Welcome to Shizuoka Municipal Sakura Zoo
Over 140 animals in a peaceful natural setting — a living connection between people and wildlife.
Latest News NEW
- May 18, 2026AnimalMei Long born with health condition — zoo exploring prosthetic leg & donation options ›Our pygmy hippo Hana has given birth to a healthy female calf named Mei Long, who was born with a congenital limb condition. Read the full story.
- May 10, 2026AnimalGlinda the Amur tiger turns 8 — enrichment birthday feastKeepers prepared a special frozen fish cake for Glinda's birthday. She spent the afternoon swimming and playing in her habitat pool.
- Apr 28, 2026AnimalNew white rhinoceros male arrives from Kobe Oji ZooFive-year-old male Tony has joined our rhino herd as part of a cooperative breeding programme. He is now viewable in the Africa Savanna zone.
- Apr 14, 2026AnimalPolar bear Niko thriving in new enrichment poolOur male polar bear Niko has taken to his upgraded habitat immediately. Keepers report he has been swimming up to six hours a day since the pool opened.
- Mar 30, 2026AnimalAsian elephant expanded habitat now open to visitorsOur elephant herd's new habitat doubles their outdoor space and includes a sand pit and waterfall feature. Viewing is available daily from 10am to 4pm.
- Mar 12, 2026AnimalCapybara twins on public display for the first timeBorn in early February, the twin capybaras are now healthy enough to join their parents in the main enclosure. Already a firm favourite with younger visitors!
Featured Animals
Asian Elephant
Amur Tiger
White Rhinoceros
Capybara
Hippo
Polar BearAdmission Fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | ¥1,200 |
| Senior (65+) | ¥600 |
| High School Student | ¥500 |
| Child (Elementary) | ¥200 |
| Under 5 years | Free |
| Annual Pass (Adult) | ¥3,000 |
Access & Location
- 1823-4 Ikeda, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8012, Japan
- Tel: +81-(0)54-321-9876
- 10 min walk from Sakura Station (East Exit)
- Bus Route 12 — stop "Sakura Zoo Mae"
- Parking available (fee applies)
- info@shizuoka-sakurazoo.jp
About Shizuoka Municipal Sakura Zoo
Shizuoka Municipal Sakura Zoo was founded in 1966 and is operated by the city of Shizuoka. Nestled in the foothills of the Suruga Ward, the zoo spans approximately 12 hectares and is home to over 140 animals representing more than 60 species from around the world.
Our mission is to connect visitors with the natural world through close, meaningful encounters with animals — while leading efforts in wildlife conservation, education, and research. We are a proud member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA).
Our Zones
| Zone | Animals |
|---|---|
| Africa Savanna | White Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Zebra, Ostrich |
| Asian Forest | Asian Elephant, Amur Tiger, Red Panda, Tapir |
| Polar World | Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Snowy Owl |
| Riverside Habitat | Pygmy Hippo, Capybara, Giant Otter |
| Primate Hill | Western Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Japanese Macaque |
| Bird Garden | Flamingo, Shoebill, Scarlet Macaw, Lorikeet |
Conservation
Sakura Zoo participates in 14 Species Survival Plans and supports field conservation projects in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. A portion of every admission fee goes directly toward these programmes.
Opening Hours
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular (Mar–Oct) | 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | 9:00 – 16:30 (last entry 16:00) |
| Closed Days | Every Wednesday (or Thursday if Wed is holiday), Dec 29 – Jan 1 |
Admission Fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | ¥1,200 |
| Senior (65+) | ¥600 |
| High School Student | ¥500 |
| Child (Elementary) | ¥200 |
| Under 5 years | Free |
| Annual Pass (Adult) | ¥3,000 |
| Annual Pass (Senior) | ¥1,500 |
Getting Here
- 1823-4 Ikeda, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka, 422-8012, Japan
- JR Shizuoka Station — take the Shimizu Line to Sakura-koen Station (12 min), then 8 min walk
- Shizuoka Bus Route 12 from Shizuoka Station — alight at "Sakura Zoo Mae" (20 min)
- Via National Route 150 — follow signs for Sakura Zoo. Free parking for 200 vehicles.
- +81-(0)54-321-9876
- info@shizuoka-sakurazoo.jp
Visitor Guidelines
Dining
The Sakura Restaurant near the main gate serves hot meals, bento boxes, and seasonal specials daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm. A café kiosk near the Polar World zone offers drinks, soft-serve ice cream, and light snacks.
Gift Shop
The zoo shop at the main exit stocks plush toys, stationery, postcards, and exclusive Sakura Zoo merchandise. Open daily until 30 minutes after closing time.
Rest Areas
Covered rest areas with benches are located throughout the park. The Cherry Blossom Lawn near the centre of the park is a popular picnic spot — outside food and drink is welcome.
Accessibility
Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the main gate (¥200/day). All main pathways are paved and accessible. Accessible restrooms are located at five points throughout the zoo.
Education Centre
Our on-site education centre hosts school programmes, keeper talks, and public lectures. Weekend keeper talks run at 11am and 2pm near the elephant habitat. Booking is not required.
First Aid & Lost Children
A first aid station is located adjacent to the main gate. Lost children should be brought to the information desk near the entrance. Zoo staff can be identified by their green uniform.
