Nakayoshi Zoo - Hokkaido

Nakayoshi Zoo (なかよし動物園is a small zoo inside a public park. It is located inside Kuriyama Park in 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

なかよし動物園
Nakayoshi Zoo

Nakayoshi Zoo Details

Nakayoshi Zoo offers a delightful experience for animal lovers of all ages. This charming public petting zoo is home to over 150 animals from 16 different species, including adorable rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, deer, monkeys, and more. While it’s not a massive facility, Nakayoshi Zoo packs a lot of fun into its compact space, providing an up-close look at a variety of small animals in a peaceful, natural setting.

Nakayoshi Zoo - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Nakayoshi Zoo - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Free Admission, Fun Activities

You can buy carrots here to feed the animals for 100 yen
You can buy carrots here to feed the animals for 100 yen

Nakayoshi Zoo's pony
You can find ponies...

deer of Nakayoshi Zoo
There is also a deer

Nakayoshi Zoo's deer

Nakayoshi Zoo's guinea pig

Nakayoshi Zoo's guinea pigs
Guinea Pigs

Nakayoshi Zoo's Japanese macaque
Nakayoshi Zoo's Japanese macaque

Nakayoshi Zoo's goat
There are some goats too

Pheasant of Nakayoshi Zoo
Nakayoshi Zoo also has a pheasant

Nakayoshi Park's peacock
...and even a peacock

One of the best parts of Nakayoshi Zoo is that admission is completely free, making it an affordable and enjoyable outing for families, couples, and solo travelers. While you can freely explore the zoo and visit the animals, some exciting paid activities enhance the experience. These include “Pakupaku Time” and “Munch Time” — opportunities to feed the animals — and a ring toss corner, perfect for some lighthearted fun.

Shop for Souvenirs and Other Things to See

Nakayoshi Zoo's Animal Shrine
Nakayoshi Zoo's Animal Shrine

Nakayoshi Zoo's Bulletin Board
Be updated with the activities in the zoo and the park

The rabbit family in the Animal Shrine

Nakayoshi Zoo

While you’re there, don’t miss the Kuriyama Park Shop located inside the zoo. This small yet inviting shop offers a range of original souvenirs, including animal-themed goods, toys for kids, and playful park accessories. It’s a great place to pick up a unique memento of your visit or a gift for someone special.

Instagram-Worthy Ezo Deer Face-in Panel

Ezo Deer Face In Panel
Ezo Deer Face-in Panel

Peacock Face-In Panel
Peacock Face-In Panel

Nakayoshi Park

For a touch of quirky fun, make sure to check out the Ezo Deer face-in panel—a favorite photo spot among visitors. This fun attraction gained nationwide attention when it won top honors at the 1st Wacky’s National Face-in Panel Championship, organized by Wacky of the popular comedy duo Penalty. Don’t forget to snap a picture with your face in the panel for a memorable souvenir shot!

Team Nicerio visits Nakayoshi Zoo

Team Nicerio visits Nakayoshi Zoo

Team Nicerio visits Nakayoshi Zoo

Team Nicerio visits Nakayoshi Zoo
Sweet Tooth Filipino Version


My family and I visited Nakayoshi Zoo for the first time during our “Wedding Anniversary” road trip on May 13, 2023. It also marked my 558th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Since Kuriyama Park was the first stop on our trip, we didn’t miss visiting Nakayoshi Zoo. We enjoyed feeding the animals and of course, taking pictures with them. Had we had no other destinations for the day, we would have probably stayed in the zoo longer as Ella was really enjoying her stay.

Nakayoshi Zoo’s Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Nakayoshi Zoo’s grounds. However, some activities there the “Munching Time” and Pakupaku Time” require a fee. Regardless, these are very affordable and fun.

Nakayoshi Zoo’s Operating Hours

Nakayoshi Zoo is open from April 27 to November 3, operating from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM between April 27 and September 30, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from October 1 to November 3.


Why visit Nakayoshi Zoo?

Nakayoshi Zoo offers free admission, making it an affordable and enjoyable outing for all ages. Visitors can get up close to over 150 animals from 16 species, with the opportunity to participate in fun, paid activities like animal feeding and games. Don’t miss the Kuriyama Park Shop for unique souvenirs or the popular Ezo Deer face-in panel for a memorable photo. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Nakayoshi Zoo is a heartwarming, family-friendly destination that promises a relaxing and interactive adventure full of laughter and fun.


Getting to Nakayoshi Zoo

 

From Kuriyama Station, visitors can choose to walk for about 15 minutes to the park or ride bus #27 Iwamizawa Kuriyama Sen or bus #25 Iwamizawa Naganuma Sen to Chuo 1 Chome [Kuriyamacho] bus stop. 

Once there, Nakayoshi Zoo in Kuriyama Park is a few minutes away on foot.

Travel time: 9 minutes

Fare: 240 yen 


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Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall ratings


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