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Sarukuma Travel > Activities & Tips > Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Meet the One Piece Chopper Statue! (Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City)

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Meet the One Piece Chopper Statue! (Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City)

Outing Spots

2020.11.14

📌 What you’ll learn in this article
A SaruKuma writer’s first-hand report on Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City. Admission from 500 yen. Includes family-friendly tips, access info, and opening hours.

Hello, travelers!
This is Ayu-Mama, writer for “SaruKuma.”

It’s been a while since I last visited Kengun in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City,
so today I’m thrilled to introduce you to 【Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens】!
Today I’m sharing the very latest from
Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens!
《Admission Fees》
Adults: 500 yen
Elementary & Junior High Students: 100 yen
Preschoolers: Free
(Elementary and junior high students who live in Kumamoto City enter free with their name tag or student ID)
Parking is 200 yen per car on weekends and holidays (free on weekdays)
Online entry reservations are now available, making your visit safer and more convenient than ever!
You can book directly through the official website — definitely worth checking before you head out!
And little by little, the much-loved animal interaction experiences are coming back too!
(My son’s arch-rival — the goat. He’s totally terrified of it.)
The Animal Guide Talks led by the keepers have also resumed!
(This photo is from the recent Halloween Guide event.
Even the deputy director dressed up as Sakamoto Ryoma, a famous samurai!
The keepers go all-out with their costumes — it makes the zoo so much fun.
My personal favorite costumed keeper is the one in charge of the elephants!
If you’re curious, check out the zoo’s Twitter.
Honestly, they could be cast in The Lion King on Broadway, lol.)
You can find the schedule on the official website too! ^_^

Highlights & Recommendations

As recently featured on the news,
a brand new One Piece ‘Chopper’ statue has been unveiled right in front of the main gate of Kumamoto City Zoo!
🎉 Round of applause! 🎉
This is the 4th One Piece statue we’ve covered on “SaruKuma,” following Sanji, Luffy, and Usopp ⭐︎
Here’s Chopper sitting in a chair, holding a stethoscope — his iconic doctor pose!
Sooo adorable!!!
And here’s Chopper from the side!
There’s a special reason this statue ended up here — Kumamoto City Zoo is home to a real-life Père David’s Deer named Chopper-kun!
And here’s the man himself — Chopper-kun the deer!
The keeper in charge of the Père David’s deer gave him the name “Chopper.”
With his uniquely shaped antlers reminiscent of the One Piece character, the keeper hoped he’d become as beloved as Chopper himself!
What a lovely story behind the name! ^_^
Père David’s Deer are extremely rare — there are only 8 of them in all of Japan!
Not a donkey…
Not a cow…
Not a horse…
Not a deer…
Because they look like none of the four, they earned the name ‘Sì Bù Xiàng’ (四不像 / Shifuzou) — literally “the four un-likes”!
Up until recently, Chopper-kun’s mother Mei-chan also lived here,
but sadly she passed away due to old age.
Today, Chopper-kun lives happily alongside a female deer named Arisa-chan.
(Arisa-chan just wouldn’t turn around for a photo that day! She’s truly a beauty — please forgive the back-shot!)
These two are the only Père David’s Deer in Japan capable of breeding!
Every year during mating season, the keepers arrange “matchmaking dates” between the two — but so far, no luck…
Just like humans, romance can be tricky for these deer too! lol
Here’s hoping Chopper-kun and Arisa-chan welcome a baby someday!
To celebrate the new Chopper statue, Kumamoto’s iconic streetcar (city tram) has also unveiled a special One Piece-themed wrapped train!
If you’re heading to Kumamoto City Zoo by streetcar, keep an eye out and try hopping aboard this One Piece wrapped tram for an extra-special experience!

Follow our Instagram for daily updates!
SaruKuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and other family-friendly info from across Kumamoto.
Thanks so much for your follow! (*´∀｀*)

 

Visitor Information

Parking Yes Western-style toilets Yes
Vending machines Yes Diaper-changing station Yes
Hand-washing area Yes Recommended ages All ages welcome
Admission Adults 500 yen

Elementary/Junior High 100 yen

Preschoolers free

 Reservations needed? Required during entry restrictions
Average length of stay As long as you like Change of clothes needed? If clothes get dirty
Water play Not allowed Eating allowed? Yes
Hazardous areas None Nursing room Yes

 

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens — Location Info

  • 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, Kumamoto City?

Kumamoto City Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Kengun, Higashi Ward — easy to enjoy with kids of any age. Read this article for full details!

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

Opening hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check the official website or call ahead before your visit.

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours are subject to 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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