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Wakayama Castle Park Zoo

A cozy zoo with free admission that has been loved for over 100 years.

3.87 2

Last update :

This zoo has been popular among the locals in Wakayama for more than 100 years since the Taisho era. As the name indicates, it is located on the ground of Wakayama Castle and is home to 79 mammals of 21 species, 83 birds of 26 species, and 5 reptiles of 2 species (as of March 2021). Although it is a small zoo in the Showa retro style, it has gained a reputation for its cozy atmosphere, and it is crowded with families and visitors to Wakayama Castle on holidays. Its free admission makes itself more popular as well.

Of all the animals in the zoo, Benny, the black bear is the most popular. She is also known to have won the zoo director election to be a zoo director in July 2015. She is estimated to be 28 years old and would be considered a senior, and she spends time very relaxed. Everyone becomes glued to her adorable moves for sure.

Visitors will also encounter the two sisters, Satsuki and Ayame, which are Kishu dogs with pure white fur. Visitors can also enjoy feeding deer, alpacas, goats, sheep, and horses, and visiting the petting zoo.

*The petting area may be temporarily unavailable depending on the animal’s disposition or the weather that day.

Highlights

  • A zoo with more than 100 years of history that offers free admission.
  • A home to friendly animals such as black bears and Kishu dogs.
  • The feeding experience and the petting zoo are also popular.

Photos

  • Located in the vicinity of Wakayama Castle

    Located in the vicinity of Wakayama Castle

  • There are many benches for resting in the park.

    There are many benches for resting in the park.

  • Benny the black bear

    Benny the black bear

  • Popular free petting with Kishu dogs

    Popular free petting with Kishu dogs

Reviews

2
  • 陳松林

    雖然是小小的動物園,環境還算乾淨,還有企鵝跟黑熊可以看。

  • Chow Oscar

    免費的動物園,雖然園區不大,就是小小的動物園,飼育員也很用心的在介紹動物們,周遭環境也很好。

Details

Name in Japanese
和歌山城公園動物園
Postal Code
640-8146
Address
3 Ichibancho, Wakayama City, Wakayama
Tel
073-424-8635
Closed
Tuesdays (in case of a holiday, the following day) May be open during peak season.
Hours
9:00am-5:00pm
Admission
Free
Directions
1) Ride a Wakayama Bus from JR Wakayama Station to Wakayamajo mae, taking about 10 min.
2) About 10-minutes walk from Nankai Wakayamashi Station
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)