Fun for the whole family! 4 carefully selected tourist spots in Asahikawa, Hokkaido!

There are many spots in Asahikawa where you can enjoy time with your children. From Asahiyama Zoo, which became famous for its innovative exhibit methods, to a science museum that dads are sure to get hooked on, and the dreamy Snow Museum that will captivate moms—here are four carefully selected tourist spots perfect for families. Each spot is introduced along with its highlights, so be sure to refer to this guide when visiting Asahikawa with kids.

1. Asahiyama Zoo

When it comes to family-friendly spots in Asahikawa, the classic destination is “Asahiyama Zoo.” What sets this zoo apart is its use of “behavioral exhibitions,” which allow visitors to observe animals in their natural daily behaviors and lifestyles. By recreating environments similar to their natural habitats, the zoo enables animals to display more natural behavior. This innovative approach gradually gained attention, and in July and August 2004, the monthly visitor count surpassed that of Ueno Zoo, making it the most visited zoo in Japan.

The spacious zoo grounds are carefully designed to maintain a comfortable environment for the animals. Since it can take an entire day to see everything, especially for families with children, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and decide which animals you want to see.

The Penguin House, famous for its “Flying Penguins,” features a tunnel-style water tank where you can closely watch penguins swimming overhead—an exhibit rarely seen elsewhere in Japan. The Seal House is also filled with thoughtful design elements to recreate a wild environment. Outdoors, a harbor-like space includes small fishing boats and tetrapods. The outdoor enclosure even houses seabirds like black-tailed gulls and seagulls.

In the Polar Bear House’s large tank, you can witness the powerful sight of polar bears swimming dynamically. “Mogu-Mogu Time,” where you can watch animals being fed, is especially popular with families. Watching the animals grab fish and munch down with gusto is a must-see. With many more animals to discover, this is a place worth visiting at least once.

2. Morimori Park – Asahikawa City’s Indoor Playground for Children

Morimori Park is a play area where children can have fun with their families. The concept is “an adventure playground in the forest.” Created in response to local citizens who wanted a place for families to play even in snowy Asahikawa, the facility is divided into three zones: the energetic “Wanpaku Hiroba” for physical activity, the quieter “Mokumoku Hiroba” with wooden play equipment, and the “Hidamari Hiroba” reserved for children aged 0–3.

The wooden play equipment, full of craftsmanship, was made by local furniture makers in Asahikawa and won the Kids Design Award for its outstanding design. The facility is for children from 0 years old to lower elementary school grades. Admission is free, but advance online registration is required to use the facility, so be sure to register before visiting with your children.

3. Asahikawa Science Museum “Sci-Pal”

The Asahikawa City Science Museum “Sci-Pal” is divided into three zones: “The North Country,” “The Earth,” and “The Universe,” offering fun, hands-on learning about science. In the “North Country” zone, you can explore topics like snow crystals and factors behind climate change, helping you understand everyday weather phenomena. In the “Low-Temperature Experiment Room,” you can experience -30°C and even create diamond dust.

In the “Earth” zone, you’ll learn about natural phenomena like earthquakes and cloud formation. The “Universe” zone offers experiences like space travel simulations. The planetarium is particularly popular, equipped with the latest projection system and comfortable seating, making it easy to enjoy stargazing with children. It’s an ideal indoor attraction for families, especially on bad weather days. When the skies look uncertain, why not stop by?

4. “Fruit Forest” Minami Orchard

At the foot of the Daisetsu Mountain Range, right next to Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City, lies the “Fruit Forest Minami Orchard,” a fruit farm blessed by Asahikawa’s pristine air and water. The farm grows fruit using low-pesticide methods and organic fertilizers. You can enjoy fruit picking in season, with cherries, blueberries, apples, and pears among the offerings.

A unique feature of this orchard is the “Owner Course,” where you can become the seasonal owner of an apple or pear tree and have exclusive rights to its harvest. During the harvest season (mid-September to early October), you can fully enjoy picking the fruit. It’s a worry-free activity even for families with children.

Tree management is handled by staff, and farming experience is available upon request. With low pesticide use and abundant organic fertilizers, the fruit’s aroma and taste are guaranteed. You can also choose from a variety of fruit types, though availability is first-come, first-served.

Families can also enjoy decorating apples with logo marks or children’s drawings. Note that this experience is limited to 150 trees, and you must be able to visit during harvest season. If you’re interested, it’s definitely worth checking out.

◎ Summary

In Asahikawa City, there’s more than just Asahiyama Zoo—there are plenty of other attractions for families with children. You could stay overnight and plan your days with different themes: one day for play, the next for artistic and intellectual exploration. Adjust your plans depending on the weather, and you’ll broaden the scope of fun. Be sure to enjoy all that Asahikawa has to offer with your kids!

Fun for the whole family! 4 carefully selected tourist spots in Asahikawa, Hokkaido!