Hokkaido, a popular tourist destination, boasts several renowned aquariums and zoos. This article introduces a mix of classic and niche spots, so be sure to check it out until the end. Whether you're traveling with family, a partner, or even solo, each facility offers a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone.
※Purchases or reservations made through the links in this article may result in a commission for FUN! JAPAN.
1. Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is Japan's northernmost zoo, known for its innovative exhibits that showcase animals' natural behaviors and habitats as closely as possible.
Highlights
There are various themed indoor facilities scattered around, each offering behavioral exhibits, allowing you to see rare animal behaviors that you can't see in other zoos. There are many attractive exhibits, such as the Penguin House where you can see penguins swimming underwater, and the Polar Bear House where you can see polar bears diving if you're lucky.
Access from Major Cities
About 20 minutes by shuttle bus from the east exit of Asahikawa Station and Asahikawa Airport.
Facility Information
- Address ：Kuronuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido 078-8205
- Hours：09:30～17:15
- ※Please check the official website for seasonal changes
- Closed ：April 8 – April 26, November 4 – November 10, December 30 – January 1
- ※For the year 2024
- Admission fee ：Adults (high school students and above) 1,000 yen, Children (junior high school students and below) free
[klook] 👉Asahiyama Zoo and Furano, Biei 1 Day Bus Tour
2. Otaru Aquarium
Otaru Aquarium is one of Hokkaido's premier aquariums, attracting around 350,000 visitors annually. Located by the Sea of Japan and surrounded by nature, it offers an immersive Hokkaido experience.
Highlights
Don’t miss the exhibit of the globally rare harbour porpoise. This small cetacean species, native to the Hokkaido coast, is typically restricted for research purposes, making it uncommon in aquariums. Otaru Aquarium is the only place in Japan where multiple harbour porpoises are on display.
Access from Major Cities
Approximately 25 minutes by Hokkaido Chuo Bus from JR Otaru Station, followed by a short walk from the bus stop.
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Otaru IC on the Sasson Expressway.
Facility Information
- Address ：3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0047
- Hours：09:00～17:00
- ※Please check the website in advance as it varies depending on the season.
- Closed ：Late November to mid-December, late February to mid-March
- ※Please check the website for details
- Admission fee ：High school students and above: 1,500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 600 yen, Children aged 3 to preschool: 300 yen
- The adjoining amusement park has free admission (rides require a separate fee)
[kkday]👉Otaru Aquarium Admission Ticket | Hokkaido
[klook] 👉Otaru Sake Brewery, Shopping Street, Aquarium & Ropeway Tour from Sapporo
3. Noboribetsu Bear Park
Noboribetsu Bear Park is located about a 7-minute ropeway ride from the Noboribetsu hot spring area. Situated atop Shihorei Mountain to the southeast of the hot spring town, this park is home to lively Ezo brown bears.
Highlights
Visitors can experience feeding the bears and observe them up close. The park features a glass viewing area where you can face male brown bears directly, offering an exhilarating way to observe these magnificent creatures.
Access from Major Cities
Approximately 25 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station.
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Noboribetsu Higashi IC on the Doo Expressway.
Facility Information
- Address ：224 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551
- Business Hours： October 21 – April 20: 09:30 – 16:30
- April 21 – October 20: 09:00 – 17:00
- Closed ：April 8 – April 26
- ※Please check the website for seasonal variations.
- ※For the year 2024
- Admission Fee ：Adults: 3,000 yen, Children: 1,500 yen
[kkday]👉[Instant Confirmation] Noboribetsu Bear Park Admission Ticket | Hokkaido
[klook] 👉Noboribetsu Bear Park Ticket
4. Chitose Aquarium, Home of Salmon
Renovated in 2015, the Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium features one of the largest freshwater tanks in Japan. Inside, you can observe the habitats of salmon and various other freshwater fish.
