Hokkaido Zoos

Zoos In Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is home to some fascinating zoos that are great for animal lovers and families. One of the most famous is Asahiyama Zoo, known for its unique animal exhibits and interactive experiences. You can see animals like penguins, polar bears, and seals in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. Also, one of the popular zoos in Hokkaido is Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo, which features a variety of animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, and red pandas.


The Noboribetsu Bear Park offers a closer look at Japan's native bears. The Kushiro City Zoo, known for its vast area and diverse animal species, is another must-visit. These zoos not only provide entertainment but also focus on conservation and education, making them enjoyable and informative places to visit in Hokkaido. Each of these zoos offers unique experiences that help visitors appreciate the diverse wildlife and the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats.

Asahiyama Zoo

It is one of Japan's most popular zoos, known for its unique animal exhibits and interactive experiences. One of the zoo's most famous attractions is the Penguin Walk, where penguins waddle through the snow during winter. The zoo has a cylindrical aquarium where seals swim in circles, allowing you to see them from all angles, both above and below the water. You can see the polar bear exhibit having an underwater viewing area, where you can watch these majestic animals swim and play.

Maruyama Zoo

Located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, it is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Hokkaido. The zoo houses a wide variety of animals, including big cats like lions and tigers and large mammals like elephants and giraffes. It also has unique species such as red pandas and snow leopards. You can explore Tropical Animal House, a special area that features animals from tropical regions, including reptiles, birds, and primates. The zoo also has a Polar Bear Pavilion where you can observe these majestic creatures up close.

Bear Mountain Sahoro

Bear Mountain Sahoro is a unique wildlife park in Hokkaido, Japan, dedicated to showcasing the native brown bears of the region. The park provides a large, natural habitat where you can observe brown bears in a setting that closely resembles their natural environment. One of the highlights is the bear-watching tour, where you can see bears from special buses or walkways. The park has glass tunnels that allow you to see bears closely without disturbing them. 

North Safari Sapporo

One of the popular Hokkaido zoos is home to a diverse range of animals, including exotic species like lions, tigers, and alligators, as well as more familiar animals like rabbits and goats. One of the zoo's unique features is the opportunity for close encounters with animals. You can feed, touch, and even hold some of the animals under the supervision of the staff. The zoo has special zones where you can enjoy more adventurous activities, such as walking through an area with free-roaming animals or crossing suspension bridges over animal enclosures.

Showa Shinzan Kumabokujo

Showa Shinzan Kumabokujo, also known as Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, is a unique zoo in Hokkaido, Japan, focused on bears. In this one of the famous zoos in Hokkaido, you can observe these bears up close as they play, rest, and interact in spacious enclosures. One of the highlights is the opportunity to feed the bears. Special treats can be purchased and given to the bears, who often perform playful tricks to receive their snacks. The ranch sometimes has bear cubs, which can be seen in Bear Cub Nursery. 

Kushiro City Zoo

The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including large mammals like polar bears, lions, and tigers, as well as smaller animals like red pandas and snow monkeys. The zoo features a special area dedicated to animals native to Hokkaido, such as the Ezo brown bear and Ezo deer. The zoo has a large aviary where you can see various bird species, including cranes and owls. Kushiro City Zoo is set in a natural forested area, providing a beautiful backdrop and a more natural habitat for the animals.

Obihiro Zoo

The zoo is home to a range of animals, including popular species like lions, tigers, and elephants, as well as unique animals like Hokkaido's native Ezo deer and Ezo brown bear. It also has a special section for children where they can interact with friendly animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and goats. The zoo features a birdhouse where you can see a variety of bird species, including parrots, owls, and cranes. For those interested in reptiles, the zoo has a dedicated area where you can observe snakes, turtles, and lizards.

FAQ's

What are the best zoos In Hokkaido?

There are several notable zoos in Hokkaido, each offering unique experiences. The best zoos include Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its interactive exhibits like the Penguin Walk, and Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo, known for its diverse animal collection. There is Bear Mountain Sahoro, focusing on native brown bears; North Safari Sapporo, offering close encounters with animals; and Kushiro City Zoo, featuring native species in a natural setting. These zoos provide educational and engaging experiences for visitors.

Why is the Asahiyama Zoo so famous?

Asahiyama Zoo is famous for its innovative and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to see animals in unique ways. The zoo's design focuses on showcasing natural behaviours, with features like the Penguin Walk, where penguins waddle through the snow, and underwater tunnels for observing seals and polar bears. These engaging experiences, along with the zoo's animal welfare and education, make Asahiyama Zoo a top attraction in Hokkaido.

What is the best time to visit Maruyama Zoo?

The best time to visit Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo is during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn, typically from May to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and most animals are active and visible in their enclosures. The zoo is also less crowded on weekdays so you can visit on weekdays. Additionally, visiting during cherry blossom season in late April can be particularly beautiful, as the zoo is located in Maruyama Park, known for its cherry blossoms. 

How to reach Hokkaido?

To reach Hokkaido from India, you can take an international flight from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda Airport) or Osaka (Kansai Airport) in Japan. From there, catch a domestic flight to Hokkaido's main airport, New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. Alternatively, you can fly directly from some international airports in Asia to New Chitose Airport, depending on available routes.

This website is a partner website of Thrillophilia. Thrillophilia works with multiple attractions in Hokkaido as a reseller.

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