Asahiyama Zoo opens for winter today, but the penguin walk has no date yet
This week's news · Checked 2026-11-11
What happened. Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, started its winter season on 11 Nov 2026 and stays open until 7 Apr 2027. Hours are 10:30–15:30, last entry 15:00. The zoo is closed 30 Dec–1 Jan and reopens on 2 Jan (City of Asahikawa, notice updated 6 Nov 2026).
The penguin walk has no start date yet. The official site says it runs in the snow season, around late December to around mid-March, at 11:00 and 14:30 (March: 11:00 only). The start date will be announced on the zoo's official social media, and walks can be called off for weather or snow. Last year it began on 18 Dec 2025.
Admission now: adults ¥1,000 (≈ RM26), children up to junior high free. From 29 Apr 2027, adults go to ¥1,400; children stay free.
What it means for you.
- Trip on 7–11 Dec? The zoo is open, but the official timing for the penguin walk is "around late December". Don't book a tour just for the penguin walk.
- Trip on 21–31 Dec? Better odds, but no date yet. The last open day of 2026 is 29 Dec; 30 Dec–1 Jan is closed.
- Entry for 2 adults + 2 kids: ¥2,000 (≈ RM51), because children are free.
- From Sapporo, last entry is 15:00, so leave in the morning. Day tour: Asahiyama Zoo winter day tour from Sapporo on Klook — price on Klook; check the 2026-27 dates and whether the penguin walk is included before you book.
- Shoes: the official site warns the zoo has many slopes and paths can get slippery. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Food and prayer: Asahikawa's official tourism site doesn't mention halal food or prayer rooms (checked 1 Oct 2026), so pack food. A prayer room confirmed on an official site: Asahikawa Airport, 2nd floor, 7:30–20:30 (checked 7 Nov 2026).
- Driving? The paid West Gate car park is free for the whole winter season (except 30 Dec–1 Jan). The road up to the East Gate is steep and slippery when icy.
Before you fly: Map of 231 halal places & prayer rooms (US$6.99) — December Edition, 15 Nov.
Affiliate links may be used; your price doesn't change. Sources: Asahiyama Zoo (City of Asahikawa), 2026 winter season notice (updated 6 Nov 2026), opening calendar, admission, price change notice (1 Jul 2026), 2025-26 penguin walk notice and West Gate car park (10 Nov 2026), all in Japanese; Hokkaido Airports, Asahikawa Airport services, checked 7 Nov 2026. Rate: ECB ¥100 = RM2.5642 (10 Nov 2026). Checked 11 Nov 2026.