In Hokkaido, there are animals that live freely in nature, unbound by anyone, and there are also animals that live in captivity, never lacking food.

A zoo is a place where animals are carefully raised and looked after, right? Actually, there are many zoos scattered throughout Hokkaido.
So, this time, we've compiled a list of popular zoos where you can see animals that inhabit Hokkaido, as well as animals that have migrated from far-off overseas.
If you're traveling with children, zoos are definitely places you'll want to take them! There are so many animals living in enviable environments, so please take a look!

<Contents>
1. Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City
2. Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
3. Kushiro City Zoo
4. Obihiro Zoo
5. North Safari Sapporo
6. Noboribetsu Bear Park
7. Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain
8. Ecorin Village
Final thoughts

When you ask, "What comes to mind when you think of a zoo in Hokkaido?", this is probably the zoo that comes to mind. It became famous thanks to the 2006 special drama "The Miracle Zoo: The Story of Asahiyama Zoo," starring Tomomitsu Yamaguchi, also known as "Gussan," which brought it widespread recognition. The story of how the zoo achieved the highest number of visitors in Japan resonated with many people. Sequels have continued to be produced, and on April 10, 2015, "New Miracle Zoo: The Story of Asahiyama Zoo 2015 - The Baton of Life" was broadcast.

Asahiyama Zoo's main feature is its behavioral exhibits, which allow visitors to learn about how animals actually live, rather than just viewing exhibits.

What's truly amazing is how they spare no effort in creating an environment as close to nature as possible, considering what makes it easiest for animals to behave. Let's observe up close how many animals live in nature and enjoy interacting with them.

Additionally, during the summer season, the "Night Zoo" event is being held for a limited time.
This is your chance to see how nocturnal animals move around at night!

<<Business Information: Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City>>

Address: 11-18 Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City
・ Telephone: 0166-36-1104
・開園時間：（H30年4月28～H30年10月15日）9:30～17:15
（H30年10月16日～H30年11月3日）9:30～16：30
*Last entry is at 16:00 PM for all parks.
（H30年11月11日～H31年4月7日）10:30～15：30
*Last entry is at 15:00 PM.
・夜の動物園（H30年8月10日～H30年8月16日まで）9:30～21:00
*Last entry is at 20:00 PM.
・Closed days: No regular closing days during the open season, except for the New Year period (December 30th to January 1st).
• Admission fee: Adults (high school students and older) General admission 820 yen, Citizens 590 yen
Children (junior high school age and younger) are free.
• Passport: 1,020 yen
• Group (25 or more people, paying admission): General admission 720 yen, Citizens 490 yen
URL:http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo is located within Sapporo city limits and is a popular zoo that is easily accessible to both residents and tourists. Established in 1951, the zoo continues to create an environment that is loved by both people and animals.

My top recommendation is the "Heart-Pounding Experience."
In the polar bear guide, zookeepers will feed the polar bears while explaining things about them in an easy-to-understand way.
At the "Hippopotamus Big Mouth Viewing" exhibit, you can see hippos opening their mouths wide to show you what's inside, and witness the impressive feeding scenes of ferocious animals such as Amur tigers and lions.
*The thrilling experience varies from day to day, so please check the website!

And I'm also looking forward to the new facility, the "Africa Zone," which will open in the fall of 2015!
Eight species of animals currently residing in the Tropical Animal House, including hippos, giraffes, ostriches, and lions, will be moving to a new enclosure this fall. In addition, pelicans will be moving in from the general waterfowl enclosure, and naked mole-rats and meerkats will be joining them!
It looks like it's going to be a very lively new building.

Maruyama Zoo places great importance on rare animals. It's a zoo that demonstrates advanced technology to care for endangered animals, undertaking numerous initiatives such as breeding and returning them to the wild.

