Nogeyama Zoo Yokohama
A charming, free zoo in Yokohama's Nogeyama Park, home to diverse animals like red pandas and giraffes, perfect for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Nogeyama Zoo Yokohama
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free zoo in Yokohama's Nogeyama Park, home to diverse animals like red pandas and giraffes, perfect for families.
"An awesome zoo that surprised me because it was free."
🚶♀️ Bus is Best for Hills
The zoo is hilly! If you dislike inclines, take the bus from Yokohama Station instead of walking.
📸 No Flash Photography!
Be considerate of the animals and avoid using flash photography.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Pandas
Various enclosures
These adorable, fluffy creatures are a major draw and a favorite for many visitors. Catch them lounging or playing!
Giraffes
Giraffe enclosure
Observe these majestic animals up close. Visitors can even make donations to support them.
Tanuki (Raccoon Dogs)
Tanuki enclosure
See the native Japanese raccoon dogs, often spotted napping or exploring their habitat.
Petting Zoo
Designated area
A hit with younger visitors, this area allows for close encounters with friendly farm animals. Reservations are often needed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission!
Plan for Animal Talks & Petting Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Bus is Best for Hills
The zoo is hilly! If you dislike inclines, take the bus from Yokohama Station instead of walking.
📸 No Flash Photography!
Be considerate of the animals and avoid using flash photography.
📅 Petting Zoo Reservations
Scan the QR code upon arrival to reserve your spot for the petting zoo.
🗣️ Animal Talks are Great
Attend animal talks for feeding sessions and closer views. Not in English, but informative.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Bus is Best for Hills
The zoo is hilly! If you dislike inclines, take the bus from Yokohama Station instead of walking.
📸 No Flash Photography!
Be considerate of the animals and avoid using flash photography.
📅 Petting Zoo Reservations
Scan the QR code upon arrival to reserve your spot for the petting zoo.
🗣️ Animal Talks are Great
Attend animal talks for feeding sessions and closer views. Not in English, but informative.
🍦 Cafe & Vending Machines
Grab ice cream at the cafe or from vending machines, especially during warmer months.
🎁 Gift Shop Finds
The gift shop offers a good selection of souvenirs and some food items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nogeyama Zoo is widely praised for its free admission and good variety of animals, making it a delightful outing for families and budget travelers. While some enclosures could benefit from more enrichment, the overall experience is positive, with highlights like the red pandas and informative animal talks. The hilly approach is a common point of caution.
"Free when I went.
It’s not a big zoo but I feel it’s a nice place with a variety of animals. Zebra, Bears, lots of large birds, reptiles, etc.
They no longer have a big cat. It unfortunately passed away.
No taking photos with flash as usual (don’t be mean to the animals, your photo doesn’t need to flash bang them).
The petting zoo requires a reservation so make sure to go scan the QR code first if you want to do that. I personally didn’t.
They do animals talks (not in English of course, someone in my group helped translate) it’s a good event to see since the animals come closer since the keepers feed them during the talk.
The cafe had some nice ice cream treats and there are vending machines in a couple areas for cold treats during the summer (I assume they switch it out for warm things maybe during the cold season).
Two indoor areas for resting, the cafe and another building near the petting zoo. Both air conditioned.
Gift shop had a good variety and they sold some food there as well."
Mango Council
"The zoo became very nice after reform.I really recommend a visit.The entrance is free.I did a donation to giraffe and lion.💓"
Melissa Carvalho
"An awesome zoo that surprised me because it was free. I was in Yokohama looking for something to do to kill time before my flight and this zoo was a perfect place to catch the tanuki and Sakura. Highly recommend."
William Carter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk to Nogeyama Zoo from Yokohama Station, but be prepared for a hilly route with multiple slopes. Alternatively, taking a bus is recommended to avoid the strenuous walk.
Yes, Nogeyama Zoo is accessible by public transport. Buses are available from Yokohama Station, which is a convenient option given the hilly terrain surrounding the zoo.
For families with young children, taking a bus to Nogeyama Zoo is advisable due to the steep inclines. This makes the journey more comfortable for everyone.
