Hodosan Small Animal Park
A small animal park atop Mount Hodosan, offering close encounters and charming events, accessible by ropeway or hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Hodosan Small Animal Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small animal park atop Mount Hodosan, offering close encounters and charming events, accessible by ropeway or hike.
"Cute animal feeding and events, but mixed reviews on animal welfare."
🎟️ Value Feeding Buckets
Opt for the limited-quantity feeding bucket; it's more cost-effective than individual bowls.
🚶 Ropeway or Hike Up
Take the ropeway for easy access to the summit, or enjoy a hike for scenic views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Feeding Experiences
Designated feeding areas
Interact closely with adorable animals by feeding them. Consider the value bucket for a more economical experience.
Guinea Pig and Duck Walks
Event areas
Witness the incredibly cute 'walk' events featuring guinea pigs and ducks. A guaranteed smile-inducer!
Mount Hodosan Views
Mount Hodosan summit
Enjoy the natural scenery from the mountain summit after visiting the park. The ropeway offers scenic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Park
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Value Feeding Buckets
Opt for the limited-quantity feeding bucket; it's more cost-effective than individual bowls.
🚶 Ropeway or Hike Up
Take the ropeway for easy access to the summit, or enjoy a hike for scenic views.
🌧️ Check Weather
The park is on a mountain; rain can make paths slippery and affect animal visibility.
💖 Consider Animal Welfare
Be aware of mixed reviews regarding animal conditions before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Value Feeding Buckets
Opt for the limited-quantity feeding bucket; it's more cost-effective than individual bowls.
🚶 Ropeway or Hike Up
Take the ropeway for easy access to the summit, or enjoy a hike for scenic views.
🌧️ Check Weather
The park is on a mountain; rain can make paths slippery and affect animal visibility.
💖 Consider Animal Welfare
Be aware of mixed reviews regarding animal conditions before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hodosan Small Animal Park is a charming destination with unique animal feeding experiences and cute events. Visitors appreciate the close interactions and the scenic mountain location. However, significant concerns have been raised by some about the cleanliness of enclosures and the overall welfare of the animals, leading to a divided opinion on the park's ethical standing.
"tiny but cute place.
There're not a lot of people as it's in a tiny town that is quite hard to reach. And the zoo itself is up on the mountain, you can either hike up or take a ropeway up. The ticket price is reasonable as well as the feed for the animals. If you love feeding these little furry creatures, we recommend the limited-quantity bucket, it's much more worth it than buying the smaller 100-yen bowls.
The events like the walk of guinea pigs and ducks are really cute and can bring smiles to your faces."
Matsuaki Shu
"It's fun but... Cages are dirty, not enough green inside the cages. I felt bad for the animals (but this might just be me).
Staff are very nice, price is very good. I would actually be okay to pay more.
I also liked feeding the animals! I'm not sure but I think this zoo has rescue animals and that's great."
Karla Santos
"ANIMAL CRUELTY!!!!!!!! DONT GO HERE!!!!
Only go here if you want to cry from sadness at how badly the animals are treated here.
The sheep was STARVED, the fox was depressed, the turtle was DEAD, the rabbits were confined to tiny cages and one of them had NO WATER IN 35 DEGREE HEAT!!! The monkeys had no trees and had metal poles to play with that burnt their feet because of the heat. There is no enrichment for the animals. They are all sad and depressed, locked in a tiny cage. Some of them exhibited severe neurological damage due to the confinement - walking around in circles and pacing nonstop. This is so heartbreaking.
SHAME ON THIS PLACE!!! It should be shut down immediately!!!"
EMILY DINALE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located on Mount Hodosan. You can reach the summit via the Hodosan Ropeway from Nagatoro Station or by hiking up. The base of the mountain is in a small town, so plan your journey to the base carefully.
Information on specific parking availability at the base of Mount Hodosan can be limited. It's advisable to check local transport options or consider public transport to Nagatoro Station.
From Tokyo, take a train to Nagatoro Station, then proceed to the Hodosan Ropeway base. The journey can take a couple of hours, so factor this into your day trip plans.
Yes, you can hike up Mount Hodosan to reach the park. This offers a more immersive nature experience but requires moderate fitness.
The ropeway is generally accessible, but paths within the park and on the mountain may be uneven. Check with the park directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is considered reasonable by many visitors. Animal feed is also available for purchase, with buckets offering better value than individual bowls.
Specific discount information is not widely available. It's recommended to check the official park website or inquire upon arrival for any potential offers.
Advance ticket purchase details are not commonly mentioned. It's likely that tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or the ropeway station.
Opening hours can vary, especially depending on the season. It's best to check the official Hodosan Small Animal Park website or local listings before your visit.
The feed is generally considered affordable, with visitors recommending the larger buckets for better value compared to smaller individual portions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park features a variety of small animals, including monkeys, rabbits, goats, and more. Visitors often enjoy the close encounters and feeding opportunities. 
Yes, the park hosts cute events like 'walks' for guinea pigs and ducks, which are highly recommended by visitors for their charm.
Visitors can often pet certain animals like rabbits and goats. Always follow staff instructions and be gentle with the animals.
The park is often described as not being very crowded, especially on weekdays, due to its location in a smaller town and its uphill access.
The park is generally perceived as a cute and charming place, offering a unique experience on the mountain summit. However, some reviews highlight concerns about animal welfare. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the animals during feeding times or during the special 'walk' events. The scenic views from Mount Hodosan also offer great photo backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For closer shots of animals, a zoom lens can be helpful, but be prepared for close-up interactions.
While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially if it causes stress to the animals.
Yes, the Hodosan Ropeway itself and the surrounding mountain scenery are excellent subjects for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is generally not crowded, which can be a plus for families seeking a more relaxed outing, it's important to be aware of the mixed reviews concerning animal welfare. Parents may want to discuss this with older children or manage expectations regarding the conditions of some enclosures.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Even if you opt for the ropeway, the summit offers a pleasant environment to explore. The park itself is situated within this natural setting, making it a destination that appeals to those who appreciate being outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Mount Hodosan
The park itself is situated at the summit, making the ropeway a convenient option for many visitors, especially families. Planning your transport to Nagatoro Station is key, as it's a small town and reaching it might require multiple train transfers depending on your starting point.
Consider the time of year and weather conditions when planning your ascent. The mountain paths can be slippery when wet, and visibility might be reduced in fog or heavy rain.
Animal Encounters and Welfare
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant concerns raised by some visitors regarding animal welfare. Reviews mention issues such as dirty enclosures, lack of green space within cages, and signs of animal distress, including pacing and neurological damage in some cases.
When planning your visit, it is advisable to weigh the positive aspects of close animal interaction against these serious welfare concerns. Understanding these differing perspectives will help you make an informed decision about whether to visit the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit