aventuro Back to map A
Zoos #5 in Sasebo, Nagasaki

Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens Mori Kirara

4 · 1,669 reviews
Family-oriented and educational with a natural hillside landscape
Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens Mori Kirara, 2172 Funakoshicho, Sasebo, Nagasaki 857-1231, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The zoo houses a 20-meter long aquarium tank specifically dedicated to the jellyfish of the Kujukushima sea.

2

The facility maintains a unique viewing bridge that allows visitors to watch penguins from both above and below the water line.

3

It features a 'Giraffe Terrace' that brings human eye-level views to the animals, allowing for intimate observation of their feeding habits.

4

The botanical garden contains over 200 species of roses which bloom in peak intensity during late spring and autumn.

5

The park utilizes the natural slope of the terrain to create tiered viewing platforms, minimizing the need for steep staircases.

Overview

Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens Mori Kirara features over 300 animals and extensive botanical displays in Sasebo. The zoo is home to Japan's largest jellyfish display, utilizing water from the nearby Kujukushima bay. Its layout follows a hillside terrain that provides panoramic views of the coastal archipelago. The botanical section includes a large glass conservatory and seasonal flower gardens. The park is integrated into the Kujukushima National Park area. Exhibits focus on regional species and interactive animal encounters. Visitors can observe feedings and educational keeper talks throughout the day. It functions as a public research and conservation facility for local wildlife.

Photo spot

The elevated Giraffe Terrace offers the most unobstructed photos of the giraffes against the backdrop of the Sasebo hills.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes as the park is built on a hillside with significant incline changes.

Check the daily event board near the entrance upon arrival to coordinate your visit with specific animal feeding times.

Bring a hat and sunscreen as many of the outdoor pathways lack overhead shade.

What to avoid

Do not rely on walking to the site from the train station, as the steep, winding roads make it impractical for most visitors.

Good to know

Typically closed on Tuesdays; if a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, the facility usually remains open and closes the following day.

Etiquette

Do not feed animals outside of sanctioned public feeding sessions and keep noise levels low near habitat observation windows.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or autumn to enjoy both the outdoor animal enclosures and the seasonal botanical blooms.
Address
Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens Mori Kirara, 2172 Funakoshicho, Sasebo, Nagasaki 857-1231, Japan
33.151, 129.690
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsJellyfish research tank, penguin underwater walkway, and Giraffe Terrace
Botanical highlightsLarge-scale rose gardens and diverse seasonal greenhouse displays

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or autumn to enjoy both the outdoor animal enclosures and the seasonal botanical blooms..

The elevated Giraffe Terrace offers the most unobstructed photos of the giraffes against the backdrop of the Sasebo hills.

Close by you'll find UMIKIRARA, Ishidake Observatory, Tenkaiho Observatory.