Guida
Kakegawa Kachoen, located in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a unique theme park where birds take center stage. Unlike traditional zoos where animals are often kept behind bars, many birds here live in a much more free-roaming environment. The facility features massive greenhouses and expansive outdoor areas where birds live in a state that mimics their natural habitat. This allows visitors to not only observe their ecology up close but also participate in immersive experiences, such as feeding birds directly from your hand. Additionally, as a botanical garden, the park showcases a stunning variety of colorful flowers that bloom throughout the year, creating a harmonious landscape of flora and fauna.
The facility is operated with the theme of the coexistence of birds and plants, providing a space where visitors can feel the rhythm of nature intimately. It is recognized as one of the few facilities in Japan where birds are the true protagonists, moving beyond simple exhibition to a style that emphasizes communication with animals. The diverse species and their controlled environments are the result of years of research and careful management.
The park is divided into several engaging areas. Near the entrance, you can discover the 'World of Owls,' while the 'Penguin Pool' and the 'Waterfront of Toucans and Ibises' offer visually rich environments. At the 'Parrot Water Lily Pool,' you can watch brightly colored parrots in action. In the outdoor areas, you will find larger birds such as pelicans, cranes, swans, and emus. There are also spaces like the 'Wanpaku Plaza' and children's water play areas, making it a perfect destination for children to enjoy nature. The fusion of greenhouse plants and birds is a signature element of the park.
Because the facility includes large glass houses equipped with air conditioning and heating, it is a great destination regardless of the season. Even during the hot summer or cold winter, you can observe birds and flowers comfortably within the climate-controlled greenhouses. Generally, visiting in the morning when birds are most active is recommended. Furthermore, since the seasonal flowers in the greenhouse change throughout the year, the botanical scenery offers a fresh experience every time you visit.
The hallmark of Kakegawa Kachoen is the 'interaction' with birds. In many areas, you can experience feeding birds directly from your hand, such as with small parrots, which brings you incredibly close to these creatures. There are also spots like the Emu Ranch and various outdoor plazas where you can feel the presence of animals nearby. These are not just observation-based tours but truly interactive, experiential tourism content.
Kakegawa City is surrounded by various historical and natural attractions, such as Kakegawa Castle. The park is easily accessible from Kakegawa Station, making it an ideal stop for tourists traveling via Shinkansen or local trains who wish to combine bird-watching with other sightseeing in the Shizuoka region.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Since the park consists of both indoor greenhouses and outdoor areas, it is wise to dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes. Regarding payment, major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, DISCOVER, Diners Club) are accepted, as well as various electronic money (nanaco, WAON, Rakuten Edy, etc.). Please note that pets, including service animals, are strictly prohibited from entering the facility. While photography is allowed, please be mindful of the birds' well-being. The facility is barrier-free, with accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms for wheelchair users.