A zoological park divided into 10 streets to tour
Tobe Zoological Park is western Japan’s premiere zoo covering a total area of 11.2ha. Within the zoo, there are over 760 animals representing approximately 170 species striking a good balance in terms of geography, classification and ethology. The zoo is divided into 10 distinct streets with information boards and explanation panels installed at every observation point. There is the Snake House where you can observe snakes, turtles, alligators and other reptiles indoors, the popular Water Street where you can observe the twice-daily feeding time of the penguins and the sight directly below the water tank where they are seen gaily swimming about, and America Street where animals from North & South America reside such as llamas, condors and jaguars. Then there is Africa Street with African animals including giraffes, lions and hippos, Elephant Street where you can view Japan’s only elephant family, Monkey Town with over 20 species of monkeys, Australia Street with kangaroos, emus and other native animals, Asia Street which has animals such as Japanese macaques, camels and Malayan tapirs, and Little World where you can enjoy petting rabbits and guinea pigs along with feeding the ponies. Last but not least, there is the zoo’s most popular Bear Street where you can meet Japan’s first successful zoo-bred polar bear, Peace.
Plenty of events to meet up with the animals
The popular event of Peaceful Time occurs twice a week on Thursdays and Fridays for which reservations can be accepted by phone up to the day before your visit (admission fee necessary). You will be guided into the bear facility which is normally inadmissible so that you will be able to approach the chambers where Peace-chan sleeps up close and see Peace herself. There are also many other events so please refer to the event calendar listed on the homepage.