
Omoriyama Zoo Akita
Omoriyama Zoo in Akita offers a diverse collection of animals, including snow leopards and red pandas, in habitats designed to mimic nature.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Animals are most active

Omoriyama Zoo Akita
Best Time
Animals are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Omoriyama Zoo in Akita offers a diverse collection of animals, including snow leopards and red pandas, in habitats designed to mimic nature.
"A great place with lots of variety and close animal interactions, plus affordable and delicious food!"

🚗 Rent a Car for Convenience
Renting a car is highly recommended for easy travel around the zoo and surrounding areas.
🎟️ Kids Under High School Free
A big plus for families! Admission is free for children under high school age.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snow Leopards
Big Cat Enclosure
Majestic snow leopards, including a resident named Hikari, are a major draw for visitors. Catch them in their habitat for a thrilling sight.

Red Pandas
Red Panda Enclosure
These adorable creatures are a favorite! Visitors love seeing them active and enjoying their meals.

Zenitanago Freshwater Fish
Shiohikigata
Discover the rare Zenitanago, a unique freshwater fish species, showcased in the zoo's central Shiohikigata area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Understanding Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Convenience
Renting a car is highly recommended for easy travel around the zoo and surrounding areas.
🎟️ Kids Under High School Free
A big plus for families! Admission is free for children under high school age.
🐼 Red Panda Spotting
If you're specifically looking for red pandas, Omoriyama Zoo is a great spot!
🗣️ Limited English Signage
Be prepared for limited English signage; understanding Japanese will enhance your visit.
Where to find red pandas in Japan?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Convenience
Renting a car is highly recommended for easy travel around the zoo and surrounding areas.
🎟️ Kids Under High School Free
A big plus for families! Admission is free for children under high school age.
🐼 Red Panda Spotting
If you're specifically looking for red pandas, Omoriyama Zoo is a great spot!
🗣️ Limited English Signage
Be prepared for limited English signage; understanding Japanese will enhance your visit.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Omoriyama Zoo offers a diverse range of animals and aims for naturalistic enclosures, with many visitors praising the affordability and delicious food. However, some reviews express concern over the living conditions and stress levels of certain animals, suggesting room for improvement in animal welfare.
"The trip was disappointing and heart-breaking. Although there are lots of animal species, some of their living environments were really bad when I visited (especially the penguin tank). Besides, some animals (wolf, bear) were constantly walking in circles, they look nervous and stressed out in their small living environment. I just hope the zoo reads this review and pays more attention to their animals."
Stephanie Lui
"Akita Omoriyama Zoo , Akitashi Omoriyama dōbutsuen), also known as “Milve”, is a municipal zoo opened in July 1967 in the city of Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 1972, the zoo covers 15 hectares, with 114 species on display. It is accredited by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The zoo is modeled after Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido with holding areas designed to mimic the animal’s natural habitat, and incorporating “action exhibits” where animal activity is encouraged, particularly during feeding time.The zoo began as a zoo attached to the Akita Prefectural Children’s Hall within the grounds of former Kubota Castle in October 1950. It was transferred to the control of Akita City in April 1953 and renamed the Akita City Children’s Zoo, and "Monkey Train ride" was very popular.[8][9] In September 1972, it was relocated to its present location.
The zoo successfully bred the tanuki in captivity in 1974, followed by the barn owl in 1978, and Japanese marten in 1994. It also successfully artificially inseminated the black-backed jackal in 1990 and demoiselle crane in 1995. All of these successes were the first time for a zoo in Japan."
György Takács
"This is my second visit in less than a year. Children under high school age are free so that was a big plus. There’s an attraction park there so my friend spent half the time there riding them. We enjoyed learning about the different animals. The elephant did seem a big lonely compared to a few months ago. Winter blues? Overall a great place and wheel chair friendly."
Candy Rowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located in Akita City. Many visitors recommend renting a car for convenient access and exploring the area. Public transport options might be available, but a car offers the most flexibility.
Yes, the zoo is noted to be wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
The zoo grounds are quite extensive, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Renting a car is recommended for getting to the zoo and for exploring the wider Akita region.
The zoo is situated within the Omorin Forest, and there's also an attraction park nearby that some visitors enjoy.
Opening hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official zoo website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is free for children under high school age, which is a significant benefit for families. Standard adult admission fees apply for others. Check the zoo's official website for current pricing.
