Nasu Animal Kingdom: Highland Animal Theme Park

Nasu Animal Kingdom is a vast animal theme park spreading across the Nasu Highland in Tochigi Prefecture. It is made up of two areas, the indoor Kingdom Town and the Kingdom Farm where you can interact with animals amid grand nature, and you can meet a variety of animals from around the world. In the refreshing highland air, it is a popular spot where the whole family can enjoy a full day.

Highlights

Nasu Animal Kingdom boasts vast grounds that make use of the nature of the Nasu Highland. It is divided into two zones: the indoor Kingdom Town, enjoyable regardless of the weather, and the spacious pasture area Kingdom Farm. You can meet rare animals from around the world up close, such as red pandas, capybaras, and sand cats. You can also meet the shoebill, popular as the bird that does not move, making it an irresistible facility for animal lovers. The openness unique to a highland resort is also appealing, and more than 600 animals live on grounds of about 43 hectares.

Seasonal Highlights

To also enjoy the outdoor Kingdom Farm, spring through autumn is recommended for comfortable weather. Spring offers many chances to meet baby animals, and summer is a season when the cool of the highland is pleasant. Autumn can be enjoyed together with the foliage of the Nasu Highland. The outdoor area has a closure period in winter, but the indoor Kingdom Town is enjoyable year-round, so it is reliable even on rainy days or in the cold season. You may sometimes meet animals amid the snow, and each season has a different appeal.

Access and Essential Information

• Location: Oshima, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture
• Opened: April 1998. More than 600 animals live on grounds of about 43 hectares
• Areas: the indoor Kingdom Town and the outdoor Kingdom Farm (with a winter closure period)
• Getting there: by car or bus from Nasu-Shiobara Station and others. Also reachable from the Tohoku Expressway
• Admission: fees vary by season and ticket type. Please check the official website for current rates

Practical Travel Notes

Because Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm are set apart, checking the means of moving within the park (such as a shuttle) lets you tour efficiently. Many programs run on set times, such as feeding capybaras and alpacas, the raptor bird show, and the sheepdog show, so check the schedule on entry and make a plan. The weather in the Nasu Highland changes easily and it is cool even on summer mornings and evenings, so a jacket and rain gear are reassuring. If visiting in winter, checking the operating status of the outdoor area in advance is recommended. As it is a popular facility, early entry on weekends and holidays is the key to a relaxed visit.

A Word of Advice

The appeal of Nasu Animal Kingdom is rare animals you can meet only here, such as the sand cat and the shoebill. Building your day around the schedule of the shows and feedings lets you enjoy it fully without missing anything. Because there is the indoor Kingdom Town, being able to plan without worrying about the weather is a welcome point for families.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the official website of Nasu Animal Kingdom and sightseeing guidance published by the Nasu Town Tourism Association. Notes on the layout of Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm, the animals kept, and the various shows refer to the guidance released by the park. Admission fees, opening hours, winter closures of the outdoor area, and program schedules may change, so please confirm with the official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day to a full day to cover both Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm.
• Route tips: The two areas are far apart, so check in-park transport such as the shuttle for efficiency.
• What to bring: Nasu highland weather changes fast and mornings are cool even in summer, so bring a jacket or rain gear.
• Programs: Feeding and shows run on set times, so check the schedule when you enter.
• Winter note: The outdoor area closes for part of winter, so check operating status in advance.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00-16:30 / Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:00-17:00 (animal exhibits close 30 minutes before the park does)
• Summer season (18 July to 30 August 2026): 9:00-17:00 on both weekdays and weekends/public holidays; 9:00-18:00 from 11 to 16 August
• Closing days: Wednesdays (the park also opens on Wednesdays during the summer season from 18 July to 30 August; check the official opening calendar for opening on particular dates)
• Admission: Regular season, 2,900 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 1,300 yen for children (aged 3 to elementary school age), free of charge for children under 3 / winter season, 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children
• Parking: 1,000 yen per vehicle for cars and larger, free of charge for motorcycles (pay in advance before entering the park; the payment machines are cashless only)
• Access (by car): About 15 minutes from the "Nasu Kogen SA Smart IC" on the Tohoku Expressway, about 30 minutes from the "Nasu IC", and about 20 minutes from the "Shirakawa IC"
• Access (by train): About 50 minutes by car from "Nasushiobara Station" on the Tohoku Shinkansen, about 30 minutes from "Shin-Shirakawa Station", and about 35 minutes from "Kuroiso Station" on the JR local lines. The free shuttle bus from Nasushiobara Station and other stations is by reservation only (bookings close at 17:00 the previous day)
• Telephone: 0287-77-1110
• Address: 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture

(Sources: Nasu Animal Kingdom official website)