18 spots
Hokkaido Zoo Map
Zoos, safari parks and animal encounters across Hokkaido — 18 of them, ranked and placed on the map.
1HokkaidoAsahiyama ZooJapan's northernmost zoo, renowned nationwide for revolutionizing how visitors observe wildlife.Pioneer of "behavioral exhibits," this facility designs enclosures around animals' natural instincts. Watch spotted seals dart through vertical cylindrical tanks, see hippopotamuses gracefully swimming underwater, and marvel at orangutans crossing high-wire ropes strung directly above the walking paths.Once facing the threat of closure in the 1990s, passionate zookeepers completely transformed the park into a national phenomenon. Their dedication is visible today through charming, hand-drawn educational signs detailing animal quirks. If you visit between late December and March, time your trip to witness the wildly popular "Penguin Walk." Originally started to help the birds lose weight, it now allows you to see King Penguins waddling right past your feet on the snow. During feeding sessions, known locally as "Mogumogu Time," staff provide engaging live commentary while beasts show off their hunting reflexes. Summer visitors should look out for the limited "Night Zoo" event in mid-August, offering a rare glimpse of nocturnal habits. To beat the crowds, arrive right at opening time and head straight to the popular Polar Bear Pavilion first, then work your way backwards through the grounds.View on Traveldoko
2HokkaidoMaruyama ZooHokkaido’s oldest zoo, home to one of Japan’s most advanced polar bear habitats.This facility emphasizes naturalistic environments, including a massive indoor Elephant House and overhead walkways for red pandas. Visitors can observe native species like Ezo brown bears and Blakiston's fish owls in settings that mirror the rugged wilderness of the surrounding Hokkaido mountains.Winter is the ideal season to visit, as snow leopards and Steller's sea eagles become strikingly active amidst the snowfall. A standout feature is the "Seal Way," where spotted seals swim through a vertical transparent cylinder, offering unique eye-level photo opportunities. Unlike the more distant Asahiyama Zoo, Maruyama is located just 15 minutes by subway from central Sapporo, making it an easy addition to any city itinerary. For a quiet experience, arrive at opening and head straight to the 18-meter underwater polar bear tunnel before the midday crowds. The zoo is also conveniently adjacent to the majestic Hokkaido Shrine, as the park paths connect the two sites. During August, "Night Zoo" events allow you to observe nocturnal behaviors usually hidden from the public. With numerous heated indoor pavilions, it remains an excellent choice for a rainy day or during the height of the Hokkaido winter when outdoor walking might be difficult. The facility's focus on conservation education provides a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem compared to standard commercial zoos.View on Traveldoko
3HokkaidoNoboribetsu Bear ParkHokkaido’s premier mountain-top sanctuary dedicated to the majestic Ezo brown bear, Japan’s largest land mammal.Ascend by ropeway to a high-altitude observation deck overlooking Lake Kuttara. You can interact with massive bears through the "Human Cage," where the roles are reversed, and buy treats to toss to resident bears who have learned to beg with adorable gestures.Beyond the bear enclosures, the park offers a deep dive into Hokkaido’s natural and cultural heritage. Visit the Brown Bear Museum—the only one of its kind in the world—to learn about their biology and the history of their coexistence with humans. For a change of pace, the Yukara-no-Sato Ainu village reconstruction provides a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Hokkaido's indigenous people, featuring authentic architecture and cultural artifacts. Pro tip: Don't miss the entertaining duck races where you can bet on your favorite feathered sprinter for a chance to win a souvenir. If you visit in winter, the sight of the bears playing in the thick Hokkaido snow is a photographer's dream. Since the park sits atop Mt. Shihorei, you also get one of the best perspectives of Lake Kuttara, known for its incredible water clarity. Unlike standard city zoos, the specialized focus here makes it an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the wilder side of Japan's northernmost island.View on Traveldoko
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Kushiro Japanese Crane ReserveThe world's first successful breeding center for the iconic, endangered Red-crowned Crane. — Unlike seasonal feeding grounds nearby, this park offers guaranteed sightings of "Tancho" throughout the year. Established in 1958, the sanctuary features massive, open-air enclosures designed to mimic the Kushiro marshlands, allowing these majestic birds to live and nest in a semi-wild state.Hokkaido - 5
