Nogeyama Zoo (Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Nogeyama Zoo is an urban zoo located within Nogeyama Park in Nishi Ward, Yokohama. It is a small facility that is popular with the local community, and its main feature is that admission is free and it is easy to visit. Many families and young children visit the zoo to interact with the animals, and the zoo is also involved in educational outreach and conservation activities. The zoo is located on a small hill, and there are areas where you can enjoy views of central Yokohama and the Minato Mirai area.

Highlights

• Admission is free and you can enjoy it easily: The appeal is that you can stop by while taking a casual stroll.
• Exhibits of small to medium-sized animals: There are many small animals and birds that are popular with children, and there is a corner where you can observe them up close.
• Interaction and Observation Corner: Interaction experiences and explanations by zookeepers are available for limited periods and as part of events, and are very popular (please check the schedule in advance).
• A sense of unity with the park: You can enjoy picnics and strolls in the green space of the adjacent Nogeyama Park. It is a beautiful location with cherry blossoms in spring and greenery in early summer.
• Education and conservation programs: Regular school programs, workshops, and animal husbandry talks are held.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest stations: JR Sakuragicho Station, JR Kannai Station, Keikyu Hinodecho Station, etc. are within walking distance (there is a slope from the station).
• Walking: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot from Sakuragicho Station (depending on the route).
• Bus: There are some Yokohama Municipal Bus routes that stop near Nogeyama. Please check the route and timetable in advance.
• By car: There are park parking lots and paid parking lots around the park, but they are limited in number so we recommend using public transportation.
• Note: The nursery is located on a slight hill, so there are many slopes and some areas can be difficult to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. Walking routes and travel times vary depending on the route from each station, so please check the map app in advance.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short trip (mainly walking): 30 to 60 minutes
• Careful observation and interaction: 1-2 hours
• With children, including breaks and playing in the park: 2-3 hours

Nearby spots

• Minato Mirai area (Yokohama Landmark Tower, Red Brick Warehouse, etc.) — Accessible by foot or bus, it's easy to combine with sightseeing.
• Yokohama Chinatown — A popular gourmet spot. Easily accessible from Nogeyama.
• There are many facilities nearby that families can visit, such as the Cup Noodles Museum and Yokohama Cosmo World.
• Nogeyama Park — A green space on the same grounds as the zoo. It is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot and is perfect for strolling in season.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Check opening hours: While the park is free to enter, it does have set opening hours and closed days (e.g., every Monday, New Year's holiday, etc.). Please check the official website or call for the latest information before visiting.
• Crowds: It tends to get crowded on weekends, during spring break, Golden Week, and summer vacation. If you want to take a leisurely tour, we recommend weekday mornings.
• Slopes and shoes: The park has undulating terrain. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be careful on rainy days as the ground can be slippery.
• Manners when interacting with animals: Feeding animals directly may be prohibited. Follow the instructions of the staff and observe quietly to avoid causing stress to the animals.
• Bringing in/Garbage: The park is kept clean. Eating and drinking should be done in designated areas, and garbage should be disposed of in the designated area. Please be sure to take any garbage you produce home with you or dispose of it in the designated area.
• Pets allowed: In most cases, pets are not allowed inside the park, so please check in advance.
• Seasonal precautions: In summer, be careful of heatstroke. In winter, viewing points may change depending on the condition of the animals in the outdoor exhibits.

(Additional Information) Please check the Nogeyama Zoo's official website or the Yokohama City information page before visiting for detailed opening hours, closing days, information on events and interactive experiences, and the latest access information.