Let's Go to the Zoo!

Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Asahiyama Zoo include the following.

• Polar Bear
• Snowy Owl
• Lion
• Pallas's Cat
• Ezo Flying Squirrel
• Snow Leopard
• Ezo Brown Bear
• Timber Wolf
• Capybara
• King Penguin
• etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, is famous for its 'behavioral exhibits' that showcase the natural behaviors of animals. Especially, the exhibits of polar bears, seals, and penguins are very popular and often featured in the media. In addition to polar bears, you can see rare animals such as Pallas's cats and timber wolves. When visiting Asahikawa City, please make sure to visit Asahiyama Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon, include the following.

• Salmon
• Amur Sturgeon
• Kokanee
• Japanese Huchen
• Cherry Salmon (Yamame)
• Grebe
• Ezo Salamander
• Polka Dot Stingray
• Electric Eel
• Nattereri Piranha
• etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Chitose Aquarium, located in Chitose City, Hokkaido, allows observation of creatures living in fresh waters around the world, including salmon species. The aquarium's Japan-first 'Underwater Observation Zone' adjacent to the Chitose River lets visitors see the lives of wild animals in every season up close. Experience zones where you can interact with Doctor Fish and the only exhibit in Japan featuring American mink and smelt are also available. When visiting Chitose City, please make sure to visit Chitose Aquarium.

Photo credit: Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon

Location of the Facility

Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Heidi Farm include the following.

• Holstein (Cow)
• Jersey (Cow)
• Black Wagyu (Cow)
• Cheviot (Sheep)
• Japanese Saanen (Goat)
• Pony
• Rabbit
• Mini Pig
• Llama
• Alpaca
• etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Heidi Farm, located in Naganuma, Yubari District, Hokkaido, offers a variety of cows to see. Besides goats and sheep, typical farm animals such as horses, as well as small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits are also raised. The farm provides a rich array of experience events, including milking cows, making ice cream, interacting with rabbits, and feeding baby goats and lambs. When visiting Naganuma, please make sure to visit Heidi Farm.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Kumakuma Zoo include the following.

• Asian Black Bear
• Brown Bear

Attractions of the Facility

Kumakuma Zoo, located in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, is a zoo that features only two types of bears, as suggested by its name. It offers feeding experiences with adult Asian black bears and, for a limited time, you can also interact with young cubs. Additionally, on the second floor of the brown bear house, there are panel displays where you can learn about what is necessary for humans and bears to coexist. When visiting Akita City, please make sure to visit Kumakuma Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Hitachi City Kamine Zoo include the following.

• Asian Elephant
• African Crested Porcupine
• North American Beaver
• Jaguar
• Chimpanzee
• Black Rhinoceros
• Tiger
• Red-crowned Crane
• Green Iguana
• Japanese Pond Turtle, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Hitachi City Kamine Zoo is located in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It houses a range of animals from popular large mammals such as Asian elephants and tigers to smaller animals like guinea pigs (cavies) and rabbits. In addition to mammals, a variety of reptiles can also be found here. The zoo hosts events where you can interact with guinea pigs and feed capybaras and brown bears. When visiting Hitachi City, please make sure to stop by Hitachi City Kamine Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Kiryu Gaoka Zoo include the following.

• Reticulated Giraffe
• Red Panda
• Mara
• Eastern Grey Kangaroo
• Japanese Macaque
• Meerkat
• Lion
• Peacock
• Humboldt Penguin
• Spectacled Caiman, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Kiryu Gaoka Zoo, located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, features a wide range of animals from large ones like lions and reticulated giraffes to smaller animals such as rabbits and budgerigars. In 2022, the zoo started keeping red pandas for the first time in Kiryu City, attracting much attention. Additionally, the entrance to Kiryu Gaoka Zoo is free, making it popular among people of all ages. When visiting Kiryu City, please make sure to visit Kiryu Gaoka Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Omiya Park Zoo include the following.

• Spotted Hyena
• Japanese Black Bear
• Japanese Badger
• Striped Skunk
• Tawny Frogmouth
• Japanese Squirrel
• Quail
• Mantled Guereza
• Common Marmoset
• Lady Amherst's Pheasant, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Omiya Park Zoo, located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, is a zoo that features a variety of animals including popular Japanese black bears, various species of monkeys, and birds. It also offers a rare opportunity to see spotted hyenas, which are uncommon in domestic zoos. Furthermore, the entrance to Omiya Park Zoo is free, making it popular among visitors of all ages. When visiting Saitama City, please make sure to stop by Omiya Park Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Oshima Park Zoo include the following.

