Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens, Major zoological park in Nishi-ku, Japan.
Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens is a zoo in Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan, built across hilly ground inside a public park. The grounds hold a wide range of animal species in enclosures designed around natural habitats, with a notable focus on primates.
The zoo opened in 1950, making it the first of its kind in Shizuoka Prefecture. Over the following decades it developed into a recognized center for primate study and species conservation.
The zoo sits inside a city park, which gives it a relaxed, green character and sets it apart from typical urban zoos. Families from the area often use the grounds simply for a walk, not just to see the animals.
The zoo is reachable by bus from Hamamatsu Station, with a journey of around 40 minutes. The terrain is hilly and the grounds are large, so comfortable walking shoes make the visit much easier.
This zoo is the only place in Japan where visitors can see the golden lion tamarin, a rare primate with bright orange-gold fur that originates from the forests of Brazil. Very few zoos worldwide display this species.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
