Yagiyama Zoological Park is one of my favorite attractions. Admission is affordable, and transportation is quite convenient. Take the Sendai Subway Tozai Line to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, then walk about 12 minutes to get there. It's great for families with children, and even adults can have a lot of fun exploring.
The zoo isn't very large, making it ideal for a leisurely half-day stroll. Along the way, you can observe the daily routines and habits of various animals up close without getting too tired from walking, and enjoy spending time around them.
The most popular animals at the zoo are definitely the polar bears! Two adorable polar bear cubs, Kai and Sora, were born in December 2024, bringing new energy to the zoo and attracting many polar bear fans with professional cameras. Watching the two cubs play energetically and explore their surroundings is heartwarming. The zoo also holds a special birthday celebration for them every December, so if you happen to visit during that time of year, it's worth keeping an eye out for it.
Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Senkoji Temple
The Senkoji temple is located on the mountain sides of Mt. Senkojiyama and has a centuries old history since its establishment in 806.
You can take the cable car up the mountain to save yourself quite a bit of walking. If you have enough time, you can also try walking up, but most of the route consists of slopes and stairs, so it's best to consider your fitness level.
Once you reach the top, the peaceful, pleasant surroundings offer views of Onomichi Port and the Seto Inland Sea. The city and seascape come together in a tranquil scene, creating a relaxed atmosphere. -
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Dogo Shotengai (Dogo Haikara Dori)
Nicknamed “Dogo Haikara Dori”, the Dogo Shotengai is a shopping arcade connected to Dogo Onsen Honkan. At 250-meters in length, this L-shaped shopping arcade connects the stretch from the main building of Dogo Onsen to Dogo Onsen Station, the final stop on the Iyotetsu train lines.
Dogo Shopping Arcade isn't very large, but it's packed with unique shops, making it a great place to browse at a leisurely pace and hunt for finds. You can find almost every Ehime specialty product you can think of here, so shopping is very convenient.
Imabari towels are also well worth buying. Known for being soft on the skin and highly absorbent, they're both practical and high-quality. They're great for personal use and also make a distinctive gift. -
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Ehime no Shokutaku 1970
Ehime no Shokutaku 1970 is a juice stand in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. It is known for its unique style, where mikan juice comes out when you turn a faucet. The shop is located inside Dogo Shopping Street, the arcade that connects Dogo Onsen Station and the Dogo Onsen Main Building.
Ehime is a famous citrus-growing region in Japan, producing all kinds of citrus fruits. Not only are there many varieties, but each one has its own distinctive aroma and flavor, making you want to try them all.
The most unique experience of the trip was tasting mikan juice flowing directly from a faucet. Just gently turn the faucet, and bright golden juice flows out. It was novel, fun, and a delightful surprise. Each variety of juice had its own flavor—some were refreshingly sweet and tart, while others were richly sweet and fragrant. Every sip was full of Ehime's distinctive local flavor. -
