Aso Cuddly Dominion
A unique zoo offering close encounters with animals like baby bears and capybaras, plus thrilling helicopter tours over Mt. Aso.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal time
Aso Cuddly Dominion
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique zoo offering close encounters with animals like baby bears and capybaras, plus thrilling helicopter tours over Mt. Aso.
"A fun visit to a zoo that's perfect for families with kids, with hilarious pig races and cute animals."
Book Helicopter Early
Secure your spot for the Mt. Aso helicopter tour in advance, especially for popular times. :ticket:
Budget for Extra Activities
Many animal encounters and events have separate fees. Be prepared for additional costs. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Bear Encounters
Animal Interaction Area
Get up close and personal with adorable baby bears. A truly unique and memorable experience for animal lovers.
Pig Race Spectacle
Event Arena
Witness hilarious and entertaining pig races that will have everyone in stitches. A crowd-pleasing event for all ages.
+1
Helicopter Tour of Mt. Aso
Helicopter Pad
Soar above the stunning volcanic landscapes of Mt. Aso for breathtaking panoramic views.
Capybara Interactions
Animal Petting Area
Enjoy gentle interactions with capybaras and other friendly animals in designated petting zones.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Helicopter Tours in Advance
Be Prepared for Extra Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Helicopter Early
Secure your spot for the Mt. Aso helicopter tour in advance, especially for popular times. +1 :ticket:
Budget for Extra Activities
Many animal encounters and events have separate fees. Be prepared for additional costs. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Animal Show Times
Don't miss the entertaining animal shows and pig races; check the schedule upon arrival.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Helicopter Early
Secure your spot for the Mt. Aso helicopter tour in advance, especially for popular times. +1 :ticket:
Budget for Extra Activities
Many animal encounters and events have separate fees. Be prepared for additional costs. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check Animal Show Times
Don't miss the entertaining animal shows and pig races; check the schedule upon arrival.
Bring Sun Protection
There's limited shade, so pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sunny days. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aso Cuddly Dominion offers a unique mix of animal encounters and thrilling helicopter rides, with highlights like baby bear interactions and entertaining pig races. However, some visitors have raised concerns about the condition of animal enclosures and the additional costs for many activities, leading to mixed reviews.
"We had a fun visit at this adorable zoo! The variety of animals was just right, with highlights including cute alpacas and a number of bears. But the real entertainment was the pig race - hilarious and entertaining! The animal show was also super cute and engaging. Overall, a fun visit to a zoo that's perfect for families with kids."
minsen lee
"When approaching, the entry building looks nice and modern, but after entry into the zoo territory most buildings look old and worn down. Many of the animals you are not supposed to touch are placed in ways where they are easy to reach out to and pet, we didn’t do that but we have seen other people do exactly that. A lot of things and activities require additional payment on site and the payment methods are often very confusing. Some of the animals like the bears are kept in pretty dirty and uncared for enclosures. Those same bears and some of other animals look sick, unfed and dirty. The animals actually allowed to touch and pet are afraid and annoyed by people visiting, for those same animals there are no workers to control how the visitors act with the animals, that caused a lot of those animals to be treated badly by other visitors right in front of our eyes. Some of the animals don’t look as bad as the others, but that doesn’t make the overall experience any better. When we have visited the zoo it was cloudy, but in sunny weather there is no place to hide from the sun and heat. The only beautiful thing was the recreation of a traditional Japanese Pagoda in the middle of an artificial pond.
Don’t ever visit this zoo, all you do is pay them money for this terrible experience! Instead visit the hiking trails around the volcano, they are much more interesting and really worth your time!"
Ольга Ванаг
"The state at which the bears are caged in, are pretty much inhumane. The cages are way too small, and the animals pretty much all look like they have lost all hope in life.. Mostly pacing up and down in their prison cell and some are frantically chewing on the cage bars.. I regret going..."
Derrick Sun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Fukuoka, you can take a train to Kumamoto Station and then transfer to a local train or bus towards Aso. Alternatively, renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring the Aso region. Some visitors suggest combining a visit with Kurokawa Onsen.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Aso Cuddly Dominion, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Public transport options include buses from Kumamoto or Aso Station. However, the park is quite spread out, and having a car or utilizing local taxis might be more efficient for exploring the wider Aso area.
