Nasu Animal Kingdom

zooanimalsinteractiveshowsfamilyhighland

Tochigi · Nasu

37.0402°N, 140.0128°E

Nasu Animal Kingdom is a 43-hectare zoo and animal park specializing in highland and grassland species from around the world — alpacas, capybaras, kangaroos, owls, penguins, and birds of prey. Unlike traditional zoos with caged enclosures, Nasu Animal Kingdom emphasizes open habitats, interactive experiences, and daily animal shows. Visitors can feed alpacas, hold owls, watch sheepdog herding demonstrations, and attend falconry displays where eagles and hawks fly overhead.

The park is divided into two zones: the Town area (indoor exhibits, penguins, cats, capybaras) and the Farm area (outdoor pastures, alpacas, horses, birds of prey shows). The setting is Nasu's highland plateau (600m elevation), so summers are cool and comfortable. The park's philosophy focuses on education and animal welfare — enclosures are spacious, enrichment activities are visible, and staff provide detailed explanations (Japanese, with some English signage). It is family-friendly but engaging enough for adults, especially the raptor shows.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (standard) | Extended to 5:30 PM in peak summer

Closed: No regular closing days; check website for seasonal maintenance

Entrance Fee

¥2,600 adults; ¥1,200 children (3–12); under 3 free | Owl holding: ¥500 | Horse riding: ¥1,500 | BBQ restaurant: ¥2,000–3,000/person

Best Season

July–August (cool highlands, 10°C cooler than Tokyo) | October (autumn foliage backdrop) | December–March (capybara onsen — capybaras soaking in hot spring water)

Visit Duration

3–4 hours for full park including Bird Performance, Sheepdog Show, and interactive animal encounters

Getting There

Access Information

Nasu Animal Kingdom is by free shuttle bus from Kuroiso Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen, from Tokyo). Entry ¥2,600 (adults), ¥1,200 (children). Allow 3–4 hours for full visit including shows. Best seasons: summer (cool highlands, July–August), autumn (foliage, October).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Must-see shows:** The Bird Performance Show (eagles, hawks, owls flying over the audience, landing on trainers' arms) is the highlight — runs daily 11:00 & 14:00, 20 min. The Sheepdog Show (border collies herding sheep) is charming and demonstrates real working-dog skills (13:00 daily). The Sea Lion & Penguin Show (diving, ball tricks) is family-oriented but well-executed (12:00 daily). **Interactive experiences:** Pay extra (¥500–1,000) for hands-on encounters: hold an owl (weight on your arm, photo op), feed alpacas (they are gentle and slightly sassy), pet capybaras (they are surprisingly chill), or ride a horse around the pasture (15 min, ¥1,500). These are managed carefully — animals are rotated to avoid stress. **Capybara onsen (winter only):** From December to March, the park hosts capybara onsen — capybaras soaking in hot spring water, looking blissful. It is absurdly cute and popular with photographers. Best viewing 11:00–14:00 when the water is warmest. **Walking route:** Start in the Town area (indoor exhibits, penguins, cats), then take the free tractor-bus to the Farm area (a short ride through pastures). Watch the Bird Performance Show, then explore the alpaca and kangaroo fields. Return via tractor-bus or walk (15 min downhill). **Food:** The park's BBQ restaurant (Barbecue Forest) serves grilled Tochigi beef and sausages (¥2,000–3,000 per person, advance reservation recommended). Otherwise, the café near the entrance has curry, sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream. **Combine with:** After the zoo, visit Nasu Onsen (by car) for a hot spring soak. Or explore Nasu Kogen's dairy farms and cheese shops (nearby).

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