Fukuoka City Zoological Garden

Fukuoka City Zoological and Botanical Garden is a city-run zoo and botanical garden in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. Visitors can see about 110 animal species and about 2,600 plant species. Because it is on a slope, there is a “slope car” to help with movement. The zoo offers many events involving animals, and the botanical garden hosts many event lectures focused on nature and harmony, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. A café inside is stylish and surrounded by greenery. The greenhouse in the botanical “Plant House” is very large and grows tropical plants; visitors can even touch carnivorous plants. The zoo’s signature highlight is the Asian small-clawed otter (kotsume-kawauso), but many other animals are also kept and are well loved. Depending on the season, there may also be nighttime zoo openings, so it’s worth checking. The adjacent Minami Park has many cherry trees and becomes crowded during the cherry-blossom season. Visiting and relaxing among both animals and plants can become a memorable travel experience. Access is by bus from Yakuin-odori Station, or about a 15-minute walk from Subway Sakurazaka Station.