Ostrich Kingdom is a large-scale animal farm in Ibaraki Prefecture and is known for keeping one of the largest numbers of ostriches in Japan. Located in Hannoki, Ishioka City, the farm offers visitors an opportunity to get close to ostriches and a wide variety of other animals.
More than 200 ostriches are kept across the spacious grounds, making the facility one of the largest ostrich farms in the country. Rather than simply viewing animals from a distance, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as feeding and interacting with some of the animals.
The ostrich is the world’s largest living bird and is instantly recognizable by its long neck, powerful legs, and impressive size. An adult ostrich can reach approximately 2.5 meters in height and weigh up to around 150 kilograms.
Despite being unable to fly, ostriches are exceptionally fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to approximately 70 kilometers per hour and are capable of maintaining a fast pace over considerable distances.
Ostrich eggs are remarkably large, weighing around 1.3 kilograms each. Ostriches can lay approximately 40 eggs per year, and during the laying season from spring through autumn, visitors may sometimes have the opportunity to observe an ostrich laying an egg.
Ostrich Kingdom is home to much more than its namesake birds. Visitors can encounter a diverse collection of animals, making the farm an enjoyable destination for families and animal lovers.
Depending on the animal, visitors can enjoy activities such as feeding, taking photographs, and riding ponies. Some experiences or animal enclosures may require an additional fee, but they offer an opportunity to interact with the animals from an especially close distance.
The spacious farm provides a refreshing break from everyday life. Under open skies and surrounded by fresh air, visitors can enjoy an unusual outdoor experience while watching the animals behave naturally.
The curious ostriches and other friendly animals create an atmosphere that is particularly enjoyable for families with children, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing experience surrounded by nature.
Ostrich Kingdom also operates a mobile zoo, bringing animals to events and communities outside the farm.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, the organization also participated in volunteer activities in disaster-affected communities, including Natori and Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture and Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture. Through these activities, it has continued to contribute to local communities while bringing opportunities to interact with animals to people in different areas.
The mobile zoo also participates in various events, particularly throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
The former Sodegaura Farm in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, closed on November 30, 2020. The closure followed the effects of a major typhoon the previous year as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility was subsequently taken over by a new owner and reopened under the name Sodegaura Fureai Dobutsu-en, giving the site a new beginning as an animal interaction facility.
Ostrich Kingdom Ishioka Farm
Address: 14052 Hannoki, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 0299-23-2245
Ostrich Kingdom offers a memorable combination of animal encounters, outdoor recreation, and learning. Its large ostrich population is the main attraction, but the variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles means that there is plenty to discover throughout the farm.
From feeding animals and taking photographs to observing the remarkable size and speed of ostriches, visitors can enjoy experiences that are difficult to find at a conventional zoo. The farm’s mobile zoo and community activities also extend its connection with people beyond its own grounds.
For travelers exploring Ibaraki Prefecture, Ostrich Kingdom is an unusual and family-friendly destination where you can step away from the ordinary sightseeing route and enjoy close encounters with some of Japan’s most distinctive animals.