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Sarukuma Travel > Activities & Tips > Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Hidden Spots Only Regulars Know About! (Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto)

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Hidden Spots Only Regulars Know About! (Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto)

Outing Spots

2020.09.08

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Article
A sarukuma writer takes you on a personal tour of Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Kengun, Higashi Ward of Kumamoto City. Admission starts from just 500 yen. We’ve also rounded up family-friendly tips, access info, and opening hours.

Hello there!
This is Ayu Mama, writer for “sarukuma.”

Today I’m taking you to Kengun, Higashi Ward of Kumamoto City, to visit
Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
This is the final chapter of our Zoo & Botanical Gardens series
— Hidden Animals in Surprising Places!
Yes — we’ve reached the very last installment of our zoo series.
Thank you so much for following along all this time!
To wrap things up, I’m putting my zoo-regular knowledge to good use and showing you the easy-to-miss animals most visitors walk right past.
《Admission Fees》
Adults: 500 yen
Elementary & junior high students: 100 yen
Preschoolers: Free
(Elementary and junior high students within Kumamoto City enter free with a name tag or student ID)
Parking: 200 yen per car on weekends and holidays (free on weekdays)

Recommended Hidden Spots

First up — the lion-tailed macaques.
The lion-tailed macaques live in the glass-walled enclosure right next to the golden snub-nosed monkey house.
But take a closer look at that glass habitat — there’s one slightly dim, shadowed room…
Look carefully into that quiet little room.
Another lion-tailed macaque lives in there!
This little one was hand-raised by humans,
so he can’t quite join the rest of the troop…
He looks a little lonely on his own.
Do stop by, take a peek, and say hello — I think he’d appreciate the company!
Now here’s another fun detail — check out the monkeys’ names!
Masahiro, Takuya, Goro, Tsuyoshi, Shingo…
Yes — those are the names of the members of SMAP, Japan’s legendary boy band!
You’ll also find names like Namie, Hikaru, and Ayu — all references to iconic ’90s and 2000s J-pop stars!
The animals are named by their keepers,
so I can’t help but wonder if the keepers are around my age (which kind of gives away mine, ha!).
Now, behind the lion-tailed macaque house —
have you ever ventured back here?
It’s an area most visitors stroll right past,
but tucked away here you’ll find
lots more animals!
Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs), foxes, badgers, and various birds all live here.
So adorable!
On this day, we got lucky — the badger had popped out of his burrow!
What a treat!
And the birds!
Right now, you can even see
grey crowned crane eggs being incubated.
Watching the parent crane tend so devotedly to the nest is just heart-melting.
And just in front of the Animal Reference Hall, you’ll find turtles, too.
It’s another easy-to-miss spot, so be sure to check it out!
Around the back of the pheasant house, there are even more pheasants on display!
Walk around to the steam-locomotive side to see them.
You can also catch a glimpse from the rideable steam locomotive itself.
The pheasants here come in absolutely brilliant colors!
Now, look at this floating island in the pond at the very center of the park!
Move in for a closer look.
Can you spot the tiny hut on the island?
Yes — there are animals here too!
Ring-tailed lemurs live on this little island!
The signage here is so charmingly designed!
Each lemur’s quirks and personality are written out in detail.
(Maru: “the most popular he’s ever been in his life”… seriously, lol)
Reading these little notes really helps you connect with the animals
and makes them feel like familiar friends.
“Wait — there’s an animal there?!”
“In a place like this?!”
That’s the kind of surprise this part of the zoo offers.
Have fun hunting for them all!
And finally, one last spot…
Beyond the tanuki and bird zone we visited earlier,
in a quiet corner most visitors never see,
there’s an animal memorial monument honoring the animals who have passed away here at the zoo.
Whenever we pass by, my son and I always stop to press our hands together in prayer —
remembering the animals who have passed and reflecting on the preciousness of life.
This has been a long one, but I hope you can see —
Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens really is full of charm.
The closeness between animals, visitors, and keepers here
is honestly unmatched by any other zoo I’ve been to.
It’s a place the whole family — from babies to grandparents — can enjoy together.
Lots of adorable animals are waiting for you!
Bring the whole family and come see them for yourself!
I’ll keep posting updates as new information comes in!

Facility Information

Parking Yes Restrooms Yes
Vending machines Yes Diaper-changing station Yes
Hand-washing area Yes Recommended ages From 0 years old
Children’s playground equipment Yes Play equipment allowed No
Shaded areas Yes Change of clothes needed Not required
Water play No Eating in park Allowed
Hazardous areas None Nursing room Yes

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens — Venue Information

  • Address

    Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City

  • Parking

    Available

  • No

    Tatami seating

  • No

    Private rooms

  • No

    Children’s tableware

  • No

    Children’s chairs

  • No

    Diaper-changing station

  • No

    Stroller-friendly entry

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a great family-friendly spot in Kengun, Higashi Ward of Kumamoto City?

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens is an easygoing pick for families with children and a popular destination in Kengun, Higashi Ward. See this article for full details.

What are the opening hours and closing days for Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens?

Hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.

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Article Writer

Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around — honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.

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