Kushiro City Zoo

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Kushiro City Zoo

Hokkaido’s biggest yet! Furry friends from the vast northern wilderness await.

Last update :
Head Editor : Kushiro City Zoo

Kushiro City Zoo, opened in 1975, is Hokkaido's largest zoo, spanning an impressive 47.8 hectares.

The zoo is home to nearly 50 species, from large animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, and polar bears to smaller creatures like red pandas, otters, and rabbits. It also houses the Tancho (red-crowned crane) Conservation and Breeding Center and Japan’s only Blakiston’s Fish Owl Conservation Center, emphasizing the zoo's role in breeding and preserving endangered species.

One of the highlights is the Hokkaido Zone, which captures the essence of the famous local spot, Kushiro Marsh. Visitors can observe local wildlife like red-crowned cranes, Ezo flying squirrels, white-tailed eagles, and Steller’s sea eagles. A boardwalk leads through the zone, allowing guests to explore the flora and fauna, giving the impression of visiting the actual marshlands.

The zoo also offers fun activities for families and friends, including an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a cycle monorail. There’s also a designated BBQ area, available by reservation.

With summer temperatures averaging a pleasant 20°C in the Kushiro area, the zoo provides a cool, comfortable environment to catch all the animal friends.

Highlights

  • One of the largest zoos in Hokkaido.
  • Home to nearly 50 species, ranging from large animals to smaller creatures.
  • Showcase of local wildlife at the Hokkaido Zone is always a major draw.
  • Amusement park and a BBQ area on the grounds.
  • Located in a relatively cool region during summer so you can plan for comfort.

Photos

  • The penguin enclosure just inside by the main gate.

    The penguin enclosure just inside by the main gate.

  • The Amur tiger named Cocoa is a beloved star of Kushiro City Zoo.

    The Amur tiger named Cocoa is a beloved star of Kushiro City Zoo.

  • The Hokkaido Zone takes you on a journey through the marshlands, where you can meet animals native to Hokkaido.

    The Hokkaido Zone takes you on a journey through the marshlands, where you can meet animals native to Hokkaido.

  • The Tancho Observation Deck along the way for a calming spot to watch the graceful red-crowned cranes.

    The Tancho Observation Deck along the way for a calming spot to watch the graceful red-crowned cranes.

  • The delicate path-side flowers along the way are also worth nothing.

    The delicate path-side flowers along the way are also worth nothing.

  • As you continue along the walking path, you'll come across Swan Pond, home to whooper swans that have been rescued and are being cared for due to injury or illness.

    As you continue along the walking path, you'll come across Swan Pond, home to whooper swans that have been rescued and are being cared for due to injury or illness.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Yes, brochures are available in English, Chinese, and Taiwanese.
Information signs for animals also include English descriptions.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available (except in the Hokkaido Zone).

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes, small coin lockers are available. For larger suitcases, free storage is provided at the General Information Desk.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Not available.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
釧路市動物園
Postal Code
085-0204
Address
11 Akanchoshimoninishibetsu, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Telephone
0154-56-2121
Closed
From December 29th to January 2nd, Wednesdays from December to February (Open if Wednesday is a public holiday)
Business Hours
9:30am - 4:30pm(From April 10th to October 14th), 10:00am -3:30pm(From October 15th to April 9th)
Admission
Adults(high school students and older) 580yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
Access
(1)About 27 minutes by car from JR Nemuro Main Line’s Kushiro Station.
(2)About 11 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport.
Credit Cards
Accepted (electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)