed was surprisingly slow.

Their waddling gait is incredibly adorable...

The start date for the Penguin Walk varies each year,

but this year, it's scheduled to begin on December 18, 2025

and end in mid-March 2026.

While the exact end date hasn't been announced yet,

you can definitely expect it to conclude in mid-March

as the snow begins to melt.

Book Asahiyama Zoo Admission Tickets

*Booking in advance is cheaper than paying on-site.

If you'd like to visit Ningle Terrace as well,

we recommend the bus tour below!

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Book Asahiyama Zoo + Ningle Terrace Tour

(Coupon codes usable only with the discount link above:

세시간전262000

세시간전264000)

04. Key Attractions

Asahiyama Zoo isn't just about the Penguin Walk;

it offers so much to see as all the animals

move naturally in their habitats.

Despite the very cold weather, outdoors you can see

a variety of animals that are usually hard to spot,

and among them, the red pandas were especially active!

You can witness their adorable playtime.

Recently, bear sightings in Hokkaido have become a social issue,

and seeing them up close, I immediately understood

why bears hold the position of apex predator.

Even when they were just walking slowly,

I could feel an intimidating presence, as if they were stalking prey.

In the wolf zone, there's a window called 'Wolf from a Rabbit's Perspective',

and even though the wolves seemed to be sleeping,

their eyes kept blinking, creating a subtle pressure.

Since these wolves are not typically seen in Korean zoos,

I highly recommend you check them out if you visit the zoo.

In the indoor viewing areas, you can observe animals like hippos

and seals underwater,

as the exhibits are designed to show their natural movements

just as they would move in the water.

The biggest highlight of Asahiyama Zoo is undoubtedly that all the exhibits

feature animals in dynamic, lively motion, not just standing still.

Since it takes a while to observe each animal individually,

it's best to plan for a minimum of 3-4 hours for your visit.

If you have some flexibility in your Hokkaido travel itinerary,

how about visiting Asahiyama Zoo as part of a Biei tour?

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