Japan

As summer turns to autumn, the idea of spending some time outdoors comes to mind as the temperature has finally reached a tolerable level and the fall leaves bring a nice change in the scenery. When in such a mood, might I recommend the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park? Popularly known as Asa Zoo, the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park is where families and couples can see wild animals in a relatively ‘natural’ habitat and is a perfect place for getting out for some fresh air.  The zoo has all the classic big animals that you usually find at zoos, such as your lions, and tigers, and bears, but the zoo also offers some unique attractions like the Japanese giant salamander. The zoo has a number of these on loan from the Salamander Museum located in Ohnan Town in Shimane Prefecture and is now working on a collaborative breeding program. On the downside, the zoo is a fair way out of town and is not exactly cheap to get to. The easiest way is via the Astram Line either from downtown Hiroshima or Shin-Hakushima Station, which is after Hiroshima Station. You need to get off at Kamiyasu Station and take…