Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City is one of Hokkaido's most popular zoos. Entering the zoo through the East Gate, the entrance features a spacious ticket office and visitor information center, along with adorable animal-themed signage. The first thing you'll see upon entering the zoo is the "Hokkaido Small Animals Zone." This showcases adorable animals native to Hokkaido, such as the Yezo chinchilla, Hokkaido red fox, snow hare, and marten. Visitors can observe their daily lives up close through observation windows. Next is the Capybara House. Capybaras, the world's largest rodents, are docile, love to soak in the water, and are incredibly soothing. An open observation area allows visitors to interact with capybaras up close and personal, and sometimes even see them lazing in the sun on the grass, seemingly enjoying a leisurely pace. Follow the park's path to the Penguin House. If you visit in winter, there's a limited-time "Penguin Walk," where penguins waddle through the snow. The waterways within the pavilion allow penguins to swim freely through the water. Visitors can observe their swift movements from beneath transparent tubes, immersing them in the Antarctic. Next is the seal pavilion. The most breathtaking feature is the vertical, transparent water column, where seals dart up and down like bullets, demonstrating their astonishing speed and agility. This design not only allows for close observation of their movements but also provides a deeper understanding of seal ecology. Entering the giraffe area, tall giraffes stroll in the sunshine, stretching their necks to nibble on high leaves. Their gentle eyes and graceful postures are captivating. The park has also installed an elevated platform, allowing visitors to interact with the giraffes at eye level and experience their charm. Further ahead is the lion pavilion. From atop a rock, the lion king gazes majestically across the surrounding landscape. Viewing windows within the pavilion allow visitors to safely and closely admire the lions. Orangutans in the Orangutan House freely climb high ropes, demonstrating amazing agility and intelligence; polar bears in the Polar Bear House tumble and dive in the water, showcasing their wildness and grace. Although Asahiyama Zoo is small, every area is filled with ingenuity and warmth. This journey, departing from the East Gate, is not just about viewing the animals but also about gaining a deeper understanding of their lifestyles. #BigJLoveTravel #ilovetravel #traveller #enjoymylife #foodies #TravelIsLife #jasontai1106 #jason_tai1106 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido #AsahiyamaZoo #Kuranuma #Asahikawa