ペンギン
1 / 10

Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara

4
·2k reviews·Sasebo, Japan

A charming blend of zoo and botanical garden, offering over 300 animals and 20,000 plants in a clean, affordable setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Loading map...
ペンギン

Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming blend of zoo and botanical garden, offering over 300 animals and 20,000 plants in a clean, affordable setting.

4
(2k reviews)

"A clean and affordable zoo with beautiful gardens, perfect for a family outing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Annual Pass Value

Consider an annual pass if you plan multiple visits; it's a great deal for frequent family outings. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see both the zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Exhibit

Penguin Exhibit

Penguin Exhibit Building

An engaging penguin display with thoughtful setup, offering a delightful viewing experience for all ages.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Throughout the park

Beautiful seasonal flowers and plants add charm, making it a delightful bonus alongside the animal encounters.

Giraffe Feeding Area

Giraffe Feeding Area

Near the entrance

An opportunity to get up close with giraffes, though some visitors mention limited activities on certain days.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Visit during cooler months or early mornings to avoid the intense summer heat and larger crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience for exploring both the zoo and botanical gardens.

Animal Welfare Concerns

Some visitors note that animal enclosures can be small and lack sufficient greenery or shade. Consider this perspective when planning your visit and be prepared for potentially upsetting sights for sensitive individuals.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn/Spring
Why
Pleasant weather, blooming gardens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This Japanese zoo took 'know thyself' to a whole new level! We visited to see how clean it was (spoiler: spotless!), but stumbled upon this genius exhibit. It took us a second to get it... and then we were speechless. 😂 #inokashira #japan #tokyo #zoo #homosapiens #clever #mindblown
@conieeeyyyy
10.9K likes • 598.6K views

🎯 Annual Pass Value

Consider an annual pass if you plan multiple visits; it's a great deal for frequent family outings. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see both the zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is located directly across the street from the zoo entrance. :car:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water as it can get hot and muggy. :droplet:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Annual Pass Value

Consider an annual pass if you plan multiple visits; it's a great deal for frequent family outings. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see both the zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is located directly across the street from the zoo entrance. :car:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water as it can get hot and muggy. :droplet:

📸 Capture the Blooms

Don't forget your camera for the beautiful seasonal flowers and plants in the botanical gardens. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara to be a clean and affordable place with a good variety of plants and animals, especially for young children. However, some guests express concern over the size and condition of animal enclosures, finding them to be small and lacking enrichment. Despite this, the botanical gardens are often praised for their beauty.

"Beautiful place to visit, the staff were nice, it a great place to stretch your legs in. There's enough plants and animals to see"

Adebisi Kasim

"I’ve lived here over 4 years and this is the first time I’ve actually visited for leisure. The first time I came I only went as far as the giraffes near the front for a volunteer event.

This is a pretty decently sized zoo to visit especially with little ones. I love the way their penguin exhibit is set up and apparently there’s a sort of cafe or seating area that we missed. For 2 adults with a military discount it was literally around ¥1200! For an annual pass it’s ¥2100! For our son’s first visit to a zoo this was the perfect size and as soon as we were done he fell right asleep. Parking is free and just right across the street.

There is a diaper changing room in the penguin exhibit building as well as a men’s and women’s restroom. The bathroom was very clean."

Cathrine Mae Ruble

"I’ve been visiting our neighborhood zoo since my daughter was six months old, and now that she’s two, she loves it even more! The zoo is within walking distance for us, making it a perfect place for frequent visits. The staff are incredibly helpful and kind, always enhancing our experience.

We have an annual pass and this zoo is a fantastic spot to spend one to two hours with family, enjoying a diverse range of animals. The garden is a delightful bonus, with beautiful seasonal flowers and plants that add to the charm of the place. We always leave with smiles and look forward to our next visit!"

