Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo in Summer

Many cute animals for you to make friends up close

Somrak Bhakdisuparit Feb 28, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>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.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

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<p>He looks kinda naughty, but still so kawaii!</p>

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

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<p>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!</p>

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

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<p>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!</p>

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<p>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?</p>

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

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<p>Who dare to wake a sleeping tiger, yes, you're this close to one</p>

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

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<p>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!</p>

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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.

Somrak Bhakdisuparit @somrak.bhakdisuparit

I am a restless soul that likes to globe trot in hope of expanding my self growth in every possible directions. I like exploring new places or exploring new angles of familiar places. There is always something fresh to see, which will rejuvenate your soul. Japan is one of the unique places with s...