Typically, tickets can be purchased at the entrance. It's advisable to check the zoo's official website for any specific ticketing policies or online purchase options.
A major discount is that children under high school age get in for free. Look out for any seasonal promotions or group rates on the zoo's official channels.
Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid longer queues at the ticket counter.
Information on annual passes is not widely available. For the most accurate details, it's best to inquire directly with the zoo's administration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the snow leopards and the adorable red pandas! The rare Zenitanago freshwater fish is also a unique attraction.
Yes, the zoo incorporates 'action exhibits' that encourage animal activity, particularly during feeding times. Check the daily schedule for specific demonstration times.
Shiohikigata is a central area within the zoo that features unique exhibits, including the rare Zenitanago freshwater fish.
Yes, with its diverse animals and habitats, it offers great opportunities for animal photography. Be mindful of enclosure designs and lighting conditions.
The zoo aims to mimic natural habitats and offers close interactions. However, some visitors have noted concerns about animal welfare in certain enclosures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many visitors find the food and service inside the zoo to be affordable and delicious, with a good variety of options.
While specific menus aren't detailed, most zoo eateries offer a range of popular Japanese snacks and meals, which often include vegetarian choices. It's best to check on-site for current offerings.
Generally, zoos allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks. However, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's specific policy regarding outside food.
Expect typical zoo fare, likely including snacks, light meals, and beverages. Some reviews highlight the deliciousness and affordability of the food options.
While not explicitly mentioned, many zoos provide designated picnic areas. If you plan to picnic, look for benches or open spaces within the zoo grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the snow leopard and red panda enclosures for iconic shots. The diverse bird exhibits and the unique Zenitanago fish also offer great photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for posted signs.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals in their enclosures. A wide-angle lens can be good for capturing the overall habitat.
The zoo aims for close interactions, so you can often get good close-up shots, especially during feeding times or if animals are active near the viewing areas.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, which is ideal for photography. Also, consider feeding times for more active animal shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With wheelchair accessibility and an adjacent amusement park, it's a destination that caters to different needs and interests. The affordable and tasty food options also make it easy to manage a full day of family fun.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're exploring Akita, renting a car might be a cost-effective way to reach the zoo and explore other sights, especially if traveling in a group. Focus on the free attractions within the zoo to maximize your experience without extra spending.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Arrive early for softer light and potentially more active animals. A telephoto lens will be your best friend for capturing details of the animals in their enclosures. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Zoo Design
However, some visitor reviews have raised concerns about the living environments for certain animals, noting repetitive behaviors like pacing, which can indicate stress. While the zoo strives for welfare, these observations suggest that continuous improvement in enclosure design and enrichment programs is crucial for the animals' well-being. Visitors are encouraged to observe the animals respectfully and consider these perspectives during their visit.
Despite these concerns, many enclosures are described as clean, and animals appear fed and have access to water. The zoo's commitment to breeding success in various species, including tanuki and barn owls, highlights its past contributions to conservation efforts.
Family Fun and Accessibility
The zoo offers a variety of animals, from large mammals like elephants and giraffes to smaller creatures and birds, providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. The presence of an adjacent attraction park also adds another layer of fun, allowing families to combine a zoo visit with amusement rides.
Furthermore, the zoo is noted for its wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can navigate the grounds comfortably. This inclusive approach makes Omoriyama Zoo a welcoming destination for a wider range of visitors looking for a day out in Akita.
Unique Species and Conservation Efforts
The zoo has a history of successful breeding programs, being the first in Japan to achieve captive breeding of tanuki and barn owls, and artificial insemination of black-backed jackals and demoiselle cranes. These achievements underscore the zoo's role in conservation and its expertise in animal husbandry.
While the zoo aims to provide naturalistic habitats, the presence of animals like snow leopards and red pandas also draws significant attention, offering visitors a chance to see these charismatic species up close.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit