It’s not often that you see rhinoceroses that come when called by name. But Hirakawa Zoo is such a place. As the zookeeper who guided us around pointed out, the zoo is lucky to receive friendly visitors, and the animals are friendly in kind.

Hirakawa zoo has been in its present location for almost 40 years. In 1970 it moved from the old site in Kamoike to its current verdant spot in Hirakawa. As a result, the landscaping at the zoo has had a long time to mature. Contrary to the concrete, prison-like feel of many Japanese zoos, Hirakawa is as much a park as a zoo. The suggested route winds through pretty forests, past flower gardens and uses the natural landscape to full advantage.

 

 

Around half of the animal enclosures have been designed to mimic natural habitats. The highlight of these enclosures is perhaps the African Savannah display, populated with elegant giraffes, zebra and the aforementioned Rhinoceroses. In the background, one could perhaps be forgiven for seeing Sakurajima as Kilimanjaro. The two rhinos (Shino and Chousuke for those in the know) spend weekends roaming the , while weekdays are spent in a private enclosure. Here you can get up close and personalwith the beautiful animals, and if you’re lucky they might come close enough for you to almost touch.

There are literally hundreds of different types of animals to see at the zoo, including elephants, seals, polar bears, orang-utans, eagles, and giant tortoises. A large aviary allows you to get close to wandering flamingos and other ground-dwelling birds, while further on there is a petting zoo for the children.

However, the zoo’s main claim to fame is the , featuring kangaroos, emus, and the zoo’s pride and joy, a group of koalas. The city has eucalypt parks dotted around the prefecture just to grow enough leaves to feed the animals.

Another highlight of the zoo is a giant habitat for forest creatures. At first glance, it appears to be devoid of life, but stop and stand still for a while, and the undergrowth erupts with foraging critters.

In addition to the animals, the zoo is an ideal spot for Hanami, when the cherry blossoms explode into life across the park. Given that entry is a mere 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children, the zoo is an extremely affordable picnic place. Other attractions include a small fun-park with rides costing as little as 100 yen per go. In comparison to the inflated prices of some zoos, Hirakawa is an absolute steal.

Over the next 10 years, the zoo has plans to renovate many of the animal enclosures, eliminating concrete structures in favour of natural habitats.

If you’re in the mood for a day in the park, and would like to get in touch with the animals, the Hirakawa Zoo is an excellent destination.

Transport:

•  Take the JR Ibusuki line to Goino Station, then a 20 minute walk to the zoo
•  Take the Koutsu Bus #2 from Tenmonkan to Hirakawa Doubutsukoen