What other travelers are saying about Okinawa Zoo and Museum
Great experience! Most of the animals are visible without much looking around. Some of them seemed a bit frustrated or stressed by the sheer number of children screaming but I think that is just the day I chose to go. Staff were kind and most sings are in both English and Japanese. I would recommend having translate ready for the detailed animal information though!
If you are coming to Okinawa with your kids, this is the place you shouldn't miss. The zoo is reasonably big, and the baby toilet is very comfortable (with air con) and clean
The tickets are incredibly inexpensive. To support them and for the happiness of my child, I let my child feed every animal she can. It charged 300 to 500 yen each time, cash only. Also, don't miss the horse riding; it was safe for little ones.
I recently visited this zoo and it was an absolutely heartbreaking experience. The animals were clearly not well taken care of — many of them looked extremely stressed, lethargic, and unhealthy. The enclosures were shockingly small, with hardly any space for the animals to move around, let alone behave naturally. It was devastating to see majestic creatures trapped in such tiny, barren spaces.
One of the most upsetting parts was the otter enclosure. The poor otter was crying out nonstop, sounding distressed and anxious. It was obvious that the animal was suffering, either from loneliness, boredom, or simply from the lack of proper care and environment. It was painful to watch, and it made the entire visit feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Overall, this zoo felt more like a prison than a sanctuary for animals. There was a complete lack of enrichment, compassion, and respect for the animals’ basic needs. I strongly urge others to avoid supporting this place until major changes are made. Animals deserve better than this.
Super cute little museum with some pretty great animals to see. Lions, monkeys, bears, hippos, etc. lots of animals I don't usually see at home. There's not a ton of animals and I might have gone during off season but they were doing a lot of extra work and the entrance has clearly been allowed to wear down a bit.
Fun little place to take kids.
The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months when the weather is pleasant. However, the facility is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy its offerings in any season.
The Okinawa City Zoo and Museum frequently hosts special events, educational programs, and temporary exhibits throughout the year. These can range from animal encounters and feeding sessions to cultural exhibitions and holiday celebrations. Keep an eye on their official website or social media channels for the latest updates.
Admission fees can vary depending on age, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups. There might also be combined tickets for both the zoo and museum sections. Please refer to the official website or contact the facility directly for the most current pricing.
