One of the places I was most excited to visit during my winter trip to Hokkaido was Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa. The moment I stepped out of the bus, I immediately understood why everyone kept saying, “Dress as warmly as you can.” The cold was on another level. My face felt frozen, my hands were numb even inside gloves, and every breath turned into white mist.
But honestly… every second of that freezing weather was worth it.
The biggest reason? The famous Penguin Walk. Seeing the penguins waddling freely across the snowy path was one of the cutest moments of the entire trip. They weren’t performing a show—they were simply doing what penguins naturally do in winter, and that’s what made the experience feel so special. Watching them pass just a few meters away was something I had only ever seen in photos and videos before.
Asahiyama Zoo is well known for its behavioral exhibition concept, where the enclosures are designed to let animals display their natural behaviors while allowing visitors to observe them from unique angles. Besides the adorable penguins, I also had the chance to see polar bears, seals swimming through transparent tunnels, wolves, and many other animals that thrive in cold climates.
Walking around the zoo through thick snow wasn’t exactly easy. Every now and then, I had to stop just to warm up my hands. But the snowy scenery, the cheerful atmosphere, and the excitement of seeing these incredible animals made me forget how cold it actually was.
Looking back, Asahiyama Zoo wasn’t just another stop on my itinerary—it became one of the highlights of my Hokkaido adventure. Sometimes, the most unforgettable memories come from the days when you’re freezing, laughing, and completely amazed all at the same time.
Cold hands, warm heart, and memories that will last forever.
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