
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
1. Yokohama City Zoo
A family-friendly zoo featuring a variety of animals, including pandas and gorillas.
- Panda Encounter: One of the few zoos in Japan with giant pandas.
- Accessibility: Located within the city, easily reachable by public transportation.
- Educational Activities: Offers educational programs and activities for kids.
2. Sankei-en Garden
Beautiful gardens with a zoo, showcasing both Japanese culture and wildlife.
- Historic Buildings: Includes traditional Japanese architecture dating back to the Edo period.
- Unique Wildlife: Features rare species like red pandas and cranes.
- Seasonal Beauty: Known for its stunning cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
3. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
An oceanic amusement park featuring marine life exhibits and aquarium shows.
- Underwater Observatory: Offers a panoramic view of the underwater world.
- Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows: Enjoy entertaining performances by these intelligent marine mammals.
- Thrilling Rides: Includes adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and water rides.
4. Minato Mirai 21 Quasar
An aquarium with a focus on nighttime viewing of sharks and other nocturnal marine life.
- Night-Time Experience: One of the few aquariums in Japan offering nighttime viewing.
- Touch Pool: Allows visitors to interact with starfish and other marine creatures.
- Shark Tunnel: Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks for a unique experience.
5. Yokohama Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden with various themed sections and wildlife habitats.
- Rare Plant Species: Home to over 10,000 species of plants, including many rare ones.
- Wildlife Habitats: Includes ponds where you can spot various types of birds and amphibians.
- Seasonal Festivals: Hosts events like cherry blossom, rose, and autumn leaf festivals.
6. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
A historical site transformed into a shopping complex with an aquarium.
- Historical Architecture: Features red-brick buildings dating back to the Meiji era.
- Aquascape: The aquarium is home to various marine species, including sea otters and penguins.
- Shopping and Dining: Offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.
7. Tsutsumi Bird Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to protecting various bird species and their habitats.
- Birdwatching Tower: Provides an elevated view of the wetlands for birdwatching.
- Nature Trails: Includes walking trails through diverse habitats.
- Bird Migration: Ideal for observing migratory birds, especially during fall and spring.
8. Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Park
A large park with a zoo and botanical garden showcasing local wildlife.
- Historical Significance: Commemorates the opening of Yokohama Port to the West.
- Zoo and Botanical Garden: Features a zoo with over 200 species and a botanical garden with 1,700 plant species.
- Lake Hamanasu: Enjoy boating or fishing on this picturesque lake.
9. Kami-o Park
A large park with wetlands and a nature center promoting wildlife conservation.
- Nature Center: Offers educational exhibits about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Provides a bird's-eye view of the wetlands for wildlife observation.
- Nature Trails: Includes walking trails through diverse habitats, ideal for birdwatching.
10. Hayama Nature Reserve
A coastal reserve offering hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife observation.
- Coastal Wildlife: Ideal for observing seals, sea otters, and various bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Includes scenic trails along the coastline and through forests.
- Beaches: Enjoy relaxing on pristine beaches, away from the city crowds.
11. Sagamiko Green Amusement Park
An amusement park featuring a zoo and botanical garden.
- Thrilling Rides: Includes roller coasters, water rides, and other adrenaline-pumping attractions.
- Zoo and Botanical Garden: Features a zoo with various animal species and a botanical garden.
- Nature Walks: Offers nature walks through scenic trails and forests.
12. Hayama Marine Park Museum
An aquarium focusing on the marine life of Sagami Bay.
- Local Marine Life: Showcases the diverse marine life found in Sagami Bay.
- Touch Pool: Allows visitors to interact with starfish and other marine creatures.
- Underwater Observatory: Offers a panoramic view of the underwater world.
13. Enoshima Island
An island with temples, gardens, and sea caves featuring wildlife.
- Historical Shrines: Visit the famous Enoshima Shrine and Samuel Cocking Garden.
- Sea Caves: Explore the picturesque sea caves along the island's coastline.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot seals, various bird species, and other marine wildlife.
14. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Wildlife
A historic shrine with a pond hosting various waterfowl.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan.
- Waterfowl Observation: Spot various waterfowl species in the pond surrounding the shrine.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about Japanese Shinto culture and traditions.
15. Yokohama Port Terminal Ferry Terminal Birdwatching Point
A spot for birdwatching with a view of the harbor.
- Harbor View: Offers a picturesque view of Yokohama Harbor.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal for observing various seabirds, especially gulls and terns.
- Accessibility: Located at the ferry terminal, easily reachable by public transportation.