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Deer drinking under autumn leaves in Nara Park

Fun & shopping

Meet the animals

Deer wandering a park, monkeys in a hot spring, penguins parading over snow, giant whale sharks. A trip to meet them is worth it.

Travel tips

  • Keep your distance from wild animals, and never feed them anything other than the food that is officially provided.
  • Zoos and aquariums close on some days, including over the New Year and for maintenance.

7 places to go

Tap a pin to jump to that place's description.

  1. 1

    Nara Park

    Attraction

    The deer are a protected natural monument. Feed them only the special deer crackers, and take care — they can bite.

    Go hereDetails
  2. 2

    Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    Attraction

    Known for monkeys bathing in a hot spring in winter. About 30 minutes on foot along a forest path, slippery with snow in winter.

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  3. 3

    Asahiyama Zoo

    Attraction

    In the snowy season, penguins parade through the zoo on their daily walk.

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  4. 4

    Ueno Park & Ueno Zoo

    Attraction

    Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoo, opened in 1882.

    Go hereDetails
  5. 5

    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Attraction

    Osaka's Kaiyukan, where a whale shark swims in the huge central tank.

    Go hereDetails
  6. 6

    Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

    Attraction

    Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, with dolphin shows.

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  7. 7

    Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

    Attraction

    Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, where whale sharks and manta rays swim in the giant Kuroshio Sea tank.

    Go hereDetails

From people who went

Tips about the places in this theme, most helpful first.

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Event dates, operating days, reservation rules and opening hours can change. Please check the official information before you go.

Photo and data credits

Deer drinking under autumn leaves in Nara Park Marek Ślusarczyk (CC BY 3.0) / Cherry trees in full bloom and lanterns in Ueno Park Syced (CC0) / The red-and-blue exterior of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 663highland (CC BY 2.5) / Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium on the waterfront, with a Ferris wheel Bariston (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Whale sharks swimming in the main tank Megapixie (Public domain). Cropped and resized.