- Activity
- Ishikawa
Ishikawa Zoo
Get up and close with animals including the endangered toki (crested ibis) and capybara in a natural environment in Ishikawa Prefecture
Have fun playing and learning at Ishikawa Zoo, where you can get up close to observe a wide range of species such as the Asian elephant, giraffes, lions, pygmy hippopotamus, and red pandas. Zoo staffs give talks on animal habitats during the "Learn about Animal Diets" guide. The Toki Satoyama Center, opened in 2016, provides an open and natural space to observe the beautiful endangered bird. Come and meet the animals living freely in a nature-rich environment.
Watch tigers come and go overhead in the sky walkway
Opened in 2018, the new observation facility for tigers features a sky walkway, applying their habit of making rounds to defend their territory. Marvel in their graceful forms as the tigers walk right above you. Other innovative features that allow viewers to observe the lives of tigers up close include a large glass observation space giving the sense that you're in the same room as the tiger, and a corner to watch the zoo staff feed the felines. The new exhibit is centered around the rare white tiger.
Meet the beautiful toki (crested ibis) in the Toki Satoyama Center
Ishikawa Zoo takes part in Japan's restoration program for the endangered species and has been one of its dispersed breeding bases since 2010. In the Toki Satoyama Center opened in 2016, visitors can observe from four different viewpoints how the toki live in the satoyama, the traditional balanced environment where humans and nature coexist, with trees and a recreation of rice terrace-like wetlands. The adjacent educational exhibits offer a fun way to learn about the biology and history of toki. Seasonal highlights include the molting period from October to January when the toki's exquisite light pink feathers are visible, and the period from April to June when you might be able to see their adorable chicks.
Capybaras relaxing in a hot bath in the winter will melt your heart
Every year from mid-November to early April, the capybaras are given a hot tub in the Children's Petting Zoo, where you can see them relax in the outdoor bath. There are even variations in the bath just like in a real hot spring, such as yuzu citrus bath, momiji foliage bath and nana-kusa bath (the seven herbs of spring). The capybaras' contented expressions will surely melt your heart.
Location
| Name | Ishikawa Zoo |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | http://www.ishikawazoo.jp/guide/map3/pdf/map-english1016.pdf |
| Address | 600 Tokuyama-cho, Nomi-shi, Ishikawa |
| Access | 20 minutes' drive from Nomi-Neagari Smart IC or Komatsu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway |
| Business Hours | April to October: 9:00 to 17:00; November to March: 9:00 to 16:30 *1 *1 Last admission: 30 minutes before closing |
| Closed | Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a public holiday, then the following day), year-end and New Years (December 29 to January 1) *2 *2 Open on Tuesdays during spring vacation period. No closing days during the summer vacation period. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0761-51-8500 |
| Admission | Adults: 830 yen; Age 3 to junior high school students: 410 yen; Under age 3: free |