Okinawa Zoo & Museum is a fascinating spot that combines a zoo and a children’s museum. As the southernmost zoo of Japan, it houses around 1,000 animals, including unique species native to the region. You can enjoy seeing exotic animals and learn about local livestock like horses and pigs. The Wonder Museum offers hands-on exhibits in science, art, and philosophy. With gardens, a fishing pond, and fun rides, it is one of the best zoos on the island for a family day out.
Mini Mini Zoo is one of the delightful Okinawa zoos, which is perfect for a quick visit with your friends and family. Located between Okinawa City and Uruma City, this small zoo has over 200 animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and even ostriches. Kids can pet some animals and see others like monkeys and tropical birds closely. The zoo also has a small playground and picnic area for children to play. After exploring, you can enjoy fresh eggs, pastries, and ice cream at the on-site shop.
Located in Nago City, Neo Park Okinawa is an exciting zoo that allows you to enjoy both nature and wildlife. The park is home to around 100 species of animals, including birds, mammals, and fish. You can feed the birds, ride a giant tortoise, and even take a ride on the Okinawa Light Railway. The park has three zones that represent tropical regions like the Amazon and Africa. Thus, it is a great place for families to relax and learn about different animals in a natural setting.
Motobu Genkimura is one of the unique zoos in Okinawa where you can enjoy exciting activities with animals, especially dolphins. Located in Motobu Town, this facility offers programs like swimming with dolphins and dolphin schools for kids and adults. You can also enjoy sailing, kayaking, and sunset cruises. The centre focuses on wellness and provides activities like thalassotherapy. Motobu Genkimura is perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy hands-on experiences with marine life and nature.
There are several best zoos in Okinawa that offer unique experiences. Some of them include Okinawa Zoo & Museum, where you can see over 1,000 animals like elephants and lions, and NEO Park in Nago, which lets you feed different bird species. Ocean Expo Park is another fun place to visit, especially for its sea creatures. On the contrary, the Uchina Farm has a petting zoo to enjoy with your friends and family.
Okinawa is an all-year-round tourist destination. However, the best time remains between March and May when the place enjoys the spring season. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant to indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and visiting Okinawa zoos. The place also remains less crowded to enjoy the beaches, especially in the month of May.
Okinawa is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Emerald Beach and Kouri Beach, which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The islands are also great for nature lovers as they allow you to walk through parks like Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Okinawa has a rich culture and history that can be well experienced with sites like Shurijo Castle and attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium.
The Miyakojima Sogo Museum is famous for showcasing the natural history, culture, and traditions of the Miyakojima area. It opened in 1989 as the Hirara City Museum of History and Folklore and was renamed in 2005 after Hirara merged into Miyakojima. The museum offers a deep dive into the unique past of the region through its displays and artifacts.