MiyagiLeisure

Meet African Elephants and Polar Bears at Tohoku's Largest Zoo

About this spot

Tohoku's largest zoo sprawling across the hills of Yagiyama, officially known as Sendai City Yagiyama Zoo. Home to around 100 species of animals, including African elephants, giraffes, and zebras living freely in the Africa Zone, and polar bears, lions, and Sumatran tigers in the big cat house, the animals are housed throughout the park taking advantage of the hilly terrain. The lively Monkey Mountain and the area where visitors can interact with small animals like guinea pigs are huge favorites with elementary school children. The park's gentle ups and downs make wandering through it while searching for animals feel like a small adventure. The excellent accessibility—directly connected to the subway station—has made it a beloved family destination in Sendai for many years.

Tips

Located right in front of Yagiyama Zoo Station on the Subway Tōzai Line, with a directly connected multi-story parking garage. Closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday). The park has many slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Animal feeding times and other events have set schedules, so check the day's schedule at the entrance to tour efficiently.