・How to get to Himeji City Zoo

Get off at JR Himeji Station and walk about 15 minutes or Get off at Himeji Castle Otemon-mae and walk about 5 minutes.

You can enter and exit the park from two locations: the main entrance and the north entrance.

・A zoo located in the lap of a castle, a rarity in Japan

Himeji City Zoo is located on the grounds of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site. It is adjacent to the San-no-Maru Plaza of Himeji Castle. Because of its location, the zoo attracts not only local children and families, but also many tourists visiting Himeji Castle.

From inside the zoo, you can observe the animals against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery of Himeji Castle and enjoy a unique atmosphere that you cannot experience at other zoos, which is another reason for its popularity.

Passing through Himeji Castle Otemon Gate, the main entrance to Himeji Castle, you will see the zoo blue sign right in front of you.

・The reason for its popularity is its affordable admission fee

What is surprising is the admission fee. Adults pay as little as 250 yen and children 50 yen, which is very reasonable compared to other zoos in Japan!

・Experience interacting with animals

Himeji City Zoo keeps a variety of animals, from large animals such as giraffes and lions to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. The “Fureai Hiroba,” where visitors can interact with small animals, is especially popular and is a great spot for visitors with children.

At “Fureai Hiroba,” visitors can interact with guinea pigs twice a day for one hour each in the morning and afternoon.

When the zookeeper staff is nearby, they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the animals.

■Petting Zoo
1st session: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
2nd session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

・Giraffe with a heart-shaped pattern

The park’s popular reticulated giraffe, “Koske” (photo left). In fact, he is famous for a heart-shaped pattern on his right front paw. There is a rumor that if you find this heart mark, you will be happy. Why don’t you try to find the heart mark and get happiness as well?

Visitors can also watch the animals eat. The South American Sea Lions eat twice a day. When the zookeeper shows up with food, the cute and lovable South American Sea Lions express their joy with their whole body, and it is worth seeing!

・Amusement parks with a retro Showa-era atmosphere

The park has “mini amusement parks” to the north and south. There are a variety of attractions that children will enjoy, including an airplane, a train, a Ferris wheel, a monorail, a chain tower, a teacup, a battery-powered car, and a caterpillar ride.

The “Showa-retro” atmosphere, with its uniquely Japanese sense of nostalgia, is very appealing. Each ride costs 250 yen per person. The price is easy on the wallet.

■Mini amusement park
●Open daily except Dec. 29- Jan. 1 (no regular holidays)
●Operating hours: 9:00 a.m.- 4:40 p.m. (tickets are sold until 4:30 p.m.)

*Operation may be suspended during business hours due to inclement weather, repairs, or other reasons.

■詳細情報