Follow the Penguins! A Snow Season Tour of Hokkaido's Popular Asahiyama Zoo

It takes about 30-40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station to reach the entrance of Asahiyama Zoo. The entrance is small and modest, giving off a somewhat simple impression. Tickets: Admission for adults is 1,000 yen, while children below middle school age can enter for free. Dining: The zoo's hot food area offers meal tickets through vending machines. You can pay with credit cards, IC cards, or cash, supporting various payment methods. After purchasing a meal ticket, you can order at the counter. Compared to the dining options at Pankei Ski Resort, the food here is more affordable. Zoo Layout: Upon entering, the path leads uphill. The slope is not steep, making it relatively easy to walk. Penguin Parade: The parade starts promptly at 2:30 PM. Crowds usually begin gathering around 2:10 PM, with visitors eagerly lining up to take photos with the penguins. The parade route is not a straight line; it’s longer than expected and includes turns and uphill sections. Spectators line up along the route, and you can watch the parade from anywhere along the path. Unless you have a specific photo scene in mind, any spot will give you a good view. However, you’ll only see a short segment of the parade, and often just the backs of the penguins and staff.