Best Zoos in Japan — Our Top 15

1.【Private Car】Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, Ningle Terrace (from Sapporo)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews Our pick

Travel by private car from Sapporo to four Hokkaido highlights in 8 to 10 hours. Spend about two hours at Asahiyama Zoo, then see Biei’s Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls before browsing Ningle Terrace in Furano. Drivers such as Kate, Masaru, Tommy, and Yuki have earned praise for safe driving and flexible help.

“Our guide Mr. Masaru Tanerani was at our hotel for pickup right on time. He drove safely despite the harsh weather. He was very mindful of the different ages people traveling with us. He guided us well on our entire trip. Highly recommend!”

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2.Very popular in Harajuku♡Animal petting zoo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 39 reviews · 1 hour · from $16Best value

Spend time with four kinds of small animals in Harajuku at Kyun Kyun, a clean, photo-friendly petting zoo with English, Chinese, and Korean staff. Entry costs $16, children under 3 are free, and you can stay without a strict time limit during opening hours.

“We had a wonderful time playing with the animals. I do think it was quite expensive and there wasn’t much information about the experience it self when I booked. I think for $25 per person that should include food to feed the animals instead of that being extra. However the experience was wonderful, the staff were amazing and my kids (5 and 6) loved it! The facility was very clean and tidy and not over crowded. I did book online but didn’t realise we could have also just walked in. The animals were beautiful and so well looked after. Thank you for a lovely morning!”

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3.Hokkaido Highlights of Flower Blossom, Asahiyama Zoo& Blue pond「Aoi-ike」!

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 34 reviews · from $87

Leave Sapporo at 7:35 a.m. for Farm Tomita, Biei’s Blue Pond, famous countryside trees, and Asahiyama Zoo. This 12-hour group tour includes transport, entry fees, and a driver-guide. English support can vary, so expect a mainly Japanese tour with translation.

“Blue pond very picturesque. Zoo nice but hard to get around in the heat. Nice ending of the day at Farm Tomita”

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4.Sapporo Winter : Asahiyama Zoo (Penguin Fun & Snowmobile)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $58

Ride a heated bus from Sapporo to Furano and Asahiyama Zoo, with snowy stops at Ningle Terrace, Shikisai-no-oka, and the Ken & Mary Tree. Your guide, possibly Hong or Sunny, handles the day while you enjoy penguins, winter crafts, and an optional snowmobile ride.

“Hong is a great tour guide. clear and considerate. polite and mindful. keeps us up to date about travel plans.”

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5.Penguin Fun & Snowmobile : Sapporo Winter (Asahiyama Zoo)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $58

You’ll ride a heated bus from Sapporo to snowy Furano and Biei, see penguins at Asahiyama Zoo, browse Ningle Terrace, and photograph the Ken and Mary Tree. English and Chinese guides, including guides such as Mr. Hong and Mr. Lin, lead the day. Snowmobiling costs extra.

“As a must-visit in Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo exceeded all expectations! The penguin parade was absolutely magical—watching these cute creatures waddle across the snow made my kids scream with joy. The zoo is well-maintained, with clear English signage and friendly staff who happily answered our questions. Don’t miss the polar bear exhibit—their playful antics against the winter backdrop were unforgettable. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals! 5/5 stars without a doubt."”

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6.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Ningle Terrace Day trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $89

Leave Sapporo at 8:00 am for Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Seven Stars Tree, Shikisai no Oka, and Ningle Terrace. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver providing basic English guidance, then explore each stop independently. Seasonal changes may replace several sights.

“My son was very excited to see the zoo, especially when the penguins paraded in formation. Everyone was very excited, and we also saw the beautiful blue pond and waterfall. He was very satisfied with the trip.”

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7.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo and Blue Pond Elf Terrace Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 10 reviews · from $163

Leave Sapporo at 8:00 am for Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Blue Pond and Shirakane Falls, Shikisai no Oka, and Furano’s Ningle Terrace. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a maximum of 15 people, with zoo admission and several treats included.

“We were late as we got lost - by 11 minutes and bus left without us - despite constant communication with the guide about how far away we were- we caught a train and taxi to the zoo to meet the tour and when we got there the guide was rude - telling us to hurry up - we hRead more”

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8.Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $105

Travel from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, plus Ningle Terrace. You get zoo admission, lunch, and transport over 9 to 10 hours. Guide language can vary, so confirm English service before booking.

“I had a good time! Most of the group spoke Chinese so the main tour guide provided most of her commentary in Chinese. However, another staff member, Haru, who spoke English provided basically one-on-one service for me. ThougRead more”

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9.Tokyo:Customizable Private Day Trip to Mt.Fuji & Safari Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · 10 hours

You’ll travel privately from Tokyo with a driver-guide such as Syed, Saim, or Vicky, choosing between a wildlife day with Fuji Safari Park and Mishima Sky Walk or a classic Fuji route with Oshino Hakkai, Lake Kawaguchiko, and the 5th Station. The 10-hour outing includes pickup, transport, and guide service.

“The driver was informative and offered to help with children and additional rides around the park.”

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10.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo& Biei Blue pond Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · from $69

You’ll travel from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls with guidance in English, Chinese, or Japanese. The day includes bus transport and zoo admission, while lunch and the May to September melon buffet depend on the package you choose.

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11.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Furano and Biei Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · from $85

Spend 10.5 hours touring Hokkaido’s top sights from Sapporo, with time at Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, Farm Tomita, and Biei’s Patchwork Road. An onboard attendant helps with the day, while app-based interpretation supports English and Mandarin.

“Awesome! The guide was hilarious too! I would recommend it to anyone who loves nature and is adventurous. Hokkaido is such a great place!”

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12.Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, Icebreaker GARINKO GO Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3 reviews · 13 hours · from $161

Join Japanese staff, including guide Yamada, for a 13-hour winter outing from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo and the Sea of Okhotsk. You will see behavioral animal exhibits, ride GARINKO GO III through drift ice, and may spot eagles, gulls, or seals. Bring your passport number to board.

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13.Winter Asahiyama Zoo and blue pond “Aoi-Ike” 1 Day bus tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $85

Travel from Sapporo to Asahiyama Zoo and Shirogane Blue Pond by air-conditioned bus. You get zoo admission, about 2.5 hours at the zoo, and a short stop at the pond. Guide Aoki is noted for friendly English service. After February 1, the pond visit takes place before sunset, so lighting may not be visible.

“It was pretty well organised tour. The tour guide Aoki was really friendly, speak English well! We enjoyed the trip, the penguin walk was the highlight of the trip”

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14.Hokkaido│Kurodake Ropeway, Asahiyama Zoo Autumn Leaves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 10h 30m · from $119

Travel from Sapporo by coach to the Kurodake Ropeway, Asahikawa Ramen Village, and Asahiyama Zoo. Your ticket covers transport, ropeway, zoo admission, and an English, Chinese, or Japanese guide. Lunch is your choice and paid separately.

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15.2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $297

Travel from Sapporo to Asahikawa, Sounkyo, and Monbetsu on a winter group tour with an overnight hot-spring stay. You’ll see Asahiyama Zoo’s 11:00 penguin walk, visit the Okhotsk Tower and Tokkari Center, and ride the Garinko icebreaker through drift ice. Guide Xiao Li has been praised for careful timing and arrangements.

“It is a very nice trip, and the lady guide Xiao Li is wonderful and very timely in all the arrangements.”

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