
Okinawa Zoo and Museum
A family-friendly zoo and museum in Okinawa with diverse animals, interactive science exhibits, and fun play areas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Okinawa Zoo and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly zoo and museum in Okinawa with diverse animals, interactive science exhibits, and fun play areas.
"Incredibly inexpensive tickets and a great value for families, with unique animal interactions."

🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very inexpensive, making it a great value for families. Cash is needed for animal feeding.
🤝 Tug-of-War Fun
Don't miss the unique tug-of-war challenge against animals! It's a highlight for many visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Animal Encounters
Zoo Area
See diverse animals, from lions and bears to unique local species. Many are visible and engaging.

Tug-of-War Challenge
Special Exhibit Area
Test your strength in a tug-of-war against animals like lions! A unique and memorable experience.

Wonder Museum
Museum Area
Engaging science experiments and hands-on exhibits that are fun for all ages.

Play Areas & Rides
Outdoor Areas
Enjoy dedicated play zones and gentle rides, perfect for younger visitors to burn energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best for Families & Animal Lovers
Consider the Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very inexpensive, making it a great value for families. Cash is needed for animal feeding.
🤝 Tug-of-War Fun
Don't miss the unique tug-of-war challenge against animals! It's a highlight for many visitors.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Facilities
Baby toilets are comfortable, clean, and air-conditioned. Great for parents with young children.
🗣️ Language Support
Signs are in English and Japanese, but a translation app is helpful for detailed animal info.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are very inexpensive, making it a great value for families. Cash is needed for animal feeding.
🤝 Tug-of-War Fun
Don't miss the unique tug-of-war challenge against animals! It's a highlight for many visitors.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Facilities
Baby toilets are comfortable, clean, and air-conditioned. Great for parents with young children.
🗣️ Language Support
Signs are in English and Japanese, but a translation app is helpful for detailed animal info.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Okinawa can be hot. Utilize indoor exhibits and play areas to cool down during your visit.
🐴 Horse Riding
Consider the horse riding experience; it's noted as safe and enjoyable for little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Okinawa Zoo and Museum is a popular family destination with inexpensive tickets and engaging animal exhibits. Visitors appreciate the child-friendly facilities and unique activities like the tug-of-war challenge. However, some reviews express concerns about the animals' living conditions and apparent stress levels, suggesting potential welfare issues.
"Great experience! Most of the animals are visible without much looking around. Some of them seemed a bit frustrated or stressed by the sheer number of children screaming but I think that is just the day I chose to go. Staff were kind and most sings are in both English and Japanese. I would recommend having translate ready for the detailed animal information though!"
Jay Housman
"If you are coming to Okinawa with your kids, this is the place you shouldn't miss. The zoo is reasonably big, and the baby toilet is very comfortable (with air con) and clean"
Ivan Wong
"I recently visited this zoo and it was an absolutely heartbreaking experience. The animals were clearly not well taken care of — many of them looked extremely stressed, lethargic, and unhealthy. The enclosures were shockingly small, with hardly any space for the animals to move around, let alone behave naturally. It was devastating to see majestic creatures trapped in such tiny, barren spaces.
One of the most upsetting parts was the otter enclosure. The poor otter was crying out nonstop, sounding distressed and anxious. It was obvious that the animal was suffering, either from loneliness, boredom, or simply from the lack of proper care and environment. It was painful to watch, and it made the entire visit feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Overall, this zoo felt more like a prison than a sanctuary for animals. There was a complete lack of enrichment, compassion, and respect for the animals’ basic needs. I strongly urge others to avoid supporting this place until major changes are made. Animals deserve better than this."
Antonio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Okinawa Zoo and Museum is located in central Okinawa. It's accessible by car, and some visitors mention using rental cars for convenience. Public transport options might be available, but car rental is often recommended for exploring Okinawa.
Parking is generally available at the Okinawa Zoo and Museum, though it can get busy during peak times. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
While specific bus routes to the zoo aren't detailed in the provided content, exploring Okinawa without a car can be challenging. For attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium, buses are mentioned as an option, but for the zoo, a car might offer more flexibility.
The zoo is located in central Okinawa and is about a 20-minute drive from American Village.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or recent visitor information before your visit. Some content mentions feeding times and activities happening throughout the day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are described as incredibly inexpensive, offering great value for visitors. Specific pricing details are not provided, but it's considered a budget-friendly option.
One review mentions that children are free up to a certain age range, which is a common practice in Okinawa. This makes it particularly attractive for families.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not explicitly mentioned. However, some visitors mention using passes like the Okinawa FunPASS, which may include entry.
Yes, cash is required for certain activities like feeding the animals, which can cost between 300 to 500 yen per feeding.
The Okinawa FunPASS is an all-in-one ticket that can be used for various attractions, including potentially the Okinawa Zoo & Museum. It's noted as being more cost-effective than buying individual tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including lions, monkeys, bears, hippos, and chimpanzees. Some visitors note seeing animals they don't typically see at home.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families with kids, featuring play areas, interactive exhibits, and animal encounters. The facilities are also very child-friendly.
The Wonder Museum focuses on science experiments and hands-on learning, offering a different experience from the animal exhibits. It's noted as being free of charge.
A standout activity is the tug-of-war challenge where visitors can test their strength against animals like lions. There are also feeding sessions and horse riding opportunities.
Crowds can be high on weekends and holidays, with some visitors noting that animals seemed stressed by the noise from many children. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are generally less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture moments with the diverse animals, especially during feeding times. The tug-of-war challenge offers unique action shots. The Wonder Museum's interactive exhibits also make for fun photos.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash if it might disturb them.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Some areas might have signage regarding photography.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can lead to better photos. Also, consider times when animals are more active, like during feeding sessions.
The chimpanzee enclosure, the tug-of-war setup, and the various animal habitats offer great photographic potential. The colorful exhibits in the Wonder Museum are also visually appealing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐾 Animal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Closer Look at the Animals
Despite some concerns, many visitors find the animals to be visible and engaging. The zoo also offers unique interactive experiences, such as the tug-of-war challenge against animals like lions, which provides a memorable way to gauge their strength. Feeding sessions are also available for an additional fee, allowing for closer interaction.
The Wonder Museum Experience
Unlike the zoo, the Wonder Museum is noted as being free of charge, adding to the overall value of the visit. It's a space where visitors can test their knowledge, engage with scientific principles, and enjoy a more cerebral experience. The interactive nature of the exhibits makes it a popular spot for families looking for both entertainment and education.
Family-Friendly Focus
Beyond the basic amenities, the zoo offers dedicated play areas and gentle rides that cater to younger children. The opportunity to feed animals for a small fee is also a major draw for kids, providing a memorable interaction. The presence of both indoor and outdoor play spaces ensures that there are options for various weather conditions. The emphasis on a positive and fun experience for children is evident throughout the park.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit