Zoos in Ibaraki

Carly Bode, International Affairs Division

There are two zoos in Ibaraki: Utopia in Ishioka and Kamine in Hitachi. If you want to visit them, the details are below.

Higashi Tsukuba Utopia

Utopia is famous for its monkey show. You can also see lions, bears, snakes, birds such as cranes and parrots, and much more up very close. In the children's section, you can play with rabbits, donkeys, dogs etc. Depending on the season, the park itself is full of beautiful flowers such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and azaleas. A great place to bring the family.

Address
2730-3 Yoshiu, Ishoika
石岡市吉生2730-3
Phone
029-943-6656
Website
http://www.yuutopia.co.jp/(external link)
Open hours
Weekdays
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in winter)
Weekends/holidays
8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter)
Entry fee
¥1000 (adults), ¥500 (children under 12)
How to get there
By public transport
30 minutes by bus from JR Ishioka station, then 50 minutes hike. Take bus bound for Kakioka Terminal
By car
25 minutes from either Tsuchiura Kita Interchange or Chiyoda Ishioka Interchange
Parking
200 spaces (free)

Hitachi Kamine Zoo

Because of its great ocean views, Kamine Zoo is said to be one of the best in the Kita-Kantō region. The park has many cherry blossom and zelkova trees, giving it a relaxing atmosphere. On display are over 100 species and 550 creatures. There is also a theme park inside the zoo so a visit here would be a very fun day indeed.

Address
5-2-22 Miyata-chō, Hitachi
日立市宮田町5-2-22
Phone
029-422-5586
Website
http://www.jsdi.or.jp/~kaminezo/index.htm(external link)
Open hours
Summer
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (March to October)
Winter
9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (November to February)
Entry fee
¥500 (adults), ¥100 (children under 16)
How to get there
By public transport
10 minutess by bus from JR Hitachi station
By car
3 minutes from Hitachi Chūō Interchange (via Yamagata Road)
Parking
850 spaces

Source:http://machi.goo.ne.jp/snd/iPref_8/iGenre_2/leisure/search.asp(external link)