Fact Sheets & Video - Japan

Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, houses a huge number of animals across a wide range of species. Some of the most popular exhibits are the polar bear house where it is possible to see the animals very close up through glass walls (This exhibit is particularly good at feeding time, but be sure to arrive early!).

The penguin pool contains a 360 see through walk-way running through the middle of the pool. The seal house has a similar see through area with a vertical tank that the seals swim up into. The large cat house allows visitors to see the animals close up through glass walls.

Monkey mountain and the orang-utan tower are also popular. There is a farm animal petting area for kids and also a small roller coaster. The zoo is open all year however many animals may be hibernating or indoors during the winter season This is also a very popular time to visit the zoo to get a glimpse of the march of the penguins!

The King penguins at Asahiyama Zoo need their exercise and because of the relatively small size of the enclosure they inhabit, they are taken on a walk in the morning and mid-afternoon, around the entire zoo. The walk lasts for about 30 minutes, and visitors are allowed to follow.

While the King Penguins are the stars of the show, you'll find fairy penguins often trying to steal the limelight by escaping their enclosure and sneaking across the boards during their walk.

If you visit the town of Asahikawa during February, you will be dazzled by the spectacle of their annual Winter Festival. The huge ice sculptures are a main feature of the festival. Asahikawa is fast gaining a reputation throughout the world as a Mecca for ice sculpting.

Teams from many different countries take part and over 100 of the world's finest ice artists gather here to compete to be number 1 in this world class sculpture competition. The evening illuminations create an entirely different look to the sculptures, and are a breathtaking blend of light and ice.

Further Information:

Loisir Hotel, Asahikawa - From $86 a night. Includes full breakfast. Valid December 07 - February 08. Call TravelPlan on 1300 130 754. Prices correct at 21/4/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Japan Airlines (JAL) - Fly return to Asahikawa - From $ 1580 ex Cairns, $ 1767 ex Sydney & Melbourne. Call them on (02) 9272 1111. Prices correct at 26/3/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.