Zoorasia Japan is by far our favorite zoo outside Tokyo. It`s more like a walking safari than a zoo. It`s spacious and beautifully maintained with a variety of animals from around the world. For 800 yen per adult, 300 yen for middle & high school aged kids, 200 for elementary and free for 6 yrs and under you can get near the animals in close to their natural habitats; pet pygmy goats, guinea pigs, mice and other small animals; watch animal feedings and a bird show; and for a small fee ride a camel; or take an animal learning class. If your child loves Animals and Fish up close, checkout our recommended list of Aquariums and Zoos.
Zoorasia (Yokohama)
They have several play areas for kids, restaurants, cafes, nature trails, and plenty of benches and tables to rest and have lunch. If you`re tired of walking they have an animal themed bus to take you around the entire zoo.
There are eight themed areas; The Asian Tropical Forest, Subarctic Forest, Oceanian Grassland, Central Asian Highland, Japanese Countryside, Amazon Jungle, African Tropical Rain Forest and the African Savanna. We went to the African Savanna first, the furthest area from the main gate.
After purchasing entrance tickets at the ticket machine we requested an English map from the information window, walked in then headed toward the Fountain Gate to board the bus. Bus tickets can be purchased at a bus ticket machine before entering the bus. An adult per ride ticket is 200 yen and a day pass is 400 yen. Kids are half price and rides are free for those under 6yrs.
Zoorasia (Yokohama)
It was a short 10 min ride to the African Savanna where we saw giraffes, zebras and elands grazing in a large green area. Also featured were lions, cheetahs a rhinoceros, birds and wild dogs. If you timed your visit right you could also take a camel ride, pet pygmy goats or watch a bird show. Schedule below.
We then hopped on the bus to the Aussie Hill stop to see the Kangaroos, walked through the Subartic Forest for the penguins, seals, walk-in bird cage, polar bear and more; and visited the Central Asian Highland to see the monkeys, dhole and the surprisingly vocal Mongolian Wild Ass. It started to rain lightly so we stopped off for a snack at the Jungle Cafe in the Asian Tropical Forest. There`s a large window that looks into the Sumatran Tiger area and happens to be where the tigers like to congregate. The kids loved standing nearly nose to nose with the tigers.
Overall it was a great visit despite the rain. Gorgeous walks, beautiful wildlife habitats, stroller-friendly and fun for the family. Only advice would be to bring some water or drinks, and wear very comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot. There are areas with vending machines, but you may need something in-between.
Zoorasia Japan Schedule
*Please note times are subject to change.
Camel rides 500yen
10:00-11:15
12:15-14:15
15:15-16:00
* Must be at least 100cm tall to ride
Petting Pygmy goats FREE
10:00-11:15
12:15-14:15
15:15-16:00
Bird Show (African Savannah) FREE
11:30
14:30
Paka Paka park pony rides 300 yen
12:00-12:30
15:00-16:00
* Must be at least 100cm tall and under 90kgs
Petting Guinea pigs and Mice
Weekdays
12:30-13:30
14:00-15:00
Saturday, Sunday & Holiday
10:00-10:40
11:10-12:00
12:30-13:30
14:00-15:00
Zoorasia Japan Entrance Fees:
800 yen Adults
300 yen aged 16-18
200 yen Aged 6 – 15
Free Under 6 years
Parking 1000 yen
Rental Fees:
Wheel chair FREE
Baby Stroller 500 yen + 500 yen refundable deposit
Walking Carts 500 yen + 500 yen refundable deposit
Field Glasses 200 yen + 800 yen refundable deposit
Audio Tape Guide (Japanese Only) 500 yen + 500 yen refundable deposit
Bus Tickets for Zoorasia Japan (purchase at the bus ticket machine):
Per Ride: JHS to Adult 200 yen; Elementary age 100 yen
One Day Pass: JHS to Adult 400 yen; Elementary age 200 yen
Under 6 years Free
*Departs every 30 min during the week, and every 15 min on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Zoorasia Japan, Yokohama Details
Address: 1175-1 Kamishirane-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama-shi (〒241-0001 横浜市旭区上白根町1175-10)
Phone: 04-5959-1000
Hours: 9:30-16:30
Closed: Tuesdays (unless Tuesday is a national holiday) and December 29 to January 1
Access: Take a train from Yokohama to Tsurugamine or Mitsukyo Station on the Sotetsu Line or to Nakayama Station on the JR Yohohama Line. Then take a bus bound for the Yokohama Dobutsuen (Yokohama Zoo)/Zoorasia (15min).
It`s about an hour from Tokyo by car. We put the Zoorasia phone number in our car navigation and it took us to the main parking lot.
Website: http://www2.zoorasia.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yokohama-Zoological-Gardens-Zoorasia-229816240437658/timeline/
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Zoorasia Japan, Yokohama
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