※Quoted from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Oshima Subprefecture website.

• Two-toed Sloth
• Barbary Sheep
• Ring-tailed Lemur
• Rhinoceros Hornbill
• Red Panda
• Bactrian Camel
• Emu
• Japanese Serow
• Aldabra Giant Tortoise
• Capybara, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Oshima Park Zoo, located in Oshima Town, Tokyo, is a zoo where you can see mammals such as two-toed sloths and capybaras, a variety of birds including rare species from Japan, and reptiles like the Aldabra giant tortoise. There are also 'interaction' days where you can touch guinea pigs and rabbits; it's a good idea to check the dates in advance. Furthermore, entrance to Oshima Park Zoo is free, making it popular not only among children but also adults. When visiting Oshima Town, make sure to stop by Oshima Park Zoo.

※As of 2023, please note that the content may change.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia include the following.

• Snow Leopard
• Asian Lion
• Okapi
• Stork
• Goodfellow's Tree-kangaroo
• Japanese Hare
• Polar Bear
• Proboscis Monkey
• Bornean Orangutan
• Malayan Tapir, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia, located in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a zoo divided into regions based on global climate zones such as the tropical forests of Asia and the savannahs of Africa. It's home to popular animals like the Indian elephant and the Asian lion, colorful birds not seen in Japan, and the okapi, one of the world's three great rare beasts. As of 2023, Zoorasia is the only place in Japan where you can see the snow leopard, a rare feline species. When visiting Yokohama City, be sure to stop by Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Kanazawa Zoo include the following.

• Koala
• Eastern Black Rhinoceros
• Okapi
• Pink Pelican
• Giraffe
• Kingfisher
• Indian Elephant
• Indian Rhino
• Argali
• Bearded Pig, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Kanazawa Zoo, located in the southern part of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a verdant zoo housing rare herbivores from around the world such as koalas, Indian elephants, and okapis, as well as familiar creatures. It focuses on animal welfare and the conservation of flora and fauna. Popular attractions include the 'Relaxation Square' where you can feed goats and sheep, and the 'Familiar Creatures Pavilion' that serves as a conservation center for insects to small mammals. When visiting Yokohama City, make sure to visit Kanazawa Zoo.

Photo credit: Kanazawa Zoo

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Aich Center Shiunji Saezurino Sato include the following.

※The birds you can see may vary depending on the season.

• Black Kite
• Common Kestrel
• Japanese Green Pigeon
• Grey-faced Buzzard
• Long-tailed Rosefinch
• Peregrine Falcon
• Grey-faced Buzzard
• Northern Goshawk
• Black-tailed Gull
• Large-billed Crow, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Aich Center Shiunji Saezurino Sato, located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, primarily cares for injured wildlife found within the prefecture until they recover, with the final aim of returning them to their natural environment. The facility includes not only animal enclosures but also displays of bird carvings and taxidermy, allowing visitors to learn from materials while observing the birds being cared for. When visiting Shibata City, be sure to stop by Aich Center Shiunji Saezurino Sato.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Toki no Mori Park include the following.

• Japanese Crested Ibis
• Crested Ibis
• Black Ibis
• Straw-necked Ibis
• Hadada Ibis

Attractions of the Facility

Toki no Mori Park, located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, is a park where you can deepen your understanding of the Japanese Crested Ibis through exhibits and by observing the ibises being cared for. The Toki Interaction Plaza within the park is designed to mimic the natural environment closely, allowing you to observe the ibises feeding and their nests from a close distance. When visiting Sado City, be sure to stop by Toki no Mori Park.

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Animals You Can Meet

The representative animal at Toyama Prefectural Mountain Museum Kamoshika Park is as follows.

• Japanese Serow

Attractions of the Facility

Toyama Prefectural Mountain Museum Kamoshika Park is a facility located in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture. The Kamoshika Park, located within the Tateyama Museum, is part of the recreational zone and was established for the protection and breeding of the Japanese Serow, a national natural monument. As of 2023, two Japanese Serows are being kept, and the park includes various other zones as well. When visiting Tateyama Town, be sure to stop by Toyama Prefectural Mountain Museum Kamoshika Park.

