Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido This particular zoo is famous for the unique ways in which you can view the animals. Compared to other zoos, you can see animals up close and personal.

Cost: ￥5900. You can purchase this zoo package from a Travel Agent at the JR Sapporo Station. It includes roundtrip travel, both train and bus, and admission. It’s quite a long trip, around two hours one way, but you needn’t be intimidated. Everything is self-explanatory even if you don’t speak Japanese. Another great thing is that you can use your train ticket for the express trains which would be around ￥5000 if purchased separately.

Time: Around this time of year, the zoo opens at 10:30AM. We arrived at Asahikawa Station around 9:30AM and got to the zoo by bus around 10:00. We were one of the first ones in line. We decided to go early because we didn’t want to miss the Penguin Parade. In March, they only have one go at 11:00AM. I thought we would stay until closing but we were able to leave more than satisfied by 1:30PM. Keep in mind that the bus back to Asahikawa station only comes around every half hour. I would suggest going out 15 minutes before the bus arrives if you want to get a seat.