Kushiro City Zoo opened in October 1975 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015. Kushiro City Zoo is located approximately 18 km northwest of Kushiro Station, the city center of Kushiro.

As the easternmost zoo in Japan, it was the fourth to be established in Hokkaido. Including the "Red-crowned Crane Protection and Breeding Center," it boasts one of the largest grounds in Japan at 47.8 hectares!

The property also includes an amusement park, and nearby attractions include Yamahana Onsen Refre, Fureai Horse Park, and Yamahana Park Auto Campground.

To help you make the most of your limited time on your trip
We'll bring you plenty of information, from the zoo's highlights to local area information. Reading this before you go to the zoo will surely double your enjoyment!

Table of Contents:
[Introduction] Here is a map of the park.
1. Things you should know about the charms of Kushiro City Zoo
2. We will introduce popular animals in each section.
3. Hokkaido Zone ~Animals of Our Hometown~
4. A children's zoo where you can interact with animals.
5. Amusement Park: Introducing Popular Rides
6. We will introduce restaurants, shops, rest areas, and nearby attractions.
7. Access to Kushiro City Zoo
【in conclusion】

[Introduction] Here is a map of the park.

Kushiro City Zoo has two entrances: the "Main Gate" and the "West Gate." Many visitors use the West Gate because it's closer to the parking lot. Once you pass through the gate, you'll see a map of the zoo.

The park is very large! We recommend checking the "Park Map" and "Recommended Route Map" before you start walking around.

The "Circular Course," which allows you to enjoy the entire zoo, is approximately 1.5 km long. The "Hokkaido Full Experience Course," where you can meet animals native to Hokkaido, is approximately 1.3 km long.
The "Quick and Easy Course," perfect for a short, casual ride, is approximately 1.0 km long.

For information on "Feeding Time," where you can see the animals eating, please check the bulletin board on the day of the event.

Visiting Milk the Polar Bear

Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Milk, a polar bear who arrived at the zoo in January 2014, has become popular for her human-like behavior, such as standing up while holding a toy. Videos of her doing so have gone viral on internet video sites.

Apparently, there are fans from outside Hokkaido who bring their cameras and stay there all day just to take pictures of Milk.

Spacious and relaxing! You can see animals up close.

The park is spacious, so you can take your time and enjoy your visit.
Visitors are often surprised to see the animals up close, exclaiming, "I can't believe I can see them this close!"

Enjoy the nature of eastern Hokkaido.

Believe it or not, there's a wetland inside the zoo! In the "Hokkaido Zone," there's a boardwalk that showcases the natural beauty of eastern Hokkaido in a compact space. Apparently, zoo directors from overseas even come to visit and inspect it.

The coolest zoo in Japan

In Kushiro, daytime high temperatures during the summer stay around 20 degrees Celsius. The zoo is cool even in summer!

《Easily accessible from Kushiro Airport》

Kushiro City Zoo is easily accessible from the airport. It is located about 7 km from Kushiro Airport and can be reached in about 11 minutes by taxi or rental car.

2-1 Central Plaza: Polar bears, harbor seals, reticulated giraffes

"Milk," a polar bear, plays and moves around on playground equipment.
Even people who weren't fans before have become fans of Milk; that's how popular they are.

Milk was born on December 4, 2012, at the Oga Aquarium in Akita Prefecture. Her name comes from her mother Kurumi's name spelled backward, and also from her white fur. She loves tomatoes.

On this day too, visitors with cameras in hand gathered one after another to meet Milk.
When you call out to it, it turns to face you, and it even seems to check for your reaction as if to say, "Did you see me?" It's just like a human!

They're so adorable, I could stare at them forever! I think adults will be more captivated than children.

Next, we'll introduce the "harbor seal."

Written in kanji, it's "zenigata kaihyō" (coin-shaped stag).

It inhabits the Pacific coast of eastern Hokkaido. The coin-shaped markings that cover its entire body, which resemble holes in a coin, are said to be the origin of its name, Zenigata (meaning "coin-shaped").

And then there's the reticulated giraffe, a favorite among children.

The conversation at Kushiro City Zoo began with, "There are no giraffes. It's sad."
In December 2011, the "Let's Donate Giraffes to Zoos! Giraffe Fundraising Project" was launched.

Thanks to the efforts of "Child's Angel," a local housewives' citizens' group, giraffes are finally coming to Kushiro City Zoo!

You can watch the giraffes from the "Giraffe Viewing Area" here!
Please enjoy looking around.

2-2 Carnivore Enclosure: Amur Tiger

Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Taiga and Cocoa, two Amur tiger siblings born at Kushiro City Zoo, were born with congenital limb disabilities.
His story of overcoming his disability and growing stronger was featured on television programs and other media, deeply moving people throughout Japan.
Sadly, Taiga has passed away and gone to heaven. Now it's just Cocoa, but she's living happily.