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Attractions of the Facility

Toyama City Family Park is a zoo located in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture. When visiting Toyama City, be sure to visit Toyama City Family Park.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Sabae City Nishiyama Zoo include the following.

• Red Panda
• White-handed Gibbon
• Francois' Langur
• Bolivian Squirrel Monkey
• Golden Pheasant
• Silver Pheasant
• Red-crowned Crane
• Indian Peafowl
• Lady Amherst's Pheasant
• Japanese Bantam, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Sabae City Nishiyama Zoo, located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, is a zoo known for its significant number of red panda breedings, making it possible to observe red pandas of various personalities. In addition to primates and birds, the zoo hosts a variety of other animals. Entrance to Sabae City Nishiyama Zoo is free, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages. When visiting Sabae City, be sure to stop by Sabae City Nishiyama Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

The animals you can see at the Omachi Mountain Museum (attached park) include the following.

• Ptarmigan
• Masked Palm Civet
• Common Kestrel
• Black Kite
• Rock Pigeon
• Svalbard Ptarmigan
• Japanese Serow
• Raccoon Dog
• Owl

Attractions of the Facility

The Omachi Mountain Museum (attached park) is a museum located in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. It primarily cares for animals found in the Northern Alps region but also focuses on species conservation efforts. Notably, it resumed breeding ptarmigans in 2016 due to the necessity of conservation for this species. When visiting Omachi City, be sure to stop by the Omachi Mountain Museum (attached park).

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Izu Animal Kingdom include the following.

• White Tiger
• Lion
• Southern White Rhinoceros
• Southern Three-banded Armadillo
• Red-crowned Crane
• Cheetah
• White-bearded Wildebeest
• African Elephant
• Kori Bustard
• Mouflon, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Izu Animal Kingdom, located in Higashiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a zoo that houses a variety of animals including popular carnivores like lions and cheetahs, herbivores, birds, and small animals like hedgehogs and rabbits. It is also one of the few places in Japan where you can see white tigers. Various events are also held, making it a must-visit when in Higashiizu Town.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Fuji Safari Park include the following.

• Lion
• Amur Tiger
• American Bear
• Cheetah
• Bactrian Camel
• Asian Elephant
• White Rhinoceros
• American Bison
• Barbary Sheep, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Fuji Safari Park, located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a zoo divided into a Safari Zone and a Contact Zone. In the Safari Zone, you can ride a Jungle Bus to see lions, Asian elephants, and other impressive animals up close. In the Contact Zone, you can interact with and feed adorable animals. It's a good idea to inquire about events before visiting. Make sure to visit Fuji Safari Park when you're in Susono City.

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Animals You Can Meet

The representative animals at Takegawa Fureai Animal Zoo include the following.

• Rabbit
• Donkey
• Sheep
• Tortoise
• Goat
• Dog
• Mini Pig
• Duck
• Owl
• Deer, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Takegawa Fureai Animal Zoo, located in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, is a zoo that houses animals with which children can interact, such as rabbits, sheep, goats, and ducks. In addition to the animals, the zoo also has picture books about animals, allowing children to learn while having fun interacting with the animals. Furthermore, admission to Takegawa Fureai Animal Zoo is free, making it popular among both children and adults. When visiting Matsusaka City, be sure to stop by Takegawa Fureai Animal Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at NIFREL include the following.

• Pygmy Hippopotamus
• White Tiger (Bengal Tiger)
• Garden Eel
• Nicobar Pigeon
• Rhinoceros Hornbill
• Ring-tailed Lemur
• Stingray
• Clownfish
• American Beaver
• Seahorse, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

NIFREL, located in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, is a zoo that features various zones, each with its own exhibition concept. There are zones where colorful fish swim in aquariums and areas where animals like capybaras and ring-tailed lemurs roam freely near visitors. It is also one of the few places in Japan where you can see a pygmy hippopotamus, which is considered one of the world's three rarest animals. When visiting Suita City, make sure to stop by NIFREL.

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Animals You Can Meet

The representative insects at Kashihara City Insect Museum include the following.

• Atlas Moth
• Chestnut Tiger
• Blue Tiger
• Purple Emperor
• Cabbage White
• Swallowtail
• Red Admiral
• Common Tiger
• Peacock Pansy
• Yellow Swallowtail, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

The Kashihara City Insect Museum, located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, is a facility where you can learn more about insects by observing live specimens as well as displays. The butterfly greenhouse houses various species of butterflies, including the Purple Emperor, which can only be seen from mid-June to mid-July, so it's a good idea to check before visiting. When in Kashihara City, be sure to visit the Kashihara City Insect Museum.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Shibukawa Animal Park include the following.

