Saitama Children's Zoo and Nature Park

Surrounded by the greenery of the Hiki Hills, this zoo and nature park is known for exhibits and experiences that bring visitors close to the animals. Alongside popular favorites like koalas and red pandas, the park is also home to rare creatures seldom seen elsewhere in Japan, including quokkas, gundis, and viscachas. Among them, the quokka, often called “the happiest animal in the world,” draws especially strong attention.

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed as well. At Penguin Hills, home to Humboldt penguins, you can watch them swim up close in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. The park also offers plenty of hands-on programs, including contact with rabbits and guinea pigs, milking experiences, and pony rides, making it especially popular with families with children. More than just interacting with animals, it is also a place where visitors can deepen their understanding of life and nature.

The park also features playground equipment, athletic play areas, dinosaur monuments, and Kodomo no Shiro, where children can play even on rainy days, creating a space where both animal watching and play can be enjoyed. There are also walking paths where you can experience the beauty of nature in every season, with fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves in fall offering different scenery depending on when you visit.