North Safari SapporoJapan's most dangerous zoo — a hands-on park where visitors enter at their own risk. — Forget looking through glass; here, you can walk across crocodile pits and hand-feed lions. This raw experience allows for incredibly close contact with over 140 species in an environment far removed from traditional, sanitized zoological gardens, emphasizing direct interaction over passive observation.Hokkaido - 6
Kitakitsune FarmHokkaido’s premier fox sanctuary, where dozens of Ezo red foxes roam freely in a massive enclosure. — Stroll through a sprawling evergreen forest where these clever animals nap and play across your path. Unlike typical zoos, there are no cages between you and the residents, providing rare, unobstructed views of their social behaviors and natural curiosity near the Onneyu Onsen area.Hokkaido - 7
Sahoro Resort Bear MountainJapan’s first bear safari where Ezo brown bears roam freely in a massive forested habitat. — Board a screened "Bear Watching Bus" or stroll along the 370-meter elevated walkway to observe these powerful creatures from safety. Unlike traditional zoos, this 15-hectare facility mimics the bears' natural environment, offering a rare glimpse into their social dynamics and foraging habits in the Tokachi wilderness.Hokkaido - 8
Showa Shinzan Bear RanchA sanctuary at the base of an active volcano home to Hokkaido’s iconic brown bears. — Visitors can purchase snacks like cookies or apples to feed the resident Ezo brown bears. These massive creatures are surprisingly expressive, often waving their paws or standing on their hind legs to catch your attention, making for a uniquely interactive wildlife experience alongside the steaming mountain scenery.Hokkaido - 9
Kushiro ZooHokkaido’s largest zoo by area, renowned for its pioneering conservation of the iconic Red-crowned Crane. — Set within a sprawling natural forest, this park focuses on sub-arctic species adapted to the island's harsh climate. You’ll encounter majestic Blakiston’s fish owls and Ezo brown bears in spacious enclosures that prioritize animal welfare and mimic the surrounding wilderness of eastern Hokkaido.Hokkaido - 10Sapporo Owl and Fox ForestHokkaido’s premier immersive woodland where you can walk among free-roaming Ezo red foxes. — Located near the Jozankei hot spring district, this sanctuary focuses on species native to the northern wilderness. Beyond observation, the facility offers rare opportunities to have massive predatory birds perch on your arm or watch young fox kits during the spring season in a rustic, natural setting.Hokkaido
- 11Obihiro ZooHokkaido's second-oldest zoo, featuring subarctic species and a charming retro amusement park.Hokkaido
- 12Tenguyama Chipmunk ParkA mountaintop sanctuary where you can hand-feed friendly chipmunks in a scenic open-air enclosure.Hokkaido
- 13Horonobe Reindeer RanchJapan’s only ranch where you can feed and interact with Santa’s reindeer year-round.Hokkaido
- 14Okhotsk Chipmunk ParkHokkaido's premier wildlife encounter where dozens of wild chipmunks eat directly from your hand.Hokkaido
- 15Wakkanai City Animal Interaction LandJapan's northernmost zoo, famous for preserving the legacy of the legendary Sakhalin Husky.Hokkaido
- 16Abira Deer ParkJapan's oldest health park, home to a friendly herd of native Yezo deer.Hokkaido
- 17Nakayoshi ZooA charming, admission-free zoo in Hokkaido where you can meet a live brown bear.Hokkaido
- 18Furusato Forest Animal HouseA local sanctuary showcasing Hokkaido’s native wildlife in the heart of Japan's dairy capital.Hokkaido
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Image credits
- 1. Asahiyama Zoo — 欅 (Keyaki) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- 2. Maruyama Zoo — モンモン / Public domain
- 3. Noboribetsu Bear Park — Kinden K さん https://www.flickr.com/photos/kinden/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
- 4. Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve — Tzu-hsun, Hsu / CC BY-SA 4.0
- 5. North Safari Sapporo — (Y_umezawa) / CC BY 3.0
- 6. Kitakitsune Farm — Tzuhsun Hsu さん https://www.flickr.com/photos/alberth2/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
- 7. Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain — Satoshi KINOKUNI / CC BY 2.0
- 8. Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch — boymeetsapple さん http://photozou.jp/user/top/157859 / CC BY 2.1 jp
- 9. Kushiro Zoo — Uruya / CC BY-SA 3.0