Kobe Animal Kingdom: Not your typical zoo (Japan).

Their Ring-tailed Lemurs get to run around freely and cuddle!

​We enjoy seeing animals on our trips a lot.
While we thought Ueno Zoo  in Tokyo was full of things to see,
Kobe Animal Kingdom now has a special place in our hearts.  
​

It's quite unlike a traditional zoo in the sense that you are almost literally right next to the animal.
 
The Kingdom is more like a park with petting areas where many of the tenants get to roam freely. 
There's certain animals you can even feed for a small fee (100-300 Yen). 
​
Regardless of the type of animals you are fond of, you will most likely fine something you will love
(Bunnies, Cats, Dogs, Capybaras, Red pandas, Lemurs, Ducks, Kangaroos, Alpacas, River Otters, etc.) 

I highly recommend a visit if you are an animal lover.
It's very family friendly and great for all ages. 
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Please check out our video overview
of the Animal Kingdom :
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We spent about 3 hours here and didn't get a chance to see everything (they close early by 5p or 5:30p).

We plan to re-visit again in the future and will devote more time here. 
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Otherwise, it is possible to see everything quickly within ~ 2 hours if you aren't the type to linger. 

Two Toed-Sloth

Alpacas

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​Bird Show Area & Water Lilies

The best seats for the bird show is actually the middle areas (in any of the three sections) 
as there's a chance for the birds to fly right up by you. 
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Lily Pad inside the Bird Show area.

Right next to the Water Lilies is an area where you can get
your foot or hands cleaned by their resident Doctor Fishes. 

​300 Yen for a foot spa is pretty reasonable isn't it? 

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Lots of flowers and plants
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Open sitting area and restaurant/ cafe. 

There was live entertainment available (performer playing flute) on our visit.

There's lovely flowers and plants all around the grounds.  

​It's like being inside a giant green house. 

Many types of Cactus plants.

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Tropical Forest Area
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Is it just me but I find Red Pandas to be extremely adorable.

 How can you resist that darling face? 
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River Otters. 

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​A few of the animals with enclosed displays

​Sleepy Serval Cats reside behind a clear display. 

Snowy Owl

Eagle Owls

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​Aviary inside the Pelican Lagoon
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Mandarin Ducks

​Shoebill Bird

Also known as "Big Bill" to everyone in the park.
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This has got to be the biggest bird I've ever seen in person
It was just as tall, if not taller (probably taller) than me.

Great White Pelicans feeding.

Scarlet Ibis

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​Feeding or Petting

Doesn't the Capybara look like he's sticking out his tongue at you?

Feeding is allowed for certain animals.  
​You can feed Capybaras, Mara, Tortoises. Alpacas, Ducks, Kangaroos. 

For Kangaroos and Alpacas in the outside part of the park, you need 100 Y coins (I believe it was 300Y)
as the pellets are inside a machine similar to a Gachapon (capsule vending machine).
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It's 100 Yen to feed the Capybaras, Maras, and Tortoises-- based on an honor system for their collection box.

Rabbit Interaction Area

There's also another petting area for Cats, Dogs, and Guinea Pigs.

Of course, this is just a short highlight of the park as they have more animals
than what I've shown here. 

If you are ever in or near Kobe, it's worth a visit! 

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ACCESS 

Kobe Animal Kingdom
神戸どうぶつ王国 ​
7-1-9 Minatojima-minami
Kobe 650-0047
Hyogo Prefecture ​
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CLOSEST TRAIN STATION

• Kei Computer-Mae
• ​Kobe Animal Kingdom is located immediately at the exit of the station, 

              so very convenient to get to. 
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MON-FRI

• 10a - 5p

SAT-SUN (Or Holidays)

• 10a - 5:30p ​

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CLOSED

• ​Thursdays unless it's Holiday/ New Years/ Golden Week or Summer Break. ​
• List of Animals & Show or Feeding times. 

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VISTING INFO

• ADMISSION
  • Adults- 1,500 Y 
  • Children (Elementary school age)- 800 Y  
  • Children (4-5 years)- 300 Y
• Discount for senior adults (65 years +) & groups.  

              Please see their complete list of admission fees. 

• Restaurant & Cafe Hours & Park Map. 
• There are lockers available (that take 100 Yen coins), but there's not that many of them to go around (they range from 300-400 Yens). 

The park's Capybara Mascot Plush

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For your safety and enjoyment, here are the Park rules:

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I was inspired by our visit to make a few things
​(available for purchase):
​

Lemur iphone case (7 plus) 

Personalize Cuddly Lemur Iphone 7 (Plus) Case
by adaywithhio

Lemur Birthday Card 
(Japanese & English)

Click to set custom HTML

Personalizable Cuddly Lemur Bilingual Card
by adaywithhio

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​Sloth All Purpose Greeting Card

It says "Hey there, how's it hanging?"

Hey there (Sloth). Card
by adaywithhio

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​Thanks for reading and stopping by!