• Welsh Pony
• Donkey
• Cat
• Dog
• Turkey
• Common Marmoset
• Tortoise
• Umbrella Cockatoo
• Mini Horse
• Raccoon Dog, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Shibukawa Animal Park, located in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, is home to approximately 80 species and 600 animals, all of which are housed in spacious environments. The zoo features American Miniature Horses, Shetland Ponies, familiar animals such as dogs and cats, and zoo staples like Japanese Macaques and Peacocks. Additionally, the park offers events such as horseback riding experiences and dog walking experiences. When visiting Tamano City, be sure to stop by Shibukawa Animal Park.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park include the following.

• Asian Elephant
• African Elephant
• Ostrich
• African Penguin
• Mandrill
• Greater Flamingo
• Japanese Rat Snake
• Bactrian Camel
• Stork
• Amur Tiger, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park, located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is divided into various zones, housing animals from Africa, Japan, as well as mammals, birds, and reptiles, making it an enjoyable park for everyone. It is also the only place in Japan where you can see the Asian Elephant. When visiting Hiroshima City, be sure to stop by Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Shunan City Tokuyama Zoo include the following.

• Binturong
• Small-clawed Otter
• Sri Lankan Elephant
• Malayan Bear
• Prairie Dog
• Parma Wallaby
• Crowned Crane
• Lion
• Grant's Zebra
• Indian Crested Porcupine, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Shunan City Tokuyama Zoo, located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is home to a variety of animals, including popular ones like the Sri Lankan Elephant and Amur Tiger, as well as the unique Binturong, known for its popcorn-like scent. Visitors can also enjoy events such as interacting with guinea pigs, feeding hippos, and the 'pac pac time' of the Small-clawed Otter. When visiting Shunan City, make sure to stop by Shunan City Tokuyama Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Ehime Prefectural Tobu Zoo include the following.

• Serval
• Condor
• Southern Tamandua
• Emu
• Binturong
• Leopard
• Sumatran Orangutan
• Malayan Tapir
• California Sea Lion
• Himalayan Bear, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Ehime Prefectural Tobu Zoo, located in Iyo District, Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture, originated as Dogo Zoo established in Showa 28 (1953). To provide a more natural habitat for a wider range of animals, it was relocated to a serene hill within the Prefectural General Sports Park in April of Showa 63 (1988), leading to the birth of Tobu Zoo. Currently, the zoo houses 147 species and 641 animals (as of August 2023), collected based on geography, taxonomy, and ethology to offer a well-balanced variety. Features like panoramic exhibits and a street (zone) guidance system for a global animal tour stimulate the spirit of adventure. Each zone includes informative signs and explanatory panels for easy and fun observation. Blue-uniformed zookeepers are available for heartfelt guidance, instruction, and consultations about animals, offering living knowledge not found in books. When visiting Tobe Town, be sure to visit the Ehime Prefectural Tobu Zoo.

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Animals You Can Meet

Representative animals at Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoological Park include the following.

• Shoebill
• California Sea Lion
• Two-toed Sloth
• Bush Dog
• Binturong
• Bennett's Wallaby
• Egyptian Fruit Bat
• Senegal Bushbaby
• Chimpanzee
• Ring-tailed Lemur, etc.

Attractions of the Facility

Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoological Park, located in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, operates under the motto 'A lively place for both humans and animals'. Visitors can observe animals living in a rich natural environment. The spacious park emphasizes a cage-less and fence-less breeding environment, featuring biome exhibits that recreate natural habitats. You can see large herbivores such as reticulated giraffes and Grant's zebras, as well as birds, reptiles, small mammals, and primates. The zoo is also unique in Japan for breeding Shoebill storks, known for bowing as a greeting. When visiting Konan City, be sure to visit Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoological Park.

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Animals You Can Meet

• Japanese Macaque

Attractions of the Facility

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, located in Oita City, Oita Prefecture, offers a unique experience where visitors can feed wild Japanese macaques without any cages separating them, allowing for very close observation. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery with the macaques, watch them play in the pool during summer, or see them huddle together in a 'monkey ball' to keep warm during winter. When visiting Oita City, be sure to stop by Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden.

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