The animals are cared for by loving zookeepers, so they are very endearing! You can see them in their lively state♪

 

<<Business Information: Sapporo Maruyama Zoo>>

Address: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
・ Telephone: 011-621-1426
・開園時間：夏期（3月1日～10月31日）9：30～16：30　※最終入園16：00
　　　　　　Winter season (November 1st to the end of February): 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM *Last entry at 3:30 PM
• Closed days: The second and fourth Wednesday of every month (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday)
　　　　　Monday to Friday of the second week of April, Monday to Friday of the third week of November
　　　　　May 29nd to 31th
　　　　　During the Snow Festival, the park will be open on an extended basis.
• Admission fee: • Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen
Children (junior high school age and younger) are admitted free of charge.
Group (30 or more people): 540 yen
Annual pass: 1000 yen
*Admission fees are reduced for those aged 65 and over or those with a disability certificate.
URL:https://www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/

 

Kushiro City Zoo is appealing because of its design that takes advantage of the rich natural environment surrounded by forests. The animals live comfortable lives with clean air and plenty of food to eat.

Another notable feature is the large number of endangered and rare animals that inhabit the area. The red panda is actually one of them.

However, at this zoo, they live in an environment that is almost identical to their natural habitat, and you can see them looking very happy. Their adorable movements are so captivating that you won't get bored watching them, and you might find yourself unable to leave their enclosure for quite some time!

While owls can be found in many zoos, here you can see the very rare snowy owl.
When you actually see the snowy owl, which is said to bring happiness, up close, you'll find that its feathers have a very mystical color.

And as a side note... Harry Potter, the protagonist of the famous Harry Potter movies, also owned a snowy owl.

 

The polar bears, a huge hit with children, are also incredibly charming!
The sight of the bear playing while standing on two legs, as broadcast on the Hokkaido Shimbun News, became a hot topic on the internet and video sites, with people saying it looked "very human-like"! Actually, bears stand on their heels. Only humans, monkeys, and bears can stand on their heels!
At Kushiro City Zoo, take your time to observe the animals living stress-free in their natural environment!

<<Business Information: Kushiro City Zoo>>

Address: 11 Shimoninishibetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
・ Telephone: 0154-56-2121
・開園時間：（4月10日～体育の日【2018年は10月8日（月）】）9：30～16：30　※最終入場は16：00
（体育の日の翌日【2018年は10月8日（月）】～4月9日）10：00～15：30　※最終入場は15：00
• Closed days: Every Wednesday from December to February (open on public holidays), December 29th to January 2nd
Admission fee: 570 yen for adults, 460 yen for groups
・Free for junior high school students and younger
URL:http://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/zoo/

Obihiro Zoo is home to a large number of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more.

To help people get to know these lively animals better, events organized by the zookeepers, showcasing their ingenuity and creativity, are very popular.

Among them is something called "Animal Quiz," where 10 quiz questions are scattered throughout various locations in the park.
If you find it, be sure to give it a try! You can learn about the animals in the park in a fun way♪

 

The "Spot Guide," where zookeepers take turns each day talking about the animals' ecology, key characteristics, and personalities, is a very popular event for both children and adults.
It's completely different from just wandering around! There are plenty of topics you'll be glad you heard about. Take your time and explore every nook and cranny.
*The schedule is for daily events, but the animals to be featured will be decided on the day. Please check the bulletin boards at the main gate and south gate, or the official blog. Updates are scheduled for around 10:00 AM daily. Please note that the schedule may change or be cancelled.

<<Business Information: Obihiro Zoo>>

Address: 2 Midorigaoka, Obihiro City
・ Telephone: 0155-24-2437
・開園時間：夏期（Ｈ30年4月28日〜Ｈ30年9月30日）9：00〜16：30
　　　　　　　　（Ｈ30年10月1日〜Ｈ30年11月4日）9：30〜16：00
　　　　　　冬期（Ｈ30年12月1日〜Ｈ31年2月24日）の間の土日祝 11：00〜14：00
• Closed days: December 29, 2018 to January 3, 2019
• Admission fee: • 420 yen for adults
・High school students: 210 yen (Junior high school students and younger: Free)
・210 yen for those 65 and over (proof required)
- One accompanying person is admitted free of charge if presenting a disability certificate.
URL:http://www.city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp/zoo/

North Safari Sapporo is an interactive zoo where you can see, touch, and play with animals.
The humorous events held every day are full of ideas you won't find at any other zoo!

