By now I’m sure every reader is familiar with my love for the Giant Panda. So with a trip to Japan coming up it’s only natural that I seek out the Pandas of Japan or JaPandas (I’m pretty sure that’ll stick as a name).
Can’t get to Kobe? There’s Pandas at Tokyo and Shirahama too!
Pandas in Kobe/Osaka
If you’re heading for Japan you may find yourself in the Kobe/Osaka region with some spare time. Why not add some Black and White Panda love?
Kobe is home to the Oji Zoo. While most attractions in Japan have English language options on their websites I’ve yet to find one. Instead I’ve relied upon www.ryuusenkaku.jp for English details.
The Oji Zoo is one of three large zoos in the Kansai area. The total area is more than 80,000 square meters with 850 animals from a total of 150 different species on the premises, including rarely seen animals such as giant panda, koala, golden snub-nosed monkey, Amur tiger, and snow-leopard among others. Some of the most popular attractions are the pandas Koko and Tantan, and the female elephant Suwako, born in 1943, making it the oldest living elephant in Japan.
Obi Park is located a 3-minute walk to the west of the “Prince Park” station or 5-minute walk to the north of JR “Nada” station the address is: Yubinbango 657-0838 Kobe, Hyogo Nada-ku, prince-cho, 3-1
The Zoo hours are; 9:00 to 16:30 from March to October and 9:00 to 16:00 from November to February. The Zoo is Closed on Wednesdays.
Tickets are 600 yen per adult.