A zoo where you can get up close and personal with the animals—a truly interactive experience! With an amusement park on-site, it's fun for kids and adults alike.
About 5 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Utsunomiya Interchange (via National Route 119 (Nikko Kaido))
From JR Utsunomiya Station, take a Kanto Bus bound for Nikko Toshogu Shrine, JR Nikko Station, Ishinata, or Sanno Danchi, and get off at Shimokanai bus stop. It's about a 5-minute walk from there. Show route
Op.Hours
Regular Season (March - December): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Winter Season (Mid-January - February): 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cld.Days
None (Open year-round, including New Year's)
Fee
Adult (High school students and above): ¥1,600
Child (4 years old - Junior high school students): ¥800
Infant (3 years old and under): Free
INFO
We sell cut vegetables and other feed primarily for herbivores within the park, allowing visitors to freely enjoy feeding the animals.
Utsunomiya Zoo, located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is an interactive theme park centered around the theme of "nature, animals, and children." Its unique charm lies in the close proximity you can enjoy with the animals. The zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including wallabies and monkeys. The petting area, where children can interact directly with goats and miniature horses, is especially popular.
The zoo also boasts an amusement park with various rides to keep children entertained, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and go-karts. A small pool, open only during the summer, is a big hit with kids. In winter, this pool is transformed into a fishing pond.
The zoo also features Utsunomiya Castle, a structure built in the style of a castle's main tower. Historically, this castle served as the residence of the Utsunomiya clan. Now, it's a well-maintained historical park.
Every 20th of the month is designated as "Animal Day," and special events are held. These events often include lectures on animal ecology and care, as well as interactive sessions with the animals.
A mobile zoo program called "Wakuwaku Land" also sends zookeepers and animals to visit nurseries, kindergartens, and elementary schools, providing children with opportunities to interact with animals.
Utsunomiya Zoo offers a place to connect with animals and nature while deepening your understanding of the natural world. It's a perfect destination for families, couples, and friends.