While trains are scenic, renting a car is often recommended for exploring the Aso region at your own pace, including Aso Cuddly Dominion and Mt. Aso.
There are no direct public transport options from Fukuoka. You'll typically need to travel to Kumamoto first and then continue to Aso.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Aso Cuddly Dominion is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally or due to holidays.
Admission prices can vary, but expect to pay for entry. Many popular activities like holding baby bears or the pig race have separate fees, so budget accordingly.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park.
Discounts are not frequently mentioned. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any available promotions or group rates.
The admission ticket grants you entry to the park and access to observe many of the animals. However, interactive experiences like holding baby bears, feeding animals, and participating in events like the pig race usually require additional payment.
🎫 🐾 Animal Encounters
Yes, holding baby bears is a popular activity, but it typically incurs an additional fee. Be sure to check the current pricing and availability.
Besides baby bears, you can often interact with capybaras, alpacas, and dogs in designated petting areas. Feeding opportunities are also available for some animals.
Reviews are mixed, with some visitors noting that certain enclosures, particularly for bears, appear small and could be cleaner. Others mention that animals allowed for petting can seem overwhelmed by visitors.
Yes, you can purchase food from vending machines within the park to feed certain animals, including bears and capybaras.
Absolutely! The park features entertaining events like pig races and animal shows that are highly recommended by visitors.
🎫 🚁 Helicopter Tours
The helicopter tours, offering views of Mt. Aso, typically cost around 12,000 JPY for adults for a 4-minute flight. Prices can vary, so confirm upon arrival.
It is highly recommended to book the helicopter tour in advance, as slots can fill up quickly. Some visitors suggest arriving early to secure tickets for later flights. +1
The standard helicopter tours usually last about 4 minutes, providing a quick but exhilarating aerial perspective of the volcanic landscape.
While the tour operates throughout the day, afternoon flights might offer good lighting for photography. However, weather conditions are a significant factor.
While the 4-minute flight is common, there might be longer options or different routes available depending on demand and operational capacity. Inquire at the helipad for details.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments with baby bears, the energetic pig races, and the unique interactions with capybaras. The helicopter tour also offers stunning aerial shots of Mt. Aso.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park. However, be mindful of other visitors and the animals' well-being.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting. However, the main attractions like animal shows and interactions are scheduled throughout the day.
Yes, you can take photos and videos during the helicopter tour, offering a unique perspective of the volcanic landscape. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in most tourist attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The pig races and animal shows provide engaging entertainment that kids will love. +1While the baby bear encounters are a major draw, be mindful of the additional costs and the mixed reviews regarding animal welfare.
✈️ Adventure Seekers
+1While the park itself offers animal interactions, the real adventure lies in exploring the broader Aso region. Consider combining your visit with hiking around the volcano or exploring other natural attractions nearby.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capture unique shots of animal interactions and the stunning volcanic scenery. For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. However, be aware that the most popular animal encounters and shows happen throughout the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Animal Experience: A Mixed Bag
+1 The opportunity to feed animals like bears and capybaras is also a significant draw. However, the animal welfare aspect has drawn criticism. Some reviews point to enclosures that are too small and not well-maintained, particularly for the bears.
It's a place where the 'cuddly' aspect is a major attraction, but potential visitors should be aware of the mixed feedback regarding the living conditions of some animals. Weighing the joy of close encounters against these concerns is important for making an informed decision.
Soaring Above Aso: The Helicopter Tour
+1While the standard tours are typically around 4 minutes long and cost approximately 12,000 JPY for adults, booking in advance is highly recommended due to popularity.
It's important to note that helicopter tours are subject to weather conditions. Visitors should check the forecast and be prepared for potential cancellations or rescheduling.
Navigating Costs and Activities
Visitors have noted that these extra costs can add up, and the payment methods for these activities can sometimes be confusing. Beyond animal encounters, the park also features events like the pig race, which is often cited as a fun and free entertainment option.
+1 However, for those looking to maximize their experience, budgeting for these individual activities is crucial. Some reviews suggest that the overall value for money might be questionable given the additional expenses and the condition of some facilities. It's advisable to research the specific costs of desired activities beforehand or inquire at the information center upon arrival to manage expectations and budget effectively.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit