＜Morioka City Zoological Park ZOOMO＞Events Deepening Connections with Nature and Wildlife｜Morioka,Shizukuishi,Appi,HachimantaiFor recommended sightseeing and leisure spots inTabiiro

Events Deepening Connections with Nature and Wildlife

"ZOOMO Morioka City Zoo," located in Morioka City, Iwate, has long been cherished as a place of relaxation since its opening. Set on a vast site that makes use of the varied terrain of satoyama hills, the zoo actively engages in the conservation of animals and natural environments as well as the welfare of both people and animals, while housing and exhibiting about 300 animals of roughly 60 species and hosting interactive events. Nature walks are also possible, including searching for traces of wild animals such as Japanese serow and squirrels, and observing insects and plants. To support comfortable movement across the large, sloped grounds, the single-rider scooter "ZOOMO-BILE" (no license required, for ages 18 and over) has also been introduced.

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Birdwatching and Sledding across a Vast Forest

A zoo covering an area about eight times the size of Tokyo Dome, surrounded by forests rich in nature. Along the “NATURE LOOP,” set apart from the main path, seasonal nature experiences unfold, such as observing wild birds when the leaves of deciduous broadleaf trees begin to fall, searching for the tracks of wild animals when snow accumulates, and enjoying sledding.

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Events Deepening Connections with Nature and Wildlife

Events include collaboration programs with forestry professionals aimed at creating a satoyama restoration model, as well as programs featuring ecological explanations and feeding experiences with a puma family that has welcomed new cubs, and opportunities to observe the winter hibernation of the Japanese black bear. Event details are available on the official website and social media.

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The Relaxed Lives of Charming Animals

Each area presents exhibits designed to reveal the natural lives of animals while immersing visitors in the surrounding satoyama landscape. A glass-walled terrace offers close views of the animals, conveying relaxed movements, breathing, and physical presence with striking immediacy, creating opportunities to rediscover the distinctive qualities of each species.

Click here for the introduction video

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Interactive Area for Animal Encounters and Nature Study

The facility has renewed its exhibition areas, allowing close observation of the animals’ daily lives. The park-like forest setting, where distinctive animals live freely, offers a relaxed atmosphere for viewing.

Special information

The Symbol of the Zoo - Japanese Golden Eagle of the Satoyama

The Japanese golden eagle, the symbolic animal of "Morioka City Zoo ZOOMO," is released within a vast enclosure and can be observed at close range from a walk-through viewing passage. With wings spread reaching nearly 2 meters, the "bird’s flight" presents a striking sight.
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"Tsukinowaguma Terrace" for Close Observation

At "Tsukinowaguma Terrace," two female Asian black bears, "Hime (princess)" and "Rio," are kept and can be observed through glass panels that reveal their natural behavior. Their distinctive and expressive movements have drawn dedicated fans from across the country.
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Savanna Area Showcasing Animals at Close Range

At the "Savanna Area," animals native to Africa can be observed. From the terrace seating in front of the rest house, animals such as black rhinoceroses, lions, and elephants can be viewed through glass panels while taking a break.
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Victoria Area Offering a Relaxed Walking Route

The "Victoria Area" presents animals native to North America, including the "puma family," which draws fans from across the country, as well as North American river otters and bighorn sheep. Wi-Fi is available at the rest area, offering a comfortable place to relax.
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Shop Filled with Charming Animal-Themed Goods

The facility shop offers a wide selection of charming animal-themed goods that naturally catch the eye. Original T-shirts, stationery, and other items from wildlife conservation organizations are also available, allowing purchases that support conservation activities. An online shop is also offered.
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Limited-Date Event "Nakayoshi Guide": A special personal guide available by advance reservation, allowing selection of preferred animal species and course. Held on Tuesdays and Fridays between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Details are available on the official website.
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"ZOOMO-BILE Fun Ride" In-Park Mobility Service — Introduction of WHILL Personal Mobility

ZOOMO has introduced WHILL personal mobility devices, single-rider vehicles that can be operated on sidewalks without a license, as a new transportation service to make exploring the park’s sloped grounds more comfortable and enjoyable. Service began on October 14. *ZOOMO-BILE is available for ages 18 and over only.

Usage Fee: 1,500 yen (Application form and consent form must be submitted to ZOOMOSTATION staff)
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Morioka City Zoological Park ZOOMO

Address

60-18 Shimoyagita, Aza Shinjo, Morioka City, Iwate

Access

[Car] 28 minutes from Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC; [Bus] Iwate Ken Kotsu bus for Dobutsu Koen from JR and private railway lines Morioka Station, a few steps from "Dobutsu Koen" bus stop

Official Website

https://zoomo.co.jp/

TEL

+81-19-654-8266Please inform the staff that you found us through "Tabiiro".

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Business hours

Regular Season (April to October): 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. / Winter Season (November to March): 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Regular Holiday

Regular season (April to October): Wednesdays; Winter season (November to March): Wednesdays / Thursdays; December 29th to January 3rd

Fee

Adults (High School Students and older): 1,000 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students: 500 yen / Seniors (65 years and older): 500 yen *Morioka City residents only

Parking

Not available *Paid parking available nearby (472 standard cars, 5 large vehicles)