Japan has some of the most incredible zoos and they will be the highlight of your trip. Each zoo has a unique vibe and exciting exhibits that will make you want to visit them all. Visit sea creatures on one outing and take a safari on the next, or stroll through a display of animals only found in Japan.
Best Zoos in Japan
1. Fuji Safari Park
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! At the foot of Mount Fuji, families can get very close to animals. Take a ride on the Jungle Bus from which you are able to feed some of the animals. The Jungle Bus has no windows but is covered with steel mesh through which you can feed lions, bears, and animals in the herbivore area. How many kids can say that they fed a lion?
Personally, I loved it that I could feed a hippo at the Fureai Zone. Be prepared to bring lots of 100 yen coins with you. There are many opportunities for children to feed a variety of animals including kangaroos, squirrel monkeys, and capybara.
Visiting this zoo would be a great day excursion if you are going to the Izu Peninsula, Lake Kawaguchi, or Hakone!
How to Get There
Address: 〒410-1231 Shizuoka, Susono, Suyama, 字藤原２２５５−２７
| Car | Large Parking lot available on site. Parking is free. |
| Public Transit | From Gotemba Station (JR Central Lines), it is only a 35-minute ride via bus on the Fujikyu Bus |
Zoo’s Hours
From Mar.11 to Oct.31 9:00 to 15:00
From Nov.1 to Mar.10 10:00 to 14:00
Ticket Prices
Adults (high school students and older) 2,700 yen
Children (ages 4 to junior high school students) 1,500 yen
Senior discount (ages 65 and older) 2,000 yen
Jungle Buss ride: 1,500 yen per person; Children 2 and under ride for free.
2. Nogeyama Zoo
The Nogeyama Zoo is one of my favorite little hidden gems in Japan. Nestled in the Nishi Ward of Yokohama, this free zoo is home to over 100 different animals including, penguins, monkies, wallabies, and red pandas! The compact zoo is perfect for little feet and you can see everything in a few hours (including a snack or lunch break). As soon as you enter the park, you will see the famous red pandas. The stroller-friendly path can have you see all of the animals in a clockwise fashion. The design of the enclosure almost (but not quite), allows you to get within touching distance
How to Get There
Address: 63-10, Oimatsu-cho,Nishi-ku Yokohama, 220-0032
| Car | There are only three handicapped parking spots on site. No other parking locations were found. Highly recommend taking mass transit to this zoo. |
| Train | 1. A 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line 2. A 10-minute walk from the Hinodecho Station on the Keikyu Line |
| Bus | Take the 89 N line to the Nogeyama-dobutsuen-mae stop. IC cards accepted for payment |
Zoo’s Hours
9:30am – 4:30pm (Last admission 4:00pm)
Closed on Mondays (open if holiday) and from Dec.29 to Jan.1
Open every day in May & October
Ticket Prices
Free!
3. Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo in Tokyo was the first zoo that we explored when we moved to Japan. The zoo was founded in 1882. Ueno Zoo is home to the giant panda and her twin cubs! If you want to see Shin Shin , Xiao Xiao, Lei Lei, you must register as a member on the Ueno Zoo Panda Viewing Lottery Website to enter.
If you don’t want to view the giant pandas, there are still so many wonderful creatures to meet! What we loved was that there was an entire building dedicated to reptiles and amphibians, gorillas, polar bears, the Hokkaido brown bears, and otters! Perfect day trip adventure if you are in Tokyo with the kids.
How to Get There
Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711
| Car | There are no parking lots in the vicinity. Highly recommend taking public transit to this zoo |
| Train | A 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station |
Zoo’s Hours
9:30 to 17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00)
Closes every Monday(closes Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday or Tokyo Citizen’s Day [Oct 1]) and December 29 through January 1.
Ticket Prices
You can purchase the online tickets by credit card payment through the zoo’s website. Reservations are only valid for up to 5 people.
Adults (16-64 years old): 600 yen
Seniors: 300 yen
Junior high school students (13-15 years old): 200 yen
Children (0-12 years old): Free
4. Zoorasia
Stroller-friendly zoo with wide pathways. We got to see so many animals including giraffes, zebras, and monkeys. We only saw a 1/3 of the zoo when we first arrived, but there was so much to see! A great place to spend half of the day or all day. Many families would pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. With 9 different biomes to explore, which one will you choose first? We loved visiting the African Savanna and the African rainforest.
How to Get There
Address: 1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001
| Car | Large Parking lot available on site. Don’t forget to bring some yen to pay for parking (¥1000). |
Zoo’s Hours
9:30am – 4:30pm (Last entry 4:00pm)
Closed on Tuesdays (open if holiday) and from Dec. 29 – Jan.1
Open every day in May and October
Ticket Prices
Adults (18+): 800 yen
High school students: 300 yen
Elementary / Junior high school students: 200 yen
Children under elementary school: Free
