🐾 Utsunomiya Zoo – A Hidden Gem for Animal Lovers & Families
Looking for a fun day trip with kids?
Utsunomiya Zoo in Tochigi is a charming local zoo where you can feed animals, enjoy retro rides, and even fish for your lunch in winter!
🦒 Get Closer Than Ever
At Utsunomiya Zoo, you don’t just look at animals—you get up close!
You can:
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Feed giraffes and elephants
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Touch lemurs
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See white tigers, lions, leopards, and bears nearby
It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for kids.
🐵 So Many Animals to Meet
There’s a great mix of animals, including:
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Big cats: tigers, lions, leopards
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Cute animals: monkeys, raccoons, tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs)
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Others: flamingos, kangaroos, goats, and more
🎠 Ride Classic Amusement Park Rides
Inside the zoo, you’ll find a small retro amusement park.
It feels like stepping back in time!
Popular rides:
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Mini roller coaster
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Go-karts
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Merry-go-round
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Sky swings
🎟️ Each ride costs tickets (¥100 each).
☀️ Summer & ❄️ Winter Fun
Summer:
Cool off in the kids’ splash pool (perfect for toddlers).
Nearby food stalls sell favorites like yakisoba, ramen, and fried chicken.
Winter:
Try trout fishing where the pool used to be!
Catch your fish and grill it on-site. Fun and tasty!
🍱 Food & Souvenirs
There are 4 snack shops in the park. Great for quick meals or treats.
Souvenirs? Try these:
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Taabo Shop: Plush animals & cute goods
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Niko Shop: Cookies & gift sets
📍 Visitor Info
Info | Details |
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📍 Location | 552-2 Kaminokawa-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi |
🚗 Access | 10 mins from Utsunomiya IC / 35 mins by bus from JR Utsunomiya Station |
🕒 Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM) |
🗓️ Closed | Open daily (weather may affect some areas) |
🎫 Entry | Adults: ¥1,500 / Kids (3–12): ¥700 / Under 3: Free |
🎡 Rides | Extra tickets needed (¥100 per ticket) |
🅿️ Parking | Free (1,000+ spaces) |
🌐 Website | https://utsunomiya-zoo.com |
💡 Why Visit?
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Perfect for families with small kids
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Not crowded like big-city zoos
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Real animal interaction, not just photos
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Affordable and relaxing