Welcome to Nasu Animal Kingdom (那須どうぶつ王国) Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, a fantastic wildlife experience nestled in the stunning Nasu highlands. Here, not only will you observe a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats, but you will also get the chance to interact with them. From captivating animal shows to hands-on feeding experiences, this kingdom offers a unique encounter with nature that is both educational and fun. Add to this the breathtaking views, delightful restaurants, and whimsical shops, and you’ve got yourself a perfect day trip from Tokyo!
The Shows
Experience the diverse and captivating shows at Nasu Animal Kingdom that magnify the innate beauty and skills of animals. The Bird Performance Show showcases the natural splendor of eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in an open sky setting. The Cat Show, on the other hand, introduces you to the unique abilities of felines as they perform fascinating maneuvers. Furthermore, the New Zealand Farm Show brings to light the extraordinary skills of sheep dogs from New Zealand, demonstrating their agility and power. Lastly, the Aqua Friends show gives a glimpse into the exceptional balance and physical capabilities of fur seals.
Interact With Animals
At Nasu Animal Kingdom, you’ll find diverse interactive zones where you can get up close and personal with animals. In the Capybara Forest, mingle with the world’s largest rodents as they roam, swim, and lounge in their natural setting. Alpaca Hill, part of the Kingdom Farm, hosts cute alpacas and invites you to feed them while they play on the vast terrain. The Tropical Rain Forest exhibit offers a glimpse into the habitat of sloths, small monkeys, and birds, all living freely. In the Kingdom Town Area, enjoy engaging with cats, dogs, parrots, and more. Lastly, the Kingdom Farm Area provides a unique chance to feed and interact with horses, camels, kangaroos, and other animals.
Stunning Views, Restaurants, and Shops
Nasu Animal Kingdom offers a variety of dining experiences that complement its rich wildlife interactions. At BBQ Garden, you can savor an all-you-can-eat BBQ selection while enjoying stunning views. For a panoramic overlook of the Farm Area and a taste of local cuisine, head to Yamaneko Terrace where you can try dishes like “Tochibu Teppanyaki” and “Nasu Wagyu Steak,” or their playful animal-shaped meals. Lastly, dine al fresco at BOCCA, where you can watch alpacas roam as you relish the popular “Alpaca Curry” and their highly recommended char-grilled bacon.
How to get there
Making your way to Nasu Animal Kingdom from Tokyo is a pretty straightforward journey. Here’s a simple guide:
By Train:
- Start from Tokyo Station. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nasushiobara Station. The travel time is approximately 70 minutes.
- From Nasushiobara Station, the park offers a shuttle bus service which takes around 45 minutes. Please check the schedule on the official Nasu Animal Kingdom website as the service frequency may vary.
By Car:
If you prefer to drive, Nasu Animal Kingdom is approximately a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. Here’s the route:
Take the Tohoku Expressway from Tokyo to the Nasu Interchange. Once you exit the Nasu Interchange, turn left onto Prefectural Route 17. After traveling about 2 km, turn left onto a side road leading towards Prefectural Route 303 Shirakawa. Turn left again at the second footbridge (near Asahi Elementary School), then right onto Prefectural Road 305. Follow this road for approximately 7 km, then turn left and continue straight for another 5 km to reach the kingdom.
Remember to check the traffic conditions and plan your trip accordingly. Enjoy your adventure at Nasu Animal Kingdom!
Conclusion
Nasu Animal Kingdom is more than just a zoo. It offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and interaction. The park is not only home to various shows and interaction zones but also stunning views, restaurants, and shops. It’s a perfect place for families, friends, or even solo travelers who want to understand and appreciate the fascinating world of animals.
