Satsukiyama Zoo
A charming, free zoo featuring Australia's beloved wombats and interactive petting areas, perfect for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Satsukiyama Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free zoo featuring Australia's beloved wombats and interactive petting areas, perfect for families.
"For a zoo with no entrance fee, Satsukiyama Zoo is a very generous & welcoming zoo to many."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect some uphill walking and light hiking to reach the zoo. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Animals may be indoors during hot weather. Visit early or late for better viewing. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Wombats
Wombat Enclosure
Meet 'Wine', the world's oldest captive wombat, and his family. These adorable marsupials are a major draw!
Petting Zoo Encounters
Petting Area
Get up close and personal with friendly sheep and other small animals. Feeders are available for purchase.
Australian Wildlife Focus
Various Enclosures
Discover unique Australian animals, reflecting the zoo's sister city relationship with Launceston, Tasmania.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Accessibility
Wombat Wonders & Heat Management
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect some uphill walking and light hiking to reach the zoo. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Animals may be indoors during hot weather. Visit early or late for better viewing. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy this wonderful zoo without an entrance fee. :moneywithwings:
🐑 Feed the Sheep
Purchase feeders from the gift shop for a fun interaction with the sheep. :sheep:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect some uphill walking and light hiking to reach the zoo. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Animals may be indoors during hot weather. Visit early or late for better viewing. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy this wonderful zoo without an entrance fee. :moneywithwings:
🐑 Feed the Sheep
Purchase feeders from the gift shop for a fun interaction with the sheep. :sheep:
📸 Capture the Wombats
The wombats are a highlight! Look for Fuku and Wine. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Satsukiyama Zoo is a beloved, free attraction praised for its intimate animal encounters, especially with its famous wombats. Visitors appreciate the accessible layout and the opportunity to interact with animals like sheep. While some animals may retreat indoors during hot weather, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and animal lovers.
"A small little zoo located just uphill past the shrine. It's free admission, and easy to navigate as the map is just a loop. Paid parking is available, but I walked here instead. A lot of the animals were present and relaxed under the summer heat. It was cute watching the zookeepers tend to the bunnies and chickens! You can also interact with the sheep by purchasing the feeder from the gift shop to feed them. They're also one of the noisiest animals in the zoo. 🐑
Overall, Satsukiyama zoo is great for all ages and families to visit!"
E G
"A lovely little zoo with some great australian wildlife including the oldest captive wombat in the world!!! I visited here during the morning and it wasn't too busy but be prepared for it to get a little busier on the weekend. There is disinfectant spray at the entrance to prevent the spread of Corona virus. As of writing they are celebrating the birthday of their oldest wombat and there is a cute display in one of the buildings."
Joshua Clubley
"This zoo is recommended for animal lovers as you can get close up with them and even pet most of them. It's free of charge too!
There was heatwave when i went and most animals were indoor. If not we would have gotten to see more animals. I really love this place! Avoid 12pm to 2pm as it is their lunch time."
iris lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Satsukiyama Zoo is accessible by public transport. From the nearest station, it's about a 10-minute walk, which includes some uphill slopes. Paid parking is also available if you're driving.
The zoo is located uphill past a shrine. While the grounds are a simple loop, be prepared for some inclines.
Yes, it's a short walk from the nearest station, though it involves some light hiking up slopes.
The zoo's layout is a straightforward loop, making it easy to navigate.
Yes, paid parking is available at the zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Satsukiyama Zoo is completely free!
The zoo often celebrates animal birthdays, like that of their oldest wombat, Wine, with special displays.
While specific hours aren't detailed in the provided content, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours. Avoid peak midday heat for better animal viewing.
Yes, many animals, including sheep, are in petting zones, allowing for close interaction.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase items like animal feeders.
🎫 🐾 Onsite Experience
Satsukiyama Zoo features a compact collection of animals, with a special focus on Australian wildlife like wombats, ponies, and guinea pigs. You can also see sheep and chickens. 
Wombats may be indoors during hot weather for their comfort. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon might increase your chances of seeing them active outside.
Satsukiyama Zoo is home to 'Wine', the world's oldest captive wombat, recognized by Guinness World Records.
Absolutely! It's a great place for families, with petting zones and easily viewable animals.
During heatwaves, many animals will be in cooler, indoor areas. Plan your visit for cooler parts of the day or be prepared to see them resting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments with the wombats, especially Fuku and Wine! The petting zoo with sheep also offers great photo ops.
Yes, photography is encouraged. Many visitors share their photos online, showcasing the animals' personalities.
Mornings or late afternoons, when animals are more active and the light is softer, can be ideal for photography.
Be patient and observe their behavior. Sometimes they are very active, and other times they might be resting.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo's manageable size means little legs won't get too tired, and the wombats are always a crowd-pleaser.
+1 Be mindful of the weather; during hot days, animals might be indoors, so an early morning visit is recommended. 💰 Budget Travelers
While the zoo itself is free, you might want to budget a small amount for animal feeders if you plan to interact with the sheep.
❤️ Animal Lovers
Observing their unique behaviors and the dedication of the zookeepers is a treat. The zoo's focus on Australian wildlife provides a unique opportunity to see species not commonly found elsewhere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star Wombats of Satsukiyama Zoo
+5During warmer months, the zoo implements measures to keep the wombats comfortable, which may mean they spend more time in their cooler indoor habitats. This is a crucial aspect of animal welfare and something visitors should be aware of.
The zoo's dedication to their animals' well-being is evident, even if it means less outdoor viewing during peak heat. Observing the wombats can be a highlight of any visit. Whether they are digging, grooming, or interacting with their environment, their presence brings a unique charm to Satsukiyama Zoo.
+1A Family-Friendly, Free Experience
The zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences, including a popular petting zoo where visitors can feed and interact with animals like sheep.
Beyond the petting areas, the zoo's focus on Australian wildlife, a result of its sister city relationship, provides an educational element.
Sister City Connections & Australian Wildlife
This focus on Australian fauna provides a distinct character to the zoo, differentiating it from more general zoological collections. It offers a chance to see animals that might be less common in other Japanese zoos, making a visit particularly interesting for those fascinated by Australian wildlife.
The zoo's commitment to showcasing these animals, like the celebrated wombat 'Wine', highlights the importance of international cooperation in conservation and education.
It's a charming way to experience a piece of Tasmania in Japan. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit