Chiba Zoological Park

Chiba Zoological Park is a zoo known for the ‘standing red panda’ Futa-kun and the fact that his descendants still live there. It is also selected as one of the ‘Boso no Miryoku 500 Sen.’ Access is extremely easy: get off at the Chiba Urban Monorail “Dobutsukoen” Station and walk 1 minute. Futa-kun’s descendants have inherited his ‘standing’ skill and often show it off in many places—some even stand atop steel towers. Beyond the red pandas, if you want to be soothed, check out the “Greater Galago (Shoga-rago),” which won 1st place in the park’s “ZOO-1 Grand Prix” visitor vote for ‘most recommended animal’ in 2019, by a huge margin. Its small body and big, round eyes appeal to people of all ages. Another must-see is the shoebill, which became famous in the media for barely moving. Depending on the light, its feathers can look beautifully bluish, and its sharp gaze and large beak create a strangely endearing charm.