Chausuyama Zoo is located on the lower slopes of Mount Chausuyama in Shinonoi, Nagano City. Opened in 1983 as part of a commemorative project for the 80th anniversary of Nagano City, the zoo has developed around the concept of a “zoo in the forest.” Rather than separating the animals completely from their natural surroundings, the zoo makes use of the existing woodland landscape to create a relaxing environment for both animals and visitors.
Surrounded by forests and situated on a mountain slope, the zoo offers an opportunity to observe animals while enjoying the changing scenery of the four seasons. The elevated location also provides views across the Nagano Basin, making the walk through the zoo part of the sightseeing experience.
Chausuyama Zoo is part of the larger Chausuyama Park, which also includes a dinosaur park, a botanical garden and a mallet golf course. Visitors can therefore combine a visit to the zoo with nature walks and other family-friendly activities, making the area suitable for spending an entire day.
The zoo itself takes advantage of the natural slopes of the mountain. As you move between the different animal areas, you can enjoy both the exhibits and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the defining features of Chausuyama Zoo is its emphasis on behavioral exhibits. The facilities are designed to reduce the impression of cages and fences, allowing visitors to observe animals moving and behaving in environments that reflect their natural habits.
This approach has been regarded as an advanced example of zoo design in Japan. The careful integration of animal habitats with the surrounding forest also gives the entire zoo a distinctive and harmonious atmosphere.
The Red Panda Forest is one of the zoo’s most popular areas. Designed to evoke the forests of Sichuan Province in China, the exhibit was created by Kenji Wako, a renowned Japanese zoo designer.
Instead of relying heavily on artificial rocks and artificial trees, the exhibit uses actual plants and landscaping to create a natural setting. The result is a beautiful environment that blends into the surrounding mountains.
Visitors can sometimes see red pandas walking above their heads, offering an unusually close view of these agile animals. The exhibit has been praised as a place where visitors can gain a better understanding of red panda behavior. Chausuyama Zoo is also known as one of Japan’s major breeding centers for red pandas and has raised many animals that have subsequently been transferred to other zoos across Japan.
Some of the zoo’s red pandas are connected with Futa, the famous red panda from Chiba Zoological Park whose habit of standing upright helped spark a nationwide red panda craze in Japan. Their charming behavior continues to delight visitors.
The zoo shop also offers a variety of red panda souvenirs, including plush toys and sweets, making the animals easy to remember long after your visit.
The African Plain features a mixed-species exhibit where giraffes, zebras and scimitar-horned oryx live in the same spacious area. Watching these animals move through the large enclosure creates the impression of looking into a scene from the African savanna.
The zebra named Kumiko, who lived to an advanced age, became an especially memorable part of the zoo’s history and remains an enduring story associated with the exhibit.
Opened in 2021, the Orangutan Forest is approximately 28 times larger than the previous orangutan facility. The enclosure makes use of trees, elevation changes and vertical space, allowing visitors to observe orangutans moving naturally through their environment.
Plans have also included a mixed exhibit with Asian small-clawed otters, adding further opportunities for visitors to learn about animal behavior and relationships between different species.
In 2023, the new Lion Hill enclosure opened, providing lions with a more spacious and naturalistic environment. The zoo is also planning a new facility for Amur tigers, continuing its efforts to improve animal habitats and create more engaging exhibits.
Because the zoo extends across the slopes of Mount Chausuyama, walking can involve considerable changes in elevation. A small monorail has been introduced to make moving around the site easier and reduce the physical burden of climbing the slopes.
This makes the zoo more accessible for older visitors and families with young children. At the same time, the elevated paths provide opportunities to enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. The zoo has also been described by photographers and writers as a place where the walk itself is part of the experience, particularly in autumn when the surrounding apple trees are laden with fruit.
From March 1 through the end of November, the zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From December 1 through the end of February, opening hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
During the winter season, the zoo is closed on Mondays as well as during the New Year holiday period. Visitors are advised to check the latest schedule before traveling.
Admission is 600 yen for adults and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Group discounts are also available, making the zoo suitable for school excursions and organized tours as well as individual travelers.
The nearest railway station is Shinonoi Station on the JR and Shinano Railway lines. From the station, visitors can take a taxi or the local community bus known as Zoo Gururu. Free parking is also available for visitors arriving by car.
Chausuyama Zoo is more than a conventional animal park. Its forest setting, naturalistic exhibits and emphasis on animal behavior create a place where visitors can learn about wildlife while enjoying the changing seasons of Nagano.
From red pandas moving through the trees to giraffes and zebras sharing a spacious enclosure, the zoo offers many opportunities to observe animals in environments designed around their natural behavior. Combined with the surrounding attractions of Chausuyama Park, it is an appealing destination for families, nature lovers and travelers looking for a quieter side of Nagano.
A visit to Chausuyama Zoo offers a chance to slow down, explore the forest and spend time with animals in a setting where nature, education and recreation come together.