Needhee Rathore

What People Like

Affordable admission
Clean facilities
Beautiful botanical gardens

What People Dislike

Small animal enclosures
Lack of greenery/shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is accessible by car with free parking available across the street. Public transportation options may also be available, though specific routes and times should be checked locally. :bus:

Yes, there is convenient and free parking located directly across the street from the zoo entrance. :car:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is affordable, with options for adults and children. Military discounts are available, and an annual pass offers great value for frequent visitors. :ticket:

Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available, but on-site purchase is generally straightforward. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information. :computer:

Yes, discounts are offered, including for military personnel. An annual pass is also a cost-effective option for those planning multiple visits. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The zoo houses over 300 animals, including popular species like giraffes and penguins. Visitors can also explore the extensive botanical gardens. :paw_prints:

While specific dining options aren't always highlighted, there are mentions of a cafe or seating area. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or check for available facilities upon arrival. :sandwich:

Yes, it's considered a perfect size for young children's first zoo visits, offering a manageable experience for toddlers and preschoolers. :baby:

Restrooms are available, including diaper changing rooms, particularly noted in the penguin exhibit building. The facilities are generally reported as clean. :toilet:

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking extensively. Weekday mornings offer a more relaxed pace to enjoy both the animals and the diverse plant life. :walking:

📸 📸 Photography

The penguin exhibit and the various seasonal flowers in the botanical gardens offer great photo opportunities. Capture the animals in their enclosures and the vibrant plant life. :camerawithflash:

Photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara is a fantastic option for families with young children. The zoo is described as the perfect size for a toddler's first visit, offering a manageable experience without overwhelming little ones. Reddit The presence of clean restrooms and diaper-changing facilities, particularly noted in the penguin exhibit building, adds to the convenience for parents. Reddit

While some concerns exist about animal enclosure sizes, the overall atmosphere is generally positive for families. The affordable admission and the opportunity to see a variety of animals and beautiful plants make it an enjoyable outing. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your family. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara offers excellent value. Admission prices are low, and there's even a military discount available. Reddit The free parking across the street further reduces costs. Reddit

An annual pass is a particularly good deal if you plan on visiting more than once, making it an economical choice for repeat enjoyment. While dining options might be limited, bringing your own snacks can help keep expenses down. This makes it an accessible and affordable destination for a day out. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Botanical Gardens

The Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara is not just a zoo; it's also home to an impressive collection of over 20,000 plants. The botanical gardens are a significant draw, especially during different seasons when various flowers and plants are in bloom. Visitors often praise the beauty and charm these gardens add to the overall experience, making it a delightful place to stroll and appreciate nature's diversity. Reddit

While the zoo enclosures have faced some criticism regarding size and enrichment, the botanical aspect of the garden is consistently viewed positively. It offers a serene escape and a chance to see a wide array of flora, complementing the animal exhibits. For those who appreciate horticulture, this section of the park is a must-see. Reddit

Remember to check the best times for seasonal blooms to maximize your enjoyment of the gardens. The combination of animals and a well-maintained botanical collection makes Morikirara a unique destination for nature lovers. Reddit

Visitor Perspectives on Animal Enclosures

A recurring theme in visitor feedback for the Sasebo Zoological and Botanical Garden Morikirara concerns the size and condition of animal enclosures. Some guests have expressed disappointment, noting that enclosures appear small and may lack sufficient greenery, trees, or shade for the animals to thrive. This has led to feelings of sadness or upset for some visitors, particularly when observing animals like monkeys with limited climbing structures. Reddit

Conversely, other reviews highlight specific exhibits, like the penguin display, as being well-designed and engaging. The zoo is generally described as clean, and staff are often noted as being kind and helpful. However, the concerns about enclosure size are significant enough that potential visitors should be aware of this aspect of the experience. Reddit

For those planning a visit, it's worth considering these varied perspectives. While the zoo offers an affordable and accessible outing, the welfare of the animals in their enclosures is a point of contention for some. Reddit

You may also like