Outside, there is a commemorative panel that was set up for the child's first birthday.

2-3 Ape House: White-handed Gibbon

On-chan (male), a white-handed gibbon, is the oldest in Japan, estimated to be over 58 years old.
He has white paws and feet and is very active. His distinctive feature is his black fur. He's an old man, but very energetic!

　2-4 Monkey Mountain: Japanese Macaques

To manage the individual needs of the nearly 50-strong group, every Japanese macaque is tattooed and has a microchip implanted.

They also sell monkey snacks (biscuits).

Take a look at the signs and go meet the other animals too!

Kushiro City Zoo is a zoo where you can see gods (kamuy) that live in the northern lands, such as Blakiston's fish owls and brown bears.
(Kamuy refers to animals that the Ainu people have revered as Kamuy since ancient times.)

My recommendation is the Hokkaido zone.
It has a unique charm that you won't find anywhere else! In the Hokkaido Zone, you can meet animals from Hokkaido. Let's take a look.

4-1 Ezo brown bear

The brown bear is the largest land mammal in Japan, inhabiting the majestic mountains of Hokkaido.
You can experience its size and even feel its presence through the observation window.

We also sell treats for brown bears.

There are bulletin boards scattered throughout the area that contain interesting trivia.
You might become quite knowledgeable!

Following the bear's footprints...

There was a sign there warning about bear sightings!!

4-2 Ezo sable

When you open the door, you'll find a very cute Ezo sable.

Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Despite its cute appearance, it apparently eats meat.

4-3 White-tailed eagle, Steller's sea eagle

White-tailed eagle

Steller's sea eagle: Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

These are large sea eagles representative of Hokkaido, and both are designated as natural monuments. Their sharp eyes are truly impressive!

4-4 Blakiston's Fish Owl

Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Designated as a natural monument, it is said that there are only about 140 of these birds in Hokkaido. Kushiro City Zoo is the only facility in the Ministry of the Environment's conservation and breeding program that is working to breed them, and has been successful in breeding them since 1995.

Currently, Kushiro City Zoo, which has experience in raising Blakiston's fish owls, is leading the effort to implement a dispersed breeding program for the species.

4-5 Wooden boardwalk trail

You can enjoy a wetland experience regardless of the season.
The scenery changes dramatically, making you almost forget you're in a zoo. The original wetlands within the park have been transformed into a boardwalk walking trail.

You can enjoy the natural environment as it is, including wetland plants such as marsh marigolds and the sounds of wild birds.
(Yachibozu: A type of sedge. It is said to have been named "yachibozu" (valley monk) because its shape resembles a shaved head.)

4-6 Hokkaido Flying Squirrel, Hokkaido Squirrel

Ezo flying squirrel: Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Please don't yell or scare him, as he's easily frightened.

Ezo squirrel: Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

When it's cold, they're only active for a short time in the morning. The rest of the time they sleep in their nests.

4-7 Red-crowned Crane

Image source: Kushiro City Zoo website.

Designated as a Special Natural Monument. A "Red-crowned Crane Protection and Breeding Center" is located within the park.

It serves as a breeding base and a shelter for injured and sick red-crowned cranes.
There are also observation decks for Japanese cranes and grey herons. Be sure to read the handwritten "highlights" notes by the zookeepers that are posted on the observation decks.

What do red-crowned cranes eat?

There are two areas in the children's zoo. One is an all-weather, dome-shaped petting zoo where you can freely hold rabbits and guinea pigs.
And here's a field where goats and sheep roam freely. You can enter both areas freely!

5-1 Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Indian Peafowl

By not only looking at it but also actually touching it, you can feel its warmth and texture with your skin.

5-2 Goat/Sheep

In the plaza, you can fully enjoy interacting with the animals.

Pull the door, then push it, and you'll encounter goats and sheep. They'll run away if you chase them. Their herd-like movements are incredibly cute! If you stay still, they'll come closer♪

5-3 Library Rest Room

Feeling a little tired? Then head to the library's rest area. (The second floor of the children's zoo's animal enclosures houses a library that also serves as a rest area.)
There are about 300 picture books in the break room.

Most picture books feature animals, so you can expect to encounter animals here as well.

There is an amusement park inside the Kushiro City Zoo.
There are 12 attractions in total. Here's a brief introduction to some of them!

[Giant Ferris Wheel] Price: 300 yen per person. Height: 41 meters above ground. The 18 gondolas offer spectacular views of Kushiro city and the Akan Mountains!

[Apollo 2000] Price: 100 yen per person
The maximum amplitude of the sway is 44 degrees. It's quite thrilling.

[Chair Tower] Price: 200 yen per person
A popular ride for children that's fun no matter how many times they ride it.

