What other travelers are saying about Yokohama Zoological Gardens “Zoorasia”
I recently visited Zoorasia Yokohama, and overall it was a wonderful experience. It’s a much larger and more diverse zoo than I expected, with many different themed sections representing the geographical traits of various regions around the world. You can easily spend anywhere from two hours to four or even five hours exploring, depending on your pace. The staff were very friendly and attentive, and it was clear that they genuinely care for the animals. They also put on several shows throughout the day, which were amazing to watch and added a lot to the experience.
Of course, many people come here specifically to see the okapi, and it’s definitely a great place to view them. But beyond the okapi, there are so many other animals worth seeing. The Africa section was especially impressive for me—the lions, zebras, camels, and even the bird show were all memorable highlights.
If I had to mention a downside, it would be the dining situation. To find a decent dining space, you really need to go toward the center of the zoo. The area near the elephants felt cramped, and it wasn’t very clean due to occasional bird droppings from above. That said, the zoo offers great picnic spots, so bringing your own food is also a good option.
Zoorasia is a wonderful place for families, friends, or anyone who wants to explore nature and appreciate God’s creation. My visit ended with an unexpected sight—countless crows filling the sky around 5 p.m. in November. It was eerie but also strangely fascinating, and I guess it’s part of the experience in Japan. Overall, highly recommend this zoo.
More about Yokohama Zoological Gardens “Zoorasia” from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Zoorasia features various themed zones such as the Asian Tropical Forest, Subarctic Forest, Oceanian Grassland, Central Asian Highland, African Tropical Rainforest, and the Japanese Countryside, showcasing a wide range of animals from around the world in immersive habitats.
Visitors can see a diverse array of animals, including elephants, polar bears, okapis, red pandas, lions, tigers, and many species of birds, reptiles, and marine life.
Yes, the zoo is designed to be family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits, educational programs, and play areas for children. The zoo's layout is stroller-friendly, making it convenient for families with young children.
Yes, the zoo has several dining options, including a restaurant and multiple snack stands offering a variety of meals, beverages, and snacks. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas within the zoo grounds.
Visitors can take the JR Yokohama Line to Nakayama Station and then transfer to a bus bound for Zoorasia. Alternatively, driving is an option, with ample parking available at the zoo. Detailed directions and maps are available on the zoo's official website.
I saw some animals for the first time here—it was really interesting! The animals looked lively and healthy.
Maybe because it was a rainy day, it was easy to find a table for lunch inside the park.
One thing to note: the earliest direct bus from Yokohama Station to the park departs around 10 a.m., and the last one returning from the zoo to Yokohama is around 3 p.m. After that, you’ll need to take a bus first and then transfer to the train to get back to Yokohama Station.
Zoorasia was a beautifully maintained zoo with a diverse collection of animal species.
The landscaping was well thought out, creating a natural and immersive environment for both the animals and visitors. The paved paths were clean and easy to navigate, making it accessible for all ages.
Overall, it's a great place to spend a relaxing and educational day surrounded by nature with families.
We enjoyed our visit.
This place is huge. We were not prepared for that. Hence we did not get through it all. It was very peaceful. Very Pacific Northwest like. Many of the animals seemed to have some very nice enclosures. Others could have used a little more space. There are plenty of open spaces that can be used to just walk, sit and think, enjoy a family picnic.
Love visiting zoos and Japan has some of the best. One such zoo is Zoorasia, a massive zoo/park with lots of animals to see.
Each animal had a nice area with lots of greenery and objects to interact with. And the animals seemed quite content watching the humans come and go.
As mentioned the park is very large. It feels like a nature park was first built and animals were given residence later. Some areas are large expanses of nature with walk ways and ponds while others are filled with animals from different geographical regions.
Be sure to wear some good walking shoes and give yourself some time to be able to explore.
