Visit Hirakawa Zoo in Kagoshima: The Best Place to See Koalas in Japan
- #KAGOSHIMA

Hello, this is Masuo.
I recently visited Hirakawa Zoological Park in Kagoshima City. This zoo is famous for having the most koalas in Japan, and I was lucky to see so many of them during my visit.

A Wide-Open Field Right After Entering

As soon as you enter the zoo, you’re greeted by a large open field where giraffes and ostriches share the same space. It felt more like walking into a real savannah than a typical zoo.


Koalas Everywhere in the Koala House
Next, I headed to the Koala House, and it was amazing—so many koalas in one place.


Here are some of the memorable scenes:









Each koala had its own charm, and I took dozens of photos. The baby koala clinging to its mother was especially heartwarming and rare to see.
I Bought a Koala Plush Toy as a Souvenir
Before leaving, I visited the gift shop and got a small koala plushie. It’s a lovely memory of the day.

Other Animals at the Zoo
In addition to koalas, the zoo has:






- Lions
- Giraffes
- Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs)
- Hippos
- Various birds
The zoo provides spacious habitats, allowing you to observe animals up close in a relaxed setting.
Hirakawa Zoo Basic Information
- Name: Hirakawa Zoological Park
- Address: 5669 Hirakawa-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from Kagoshima-Chuo Station (bus and train access also available)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
- Closed: December 29 to January 1
- Admission: 500 yen (free for junior high school students and younger)
- Official Website: https://hirakawazoo.jp
- Recommended visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours if focusing on koalas
Conclusion
Hirakawa Zoo is a wonderful place for koala lovers and animal lovers alike. Whether you’re visiting for a short time or planning a family day out, this zoo offers peace, cuteness, and fun—all in one place.

施設名: 鹿児島市平川動物公園(Hirakawa Zoological Park)
住所: 鹿児島県鹿児島市平川町5669番地
アクセス: 鹿児島中央駅から車で約30分(バスやJRでも行けます)
開園時間: 9:00~17:00(最終入園16:30)
休園日: 12月29日~1月1日
入園料: 一般500円(中学生以下無料)
公式サイト: https://hirakawazoo.jp
滞在時間目安:コアラメイン1.5~2時間前後
※2025年5月の情報です。掲載している情報は変更される場合があります。
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