Kobe Oji Zoo, Municipal zoo in Ōji-chō, Japan.
Kobe Oji Zoo is a municipal animal park in Ōji-chō, Japan, that displays over 130 different species from around the world on roughly 8 hectares of land. The facility combines enclosures designed to resemble natural habitats, an animal science museum, and a small amusement park.
The zoo opened at its current location in 1951, after the first Kobe zoo operated in Suwayama Park from 1928 to 1946. The move provided the new site with more space for enclosures and visitor facilities.
The Hunter Residence was moved from the Kitano district to the zoo grounds and now serves as a historic exhibition building with western architecture. Visitors can tour the house during certain months and see how European-style design shaped parts of Kobe.
The grounds are mostly level and easy to walk, with paved paths connecting the enclosures. Visitors should plan at least two hours to see the main areas and the museum.
Until March 2024, this was the only zoo in Japan where visitors could see both giant pandas and koalas at the same location. The park also displays a retired D51 steam locomotive that draws railway enthusiasts.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