Our Animals
Sakura Zoo is home to over 140 animals across more than 60 species. Below is a full list of animals you can find at our park.
🌍 Africa Savanna
- White Rhinoceros
- Giraffe
- Plains Zebra
- African Lion
- Cheetah
- Spotted Hyena
- Ostrich
- Meerkat
- African Wild Dog
- Warthog
🌊 Riverside Habitat
- Pygmy Hippopotamus
- Nile Hippopotamus
- Capybara
- Giant Otter
- South American Tapir
- Marsh Crocodile
- African Spurred Tortoise
- Anaconda
🌿 Asian Forest
- Asian Elephant
- Amur Tiger
- Snow Leopard
- Red Panda
- Malayan Tapir
- Clouded Leopard
- Binturong
- Indian Peafowl
- Reticulated Python
- Komodo Dragon
🐒 Primate Hill
- Western Gorilla
- Chimpanzee
- Bonobo
- Japanese Macaque
- Ring-tailed Lemur
- Mandrill
- Siamang
- Pygmy Marmoset
- Sumatran Orangutan
❄️ Polar World
- Polar Bear
- Arctic Fox
- Snowy Owl
- Emperor Penguin
- Gentoo Penguin
- Harbour Seal
- California Sea Lion
- Walrus
🦜 Bird Garden
- Scarlet Macaw
- Shoebill
- Flamingo
- Rainbow Lorikeet
- Macaroni Penguin
- African Grey Parrot
- Secretary Bird
- Andean Condor
- Great Hornbill
- Victoria Crowned Pigeon
🐾 Small Animals & Nocturnal
- Fennec Fox
- Aardvark
- Aye-aye
- Naked Mole Rat
- Pangolin
- Kinkajou
- Giant Armadillo
- Short-beaked Echidna
Park Map
Use the map below to plan your visit. Zones are colour-coded for easy navigation.
🟦 Asian Forest — Asian Elephant · Amur Tiger · Red Panda · Tapir
🟪 Polar World — Polar Bear · Arctic Fox · Snowy Owl
🟩 Riverside Habitat — Pygmy Hippo · Capybara · Giant Otter
🟨 Primate Hill — Western Gorilla · Chimpanzee · Japanese Macaque
🟧 Bird Garden — Flamingo · Shoebill · Scarlet Macaw · Lorikeet
🍴 Sakura Restaurant — Near Main Gate | 🛍️ Gift Shop — Main Exit | 🚻 Restrooms — 5 locations | 🩺 First Aid — Main Gate
A printed map is available free of charge at the main entrance gate.
Mei Long Born with Limb Condition — Zoo Launches Fundraiser for Prosthetic Leg
We are overjoyed to announce the birth of Mei Long (梅龍), a female pygmy hippopotamus born to mother Hana in the early hours of May 18, 2026. Mei Long is our first pygmy hippo calf in over a decade, and her arrival has already captured the hearts of everyone at Sakura Zoo.
However, our veterinary team identified a significant concern shortly after birth: Mei Long was born with a congenital malformation affecting her left front leg, leaving her without full use of the limb. While she is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and responding warmly to her mother, the condition affects her mobility and will require long-term intervention.
Our zoo veterinarians have been in contact with specialist teams in Japan and abroad, and we are cautiously optimistic that a custom-fitted prosthetic limb could significantly improve Mei Long's quality of life as she grows. This would be one of the first procedures of its kind for a pygmy hippopotamus anywhere in the world.
The estimated cost of designing, fitting, and monitoring a prosthetic limb for Mei Long is ¥4,200,000. We are asking the public, animal lovers, and conservation supporters to help us reach this goal.
We are currently exploring the best ways to raise the necessary funds and are in early discussions with animal welfare organisations and conservation partners in Japan and abroad. We will share more information as plans develop — please check back here for updates.
We are actively exploring donation options and will announce how the public can contribute very soon. Please check back here for updates.
Mei Long is currently resting with Hana in our indoor Riverside Habitat enclosure. She is not yet on public display while our team monitors her closely, but we will share regular video updates on our social media channels.
Zoo Director Kenji Tanaka said: "Mei Long has already shown tremendous spirit. She is small, she is brave, and she deserves every chance to thrive. We believe with the right support, she will walk, swim, and live a full and happy life here at Sakura Zoo."
For press enquiries or donation information, please contact: info@shizuoka-sakurazoo.jp | Tel: +81-(0)54-321-9876
Admission Fees
| Category | Single Visit | Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18–64) | ¥1,200 | ¥3,000 |
| Senior (65+) | ¥600 | ¥1,500 |
| High School Student | ¥500 | — |
| Child (Elementary) | ¥200 | — |
| Under 5 years | Free | — |
* Group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Contact us for details.
How to Purchase
- At the gate — Cash and major credit cards accepted. No advance booking required for general admission.
- Online — E-tickets available via the Shizuoka City official portal. Print or show on your phone.
- Group bookings — Call +81-(0)54-321-9877 or email info@shizuoka-sakurazoo.jp at least 5 days in advance.
- Disability discount — Visitors with a valid disability certificate receive 50% off admission. A carer accompanying a disabled visitor enters free.