8 spots
Chugoku Zoo Map
Zoos, safari parks and animal encounters across Chugoku — 8 of them, ranked and placed on the map.
1YamaguchiAkiyoshidai Safari LandA massive drive-through safari park home to one of Japan's largest white tiger populations.Board a specialized 'Feeding Bus' to encounter lions and bears in an open-range environment. The park uniquely combines these wild drive-through zones with a large petting zoo and a full-scale amusement park, making it a comprehensive destination for both adrenaline and relaxation.For the most immersive experience, rent a vehicle equipped with a GPS tablet guide that provides real-time facts as you navigate different climate zones. Unlike traditional enclosures, the walking area uses a 'fenceless' design in the kangaroo and lemur habitats, allowing you to walk directly among the animals. A highlight is the 'Red Panda Forest,' where elevated walkways allow you to observe these rare creatures at eye level. If visiting during summer, the 'Night Safari' offers a rare glimpse into the nocturnal lives of big cats under floodlights. To save time, book the feeding bus early as it remains the most popular attraction. Before leaving, take a spin on the Ferris wheel in the amusement zone; it offers a spectacular vantage point of the adjacent Akiyoshidai karst plateau, where white limestone rocks resemble grazing sheep across the rolling hills. This unique geographical backdrop makes it one of the most visually stunning wildlife parks in Japan.View on Traveldoko
2HiroshimaHiroshima City Asa Zoological ParkA pioneering zoo for giant salamander conservation, featuring expansive mountain-side habitats for 170 animal species.Wander through the African Savannah zone where giraffes and ostriches roam together in a naturalistic setting. Unlike cramped urban zoos, this park utilizes the northern Hiroshima hills to provide animals with plenty of space, offering visitors a refreshing, hiking-like experience while observing wildlife in semi-open environments.Beyond the standard animal sightings, Asa Zoo is home to a dedicated Great Salamander Research Center. Here, you can observe these prehistoric "living fossils" and learn about local river ecology. If you visit during August weekends, the "Asa Zoo Night Safari" transforms the park; the animals become active under moonlight, and illuminated paths offer a romantic, cooler alternative to the daytime heat. For families, the "Pichiku Park" is a highlight, where children can interact with goats and sheep or watch the comical "Peeping Penguins" through underwater windows. The terrain is quite hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the paths leading to the Baboon Mountain, where a large troop displays fascinating social behaviors. Compared to the crowded zoos in Tokyo or Osaka, this park offers a much more relaxed, picnic-friendly atmosphere. It provides a perfect half-day escape for those looking to balance Hiroshima’s somber historical sites with some natural leisure and fresh mountain air.View on Traveldoko
3YamaguchiShunan City Tokuyama ZooYamaguchi’s most visited zoo, famous for its viral 'despairing' sun bears and Shinkansen accessibility.Beyond the famous bears, this park specializes in intimate encounters with red pandas and Asian elephants. Located in the heart of Shunan City, it offers a compact, walkable layout that provides a more personal experience than Japan’s massive metropolitan zoos without the long queues.Established in 1960, Tokuyama Zoo has recently undergone a massive multi-phase renovation to create more naturalistic habitats and better viewing angles. While many visitors come for a glimpse of the Malayan sun bears, the 'Lesser Panda Forest' is a hidden gem where you can see the animals climbing overhead on specialized bridges. Unlike sprawling safari parks, this zoo is designed for accessibility; it is one of the few in Japan located within a 20-minute walk of a Shinkansen station (Tokuyama), making it a perfect 'half-day' stop for travelers moving between Hiroshima and Fukuoka. If visiting during the summer, check the schedule for 'Night Zoo' events, where the enclosures are illuminated and nocturnal behaviors come to life. The park also features a nostalgic 'Petting Corner' where children can interact with guinea pigs and rabbits. For the best photos, head to the observation deck near the elephant exhibit, which offers a view of the park against the backdrop of the Shunan industrial complex.View on Traveldoko
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Shibukawa Animal ParkA hands-on nature park where giant tortoises roam freely among over 80 species of animals. — Set against a lush hillside, this park allows visitors to rent dogs for walks and hand-feed horses, goats, and capybaras. Unlike traditional zoos, the enclosures are minimal, emphasizing an immersive experience where you can touch and interact with friendly residents in their natural habitat.Okayama - 5
Ikeda ZooOkayama’s largest private zoo, founded by the husband of a former Japanese princess. — Built directly into the slopes of Mount Kyoyama, this hillside park offers a nostalgic, retro atmosphere. Visitors can get surprisingly close to over 100 species, including red pandas and rare white lions, while navigating winding paths that offer unique vantage points over the city.Okayama - 6Fukuyama City ZooJapan’s first zoo to feature a combined Savannah enclosure where giraffes and zebras roam together. — This compact facility specializes in large predators and African wildlife. Unlike urban mega-zoos, its layout allows for an intimate look at Amur tigers, lions, and leopards, alongside a popular petting zoo where visitors can interact with gentle domestic animals like guinea pigs.Hiroshima
- 7Kibiji Crane CenterOne of Japan’s largest breeding centers for the iconic red-crowned crane outside of Hokkaido. — Nestled in the historic Kibiji District, this sanctuary offers rare, close-up encounters with "Tancho" cranes. You can observe these elegant birds roaming naturalistic enclosures against a backdrop of rolling hills, providing a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from typical city zoos.Okayama
- 8Oda City Daikanyama ZooA hilltop community zoo offering free admission and panoramic views over central Oda City. — Nestled in Daikanyama Park near the Iwami Ginzan area, this charming facility features a lively Monkey Mountain and colorful aviaries. It serves as a nostalgic retreat where visitors can observe Japanese macaques in a lush, elevated setting without the crowds of major city attractions.Shimane
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Image credits
- 2. Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park — Taisyo at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0
- 3. Shunan City Tokuyama Zoo — CC BY-SA 3.0
- 5. Ikeda Zoo — pelican from Tokyo, Japan / CC BY-SA 2.0