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General Information
Okinawa Zoo & Museum, located in the central area of Okinawa Island, Japan, is a complex interactive facility that combines a zoo and a children’s museum. It is based on the concept of “Enjoy Experience and Learning!”
ZOO AREA
As the Japan’s southernmost zoo, our goal is to become the most unique zoo in the country. We take advantage of this semi-tropical marine climate to provide a suitable environment for our animals and create engaging exhibits. Here is home for approximately 1000 animals, about 150 species!
Okinawa is sometimes referred to as “the Oriental Galapagos,” due to its abundance of endemic wild animals living in the unique ecosystem. Additionally, the region boasts a distinctive culture that has been nurtured throughout history with local livestock animals such as horses, pigs, and goats. Our mission at Okinawa Zoo & Museum is to conserve these endemic wild animals and local livestock animals. Moreover, we exhibit animals not only from main island of Japan but also from all over the world.
WONDER MUSEUM
There is the only one children’s museum in Okinawa, called “Wonder Museum.” Based on our concept “Understanding and Creation begins in Wonder,” we offer numerous hands-on exhibits and workshops in three categories “Science,” “Philosophy,” and “Art.” This indoor facility is perfect for both rainy days and extreme hot days!
PARK ZONE
Inside the park, there are beautiful gardens where you can sit down and relax, which are great for your leisure time. There is also a fishing pond and “Ride Park,” with go-karts, carousel, and a mini train, which are popular among families. Additionally, “Furusato Garden,” a registered National Tangible Cultural Property, offers you the opportunity to study how traditional Okinawan houses were built. With a variety of attractions, you can easily find your own way to spend a delightful day!
THE MAP OF OKINAWA ZOO & MUSEUM
Enhance your visit to Okinawa Zoo & Museum with planning your trip with this map and make your experience even more exciting!
OPENING HOURS AND DAYS CLOSED
Opening hours
Weekdays
(Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)
9:30a.m.-5:30p.m.
(The last admission is 4:30p.m.)
(The last admission is 4:30p.m.)
Weekends
(Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays)
9:30a.m.-9:00p.m.
(The last admission is 8:00p.m.)
(The last admission is 8:00p.m.)
- “Wonder Museum” will be closed 30 minutes prior to the zoo closing.
- Some animals will go back to off-exhibit areas before the zoo closing.
Regular closing day
Tuesdays & December 30th, 31st, January 1st
- We are open on Tuesdays if it is a public holiday according to the Japanese calendar. In this case, we will be closed the following weekday.
ADMISSION FEES
Entrance fee
Age 16 and older
1000 yen
Age 15 and under
Free
* Student special discount is available for high school, university, and vocational school students in Japan, as well as for international students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The discounted price is 500 yen. Please present a valid student ID for admission.
* Wonder Museum offers free admission for all visitors, including adults.
Annual pass
Age 16 and older
4000 yen
Students
2000 yen
* An annual student pass is available for high school, university, and vocational school students in Japan, as well as for international students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Please present a valid student ID for admission.
Group Discount(Available for groups of 20 or more paying people)
Age 16 and older
800 yen
Students
400 yen
*Groups are required to book in advance. Please make a reservation here.
*Please pay the total entrance fee at the reception on the day of your visit. We cannot accept pre-payment or delayed payment.
ACCESS & DIRECTIONS
MAP
Map code
33 561 620*12
Via CAR
Three parking areas are available for 700 cars. Please note that during Japanese national holidays and special events, a high volume of traffic is expected.
- *50 minutes from Naha Airport by local roads
- *20 minutes from Naha I.C. to Okinawa-minami I.C. by Okinawa Expressway
- *10 minutes from Okinawa-minami I.C.
Via BUS
- *1 hour from Naha bus terminal to Nakanomachi bus stop ( for bus #23, #27, #31 and more)
- *15 minutes walk from Nakanomachi bus stop
FACILITIES & SERVICES
For Guests with disabilities
- Free rental wheelchairs are available at entrances.
- Priority parking, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and multipurpose restrooms with ostomate facilities are available. Please check the map here for their locations.
For Guests with small kids.
- Rental strollers are available for 200 yen. Strollers are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis at entrances.
- Baby care rooms are available for diaper-changing and nursing. Please check the map here for their locations.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES at the ZOO
KWACCHI TIME
“Kwacchi” means “a feast” in the Okinawan dialect. Come and see how our animals enjoy their feasts!
Hand Feeding
Each animal has a different diet. Let’s observe how they eat and enjoy their unique feeding habits!
Pony Rides
You can ride on horses, including the Yonaguni horse, one of the Okinawan local livestock animals. Experience the view from their back and feel their warmth beneath you!
ANIMAL PLAZA
Here is the place for you to study how to build a relationship with animals. Utilize all five senses and enjoy the experience! Please note workshops are conducted only in Japanese.
Be a good zoo guest!
We are glad you are visiting us! Here’s how you can do your part to be a good zoo guest:
1. Please do not feed the animals
NOTE: You may feed the animals with feed purchased from the zoo, available at the exhibit.
2. Please do not shine a flashlight on animals
3. Use a gentle voice around the animals
4. Keep your hands away from the fence or the barrier
NOTE: If you accidentally drop your belongings inside the exhibit, please contact a zoo staff member.
5. Do not tap the glass
6. Pick up after yourself
Thank you very much for being a good zoo guest!
We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful time in Okinawa Zoo & Museum!