While driving is possible, parking information is not widely detailed. Given the zoo's location within a park and potential for crowds, public transport or buses are often preferred.
Yes, Nogeyama Zoo is situated in the center of Yokohama, making it a relatively accessible destination within the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nogeyama Zoo offers free admission, making it a very budget-friendly attraction. +4
Nogeyama Zoo is typically open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. 
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. However, if you wish to use the petting zoo, you may need to make a reservation via QR code upon arrival.
Yes, Nogeyama Zoo hosts animal talks, often coinciding with feeding times, which provide a great opportunity to see animals up close.
Absolutely! Nogeyama Zoo is described as a perfect place for a picnic, allowing visitors to enjoy the animals and the park setting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nogeyama Zoo houses approximately 1400 animals from 100 different species, including red pandas, tanuki, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, various birds, and reptiles. +2
Yes, Nogeyama Zoo is very family-friendly, with a petting zoo and plenty of animals to engage young visitors. The free admission also makes it a great option for families. +1
Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the animals.
Yes, there are two indoor resting areas: the cafe and another building near the petting zoo, both of which are air-conditioned.
Nogeyama Zoo covers 9.6 hectares (24 acres) and, despite being free, is surprisingly spacious.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo has a cafe that offers ice cream and other treats. Vending machines are also available for cold drinks and snacks.
The zoo is described as a perfect place for a picnic, suggesting that bringing your own food is welcome.
The cafe at Nogeyama Zoo offers ice cream treats, and it's assumed they might offer warm items during colder seasons.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but ice cream and snacks are available. It's best to check on-site for current offerings.
While there's a cafe for snacks and ice cream, it's more geared towards light refreshments rather than full meals. A picnic is a popular option.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted, but using flash is strictly prohibited to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Yes, with a variety of animals like red pandas, giraffes, and tanuki, there are many opportunities for great photos, especially during animal talks.
Mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience for photography. Late autumn also provides beautiful scenery with foliage.
Many visitors use telephoto lenses to capture detailed shots of the animals, as seen in some photography posts.
The enclosures for popular animals like red pandas and giraffes are prime spots. Animal talk sessions also offer unique photo chances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, or utilize the on-site cafe and vending machines for refreshments. The zoo's layout is generally manageable for strollers, and the animal talks can be a fun, educational experience for kids, even if not in English.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are optional costs for the petting zoo reservation or purchases from the cafe and gift shop, the core experience of seeing a wide array of animals is entirely free. It's a fantastic way to experience a local attraction without a hefty price tag.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting on a weekday morning for fewer crowds and better light, or during late autumn for scenic backdrops. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Nogeyama Zoo: A Free Gem
While it may not boast the extensive exhibits of larger zoos, Nogeyama Zoo provides an intimate and engaging experience. The layout is generally easy to navigate, with enclosures clearly numbered. The zoo also focuses on visitor engagement through animal talks, which often coincide with feeding times. These sessions are a highlight, allowing for closer observation and learning about the animals from keepers.
However, it's important to note that some reviews mention areas for improvement, particularly regarding animal welfare and enclosure upkeep during extreme weather. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains positive, emphasizing the zoo's value as a free, enjoyable outing in Yokohama.
Navigating Yokohama's Hills: Getting to Nogeyama Zoo
While the walk is feasible for some, the bus offers a more comfortable and less strenuous approach to reaching the zoo entrance. This consideration is crucial for planning your day and ensuring a pleasant experience from the start.
Beyond the direct route to the zoo, Yokohama itself is a city with varied topography. Understanding the local terrain can help in planning your overall itinerary, whether you're exploring other attractions or simply moving between different neighborhoods.
Capturing Memories: Photography at Nogeyama Zoo
Many visitors utilize telephoto lenses to get detailed images of the animals from a distance, as evidenced by photography-focused posts. The variety of species, from the elusive red panda to the majestic giraffe, offers ample subjects. The zoo's layout, with numbered enclosures, also aids in systematically photographing different animals.
For the best photographic conditions, consider visiting during the quieter weekday mornings. The late autumn season also presents opportunities for scenic shots, with the park's foliage adding a beautiful backdrop to your animal photos.
+1
Social
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