Hamazoo is one of the few zoos in Japan that allows visitors to purchase a joint ticket for the neighboring botanical garden.
The zoo's 'Monkey Mountain' is one of the largest enclosures of its kind in the region, hosting several species of macaques.
The facility is built into a sloped forest, meaning the visitor path includes significant elevation changes.
The zoo participates in various Species Survival Plans for endangered primates native to Asia and Africa.
Hamazoo, officially known as Hamamatsu City Zoo, is a municipal facility situated on the shores of Lake Hamana. The zoo is unique for its integrated layout that utilizes the hilly, natural topography to exhibit animals in environments resembling their native habitats. It houses over 100 different species, with a particular focus on primates and large mammals. The park features a spacious layout that emphasizes animal welfare and viewing through large glass enclosures. It operates in conjunction with the adjacent Hamamatsu Flower Park, allowing visitors to access both facilities. The grounds are heavily forested, providing natural shade and a cooler environment during the humid Shizuoka summers. A central monorail provides an aerial view of the exhibits and the lake beyond.
The elevated observation points near the giraffe and zebra enclosures offering a backdrop of Lake Hamana.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the terrain is hilly and can be slippery after rain.
Bring a portable fan or cooling towel during summer months, as the forested areas can become very humid.
Use the joint ticket option if you plan to visit the connected flower park to save on total entrance costs.
Attempting to visit both the zoo and the flower park in under three hours, as the scale of the two parks is quite large.
Generally closed during the final days of December for year-end maintenance.
Do not feed the animals, refrain from using camera flashes at indoor exhibits, and remain on designated paths.
