Kagoshima City Hirakawa Zoological Park

"A green oasis where you can encounter the creatures of tropical Kagoshima"

This zoo is home to over 1,000 animals of approximately 130 species, ranging from subtropical and subarctic species to domestic and international species. The facility also features animal exhibits with Sakurajima as a backdrop, and rare animals such as koalas and white tigers.

"A walking experience that connects the landscape and animals"

This experiential zoo allows visitors to experience the ecology of animals and their natural environment with all five senses as they walk along the walking trails, observation areas, ponds, and forest paths spread across its vast grounds. It is also a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms.

"A journey to experience animals, scenery, and time - exploring the charms of Hirakawa Zoo"

Hirakawa Zoological Park, located in Kagoshima City, welcomes many visitors as an experiential space where nature, animals, ecology and scenery intertwine, going beyond the framework of a place to appreciate animals. Here, rather than simply standing in front of the cages, visitors can spend their time relaxing and experiencing the animals' "lifestyles" against the backdrop of the scenery.

The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing approximately 130 species, with rare species such as koalas and white tigers being popular exhibits. The park cleverly incorporates forests, woods, ponds, and undulating terrain, and is designed with a strong awareness of the need to "connect" the animal exhibits with the scenery.

1. Exhibition composition: Harmony between animals and landscape

One of Hirakawa Zoo's attractions is the fusion of animal exhibits with the natural landscape . Exhibit fences and enclosures are designed to be as low-visibility as possible, and many methods are used to incorporate the forest, plants, and distant scenery in the background into the scenery. This connects the gaze of the animals with the landscape, creating the feeling that you are peering into the "world in which the animals live."

For example, the giraffe zone has been designed with Sakurajima in the background, and the exhibits incorporating spacious grasslands and standing trees create a sense of openness and nature. Paths and walking trails around ponds connect the animal exhibits, allowing visitors to experience "encounters while walking."

2. Highlights and Experiences

• This is one of the few koala exhibits in Japan where you can encounter koalas . The space and exhibit design are reminiscent of a eucalyptus forest, allowing you to observe the animals while getting a feel for their living environment.

• White tiger and large carnivorous animal exhibits One of the attractions is the exhibits where you can observe rare large cats, such as white tigers, in an impressive space. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their powerful movements and expressions.

• The walking trails and scenic walks within the park include undulating terrain, waterside areas, and narrow paths, and are designed to take you around while experiencing the changing scenery and animal exhibits. Every time you walk, you'll see something new.

• During the season when the park is famous for its cherry blossoms, approximately 800 cherry trees bloom in full glory within the park, and the overlapping scenery of the animal exhibits and the cherry blossom scenery attracts many visitors.

• Educational and Environmental Awareness Elements Through explanatory panels and explanations by animal care staff, there are opportunities to learn about the ecology, conservation, and lives of animals, making the zoo a place to "learn."

3. Tips and things to note when visiting

• Choosing the right time to visit: The animals tend to be more active and expressive in the early morning just after the park opens or towards the evening. Also, if you want to capture the scenery with Sakurajima in the background, a clear day is the best time to visit.

• The park is large and has many hills and paths, so comfortable shoes (sneakers, etc.) are essential. It's also a good idea to bring water, a hat, and rain gear.

• Be aware of the shooting point. If you incorporate the trees, sky, Sakurajima, etc. in the background into the composition along with the animal, you can create a photo with depth. It is effective to take a photo that overlaps the animal's perspective with the scenery.

• Avoid the crowds The park tends to be crowded with visitors on holidays and during the cherry blossom season in spring, so it's best to visit on weekdays, early in the morning, or late in the afternoon to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

• It is important to be mindful of your manners and to respect the animals, such as not crossing the exhibit fences, not calling out to the animals or using flash, and taking your trash with you.

4. Model Tourism Plan

Morning: Encounter with animals and enjoy the scenery <br data-start="2098" data-end="2101">Immediately after opening → Koala exhibit → Herbivore area → Stroll along the cherry blossom trees and through the flower scenery until around noon → Move to a cafe outside the park or to a nearby facility

Afternoon: Deep exploration and lingering night view <br data-start="2178" data-end="2181">Carnivorous animal exhibit → Pond and wetland exhibit area → Photo spot with Sakurajima scenery → Tour the park until evening → Photo shoot at dusk → Stay until near night (before closing time)

Family/Relaxed Plan <br data-start="2270" data-end="2273">If you are traveling with children, adjust the distance between exhibits and make use of rest spots. We recommend creating a schedule that allows you to enjoy a relaxed distance from the animals and take part in various hands-on activities.

Hirakawa Zoo is a place where you can experience the connection between the animals' "now" and the scenery. It is not just a zoo for show, but an "experiential zoo" that uses background, light, and time to create a memorable experience for visitors to Kagoshima. Come and experience the time you spend walking with the animals with Sakurajima as your backdrop.