Highlights
The aquarium boasts Japan’s first underwater observation room, allowing visitors to view the underwater world of the Chitose River throughout the seasons. A must-see is the Salmon Movie, which showcases the life cycle of salmon. Participate in the salmon fry release event to deepen your understanding of salmon.
Access from Major Cities
Approximately 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, or about a 15-minute walk from Chitose Station.
Facility Information
- Address ：2-312 Hanazono, Chitose City, Hokkaido 066-0028
- Hours：09:00～17:00
- Closed ：Year-end and New Year holidays, maintenance closures
- Admission fee ：Adults: 800 yen, High school students: 500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen, Infants: Free
[kkday]👉Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium Ticket
[klook] 👉Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium Ticket
5. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is a marine art museum modeled after a medieval Renaissance castle, Nixe Castle. Here, you can explore an Aqua Tunnel where schools of fish swim overhead and enjoy sea lion and dolphin shows, with around 11,000 marine creatures from 350 species.
Highlights
The highly popular Penguin Parade, where penguins march in formation, is held daily throughout the year and is a must-see event. The dolphin and sea lion shows are also crowd favorites. Additionally, the jellyfish tank and the Galaxy Tank with 10,000 sardines are highly recommended.
Access from Major Cities
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Station.
Facility Information
- Address: 1-22, Noboribetsu Higashi-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0492
- Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission: Adults 2,500 yen, Children 1,300 yen, Free for children under 3
[kkday]👉Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe Tickets
6. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
The Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum features a permanent exhibit of real drift ice and offers various experiences, including a -18°C freezing cold room that simulates winter temperatures even in summer, a high-definition theater, and a dynamic drift ice experience zone. The museum also houses displays of sea angels (Clione) and balloon fish.
Highlights
The museum offers many captivating exhibits, but the standout is the Drift Ice Underwater Live. This immersive experience, captured by a 360-degree camera, allows visitors to feel as if they are diving beneath the drift ice themselves.
Access from Major Cities
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Abashiri Station
Facility Information
- Address ：244-3 Tentozan, Abashiri City, Hokkaido 093-0044
- Hours：May – October: 08:30 – 18:00
- November – April: 09:00 – 16:30
- Year-end and New Year holidays: 10:00 – 15:00
- Closed ：Open year-round
- Admission fee ：Adults 770 yen, High school students 660 yen, Junior high school students 550 yen, Elementary school students 550 yen
[kkday]👉Okhotsk Drift Ice Pavilion Ticket | Same-Day Reservations Available
7. Northern Daichi Aquarium (Yama no Aquarium)
Northern Daichi Aquarium, also known as the "Yama no Aquarium," showcases rare freshwater fish from around the world. It features Japan's largest and the world's first exhibits of certain freshwater species, offering many fascinating displays.
Highlights
The aquarium's main attraction is the large tank housing about 40 Japanese huchen, the largest number of this freshwater fish species in Japan. During winter, you can observe fish swimming vigorously beneath the frozen river, showcasing the resilience of life.
Access from Major Cities
Approximately 20 minutes by Hokkaido Kitami Bus from JR Rubeshibe Station to the Michi-no-Eki Onneyu Onsen stop.
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Asahikawa.
Facility Information
- Address ：1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami-shi, Hokkaido, 091-0153
- Hours：09:00 – 16:30
- April – October: 08:30 – 17:00
- Closed ：Summer: April 8 – April 14
- Winter: December 26 – January 1
- ※For the year 2024
- Admission fee ：General 670 yen, Junior high school students 440 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen
[kkday] 👉Kitami｜Aquarium of the Northern Lands (Mountain Aquarium) Admission Ticket
[kkday]👉Recommended leisure activities and sightseeing information in Hokkaido
Visit Hokkaido's Aquariums and Zoos!
We have introduced seven carefully selected aquariums and zoos in Hokkaido, each offering unique attractions for visitors of all ages. No matter who you are or what the occasion, these facilities are sure to provide a delightful experience. Be sure to visit them during your trip to Hokkaido!
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