Many heartwarming, and sometimes impressive, animals make an appearance!
The summer season, with its abundance of adorable animals, presents all the perfect conditions for a visit.
The "Healing Forest," which just opened in June, is a new area where you can dine while interacting with adorable animals such as rabbits and birds. Furthermore, the "Treasure Hunt Zone," scheduled to open on July 25th, will feature a team-based gem excavation area, and the "Jungle Athletics" will offer an athletic zone where you can overcome numerous challenges in a natural setting—there are plenty of things to get you excited!

The popular "animal fishing" event is gaining attention because it allows visitors to see animals in their natural state up close by placing bait tied to a string into the animals' enclosures. The way the animals bite the bait is especially impressive for wild animals, making for a truly unique experience! Be sure to enjoy this event that you can only experience at North Safari.

<<Business Information: North Safari Sapporo>>

Address: 469-1 Toyotaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo City
・ Telephone: 080-1869-6443
・開園時間：（4月28日～5月6日）ＧＷ 9:00～17:00※最終入園16:00
（5月7日～7月20日）平日 10:00～17:00※最終入園16:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Last entry at 16:00 PM)
（7月22日～8月31日）平日　9:00～17:00※最終入園16:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Last entry at 17:00 PM)
・8月13・14・15日は9:00～18:00※最終入園17:00
(September to November) Weekdays 10:00 to 17:00 *Last admission 16:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Last entry at 16:00 PM)
• Closed days: December 1st to January 4th
• Admission fee: April 25th to November 30th (during summer season)
・ Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,500 yen
Children (elementary school age and younger): 500 yen
・Free for children aged 3 and under
URL:http://www.north-safari.com/ver2/index.html

Noboribetsu Bear Park is a zoo specializing in bears, located at the top of Bear Mountain, accessible by ropeway from the Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring resort area.

At bear farms, which are mainly inhabited by brown bears, adorable bears that are not afraid of humans will perform many acts for you.
They sell food like carrots, and when you feed the bears, they make a begging gesture with their whole bodies, which has become a popular attraction!

In particular, in the area where you can get closest, you can see the bears this close, even through glass, which is something unique to bear farms. Wild brown bears are ferocious, but here they are very gentle.
Even so, the impact is completely different!

 

While baby animals like lions, tigers, and leopards are often associated with cuteness, bears are exceptional.
When the baby bear, which looked just like a stuffed animal, was unveiled, there were squeals of "So cute!" from the audience.
If you're lucky, you might just meet a cute little bear cub! Its cuteness will melt your heart. But actually, it's surprisingly heavy!
In addition, the Brown Bear Museum displays numerous stuffed brown bears, allowing visitors to learn more about them, and offers views of Lake Kutara from the rooftop.

And guess what? The bear farm is full of idols! The NKB General Election even includes voting for the female bears at the bear farm! (The image is from last year.)
Please do visit the bear farm, where there are so many things to enjoy!

<<Business Information: Noboribetsu Bear Park>>

Address: 224 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
・ Telephone: 0143-84-2225
・開園時間：4月1日～6月30日　 8:30　入場券販売終了15:50 ※営業終了16:30
　　　　　　7月1日～9月30日 　8:00　入場券販売終了16:20 ※営業終了17:00
　　　　　　10月1日～1月31日　8:30　入場券販売終了15:50 ※営業終了16:30
　　　　　　2月1日～3月31日 　8:30　入場券販売終了15:20 ※営業終了16:00
• Closed days: Open every day during the operating season (closed if the ropeway is not operating)
*The park will be closed from March 19th to April 7th due to ropeway maintenance.
• Admission fee: • General admission 2,592 yen
Child: 1,296 yen
*All prices include ropeway fare.
• Discounted rate for persons with disabilities (individual): Adults 1,296 yen
・Children: 648 yen
*All prices include 1,296 yen per accompanying person.
URL:http://www.bearpark.jp/

Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain is the only place in Japan where you can observe wild bears in their natural habitat within the Sahoro forest. Primarily inhabited by Hokkaido brown bears, the resort offers both areas where you can search for bears on walking trails and areas where you can take a bus tour of the forest.

