[Definitive Edition] Asahiyama Zoo Asahikawa Tourist Guide in Winter! Enjoy penguin walks, snow-illuminated zoos, and gourmet food

The snowy scenery brings out the animals to the fullest.

The animals running around in the snow are a must-see.

Winter-only action exhibitions and events, including the world-famous “Penguin Walk,” are an impressive experience that can only be seen during this season.

The vitality of the animals and the fantastic snowy scenery are fused, and a special experience unique to Asahiyama Zoo awaits you.

Speaking of snow! Animals

Polar bears dynamically jumping in the pure white snow, and seals relaxing in the drift ice square.
The majestic appearance of wolves walking leisurely in the snow is also a must-see.
Furthermore, the colder it gets, the more chances you have to see monkey dumplings warming each other with each other’s body temperature.
This dramatic sight, which can only be seen in winter because it is only at Asahiyama Zoo in the frigid cold, is sure to be a moving experience that allows men and women of all ages to feel the preciousness of life even more.

The charm of animals explodes! “Mogumogu Time”

If you come to Asahiyama Zoo, you must see “Mogumogu Time”.
Through the appearance of eating food, you can learn about the original abilities and interesting behaviors of animals while listening to the explanations unique to the keepers.
The adorable gestures of the animals, such as seals passing through the marine way to get food and penguins walking around, are sure to bring smiles to the faces of both adults and children.
Watch out for flashes and aim for the best shutter chances!

In conjunction with the Asahikawa Winter Festival held in February, Asahiyama Zoo extends its opening hours and holds an event called “Snow Light Zoo” every year to allow people to enjoy the zoo at night in winter.
The zoo at night, gently illuminated by popsicles handmade by the staff, creates a fantastic space that makes you feel like you have come to another world.
In the silence of the daytime, you can feel the breathing and presence of the animals more closely, and you can observe the expressions of nocturnal animals such as lions and owls that are actively moving.
There is also a “night guide” by the breeding staff, and you can also spend valuable time learning about the ecology of the animals.

It is very important to bring your belongings in order to truly enjoy walking penguins and playing in the snow at Asahiyama Zoo in winter.

Here, in addition to the basics of clothing for negative temperatures, we have carefully selected cold weather items that make a big difference with or without them.

It also explains how to take snow measures that are especially necessary for children and how to choose shoes that protect your feet that are prone to cold.

Let’s take a look at the specific measures to avoid problems in the field now!

The most important! Measures to prevent cold bottoms and falls under your feet

Preventing cold toes is very important for enjoying Asahiyama Zoo in winter!
In order to avoid injury from falling, be sure to thoroughly mark “cold protection”, “waterproofness”, and “anti-slip function”!

● Choose winter boots/snow boots
with deep grooves on the soles and high waterproof and anti-slip functions.
If the waterproofness is low, the snow will melt in the shoes, which can cause chilblains.
Before you lose yourself from the zoo due to the cold toes, be sure to choose waterproof winter shoes.
At Asahiyama Zoo, which has many slopes, it is also a must to take measures to prevent falls.
If you are not used to snowy roads, you should also consider chains or spikes that can be easily attached over your shoes!

● Thick socks Wool
material with high heat retention is ideal.
Wool material that easily retains heat even when wet is sure to come in handy for winter travel.
However, in order to maintain warmth, the most important thing is not to wet your socks.
If you get wet, you will need to change your socks, so it’s safe to bring a change of socks with you.
Layering is also recommended, but winter shoes can become cramped. Make sure to adapt to the size of your winter shoes.

Choose gloves that do not allow heat to escape

Gloves are not just cold weather gear, they are essential items to keep heat out.
Choose the right one while taking into account the ease of putting on and taking off when operating the camera.

● Winter gloves/gloves
are fully waterproof, avoiding wet and cold hands when touching snow.
Gloves come in a variety of materials and shapes, but if you expect to come into contact with snow, it is safe to choose one for snow activities.
Knitted materials have a variety of cute designs, but the snow sticks to it, and if it gets wet, it can penetrate into your fingertips.
It is even better to prepare an inner glove made of thin wool or silk material.
By layering them, even when you temporarily remove your outer gloves, you can prevent sudden cold because you won’t be bare hands.

Layering techniques that do not fail and windproof measures

The “functionality” of not only outerwear, but also inner and middlewear is the key to protecting against extreme cold!

