Nasu Animal Kingdom

Must Do Experiences

• Hand-feed the famously relaxed capybaras and fluffy alpacas in their spacious open-air enclosures.

• Watch the thrilling and entertaining animal shows featuring dogs, birds, and other talented creatures.

• Stroll through the interactive bird and kangaroo zones where the animals roam freely right beside you.

• Enjoy a hands-on petting session with the friendly farm animals and adorable puppies at the indoor contact areas.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the capybara hot spring baths during the colder months, where these relaxed rodents soak in warm yuzu-scented waters.

• Visit the farm area early in the morning right after opening to see the animals at their most active and avoid the midday crowds.

• Check the daily schedule for the exclusive sheepdog herding demonstrations, a fascinating display of working dog intelligence that many casual visitors miss.

What Makes it Special

• The park's barrier-free design and extensive indoor facilities make it a perfect, stress-free destination regardless of the weather or season.

• Unlike traditional zoos, Nasu Animal Kingdom emphasizes hands-on interaction, allowing guests to touch, feed, and walk alongside many of the residents.

• The beautiful Nasu highland setting provides a picturesque, nature-immersed backdrop that elevates the wildlife experience beyond a standard animal park.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is right when the park opens at 09:00 on weekends or 10:00 on weekdays to beat the crowds and see the animals during their most active morning feeding times. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the expansive outdoor areas, while winter brings the famous and adorable capybara hot spring baths.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the capybaras and alpacas during the morning feeding sessions when the soft natural light and active animals make for dynamic, lively photos.

• Use a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting mode during the bird and dog shows to freeze the action and get crisp images of the performing animals.

• Get down to the eye level of the smaller animals and free-roaming kangaroos for more engaging, intimate portraits rather than shooting from a standing height.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When interacting with the animals, always follow the staff's instructions carefully and avoid loud noises or sudden movements to respect both the wildlife and fellow Japanese visitors who value a peaceful environment. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply express your gratitude to the park staff with a polite bow or a warm thank you. Please queue orderly for feeding experiences and shows, as respecting the line is a fundamental aspect of local etiquette.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Winter Capybara Hot Spring: During the colder months, watch the capybaras relax in steaming outdoor baths often infused with seasonal fruits like yuzu or apples.

• Spring Flower and Animal Festivals: Enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms and tulips across the park grounds alongside special outdoor animal parades and extended feeding sessions.

• Halloween and Christmas Decorations: The park transforms with festive seasonal decorations, offering special themed photo spots and limited-edition seasonal treats at the park cafes.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always wash your hands thoroughly at the provided sanitizing stations before and after touching or feeding any of the animals to maintain good hygiene.

• Supervise young children closely in the free-roaming zones and ensure they do not run after or startle the animals, which could lead to accidental scratches or bites.

• Stick to the designated pathways and respect the physical barriers around enclosures to ensure your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.