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Nagasaki Bio Park

Guide

Nagasaki Bio Park

7 min read

Overview & Highlights

Nagasaki Bio Park, located in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a zoo and botanical garden designed with a focus on direct interaction with animals. Spanning a massive 300,000 square meters, the park is home to a diverse range of creatures, including mammals like capybaras, llamas, hippos, and squirrel monkeys, as well as various insects and tropical plants. Many areas are designed with low fences or minimal barriers, allowing visitors to observe the natural behaviors of the animals from a very close distance.

History & Cultural Background

Opened in November 1980, the facility was built as a natural park centered on the theme of "Harmony between Humans and Nature." The park holds a significant place in Japanese conservation history, notably for being the first in Japan to successfully achieve hand-rearing of a hippo in 1994 (the famous hippo "Momo"). The park's design and management are dedicated to the coexistence of biological life following the laws of nature.

Nagasaki Bio Park 1

Main Attractions

The park is divided into 12 distinct zones, each showcasing different biological wonders:

  • Totora Pond: Home to swans and cranes, featuring a platform for observing monkeys.
  • Flower Dome: A space recreating a South American rainforest, featuring diverse orchids, fruit bats, and turtles.
  • Live Dome: A two-story dome structure housing animals such as Cape hares.
  • Hippo Pond: The area dedicated to the hippos, carrying the legacy of successful hand-rearing.
  • Insect Museum: Displays various live beetles and longhorn beetles, alongside specimen collections.
  • Capybara Pond: A dedicated area where you can observe capybaras in their habitat.
  • Kangaroo Hill & Squirrel Monkey Forest: An area where you can watch squirrel monkeys moving through the canopy above you.

Seasonal Tips & Visiting Hours

Nagasaki Bio Park is open year-round from 10:00 to 17:00. While you can observe the animals in any season, the park includes wooded areas and natural terrain, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please note that the last entry is at 16:00.

Nagasaki Bio Park 2

Experiences & Activities

The defining feature of the park is the proximity to the animals. In many areas, you can participate in feeding experiences (additional fees apply). You can feed animals such as capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and llamas. The park also offers educational opportunities to learn about ecosystems through its displays of tropical plants and insects.

Surrounding Area

The park is surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Saikai City. If you are driving, it is located approximately 20 minutes from the Saikai Bridge.

Nagasaki Bio Park 3

What to Bring & Etiquette

Because the park covers a wide area with slopes and natural terrain, comfortable walking shoes are essential. When feeding animals, please use only the designated food provided by the park. Regarding payments, we recommend carrying cash, as fees for animal feed and certain experiences may require it.