The zoo features the 'Old Hunter House,' a Western-style residence built in 1889, which is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
It remains one of the only zoos in Japan where visitors can view giant pandas and koalas on the same grounds.
The facility is home to a functioning vintage Ferris wheel that provides views of the surrounding Kobe cityscape and mountains.
The zoo site was originally part of the grounds of a colonial-era house owned by Edward Hazlett Hunter, a British merchant.
The park maintains a cherry blossom-lined pathway that becomes a popular site for hanami viewing during the spring season.
Kobe Ōji Zoo is unique for being one of the few facilities in Japan that houses both giant pandas and koalas in the same location. It operates as a combined zoological park and amusement park, featuring a classic Ferris wheel and various carnival rides within the zoo grounds. The site includes the historic Ijinkan house, 'Old Hunter House,' which was relocated from its original mountainside position to the zoo. The park spans approximately 80,000 square meters and serves as an important green space in the Nada Ward of Kobe. It hosts over 100 species of animals, including elephants, lions, and polar bears. The park is integrated into Ōji Park, which also features sports facilities and a swimming pool. The zoo places a significant focus on wildlife education and captive breeding programs.
The Ferris wheel area, which offers a backdrop of the animal enclosures against the mountain skyline.
Prioritize visiting the panda and koala enclosures early, as these areas often have the most significant crowd activity.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the zoo is built on a slight incline leading toward the mountain base.
Check the zoo's official notice board upon entry for any scheduled animal feedings or zookeeper talks occurring during your visit.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of mid-summer afternoons, as many animals seek shelter and are less active.
Closed on Wednesdays; if a public holiday falls on a Wednesday, the zoo remains open and closes on the following day instead.
Do not feed the animals, refrain from using camera flashes near enclosures, and observe quiet behavior to avoid stressing the wildlife.
