What other travelers are saying about Kobe Oji Zoo
Unfortunately, the panda passed away last year and there are some animals that were not in the enclosures. However, it's a nice cheap old zoo. The entrance fee is 600 Yen. I'd say the one in Tennoji is better and more accessible for the same price but this one was nice too. Apparently there are some renovations going on and will look better in a couple of years.
(2025/08/28)
I wake up very early when I'm in Japan, so I usually need to go somewhere to kill time until 10am-11am. This zoo was fortunately open at 9am. I had a great time here, which I didn't expect as an adult in a very kid-themed park.
- The mini-amusement park was fun.
- The post-showa 90s arcade was to walk through and feel the nostalgia. They even have some chonky Pikachus from the gen1 days that have games inside them.
- There is a gift shop, which surprised me.
- The zoo has good diversity of animals: decent enough to keep me engaged while walking around.
- The pandas are no longer around :(
- The polar bear exhibit is kind of sad & the bear looks unnaturally thin (since it doesn't need as much far for Japan's hot and humid weather).
- A lot of the exhibits would be better if they were larger and more reflective of the animals' natural environments. The park being stuck in the past does make it more fun, but this would be the 1 change I would make (even if it means less animals).
Oji zoo is what I refer to as the sad zoo. It is quite old and many of the animal accommodations and amusement rides could use an update. Not to mention the gorillas, chimpanzees, and pandas are gone. On the other hand it is very cheap so for a day with my kids I feel like it is a good deal. The staff are nice and it is a convenient way to see animals.
The best zoo I have ever been to! Animals are so clean and beautiful 😍 I can't be happier. Good ticket price, amazing atmosphere, kind staff. Thank you all for taking care of these beautiful animals! ありがとうございます!
Decent zoo. But the monkeys and birds are still in small, cramped cages, the elephant enclosures are small, some of the big cat enclosures were closed and most enclosure designs are outdated. The last panda died on March 2024. I prefer the Kobe Animal Kingdom but this zoo is also great. I hope the zoo can improve their animal welfare and enclosure designs.
Yes, the zoo features a reptile house, a nocturnal animal exhibit, and a petting zoo where visitors can interact with smaller animals.
The zoo provides a range of educational programs, including animal feeding demonstrations, keeper talks, and hands-on activities designed to teach visitors about wildlife conservation and animal behavior.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in designated areas within the zoo.
The zoo is mostly accessible, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated viewing areas. Wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance.
The zoo hosts various seasonal events such as Halloween celebrations, Christmas light displays, and summer night zoo events, where the zoo stays open later in the evening.
