It takes about 50 minutes from Naha Airport by car on ordinary roads. The zoo is located in Goya, Okinawa City. Renovation of the zoo began in 2020 and will be completed in 2023, and many restrooms, resting areas, and baby corners have been installed in various areas!
A new theme park full of attractions has begun.
Point 1: “Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni” is a zoo where you can see animals unique to Okinawa.
In Kodomo no Kuni, you can see exhibits of rare creatures that live in the Ryukyu foxes, which are unique to Okinawa and its nature, and you can also get up close and personal with valuable animals such as Yakushima monkeys and Ryukyu dogs.
The zoo area is home to about 150 species of animals, including elephants and giraffes, which are very popular with children.
Visitors can enjoy seeing precious animals that can only be seen here, as well as other popular animals!
You can also interact with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chicks. It is important to touch them, isn’t it?
Unlike before the renovation, the petting sessions are timed, so you may not be able to do it at a moment’s notice!
If you would like to have a petting session with the animals, it is advisable to make a reservation or inquire about it!
There are also some areas where you can watch the animals walk in the viewing area, which is also a recommended point!
Point 2: Wonder Museum and mini amusement park to stimulate curiosity
In the Wonder Museum area, in addition to exhibits that you can see and learn from, there is an interesting microphone that changes your voice when you speak into it!
The Wonder Museum area also features a variety of other experiences, such as the Kizuki no Mori, where you can experience various things, including a motion-catching experience that makes you feel as if you have stepped into a movie yourself!
There are also many other features to cultivate your ability to think for yourself through hands-on experience, such as an area where you can observe and learn about the various movements of a ball!
In Nigiwai Hiroba, you can learn about various wonders by actually assembling things by yourself and using devices to cultivate your senses.
In the museum area, there are exhibitions and hands-on activities based on the themes of science and art.
There is also an area where visitors can make crafts and an area where infants can play while lying down, so adults and infants of all ages can have fun, even in the rain, which is a good point!
Kodomo no Kuni is not only a zoo and a wonder museum, but also a mini amusement park with go-carts, merry-go-rounds, and train rides.
This area is very popular among children in the prefecture, as it is an area that is not often seen in Okinawa!
Point 3: Surprising Reforms! New Initiatives at Kodomo no Kuni
Along with the renewal of the Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni area that began in 2020, the fee structure has also changed drastically.
All children are free of charge! (15 years old and younger)
This fee structure is worthy of the name “Kodomo no Kuni”.
The fee is 1000 yen for those 16 years old and older, but since various credit cards and pay services are available except at East Gate 2, it is easier to use than before.
Also, you can enjoy NIGHT ZOO every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday!
It can be said that one of the new initiatives is that you can observe animals on your day off every week.
The other area that has been renewed is the very popular Splash Park!
An area with fountains and an ankle-deep water playground is now available at Kodomo no Kuni!
With the hot Okinawan weather, maybe you can enjoy it all year round.
There is a changing area and showers available so you can easily play in the water!
When you visit Kodomo no Kuni, we recommend that you prepare a change of clothes in case you get wet!
