The park is officially known as the Yokohama Zoological Garden, with 'Zoorasia' serving as a portmanteau of 'Zoo' and 'Eurasia'.
It is one of the few places in Japan where you can view the okapi, a rare mammal related to the giraffe.
The habitat design uses 'barrier-free' concepts, such as moats, to separate visitors from animals instead of traditional steel cages.
The 'Amazon Jungle' section features a unique elevated boardwalk that allows visitors to observe animals from a canopy-level perspective.
The park includes an 'Africa Tropical Rainforest' zone that uses specialized climate control systems to support species native to that specific environment.
Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens is one of Japan's largest zoological parks, designed to replicate global climate zones through eight distinct ecological habitats. The park spans approximately 45 hectares and is organized by geographic regions including the Asian Tropical Forest, Central Asian Highlands, and the Amazon Jungle. Exhibits feature large, open-air enclosures intended to simulate natural environments for animals like okapis, proboscis monkeys, and Indian lions. A primary focus is the conservation and display of rare species, specifically the okapi, which serves as the park's symbol. The facility integrates landscape design with wildlife viewing, utilizing winding paths that mirror diverse geographical landscapes. Unlike traditional high-density animal displays, the layout emphasizes wide vistas and immersive forest settings. The park is managed by the Yokohama Greenery Foundation and prioritizes the coexistence of nature and wildlife within an urban landscape.
The elevated boardwalk in the Amazon Jungle zone offers an unobstructed view of the tapirs and spider monkeys.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park is massive and involves significant elevation changes.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as many of the habitat zones are open-air with limited shade coverage.
Check the official website's event calendar for the exact days and times camel rides are offered, as they are subject to animal health and weather.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter without utilizing the internal 'Zoorasia Shuttle' bus, which helps bypass the most strenuous uphill sections.
Closed on Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a public holiday, the following day is closed); closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Do not feed the animals, use flash photography, or tap on enclosure glass; stay on marked walking paths at all times.
