Feb 28, 2014 - 1 min read

Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo in Summer

Many cute animals for you to make friends up close

By Somrak Bhakdisuparit

Community writer

In winter, the zoo has a cool penguin parade where you can see these cute penguins walk past you up close. However, in summer you can still see how cute they are at close range.

They are so elegant. Japanese visitors really enjoy coming to the zoo, they would stand for hours shouting 'Kawaii' (cute in Japanese), while I was busy taking photos.

He looks kinda naughty, but still so kawaii!

You can go down a glass underwater tunnel to observe these penguins swim from under water.

Who told me penguins have lots of fat to keep them warm, I sneak a peak at them in their swimsuits from a glass underwater tunnel and they're so slim!

Aside from penguins, there is also a glass tube where you can closely observed seals swimming up and down

This is one of my favorites taking a rest from endless swim in the pool, by walking around to dry his fur before taking another dive. There is also a glass dome where you can stick your head up right in front of him, if you're not afraid that he would bite your head off that is!

Lesser Pandas, one is looking at me with big round eyes while taking a break from walking across the rope bridge. They look like a hybrid between a raccoon and a squirrel, but are in the panda family. Look closely, there's another one sleeping with his head on the iron rail, I wonder if that's comfortable?

Peacefully sniffing at a friend's butt, I didn't know this is an activity giraffes enjoy doing

Who dare to wake a sleeping tiger, yes, you're this close to one

If you want to make friends with these animals, then better start learning their languages

You can stay here all day without being bored and if you're tired, you can take a break on one of the many benches in the zoo. The place is easily accessible via bus 41 42 or 47 from Asahikawa JR station for 400 Yen (a 40 minutes ride). That and 800 Yen for the entry free. It's definitely worth it!

Asahiyama Zoo is an interesting place to visit near Asahikawa. It is a place you can go spend an entire day without getting bored. It's more popular in winter as there is a special penguin parade show. However, in summer, this place is not any less fun to visit. Aside from the many animals (both local Hokkaido species and animals from around the world), the key highlight of this place is the many interesting and up close ways you can interact with the animals that are unlike any other zoos.

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Somrak Bhakdisuparit

Somrak Bhakdisuparit

Community writer

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Suzanne Dang

Suzanne Dang 10 years ago

Great post! The penguins are so adorable!

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Somrak Bhakdisuparit

Somrak Bhakdisuparit Photographer 11 years ago

@Shih Ting Lee don't forget to post your pixs on here for us to admire ; )

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Shih Ting Lee

Shih Ting Lee 11 years ago

Thank you so much Somrak. Let's "ganbatte" together! Haha :)

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Somrak Bhakdisuparit

Somrak Bhakdisuparit Photographer 11 years ago

He reminds me of a naughty character in Happy Feet, but I can't recall the name.

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Patcharii A.

Patcharii A. 11 years ago

I like the little penguin. He looks kinda naughty indeed :) Hahahaaa

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