[Cycle Monorail] Fare: 100 yen per person
The total length is 200 meters. As you pedal, you will reach a height of approximately 6.5 meters above the ground near the end.

[Merry-go-round] Price: 100 yen per person
When it comes to amusement park classics, the merry-go-round is a must-have.

[Melody Pet Battery Car]
Price: 200 yen per session
(Some items are priced at 100 yen.)
A cute car carrying a child starts walking.

Here are some other facilities within the park and nearby attractions.
Please take a look before you go out and use it as a reference!

【meal】

Lunch in a picnic mood

You are allowed to bring your own lunch into the park.
Eating a packed lunch under the blue sky is so delicious and makes me so happy!

BBQ corner

There is a barbecue area on the premises. You can use it freely, but those with reservations will have priority.
Please contact the zoo for more details.

You can either source your own ingredients, or you can order a barbecue plan, such as yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), from the nearby "Yamahana Onsen Refre."
For more details, please contact "Yamahana Onsen Refle".

Restaurants

When you go out for a meal, you can enter and exit by showing your ticket stub.
There are restaurants outside the zoo (near the municipal parking lot in front of the west gate).

Gift shop located inside the exhibition hall

Light refreshments are available at the shop located next to the exhibition hall.

Purchase your meal ticket from the automatic ticket vending machine. They sell items such as steamed buns, potatoes, frankfurters, fried chicken (zangi), French dogs, rice balls, takoyaki, oden, fried rice, udon noodles, and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

The exhibition hall features exhibits such as a model of a Blakiston's fish owl and animal quizzes.
They also sell souvenirs. Apparently, giraffe-shaped cookies are popular.

Rest house

You can buy drinks and instant foods (such as cup noodles, yakisoba, and popcorn) from vending machines.

It also serves as a dining area.

There are also toilets inside the rest house.

[Rest area]

There are many rest areas within the park. There are plenty of benches, so you can relax and take a break.

This is a map of breastfeeding facilities and restrooms.

Yamahana Onsen Refre

Within walking distance of the municipal parking lot in front of the zoo's west gate is the hot spring facility "Yamahana Onsen Refre".

You can enjoy hot spring bathing, accommodation, and meals. (Day trips for bathing are also welcome.) After playing at the zoo, it's nice to relax and soothe your fatigue in the hot springs!

"Yamahana Onsen Refle"
HP)http://www.refre-yamahana.jp/index.html
Address: 131, 14-sen, Yamahana, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
TEL) 0154-56-2233

Kushiro City Fureai Horse Park

Fureai Park is also within walking distance of the municipal parking lot in front of the west gate. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or go horse trekking through the natural beauty of Yamahana♪

"Kushiro City Fureai Horse Park"
Address) Yamaka 10-sen 1, Kushiro City
Telephone) 0154-56-2566
Opening period: April 20th to November 3rd, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on: Every Wednesday (or the following Thursday if Wednesday is a public holiday)

Yamahana Park Auto Campground

Yamahana Park, where the "Yamahana Park Auto Campground" is located, is a park boasting an area equivalent to 120 Tokyo Domes. The campground is situated within this park.
(Yamahana Park contains the Kushiro City Zoo, Yamahana Onsen Refre, and Kushiro City Fureai Horse Park.)

"Yamahana Park Auto Campground"
Address: 11-37 Shimoninishibetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Phone) 0154-56-3020
Operating period: June 1st to October 20th

<Access>
Parking: The municipal parking lot in front of the west gate is free.
If you come by car
11 minutes by taxi or rental car from Kushiro Airport (7km)
From JR Kushiro Station (18km): 27 minutes by taxi or rental car.
55 minutes by local bus (Akan Bus)
From Lake Akan (58 km): 60 minutes by taxi or rental car.

<Kushiro City Zoo>
Address: 11 Shimoninishibetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Phone) 0154-56-2121
(Opening hours)
April 10th to Health and Sports Day (October): 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
From the day after Health and Sports Day until April 9th: 10:4 AM to 3:30 PM

(Closed days)
Every Wednesday from December to February (excluding public holidays)
December 29th - January 2nd (New Year's holiday)

HP) http://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/zoo/index.html
Admission fee: 570 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger.
You can enter the park any number of times for one year from the date of issue.
An "admission passport" can be purchased for 1,030 yen.

《Combination Ticket (Zoo & Yamahana Onsen Reflexology)》
Adult Reflexology Ticket: 950 yen (Adult admission + Adult bath)
Family bathing set ticket: 1,180 yen (adult admission + bathing for adult and elementary school student)

Strollers are available for rent at the main gate and west gate. (Fee applies)

【in conclusion】

This is a tunnel located inside the park. Please try going through it!

I've given you a quick overview, but what did you think?

We believe you will enjoy a pleasant time in our spacious park, where you can feel a sense of openness.

Please do visit Kushiro City Zoo and see the animals!

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