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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kobe Animal Kingdom is an experiential urban zoo located in Kobe City. Formerly known as Kobe Kachouen, it features greenhouse-style indoor exhibits and free-range areas where visitors can get up close and personal with animals and birds. With many greenhouse-style exhibits, it can be enjoyed rain or shine, whatever the season, and offers a wide variety of animal-related events, including opportunities to interact with and feed animals. With photogenic spots and hands-on programs for children and adults alike, it is a popular urban leisure facility where visitors can efficiently observe a wide variety of animals in a short amount of time.
Highlights
- Interaction Square: An area where you can touch small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. You may also be able to feed them when staff are present.
- Free-range bird and water exhibitsParrots, flamingos, and various water birds are displayed in a natural environment, allowing you to observe them up close. You may even see birds flying in.
- Penguin and Aquatic Life Area: Penguin exhibits and aquarium-like exhibits near the water. Depending on the time, there may be penguin feedings and explanations.
- Exhibits and interactions with medium to large animals: There are places where you can get close to capybaras, kangaroos, wallabies, etc., and there are often programs where you can feed them directly.
- Show and commentary program: You can enjoy bird shows, explanations by zookeepers, feeding demonstrations, and more depending on the time of day. Please check the schedule posted on the day or on the official website.
- Cafes, restaurants, and souvenirsThere is a cafe where you can relax while watching the animals, as well as a shop selling original goods.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
*Transportation information is subject to change, so be sure to check the official website or the latest information from transportation companies before visiting.
- Train + Monorail (General Directions): Transfer to the Port Liner from Sannomiya Station on the JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin lines and head towards Port Island. Get off at the nearest Port Liner station (e.g., K-Computer-Mae Station) and it's just a few minutes' walk from there. The estimated travel time from Sannomiya on the Port Liner is approximately 10 minutes.
- car: Accessible via the Hanshin Expressway and national highways. Many facilities have paid parking lots, but the number of spaces is limited, so when it is crowded, you will need to use a nearby paid parking lot. Please check the parking fees and number of spaces in advance.
- Buses and taxis: It is also convenient to travel by taxi from Sannomiya. If there is a local bus in operation, please use the nearest bus stop.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- If you want to see the highlights in a short time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- If you want to enjoy the animals and the show at your leisure: 2-4 hours (including lunch and breaks)
- If you are taking part in an experience program with children, it is recommended that you plan for a half-day (3-5 hours) experience.
Nearby spots
- Kobe Harborland Mosaic (shopping and dining)
- Meriken Park and Kobe Port Tower (tourist attractions along the harbor)
- Nankinmachi (Chinatown) — Gourmet Spot
- Kitano Ijinkan-gai (a walking area filled with an exotic atmosphere)
- Facilities within Port Island (convention centers, commercial facilities, etc.)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: Weekends, public holidays, and long school holidays tend to be crowded, and you may have to wait in the parking lot or in popular areas. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday or right after opening.
- MannersPlease observe basic zoo etiquette, such as not touching animals without permission, not feeding them without permission, not running, and not using flash photography. Please follow the instructions of the staff.
- Pets allowed: Most animal facilities do not allow general visitors to bring pets, so be sure to check in advance.
- Show and experience program times: Program times may vary depending on the day. Please check the schedule posted on the day or on the official website.
- Season and weather: Many of the exhibits are indoors, so you can enjoy the zoo even on rainy days, but there are some areas indoors that can feel hot in the summer. Please be sure to stay hydrated and dress appropriately. In winter, the exhibit locations and show times for some animals may change.
- safety: Please pay attention to safety, such as not climbing over fences or areas, not taking your eyes off children, and not feeding animals in places other than those specified.
Be sure to check the official website for the latest opening hours, admission fees, and details of events and experience programs. Have a great trip!
