Super cute and welcoming~ The whole place is spacious and clean, and the animals look well cared for.
They have popular animals like red pandas, lions, and giraffes, plus a petting area where you can get up close with smaller animals. Kids would definitely love it!
The zoo is up in the mountains, so the air feels great, and it’s really relaxing to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
That said, there are quite a few slopes, so it does feel a bit like a workout. Definitely wear comfortable shoes~
Overall, it’s the kind of zoo that feels warm and आरामदायक, and it’s super soothing for a weekend visit.
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Chausuyama Zoo
A zoo known for its Red Panda Forest and sweeping views over the Zenkoji Plain.
4.07
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A nature-rich zoo set in the forest. Around 70 animal species live across its vast 15-hectare grounds. One of its biggest draws is the many exhibits that make use of the natural terrain, where you can see the animals living at ease.
One of the biggest highlights is the “Red Panda Forest.” Without using wire mesh or artificial rocks, the habitat is recreated with planted trees and bamboo, and it is also known as one of Japan’s largest breeding grounds for red pandas. You are sure to stop in your tracks at the sight of them walking lightly through the trees or crossing overhead.
At “Lion Hill,” newly opened in 2023, you can see lions standing against the backdrop of the Zenkoji Plain. At the “African Savanna,” giraffes and zebras live in the same space, creating an environment that feels closer to nature. The “Orangutan Forest” is also designed with a focus on behavioral exhibits, making for a powerful experience.
Inside the zoo, a suspended monorail (the North Entrance Monorail) runs along the steep slopes, connecting Chausuyama Chuo Station and North Entrance Station on a route of Approx. 176 m in about 4 minutes one way.
The seasonal scenery is another highlight, with cherry blossoms in spring and vivid fall foliage coloring the forest in autumn. The scenes created by flowers, trees, and animals are beautiful enough to make you want to capture them in photos. Time spent with the animals in this natural setting leaves visitors with a calm, lingering sense of peace.
Highlights
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Nature-focused exhibits and one of Japan’s largest breeding grounds for red pandas.
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Lion Hill, where lions appear in a dramatic setting with the Zenkoji Plain as the backdrop.
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The African Savanna exhibit, where giraffes and zebras live together.
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Beautiful seasonal scenery, with animals framed by cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
Photos
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Known as Japan’s largest breeding ground for red pandas
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You can observe the animals living in a natural environment
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The children’s zoo offers animal feeding experiences
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From the zoo’s north entrance parking lot, you can travel by monorail on a 176 m route
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The shop also sells original goods, making it a great stop for souvenir shopping
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A zoo where you can observe animals while enjoying views over the Zenkoji Plain
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, it is.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes, there are. (Only outside the south entrance.)
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
Yes, but if you do not return for a long time, re-entry may be refused. (For example, returning after 1 to 2 hours.)
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No, there is not.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Seriously so cute~ The whole zoo is up on a mountain, and the air feels so fresh. Walking around almost feels like a stroll through the forest.
There were more kinds of animals than I expected, including red pandas, giraffes, lions, and adorable meerkats. The red pandas are super popular and just ridiculously cute! 🦝
Best of all, the admission is super cheap, such a great deal. The grounds are also kept really clean, and there’s no bad smell.
Just keep in mind that the terrain is a bit hilly, so it can get a little tiring, but honestly it’s still really pleasant when you’re enjoying the scenery and the animals at the same time.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 長野市茶臼山動物園
- Postal Code
- 388-8016
- Address
- 570-1 Aratabi, Shinonoi, Nagano-shi, Nagano 388-8016
- Phone
- 026-293-5167
- Closed on
- Mondays from December to February (the following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 29–31
- Hours
- March–November 9:30am–4:30pm／December–February 10:00am–4:00pm
- Admission
- Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
- Access
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1) Approx. 15 minutes by car from JR Shinonoi Station, or Approx. 10 minutes by the ZOO Guru Car (operates on weekends and national holidays from April to November)
2) Approx. 25 minutes by car from Nagano IC - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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