Guide
Located in the northern part of Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya Zoo is a unique interactive theme park centered on the theme of "Nature, Animals, and Children." The park is home to 400 animals across 70 different species, and a key feature is how closely visitors can interact with the animals. Because the facility includes an amusement park and a swimming pool, it is a versatile destination where you can enjoy a full day of outdoor leisure and entertainment.
The facility is operated as a beloved local leisure spot that emphasizes the importance of interacting with animals within a natural setting. By combining animal care with multi-faceted entertainment options like an amusement park and a pool, the zoo provides a space for families and tourists to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.
The zoo features a wide variety of animals, including large carnivores, herbivores, and primates. A particular highlight is "Nakayoshi Land," where visitors can enjoy close-up interactions with animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and even miniature horses. Additionally, the on-site amusement park allows you to enjoy various rides after your zoo tour. Depending on the season, the park also hosts special animal-related events.
Activities at the park change with the seasons. During the summer months, the swimming pool is open, allowing visitors to enjoy cooling off in the water. From spring through summer, you can also look forward to animal feeding experiences and seasonal events. For the best experience, visit during the daytime when animals are most active and easy to observe.
Utsunomiya Zoo offers much more than just observation; it provides hands-on, experiential activities. At Nakayoshi Land, you can touch and interact with animals or even try pony riding. The integrated amusement park offers various rides, allowing you to combine animal watching with classic carnival fun for a complete day out. The park also features other leisure elements like a fishing pond.
Situated in northern Utsunomiya, the zoo is surrounded by various local sightseeing spots. It is easily accessible by car via the Utsunomiya Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. This makes it a convenient stop to include in your travel itinerary when visiting the Nikko area or exploring the Tochigi region.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes to navigate the park easily. If you plan to use the swimming pool, please bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Regarding payment, please note that the ticket counters inside the park accept CASH ONLY. If you use electronic tickets (such as via Asoview!), simply present the digital screen on your smartphone to the staff at the entrance. When feeding animals, please strictly follow the park's rules and instructions. For those traveling by car, there is a free parking area with 1,000 spaces available.