47 spots

Kanto Zoo Map

Zoos, safari parks and animal encounters across Kanto — 47 of them, ranked and placed on the map.

1TokyoUeno ZooJapan's oldest zoo, established in 1882 as a pioneering wildlife park in Tokyo.Renowned for its beloved giant pandas, this sprawling sanctuary houses thousands of animals spanning hundreds of diverse species. Divided into East and West gardens, the expansive grounds offer visitors a rare chance to observe global wildlife ranging from polar bears to elephants right in the city center.While most visitors stick to the main paths, the grounds hold surprising cultural treasures, including a stunning 17th-century five-storied pagoda and a historic tea ceremony house seamlessly integrated into the animal habitats. To escape the heaviest crowds, enter through the lesser-known Ikenohata Gate instead of the busy main entrance. The West Garden borders the expansive Shinobazu Pond, a vital habitat for free-flying wild birds, cormorants, and native turtles, which transforms into a breathtaking sea of green lotus leaves during summer. Here, the "Gorilla Woods" and "Tiger Forest" exhibits stand out for their immersive, naturalistic enclosures that allow you to observe these magnificent creatures up close. For a truly memorable experience, combine your visit with a morning walk through the surrounding park area, especially during the spring cherry blossom season or autumn foliage peak. Plan to arrive right at opening time to catch the animals at their most active before the midday heat and afternoon crowds set in.View on Traveldoko
2KanagawaZoorasiaOne of Japan's largest zoos, famous for its naturalistic habitats and rare okapis.Unlike traditional concrete-heavy zoos, this sprawling park organizes animals by climate zones. Visitors traverse the globe from the Asian Tropical Forest to the African Savanna. Enclosures prioritize animal welfare, using glass and moats rather than bars to offer unobstructed views of exotic species in lush, realistic environments.Beyond the usual favorites, Zoorasia is famous for being the first zoo in Japan to house the rare okapi, a 'forest giraffe' with zebra-like stripes. The park is massive—nearly 53 hectares—so wear comfortable walking shoes. To save time, hop on the 'Zoorasia Bus' which shuttles you between the far-flung North and South gates. For a unique perspective, visit the African Savanna zone, where cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes coexist in a shared habitat, mimicking the wild. If you’re visiting in August, look out for 'Night Zoorasia,' where the park stays open late, allowing you to witness the mysterious behavior of nocturnal animals under the stars. For families, the 'Chikyu-no-Hiroba' (Earth Plaza) features a giant playground perfect for letting kids burn off energy between animal sightings. It’s a full-day commitment compared to the smaller Nogeyama Zoo nearby, but the immersive 'travel around the world' theme makes it a superior choice for nature lovers seeking a world-class wildlife experience.View on Traveldoko
3TochigiNasu Animal KingdomJapan's premier interactive zoo, home to the country's most famous capybara hot springs and rare Pallas's cats.Divided into the indoor "Kingdom Town" and the expansive "Kingdom Farm," this park prioritizes immersive, fence-free habitats. Visitors can walk among red pandas, watch majestic birds of prey soar overhead, and meet exotic species like the Sand Cat and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill in a natural highland setting.Beyond the headlines, Nasu Animal Kingdom is a leader in conservation, spearheading breeding programs for the endangered Japanese rock ptarmigan. Its high-altitude location on the Nasu Highlands offers a refreshing escape from Japan's humid summers, while winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland where capybaras soak in yuzu-filled baths. For the best experience, hop on the "Wan Wan Bus" or the tractor-drawn shuttles to reach the Farm area, where sheepdog trials showcase rural skills against the backdrop of the Kanto mountains. A hidden gem is the "Wetland" area, where you can walk through a lush indoor swamp and see shoebills standing motionless just inches away. If you're looking for unique souvenirs, the park’s original Pallas's cat merchandise is highly sought after. Be sure to try the "Yamaneko Rice" at the cafeteria—a dish that supports Tsushima leopard cat protection. Pro tip: Arrive 20 minutes early for the "Broad" bird show; the sight of eagles and owls gliding across the valley is an unforgettable spectacle that captures the true spirit of the highlands.View on Traveldoko

Every spot here goes straight into your trip.

Open any spot on the map and add it to a day of your trip in one tap.

Traveldoko

Plan the Japan trip you’ve been waiting for

Traveldoko gathers 5,000+ hand-picked spots across Japan on one map — so you can plan a one-of-a-kind Japan trip, your way.

Save and organize spots on the map
Cherry blossoms, fireworks, festivals — every seasonal event
Google Maps routes and Tabelog restaurant lists, one tap away
Smart trip planner builds whole itineraries with ease

View on Traveldoko Pricing

Image credits

3. Nasu Animal Kingdom — Flickr user: yoppy Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan https://www.flickr.com/people/spilt-milk/ / CC BY 2.0
4. Tobu Zoo — Ocdp / CC0
5. Saitama Children's Zoo — Doricono / CC BY-SA 3.0
6. Tama Zoological Park — Dddeco at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
8. Gunma Safari Park — diloz さん https://www.flickr.com/photos/diloz/ / CC BY 2.0
9. ANIMAL WONDER REZOURT — TAK. さん http://photozou.jp/user/top/463014 / CC BY 2.1 jp