
Itozu no Mori Zoological Park Kitakyushu
A modern zoo with spacious, well-designed enclosures, offering a close look at healthy, happy animals and fun for the whole family.

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

Itozu no Mori Zoological Park Kitakyushu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern zoo with spacious, well-designed enclosures, offering a close look at healthy, happy animals and fun for the whole family.
"An unexpected gem of a zoo, recently renovated with spacious, well-designed enclosures!"

🎯 Go on a Weekday
Enjoy a more peaceful visit with fewer people, making it easier to see the animals up close .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the well-designed enclosures and exhibits.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Panda Encounters
Enclosures
Witness the adorable red pandas as they roam between indoor and outdoor spaces, a unique and captivating sight.

Spacious and Modern Enclosures
Throughout the zoo
Admire the recently renovated, spacious enclosures that allow animals to move freely and appear healthy and happy.

Sakura Blossom Season
Park grounds
Experience the park's beauty during cherry blossom season, adding a picturesque backdrop to your zoo visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting There and Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Enjoy a more peaceful visit with fewer people, making it easier to see the animals up close.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the well-designed enclosures and exhibits.
🌸 Visit During Sakura Season
The park is especially beautiful with cherry blossoms in bloom, adding a scenic touch to your day.
⏰ Arrive Early
Maximize your time and see the animals when they are most active, especially if you plan on visiting the kids' rides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Enjoy a more peaceful visit with fewer people, making it easier to see the animals up close.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the well-designed enclosures and exhibits.
🌸 Visit During Sakura Season
The park is especially beautiful with cherry blossoms in bloom, adding a scenic touch to your day.
⏰ Arrive Early
Maximize your time and see the animals when they are most active, especially if you plan on visiting the kids' rides.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Adult admission is around ¥800, offering great value for a well-maintained zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Itozu no Mori Zoological Park for its modern, spacious enclosures and the apparent health and happiness of its animals. The park's recent renovations have significantly enhanced the visitor experience, making it a delightful place for families and animal lovers alike. While not the largest zoo, its thoughtful design and interactive elements make it a highly recommended destination.
"Came here with my wife and got to enjoy a very nice park and zoo. Lots of sakura to see when it blossoms too!"
Bob Numan
"What an unexpected gem of a zoo! Although it isn’t the largest, it was clearly renovated recently; almost every enclosure is spacious and well designed, and the animals are some of the healthiest and happiest-looking I’ve seen! A short bus ride from Kokura Station."
Jacob R.
"I like the concept of the zoo. The animal does not confine to one cage or compound only. Example, the goat can go and back between two compounds and the red panda can travel between outdoor and indoor compounds. The glass separated the visitors and animals also allow the visitors to have a chance to see them at a very close distance. Also, i am not sure if all zoo in japan has the red panda but i am very lucky to see them in this zoo...and yes, they are so cute! Although the zoo is not very big, yet it is good enough to see all the animals and i found them very fat and healthy here."
yh loon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is a short bus ride from Kokura Station, making it easily accessible for visitors. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes and timings.
Information regarding parking availability and fees is not widely available, but public transport is a recommended option.
Yes, the zoo is easily reachable by bus from Kokura Station, a common travel hub in Kitakyushu.
Taking a bus from Kokura Station is a convenient and popular method for reaching Itozu no Mori Zoological Park.
While not directly adjacent, the zoo is accessible via bus routes connecting from nearby train stations like Kokura Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The adult admission fee is approximately ¥800, offering good value for the experience. Prices for children or concessions may vary.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available. It's advisable to purchase tickets upon arrival at the zoo.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the zoo directly for the most up-to-date information.
Details on specific discounts are not widely publicized. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter for any available offers.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more relaxed visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the red pandas, which are known for their unique ability to move between indoor and outdoor enclosures. The zoo also features healthy and happy-looking animals in spacious habitats.
The zoo offers interactive experiences and kids' rides, making it a fun destination for families. The close proximity to animals through glass enclosures is also a highlight.
Yes, the zoo is very family-friendly with interactive elements and well-maintained enclosures. The spaciousness of the park allows children to explore comfortably.
The zoo has been recently renovated, with most enclosures being spacious and well-designed. Animals appear healthy and well-cared for.
While not the largest zoo, it's well-enough laid out to see all the animals. A few hours should be sufficient for a thorough visit, especially if enjoying the interactive aspects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Itozu no Mori Zoological Park has a restaurant and a gift shop, providing convenient options for visitors.
The restaurant typically offers standard zoo fare, suitable for a casual meal during your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and drinks to most Japanese parks and zoos, but check for specific policies.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's advisable to inquire at the restaurant upon arrival.
Besides the main restaurant, there may be smaller snack kiosks available, especially during peak seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The well-designed enclosures offer great opportunities to photograph animals in naturalistic settings. The red panda enclosures and any areas with open spaces are particularly photogenic.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Lighting conditions will vary depending on the time of day and the specific enclosure. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer, more flattering light.
The glass enclosures allow for close-up shots, but be mindful of reflections. Patience is key to capturing great animal portraits.
While not a primary feature, the park's landscaping, especially during sakura season, can provide picturesque backdrops for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
🌸 Nature & Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Enclosure Design
The zoo's approach ensures that animals appear healthy and happy, a sentiment echoed by many visitors. The glass barriers separating visitors from animals are strategically placed to allow for clear viewing without causing undue stress to the wildlife. This focus on modern zoo practices makes Itozu no Mori a standout destination for those who appreciate ethical animal care and innovative exhibit design.
Family Fun and Interactive Elements
Visitors often highlight the overall pleasant atmosphere of the park, noting that it's well-maintained and enjoyable for all ages. The combination of educational animal encounters and recreational activities makes it a well-rounded outing. Whether you're interested in the diverse species or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, the zoo offers a welcoming and engaging experience.
Seasonal Beauty: Sakura and Beyond
Beyond the cherry blossoms, the park's well-maintained grounds provide a pleasant environment year-round. The combination of lush greenery and thoughtfully designed animal habitats creates a visually appealing experience regardless of the season. Planning a visit during a time of natural beauty can further enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit