Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園) is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Japan. It is especially well-loved by tourists because of its unique and innovative way of showcasing animals. As one of the first zoos to let visitors observe animals in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats, it offers an immersive and educational experience.
Wondering about Halal food? Don’t worry — we have got some helpful tips for you today.
As explained, the zoo specializes in how they display animals.
Rather than traditional barrier-based displays, the zoo minimizes distance between visitors and the animals safely, using glass tunnels, domes, and underwater viewing areas. This encourages animals to interact — noticing and reacting to visitors — which in turn relaxes them and brings out their natural behaviors.
Penguin House
Visitors walk through a tunnel while penguins swim overhead—making it appear like they are “flying.”
Seal “Marine Way”
Transparent vertical tubes let seals swim around visitors for eye‑level contact from all sides.
Polar Bear Viewing Domes/Tunnels
Glass enclosures that allow visitors to see polar bears diving above and around them.
Other exhibits
Orangutan aerial walkways, wolf viewing domes, lesser pandas’ suspension bridges, and unique big-cat vantage points.
The Zoo, in other words, is one of the must-visit places in Hokaido, not only for the family travelers but also for every tourists.
What do we have for Halal food?
The zoo is visited by many foreign tourists including Muslims, however, it is quite difficult to say that the zoo is ready to welcome Muslim travelers.
So far, as of August 2025, there is only one restaurant that offers Halal steamed lamb bun.
This bun has both Halal and vegan options, and are available only at the very limited shops in Hokkaido.
The Halal bun is available at the Food Base Cafe TOTORI, located between main gate and west gate. The price is 700 yen.
The Asahiyama Zoo is relatively far from the city center Asahikawa. It is recommended to rent a car or take a taxi, however they also have bus from JR Asahikawa station.
Name: Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園) Address: Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo, Kuranuma, Asahikawa cho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 北海道旭川市東旭川町倉沼 旭川市旭山動物園 Opening hours: Summertime 9:30～17:15 (Enter by 16:00), Wintertime 10:30～15:30 (Enter by 15:00) *When special event is held, open until 20:30, enter by 20:00 Price: 1,000 yen per adult including high school students, Jr. high school students and below are free of charge
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