
Hamamatsu City Zoo
A budget-friendly family destination in Hamamatsu, known for its affordable entry and accessible grounds, featuring popular animals like gorillas and ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Hamamatsu City Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A budget-friendly family destination in Hamamatsu, known for its affordable entry and accessible grounds, featuring popular animals like gorillas and penguins.
"Great value for money, lots of parking space and an interesting collection of animals."

🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Kids under middle school are FREE! Adults pay a very cheap entry fee. :moneybag:
🐐 Goat Feeding Fun
Enjoy free goat feeding, but food portions can be limited. :goat:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shou the Silverback Gorilla
Gorilla Enclosure
Meet Shou, a gentle and charming silverback gorilla who roams freely between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Humboldt Penguins
Penguin Exhibit
Watch these lively Humboldt penguins thrive in their naturalistic habitat, showcasing their adorable charm and behaviors.

Red Pandas
Red Panda Enclosure
Observe the playful red pandas, including Ranmaru, known for their cute antics and healthy presence.

Sumatran Orangutans
Orangutan Enclosure
See the Sumatran orangutans, including Bali, who came from Russia and has had four cubs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Family Fun
Consider the Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Kids under middle school are FREE! Adults pay a very cheap entry fee. :moneybag:
🐐 Goat Feeding Fun
Enjoy free goat feeding, but food portions can be limited. :goat:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit during cooler months or early morning in summer to avoid the intense heat. :sunwithface:
🐒 Special Events
Look out for special events like Christmas monkey gift unwrapping for unique viewing experiences. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Kids under middle school are FREE! Adults pay a very cheap entry fee. :moneybag:
🐐 Goat Feeding Fun
Enjoy free goat feeding, but food portions can be limited. :goat:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit during cooler months or early morning in summer to avoid the intense heat. :sunwithface:
🐒 Special Events
Look out for special events like Christmas monkey gift unwrapping for unique viewing experiences. :gift:
♿️ Accessible for All
The zoo is accessible for wheelchairs, young children, and the elderly. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hamamatsu City Zoo for its incredibly affordable entry, especially for families with children who get in free. The accessible grounds and interactive goat feeding are highlights. However, some reviews note concerns about animal welfare, with observations of empty cages and seemingly unhappy animals, alongside a lack of food and souvenir facilities.
"The entry fee was very cheap, and children up to middle school age could enter for free, which makes it a great place for families. There was also an area where you could feed the goats at no extra cost, but the food was a bit limited. Since we visited in July, the weather was hot, but it was still fun to walk around and see the animals. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, especially for kids."
Vinod Rawat
"The animals were very unhappy, I regretted entering, the eagle was going left and right to get out. The tiger was punching the door and wanted to get out. In this age, we are making animals who have no sin live a life in prison."
Turkay “Ansiklopedi” Gunes
"Good place to visit with children. You can see lots of animals and birds there. There is a mini safari in this place you can enjoy."
Nasrin Nishi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hamamatsu City Zoo is accessible by public transport. From Hamamatsu Station, you can take a bus towards the zoo. Many visitors also drive, as there is ample parking available.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the zoo, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The zoo is a well-known attraction in Hamamatsu and is generally easy to locate, especially if using GPS or following local signage.
While possible, it's a long day trip. Nukumori-no-mori, another Hamamatsu attraction, is about 1h 25min from Tokyo Station, suggesting Hamamatsu is a considerable travel distance.
For exploring Hamamatsu and its attractions like the zoo, a combination of local buses and taxis is common. Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very cheap. Children up to middle school age can enter for free, making it an excellent value for families.
Yes, children up to middle school age receive free admission. This makes it a highly affordable outing for families.
The zoo is known to open on Mondays, unlike many other attractions, which can be a great advantage for planning. Special events, like a 'Night Zoo,' have also been held.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available, but given the low entry fee, purchasing tickets at the gate is likely straightforward.
Hamamatsu City Zoo is accessible for young children, elderly people, and wheelchair users, indicating good facilities for various mobility needs.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Shou the silverback gorilla, the lively Humboldt penguins, adorable red pandas, and Sumatran orangutans. Amur tigers are also a highlight.
Yes, you can feed the goats for free, though the amount of food provided might be limited.
While many enclosures are praised for providing naturalistic settings, some reviews mention empty cages and animals appearing unhappy or confined.
Absolutely! With free entry for young children and interactive elements like goat feeding, it's a great place for families.
Parking is available, and the zoo is accessible for wheelchairs. However, facilities for food and souvenirs are noted as lacking and could benefit from improvement.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
The facilities for getting food at the zoo are described as lacking. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted at most zoos and would be a good strategy given the limited onsite options.
Nearby Hamamatsu, you can find unique dessert spots like Sweets Bank, which offers an Alice in Wonderland theme.
📸 📸 Photography
The gorillas, red pandas, penguins, and orangutans offer excellent photographic opportunities due to their expressive behaviors and naturalistic enclosures.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of signs regarding flash photography or specific animal viewing areas.
Mornings often provide softer light and more active animals. Overcast days can also be good for photography, reducing harsh shadows.
Yes, videos are permitted and widely shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the animals' daily lives.
The naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic habitats, like those for penguins and gorillas, provide beautiful backdrops for animal photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Meet Hamamatsu's Star Animals
For those who love smaller, charismatic creatures, the red pandas are a must-see. Ranmaru is a notable resident, and the zoo actively promotes their conservation. Sumatran orangutans, including Bali who arrived from Russia and has successfully raised cubs, also draw attention. The zoo also houses Amur tigers, with Laura being a mother to four cubs.
While the zoo offers these wonderful encounters, it's worth noting that some visitors have expressed concerns about animal welfare, with observations of animals appearing unhappy or confined in certain areas. However, many enclosures are designed to be spacious and naturalistic, aiming to provide a good quality of life for the animals.
A Zoo for Everyone: Accessibility and Family Focus
Beyond the cost, the zoo is equipped to welcome everyone. It is noted as being accessible for wheelchair users, as well as for young children and the elderly. This means that navigating the grounds and viewing the animals should be a comfortable experience for most visitors, regardless of mobility.
Interactive elements, such as the free goat feeding, add an extra layer of engagement for younger visitors. While the food for feeding might be limited, the opportunity for direct interaction is a significant draw. The zoo also hosts special events, like a Christmas gift unwrapping for monkeys, which adds unique and memorable experiences for families.
Beyond the Zoo: Exploring Hamamatsu
For those interested in local culture, Hamamatsu hosts events like the Hamamatsu Matsuri, a vibrant festival showcasing Japanese culture, traditions, and arts. The city is also recognized as a global city aiming to attract immigrants and maintain a sufficient workforce, reflecting a dynamic and evolving urban landscape.
Food enthusiasts might enjoy visiting Sweets Bank, a dessert destination with an Alice in Wonderland theme, which is also the flagship store for the famous Unagi Pie. These diverse attractions highlight Hamamatsu as a city with more to offer than just its zoo.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit