Asahiyama Zoo in Snow

I didn't include Asahikawa on my Hokkaido itinerary in the first place but once I landed in Osaka one of my best friends recommended this city, she said 'The zoo is really worth a visit!'

Asahikawa, one of four large big cities of Hokkaido (along with Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate) and Asahiyama zoo is the Japan's northernmost zoo which host to various winter animals such as penguins, seals, and polar bear.

I rescheduled my last day in Hokkaido and decided to visit the Asahiyama zoo even I knew that I wouldn't have enough time to explore Asahikawa city. Riding the express train from Sapporo JR station, it took about one and half hours to Asahikawa Station and changed for Asahikawa Denki Kido bus to Asahiyama zoo at bus stop no 5 just across the station. The bus fare is 400 yen and takes 40 minutes to the zoo and the admission is 800 yen.

Indeed it is an amazing zoo with unique and beautiful animals and stunning scenery from the hilltop blanketed with pure white snow. Glad that I made my way to this beautiful city of Hokkaido. Should you visit Asahikawa this February, you can watch the Guinness-certified world's largest snow sculpture and drop in to make your your own during The 51st Asahikawa Winter Festival.

Here are some of my shots in Asahikawa:

Asahikawa city, the northernmost city on earth I've ever been

Bus stop no 5 across Asahikawa Station

Asahiyama zoo gate

Minus 3.2 Celsius in the zoo

Polar bear

Penguins parade at Asahiyama zoo

Not sure what the fish's name :)

Stunning view from the zoo's hilltop