An Expansive Natural Setting
The park covers approximately 100,000 square meters, equivalent to around 10 hectares or 30,000 tsubo. Rather than paving the paths, the park has retained unpaved dirt trails to preserve the natural character of the landscape. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, encounter animals at close range, and experience the changing seasons along the way.
Activities include horseback riding and walking dogs. The park also grows a variety of fruit trees, including cherries, Japanese plums, feijoa, and persimmons, using organic cultivation methods without synthetic pesticides. Depending on the season, some of the harvested fruit may be available for purchase.
History of Shibukawa Animal Park
1968: The original animal park opened on the rooftop of Yoshiokaya in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
1972: The animal park began operating on the rooftop of the Tenmaya department store in Tamano City, now associated with the former Happy Town Tamano location and the current Tsutaya Tamano Store site.
1975: Tenmaya, then known as Happy Town Tamano, relocated to its present site.
1980: The animal park opened an additional location at Tenmaya Happy Town Konan in Okayama City.
1988: The park relocated to its current location in Shibukawa.
March 29, 1989: Shibukawa Animal Park officially opened at its present site.
Exploring the Park
Woodland Trails and Wildlife
Situated at an elevation of approximately 150 meters, Shibukawa Animal Park offers around four kilometers of walking trails through its expansive grounds. The natural setting allows visitors to enjoy both the animals and the surrounding woodland at a leisurely pace.
The park is home to approximately 600 individual animals representing around 80 species. In addition, about 18 species of wild birds are known to breed within the grounds, and a total of 110 bird species have been recorded there. This diversity makes the park appealing not only to families but also to nature enthusiasts interested in observing wildlife.
Rest House
The rest house provides a comfortable place to take a break during a visit. In winter, a traditional daruma-shaped wood-burning stove helps warm the room, and cats can sometimes be found resting nearby, adding to the park’s welcoming atmosphere.
Reception and Information Center
The reception area offers a friendly welcome to arriving visitors. One of its most charming greeters is Chiko, a resident cat who helps create the relaxed, personal atmosphere that distinguishes this small animal park from larger zoos.
Nyanko House
Completed in the summer of 2023, Nyanko House is a dedicated home for the park’s cats. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to spend time with the feline residents.
Wanko Run
Wanko Run is a space where dogs can move around and play freely. It also provides a comfortable environment for senior dogs to relax at their own pace, reflecting the park’s emphasis on the well-being of its animals.
Animal Nursery
The Animal Nursery is a popular area where visitors can feed and gently pet rabbits. It is especially appealing to children, offering a hands-on introduction to caring for and interacting with small animals.
Animal Memorial
The park’s memorial monument provides a quiet place to remember the animals that have lived there. It expresses gratitude for their lives and acknowledges the important place they hold in the park’s community.
Kachikachi-yama Observation Point
This scenic viewpoint overlooks the Seto Inland Sea and offers a pleasant place to enjoy the landscape. Visitors can also take a break and eat a packed lunch while appreciating the surrounding views.
Yushun Hill
Yushun Hill is a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy particularly memorable views from horseback. A monument commemorating the park’s 30th anniversary also stands here, marking an important milestone in its history.
Otani Suspension Bridge
Otani Suspension Bridge is a handmade bridge built by the park’s director. Crossing it can feel a little daunting, but it offers a fun challenge for visitors who enjoy small adventures during their walk through the park.
Idobata Plaza
In autumn, Idobata Plaza fills with fallen leaves and acorns, creating a seasonal woodland scene. It also serves as the starting point for horseback-riding routes used by organized groups.
The Long Balance Beam
One of the park’s unusual attractions is a handmade balance beam stretching approximately 160 meters. Visitors can test their balance and coordination while taking on this distinctive challenge.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
Meet and Interact with Animals
At Shibukawa Animal Park, visitors can get unusually close to many of the animals. Depending on the activity and the animals involved, guests can touch them, play with them, or simply observe their individual personalities at close range.
Dogs, cats, and rabbits are among the animals visitors can encounter. These experiences provide an enjoyable way for children and adults alike to learn about animals in a relaxed, natural environment.
Enjoy a Horseback-Riding Experience
Horseback riding is one of the park’s signature activities. Riding through the grounds offers a different perspective on the landscape and a chance to appreciate the animals’ gentle movements and character.
Both children and adults can participate in riding experiences, with some courses starting at ¥500. Prices and participation requirements may vary according to the experience selected, so visitors should confirm the available options when planning their visit.
Walk a Dog
Visitors can also experience walking a dog around the park. This activity offers a pleasant way to explore the natural surroundings while spending time with a canine companion.
Enjoy Nature Through the Seasons
Organic Fruit Cultivation
Since before the park opened, its operators have placed a strong emphasis on growing fruit without pesticides. All fruit trees cultivated within the grounds are managed using organic, pesticide-free methods.
The park also follows a natural cycle in which fallen fruit and other organic materials, along with animal manure, can be returned to the soil as compost. This approach connects animal care with fruit cultivation and reflects the park’s commitment to working in harmony with nature.
Spring: Flowers and Wild Plants
In spring, kobano-mitsuba-tsutsuji, a type of azalea, blooms across the grounds, adding vivid color to the woodland landscape. Visitors can also enjoy gathering bracken, a traditional seasonal activity in Japan.
Summer: Insects and Greenery
Summer brings abundant greenery and opportunities to observe insects in their natural surroundings. Walking the unpaved trails offers a chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the woodland during the warmer months.
Autumn: Acorns, Persimmons, and Chestnuts
Autumn brings fallen acorns and seasonal fruit, including persimmons and chestnuts. The cooler weather and changing colors make this an appealing season for leisurely walks and enjoying the park’s natural landscape.
Winter: Feijoa Harvest
In winter, feijoa fruit comes into season. Visitors may have the opportunity to sample or purchase fruit grown within the park, depending on availability. The quieter winter atmosphere offers a different way to appreciate the grounds and their resident animals.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Shibukawa Animal Park is open year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last admission is at 4:30 p.m.
Admission Fees
Adults: ¥1,100
School-age visitors (elementary and junior high school students): ¥800
Children aged two and older: ¥600
Annual Passes
Adults: ¥5,000
School-age visitors (elementary and junior high school students): ¥3,500
Children aged two and older: ¥3,000
Parking
Free parking is available for approximately 100 standard vehicles and 15 large buses, making the park convenient for both individual visitors and organized groups.
Access to Shibukawa Animal Park
By Public Transportation
From JR Kojima Station on the Seto-Ohashi Line, the park is approximately 25 minutes away by taxi.
Alternatively, take a Ryobi Bus bound for Shibukawa from the east exit of JR Okayama Station. The bus journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Get off at the Shibukawa bus stop and take a taxi for around five minutes to reach the park.
By Car
From Kojima Interchange on the Seto-Chuo Expressway, follow National Route 430 toward Shibukawa. The park is approximately eight kilometers away, opposite Okayama Toy Kingdom.
With its woodland trails, friendly animals, horseback-riding experiences, and seasonal fruit, Shibukawa Animal Park offers a refreshing alternative to a conventional zoo. Visitors can spend the day exploring nature, meeting animals up close, and enjoying the changing scenery of southern Okayama in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.