Located on the shore of Lake Ezu, the Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a popular spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Dive into a world with over 600 animals representing 120 species, alongside a spacious garden showcasing more than 800 plant varieties.

Start your exploration at the newly renovated entrance, where Chopper, the One Piece manga/anime character, welcomes you.

As with anything in Kumamoto, you’ll find Kumamon everywhere here—don’t forget to snap a selfie!

The two exhibits near the entrance are of red-faced spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys. The monkeys are separated from visitors by a small moat, letting onlookers witness their captivating antics without any fences or windows in the way.

Head to the left past the monkeys and you’ll find a few exhibits featuring penguins, capybaras, and Japanese macaques.

Continue left around the path along the pond to see a variety of majestic animals from across the globe, including kangaroos, ostriches, and deer. In the back corner of the park, you’ll find a pair of enormous yet adorable Masai giraffes that tower over their enclosures.

Next to the giraffes roam two female African elephants in a large open-air pen.

Head around to the back of the zoo to find the reptile house and exhibits for smaller mammals.

Continuing along, you’ll come to the botanical garden section of the facility. The outdoor areas feature seasonal flower gardens and plant exhibits that bloom at different times throughout the year.

The botanical gardens also feature a spacious greenhouse filled with all kinds of tropical plants, a waterfall, and free-roaming exotic birds.

Head back around towards the main gate, and you’ll find a restaurant and a collection of rides for kids, like a ferris wheel, swing ride, and mini-shinkansen.

Finally, it’s time to check out some of the zoo's most popular exhibits, where you'll encounter powerful rhinos, awe-inspiring tigers, and a playful polar bear, alongside adorable red pandas and entertaining golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Address: 5-14-2 Kengun, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City

Hours: 9AM-5PM (last entry: 4:30PM)

Closed: Mondays (or following day if holiday). Open on 4th Monday of month, but closed following day.