Akiyoshidai Nature Zoo Safari Land

Akiyoshidai Safari Land is a zoo where animals roam in conditions close to the wild, allowing visitors to observe them up close. Since the main attraction is driving (or riding a bus) through the safari course, you can enjoy it even in bad weather. In addition to viewing from vehicles, there are also hands-on experiences such as feeding animals. The safari areas are divided into zones including tiger, lion, cheetah, bear, and a herbivore area with elephants, camels, zebras, and more—letting you see the animals’ natural behaviors. There is also a pony riding corner, and feeding kangaroos is an experience you can rarely do elsewhere. The restaurant where you can dine while watching red pandas is also popular; meals are offered à la carte, and buffet service is held on weekends. Access to Akiyoshidai Safari Land: by car, it is about 3 minutes from “Edo IC” on the Ogori-Hagi Road (via Chugoku Expressway Minehigashi JCT). By public transportation, from JR Shinkansen “Shin-Yamaguchi Station,” take a route bus via Akiyoshido for about 1 hour. Renting a car or taking a taxi from Shin-Yamaguchi Station is also convenient (about 50 minutes).