● To keep your inner
body heat away and keep your body feeling
as cold as the outside air, choose materials with high moisture absorption and heat retention, such as merino wool and high-performance chemical fibers.
In situations where it is protected by a windproof and waterproof outerwear, it may sweat.
Innerwear that generates heat and retains heat while preventing sweat from getting cold is very different from wearing it and not wearing it.

● Middlewear
Fleece is good to keep your body temperature with a layer of air, but we recommend one that can create a layer of air like down.

Also, since the temperature will be finely adjusted by putting on and taking off the middleware, it is better to have a thin one that is easy to take off and easy to store.

● Outer “
last bastion” to protect the body from wind and snow In negative temperatures, wind lowers the perceived temperature at once, so windproof and waterproof materials that can completely block the wind are essential.

Choose ski wear or a jacket with high functionality.

● Neck warmer
completely prevents cold air from entering by covering the neck area firmly, not only to prevent cold air from getting cold, but also to prevent cold air from entering the inside of the outerwear.

By covering the neck area tightly, it also prevents the release of body heat.

What are cold weather goods specifically for children?

Children move around more than adults and spend a lot of time in contact with snow, which is directly related to “wet measures = cold protection measures”.

● Ski clothing
is essential
Completely waterproof and windproof Assuming that your whole body will be covered in snow due to playing in the snow or falling, choose one that is waterproof rather than water-repellent.
The separate type makes it easy to adjust the temperature and use the toilet.

● Gloves
Gloves are highly waterproof and have a mitten-type glove
that completely covers the wrist and are long enough to cover the cuffs of the garment, thoroughly preventing snow from entering inside.
Mitten-type items retain heat better than five-fingered ones, making them ideal for children who are engrossed in play and tend to get cold at their fingertips.

● Spare innerwear and socks
No matter how much measures you take to replace them when you get wet from sweat or playing in the snow, it is likely that snow will suddenly enter and your innerwear and socks will get wet.

Wet clothes rapidly deprive the body of body heat, which can cause colds.
It’s a good idea to have a replacement in case you get wet.

● Neck warmer
is recommended
to be a type that can be worn completely In addition to the risk of unraveling, a type that allows wind to enter through the gaps is a good type that can firmly protect the neck area.

● It is very convenientto bring a few bags
for wet things It is convenient to bring wet gloves and socks to store other luggage in the bag so that it does not get wet.

Winter outerwear, gloves, and shoes can be rented at “Activity Center Asahikawa Airport” to reduce your luggage!

Synonymous with Asahikawa! Soy sauce ramen

A supreme double soup that permeates your cold body!
The true essence of Asahikawa ramen lies in the clear soy sauce soup that perfectly harmonizes the flavors of pork bones, chicken bones, and seafood.
The lard that covers the surface keeps the hot temperature firmly and warms the body from the outside from the extreme cold.
The moment when the soup is entangled with the medium-thin noodles with little water is truly impressive.
One bite will fill your mind and body with satisfaction, making it an essential soul food for winter sightseeing in Asahikawa.

Get warm with vigor! Yakiniku and Genghis Khan

If you want to be energized in Asahikawa in winter, you can’t miss yakiniku and Genghis Khan!
The raw lamb meat is soft with little odor, and the original flavor of the meat overflows with just one bite.
In addition, the grilled meat such as pork sagari, which is loved by the locals, is also exquisite.
The time spent surrounded by heat in a warm restaurant and warming up deliciously and energetically is the best memory of your winter trip.
Let’s enjoy Hokkaido’s meat culture at carefully selected popular restaurants.

Take a breather! Local sake and local beer

Intoxicated by a pure cup nurtured by the nature of Asahikawa, a snowy country.
The local sake, which is carefully brewed using the clear underground water of the Daisetsuzan Mountains at a sake brewery in a cold region, has a sharp yet mellow taste.
In addition, local beers made with locally grown barley and hops are characterized by their rich and plump aroma.
At the end of your visit to the zoo and snowlights, enjoy a special moment in a warm restaurant with snacks of local ingredients.

By car

・Approximately 30 minutes
from JR Asahikawa Station ・Approximately 25 minutes from Asahikawa Airport

parking lot>
Main Gate 1st parking lot: 59 spaces (free) East
gate free parking lot: 304 spaces (free) Asahiyama
Park parking lot: 125 spaces (free)
※ In addition, there are private paid parking lots in the vicinity

By bus

Bus company: Asahikawa Electric Railway
Route number: Asahiyama Zoo Line 41 and 47
Get off at “Asahiyama Zoo”