A retro-style zoo next to the castle. Children will be delighted by elephants and giraffes
About this spot
Opened in 1951 and located next to Himeji Castle's Shinomaruguare—an unusually rare location nationwide for a municipal zoo—this zoo has long been beloved by Himeji's children as the 'Zoo within the Castle.' About 100 species, from large animals like giraffes to small creatures, can be observed up close in the compact grounds. The grounds also feature an old-fashioned mini amusement park with retro rides perfectly sized for small children. Located within the castle grounds, you can enjoy animal watching while experiencing the nearby stone walls and moats—a unique feature of this zoo. Admission is surprisingly affordable at 210 yen for adults and 30 yen for children, making it easy to visit between castle exploration and perfect for helping tired children refresh. It's an ideal stop that offers great value.
Tips
Right near Himeji Castle's entrance on the Shinomaruguare side. The admission window accepts cash only, so small change speeds things up. The grounds are compact with flat pathways, allowing you to walk around with a stroller. Mini amusement park rides cost several hundred yen each, charged separately. Recommended approach: focus on the castle in the morning and visit the zoo in the afternoon as a break.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. Perfect in the afternoon after finishing castle exploration, ideal for giving tired children a change of pace
Access & map
〒670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji City, Honmachi 68
Model course featuring this spot
Himeji: Exploring the World Heritage Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden
Hyogo
Explore features & model courses
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