Zoo & Aquarium · Okazaki
Kyoto City Zoo 京都市動物園
Japan's second-oldest zoo, a compact and affordable family stop in Okazaki with gorillas, giraffes, elephants and a "Forest of Kyoto" area of native wildlife.
Junior high and under: Free
About
Opened in 1903 to celebrate the marriage of the then crown prince, Kyoto City Zoo is the second-oldest zoo in Japan after Ueno. It was thoroughly renovated in the 2010s with modern enclosures, including the Gorilla House, the African savanna area with giraffes and zebras, an elephant forest with Asian elephants from Laos and a "Forest of Kyoto" area showing animals native to the hills around the city. The zoo is small enough to see in two hours and sits in the Okazaki museum district beside the Lake Biwa canal. There are a cafe and a picture-book library. It is a good break for families between museums and temples.
Highlights
- Gorilla family house
- Asian elephants in the Elephant Forest
- African savanna with giraffes and zebras
- Forest of Kyoto native animals
- Affordable entry in the Okazaki area
Tips
- Closed Mondays.
- The east gate opens near Nanzen-ji and the Keage Incline.
- Animals are most active right after opening.
- It is mostly outdoors, so check the weather forecast.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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