21 spots

Kyushu Zoo Map

Zoos, safari parks and animal encounters across Kyushu — 21 of them, ranked and placed on the map.

1NagasakiNagasaki Bio ParkJapan's 'Holy Land of Capybaras'—a world-class interactive zoo where animals roam virtually fenceless.Tucked away in rural Saikai, this sprawling "ecological park" invites you to enter animal habitats directly. You can hand-feed ring-tailed lemurs, walk among roaming kangaroos, and watch squirrel monkeys leap through the canopy. It’s an immersive adventure where you are the guest in the animals' natural world.Beyond the famous residents, Nagasaki Bio Park is a pioneer of animal enrichment. It is the original birthplace of the 'Capybara Yuzu Bath' tradition; during winter, you can witness the adorable sight of these giant rodents soaking in hot springs floating with citrus fruits. The park layout is distinctively rugged, spanning a large hillside that feels more like a nature hike than a curated exhibit. Make sure to visit the Insect House, which features rare specimens from around the globe, and the Flower Dome, a tropical rainforest environment housing exotic birds and plants. A key visitor hack: bring a pocketful of 100-yen coins. Feeding stations throughout the park use capsule machines, and the animals have learned to recognize the clinking sound—they will often trot toward you as soon as they hear you preparing a snack. If you prefer smaller domestic animals, stop by 'PAW' (Pet Animal World) near the entrance, a separate indoor facility where you can cuddle cats, dogs, and owls in a relaxed setting. Because of the hilly, natural terrain, sturdy walking shoes are a must for this three-to-four-hour excursion.View on Traveldoko
2OitaTakasakiyama Natural Zoological GardenOne of Japan's premier wild monkey parks, where over 1,000 Japanese macaques roam freely.Experience a boundary-free environment where humans enter the monkeys' world. Without cages or fences, you can observe complex primate social behaviors up close. The park is famous for its synchronized feeding sessions and its convenient location adjacent to the Umitamago Aquarium on the scenic Oita coast.The park’s history began in 1952 when the local mayor used a bell to gather wild macaques. Today, two distinct groups, Troop B and Troop C, take turns visiting the feeding grounds in a strict social rotation rarely seen elsewhere. A local superstition suggests that if a monkey runs between your legs, you will be blessed with good luck—a common occurrence since the animals are remarkably indifferent to human presence. To reach the observation area without a steep climb, you can ride the "Sarukko Rail" monorail, which offers lovely views of Beppu Bay. While the famous "snow monkeys" of Nagano are known for bathing, Takasakiyama's troops are celebrated for their dramatic power struggles and the legend of 'Benz,' a famous alpha who once led both troops. Visit between May and August to spot newborns clinging to their mothers, or in winter to see the "Saru-dango" (monkey dumpling), where they huddle together for warmth. Be sure to check the 'Boss Board' at the entrance to learn the current hierarchy and history of the troop leaders.View on Traveldoko
3OitaAfrican Safari Wildlife ParkJapan's largest safari park, home to 1,400 animals roaming free across 115 hectares.Board the iconic Jungle Bus to hand-feed lions, bears, and giraffes through thick protective mesh. For a private adventure, drive your own vehicle through six distinct zones to observe herds of elephants and rhinos in a habitat designed to mirror the African savanna.Beyond the heavy hitters, the park features a 'Fureai' petting area where you can walk among kangaroos and squirrel monkeys or visit the specialized salon for rare dog and cat breeds. During summer weekends and the Golden Week holidays, the 'Night Safari' experience allows you to witness the predatory instincts of lions and tigers under the moonlight, a stark contrast to their daytime lethargy. Perched on a high plateau, the park offers stunning views of Mt. Yufu that add a scenic backdrop to your expedition. A key visitor hack: Jungle Bus tickets are not reservable online and often sell out by midday on weekends; arrive at opening to secure your time slot. If you are visiting during the right season, look for the 'Lion Cub Photo' sessions—this is one of the few places in Japan where you can briefly hold and take photos with newborn king-of-the-jungle infants. For lunch, the park restaurants serve themed dishes like lion-shaped curry, making it a fully immersive family day trip from nearby Beppu or Oita City.View on Traveldoko

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Image credits

3. African Safari Wildlife Park — Gordon Cheung from Hong Kong / CC BY 2.0
4. Fukuoka City Zoological and Botanical Garden — pelican from Tokyo, Japan / CC BY-SA 2.0
5. Kagoshima City Hirakawa Zoological Park — Sakoppi / CC BY 3.0
6. Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara — Dyamasan / CC BY-SA 4.0
7. Aso Cuddly Dominion — 棚橋弘季（HIROKI tanahashi）さん http://gitanez.seesaa.net/ / CC BY-SA 3.0
9. Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens — Simasakon / CC BY-SA 3.0
10. Itozu no Mori Park — Pontafon / CC BY-SA 3.0