The bus offers a rare opportunity to observe the natural behavior of bears living in the forest up close, something difficult to see in a zoo. From bathing to occasional rivalries, there's much to learn about bear behavior that you might not have known before. The bus also provides engaging commentary, allowing you to learn about these fascinating aspects of their lives.
The bears all have names chosen through a public contest, and the zookeepers can apparently tell them all apart. Each bear has its own unique characteristics and is slightly different, so it becomes even more fun once you can distinguish them!

Furthermore, the walking paths are sloped, making them easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Furthermore, in the indoor Bear Point area at the end of the walking path, there's a spot where you can come face-to-face with bears through a glass partition. With only a single pane of glass separating you from the bears, there are many ways to enjoy the experience, such as touching them or taking pictures. Be sure to go and meet the bears, who are said to be the gods of Sahoro!

<<Business Information: Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain>>

Address: Karikachi Plateau, Shintoku-cho, Kamikawa-gun
・ Telephone: 0156-64-7007
・開園時間：（4月29日～10月22日）9：00～16：00※最終入場15：20
・休園日： 5月9・16・23・30日、6月6・13・20・27日、10月3・10・17日
• Admission fee: Adults 1,836 yen (2,916 yen with bear watching bus)
Children and seniors: 1,080 yen (2,160 yen with bear-watching bus)
*Children = ages 4 to elementary school age. Children under 3 are free.
*Senior = 60 years of age or older (proof required)
*Up to two preschool-aged children can accompany one adult or senior free of charge.
URL:http://www.bear-mt.jp/

Ecorin Village is a small community that aims to achieve its goal of "reducing environmental impact and contributing to the formation of a sustainable society" by transforming that desire into "eco," cherishing the connection between "eco" (eco) and the natural environment, including plants and animals, and "rin" (ring). They are working on agriculture from various angles, striving to enrich the environment through food and to create a situation where both those who grow the food and those who eat it can be happy. Food waste from restaurants is recycled into organic fertilizer, and the village is also actively developing technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and implementing ecological initiatives to lessen its burden on the environment.

Another unique feature you can experience at Ecorin Village is the "Green Pasture Show."
The herding dogs and their handlers work in perfect harmony to bring the flock of sheep. You can witness the incredible intelligence of the herding dogs, and be surprised by this different side of them compared to the indoor dogs you're usually familiar with!
Furthermore, "Tomato Forest," which was certified as the world's largest tomato tree on November 10, 2013, is currently attempting to produce 20,000 tomatoes from a single seed! You can feel the wonder and greatness of plant life.

Green Pasture is an area where you can meet animals, including the mascot alpaca, the very popular smiling sheep Happy, and other animals such as goats, llamas, and miniature horses.

You'll be captivated by the cuteness of these animals roaming freely in a spacious pasture. Enjoy interacting with these soothing animals! There are also opportunities to touch alpacas several times a day!

<<Business Information: Ecorin Village>>

Address: 277-4 Makiba, Eniwa City, Hokkaido
・ Telephone: 0123-34-7800
• Opening hours: Galaxy Garden & Green Pasture
(October 28st - November 30th) 9:30 - 17:00
(October 1st - November 5th) 9:30 - 16:00
• Closed days: Open every day during the green season
- Admission fee: Only the Galaxy Garden and Green Pastures require an admission fee.
Adults (high school students and older): 1,200 yen
・Admission fee for junior high school students and younger: 600 yen (Up to 5 children free per paying adult)
・1,000 yen for those 65 years and older
• Persons with disabilities: Caregiver 600 yen
URL:http://www.ecorinvillage.com/

 

A key characteristic of the animals scattered throughout Hokkaido is that we can observe them in their natural habitat. It might not be an exaggeration to say that this is possible because Hokkaido's vast land and natural environment can be utilized to their fullest potential.
While there are plenty of flower viewing spots and other attractions, we also highly recommend seeing animals that thrive in a loving environment that respects their natural habitat! Be sure to check them out when you travel!

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