Kakegawa Kachoen

Must Do Experiences

• Watch the spectacular live bird shows where trained owls and parrots perform incredible tricks just inches from the audience.

• Stroll through the massive tropical greenhouses to feed nectar to lorikeets and admire seasonal blooms.

• Get up close and personal with the penguins and waterfowl roaming freely around the park's scenic ponds.

• Purchase special bird food to hand-feed the friendly parrots and experience a truly interactive wildlife encounter.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the quiet corners of the traditional Japanese garden section, which offers a serene contrast to the lively bird enclosures and is often missed by rushed visitors.

• Visit the owl forest area during the early morning or late afternoon when the nocturnal birds are most active and vocal.

• Look for the rare and endangered species breeding programs discreetly highlighted around the park, showcasing Kakegawa Kachoen's dedication to conservation.

What Makes it Special

• The park's barrier-free design and open-concept enclosures allow birds to fly freely around you rather than being confined to cages.

• It houses one of the largest collections of owls in Japan, offering an educational and mesmerizing look into these mysterious birds of prey.

• The seamless integration of lush botanical gardens with avian habitats creates a multi-sensory experience of vibrant flowers and exotic bird calls.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is right at opening time at 9:00 AM to beat the crowds and see the birds when they are most active and hungry for morning feedings. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable outdoor weather and feature stunning seasonal flower blooms in the greenhouses, though the park is an excellent year-round destination due to its climate-controlled indoor habitats.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Use a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting mode to capture the owls and parrots in mid-flight during the live shows.

• The tropical greenhouse provides beautiful, diffused natural lighting that is perfect for macro photography of the vibrant flowers and resting birds.

• Avoid using flash photography, especially in the owl enclosures and dimly lit areas, to prevent startling or harming the sensitive birds.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese visitors highly value harmony and respect for nature, so speak softly and avoid sudden movements to keep the environment peaceful for both the animals and other guests. It is customary to queue orderly for feeding sessions and photo opportunities, and tipping the staff or bird handlers is not expected or practiced in Japan.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Spring Flower Festivals transform the greenhouses with spectacular displays of blooming orchids and seasonal Japanese flora.

• Winter Illumination events occasionally light up the park's outdoor gardens, creating a magical evening atmosphere for holiday visitors.

• Penguin Walks are sometimes organized during the cooler winter months, allowing guests to watch the penguins waddle through the park grounds.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always wash your hands thoroughly or use the provided sanitizing stations after handling bird feed or touching the animals.

• Keep small children closely supervised and instruct them not to chase, grab, or squeeze the birds, as this can cause stress or injury to the animals.

• Stay on the designated pathways and respect the physical barriers, especially around the waterfowl ponds and predator enclosures.