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Animals

11 spots of this type across Japan.

Where to find them

What makes these worth the trip

  • Exhibits built so animals move, climb and swim above or around visitors rather than sitting still.
  • Species suited to the local climate, including cold-weather animals rarely seen elsewhere.
  • Keeper talks that explain individual animals by name, personality and history.

What you can do

  • Follow the keeper-talk timetable — it is the difference between seeing animals and understanding them.
  • Visit the popular enclosures right at opening, when the animals are most active.
  • Try the feeding or petting experiences if they are offered that day.
  • Take the loop bus or shuttle in larger parks; the sites can be surprisingly hilly.

Good to know before you go

  • Midday in summer is the worst time — most animals sleep and shade is limited.
  • Closed Mondays as a rule; winter hours are shorter than summer.
  • Strollers are usually rentable at the gate for a small fee.
Castle 206 Shrine 160 Mountain 96 Temple 96 Landmark 90 Lakes & falls 71 Museum 60 Hot spring 50 Park & garden 49 Coast 44 History 44 Island 43 National park 39 Cityscape 35

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