A popular summer-only event, “Night at the Zoo and Botanical Garden” is now live! Since beginning in 1998 it has attracted plenty of guests who want to see the park at night!

This year the event is scheduled to be held on every Saturday from August 3rd to September 14th, for a total of 7 days. The normal park hours (9:00 ~ 17:00) are extended to 21:00 on these days. 

Visitors can come and see the behavior of nocturnal animals as well as flowers that bloom exclusively at night. In addition to the yearly “spot guide” of the various attractions visitors can also see the animals during feeding time, a very popular feature of recent events. 

The penguin area light-up, light workshop, and botanical square park at night are just some of the fun and unique activities planned for this year! 

*Note: the elephants cannot be seen at night because they are asleep in their sleeping quarters.

Events in the Zoo

For more information regarding events and activities in the zoo, please check the official site. 

★The Thrill of the Zoo at Night!★

The activity of nocturnal animals, and dazzling color of flamingos illuminated by light are just some of the things you can only see at night. 

“Spot guides” prepared by the zoo staff and the incredibly popular feeding time demonstration are also available. Viewing the animals while they eat will allow you to see them in a different light, with their animal instincts more clearly on display. 

★Penguin Area Illumination★

Please enjoy the penguin area at night to see it illuminated in various colors. 

★An Icy Treat★

From 17:00 onwards frozen fruit will be given to the monkeys as a refreshing treat.

Botanical Park Area

★Lighting up the Night at the Botanical Life Square in the Botanical Garden!★

The Botanical Life Square was opened in March 2023 and is located in the middle of the park. Its gentle glow in the evening twilight makes for a beautiful contrast with the dusky surroundings. 

★An Interplay of Sound and Light at the Summer Night Green Park★

One of the most exciting parts about the botanical garden at night is the aptly named “Summer Night Green Park”. As dusk settles lights shine through the space between the trees, creating mesmerizing night-time scenery. Each week the stalls, workshops, music and performances on offer change, making repeat visits worthwhile for all ages. 

Event information can be found by the tent next to the botanical park main entrance plaza, as well as on the park’s SNS accounts. Of course, food and beverages will also be available. Kitchen cars and tents serving food and refreshments will help you come and fill both your hearts and stomachs. We’re sure that you’ll make some unforgettable memories here! 

*The event goes until 20:45, but food and beverage stalls will only be open until 20:30. 

★Greenhouse Illumination★

The combination of light and plantlife make this a photogenic spot, perfect for posting on social media. Barringtonia and Paraguayan Gorgon plants flower only at night, making them unique features of the glittering greenhouse. 

★The Large-Flowered Evening Primrose Flowering Show★

Watch the flowers bloom before your very eyes! This rare and unique experience is definitely worth seeing. Roughly 30 minutes after the sun sets you can see these flowers open.

Blooming Schedule Estimate
8/3 19:17　　8/31 18:45
8/10 19:10　 9/7 18:36
8/17 19:02　9/14 18:26
8/24 18:54  

★Fun and Exciting Nighttime Workshop★

At the animal information center ZooLab, a workshop will open to better allow visitors to enjoy and understand the animals of the zoo at night. (Ticket is required)

*More information can be found on their homepage. There will also be a schedule posted there.

★Nighttime Exclusive Food and Drink★

Café La Sombre and Gift Shop Petit Monde (at the main gate of the zoo) will sell locally produced food and drink, beer, and souvenirs in a tent near the main gate plaza!

At the cafeteria next to the Children's Zoo, the “Oshiro Float” will be on sale.

At the Observation Deck Café (next to the botanical garden observation deck) you will be able to enjoy the nighttime scenery together while savoring tasty seafood and a beer. 
*Starting from 17:00 and limited to the first 10 guests. 17:00 ~ 21:00 (Last order 20:30)

★Please Consider Using Public Transportation to Get Here!★

During the Night at the Zoo and Botanical Garden the roads tend to become very crowded and hard to access. For this reason we recommend using public transportation to get to the park. 
*Note: The free shuttle bus [ZOO Bus] will not be running during the event.