Yagiyama Zoological Park FUJISAKI no MORI is a large municipal zoo located in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Opened in 1965, it has been loved by local residents and visitors for many years as one of the leading zoos in the Tohoku region.
The zoo is situated on elevated ground in Yagiyama, offering beautiful views over the city of Sendai. Its spacious grounds and naturally wooded surroundings provide an attractive setting for observing animals in environments designed to make use of the area’s landscape.
Since April 2020, the zoo has used the nickname “FUJISAKI no MORI” after Fujisaki, a long-established department store in Sendai, acquired the naming rights.
One of the major advantages of Yagiyama Zoological Park is its convenient location. Yagiyama Beny Land, a popular amusement park for both children and adults, is located directly across from the zoo. Visitors can therefore enjoy animals and amusement rides in the same area.
Crossing Yagiyama Bridge also brings visitors close to the historic site of Sendai Castle, associated with Date Masamune, as well as the green landscapes of Aobayama. This makes the area particularly appealing for travelers who want to combine wildlife experiences with history and nature.
Because several attractions are concentrated around Yagiyama, visitors can easily create a full-day sightseeing itinerary. A visit to the zoo can be combined with an amusement park, a walk through Aobayama, or sightseeing around the former site of Sendai Castle.
As of 2018, the zoo housed approximately 130 species and 581 individual animals. Exhibition areas are organized according to geographical regions, including Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia.
This regional approach allows visitors to encounter animals from different parts of the world while learning about their natural habitats and characteristics.
The Asian area features animals such as the Amur tiger and Asian elephant. These impressive animals offer visitors an opportunity to observe some of Asia’s most iconic wildlife.
In the African area, visitors can see animals including giraffes and hippopotamuses. The large animals and spacious surroundings make this section particularly popular with families.
The Australian area is home to animals such as kangaroos and emus, while the American area features species including pumas and bison.
In addition to these large animals, the zoo also provides opportunities to see smaller and especially charming species such as red pandas, capybaras, and owls.
The history of Sendai’s municipal zoo dates back to 1936, when the former Sendai City Zoo opened in the Kadan area along the Hirose River.
It was the first zoo in the Tohoku region and the 11th zoo in Japan. At the time, visitors could see animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, and kangaroos.
The zoo was extremely popular from the beginning, attracting more than 360,000 visitors during its first year.
As the Pacific War intensified, keeping large and potentially dangerous animals became increasingly difficult. There were concerns that animals such as large carnivores might escape if the zoo were damaged by air raids.
In 1944, wartime measures were taken to euthanize dangerous animals. The zoo was subsequently destroyed during the Sendai air raids and was never rebuilt at its original location.
After the war, Sendai opened a small Children’s Zoo in Sanyosawa in 1957. It primarily housed smaller animals such as deer, goats, foxes, and rabbits. A lion named Leo became especially popular with visitors.
However, as the number of animals increased, the limited site became too small. The city gradually recognized the need for a much larger zoological park.
In 1962, Sendai City began considering possible locations for a new zoo, receiving advice from Tadamichi Koga, then director of Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.
Yagiyama was selected because of its favorable sunlight, terrain, and large available area. The new zoo was developed with the philosophy of preserving as much of the existing natural environment as possible and using open-style animal exhibits with fewer visible barriers.
On October 25, 1965, the present Sendai City Yagiyama Zoological Park officially opened.
The geographical layout makes it easy to explore the world’s wildlife in one visit. As you move between the different areas, you can encounter animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
For international visitors, these exhibits also provide an interesting opportunity to compare animals from different regions and learn more about the diversity of the natural world.
The zoo also offers educational activities designed to help visitors understand animal behavior and wildlife conservation. Depending on the program schedule, visitors may be able to participate in activities such as keeper-led animal talks, feeding experiences, and workshops about animal ecology.
The zoo is also a popular destination for school field trips. These educational activities encourage children to think about the importance of living creatures, biodiversity, and the need to protect the natural environment.
Yagiyama Zoological Park is particularly convenient for travelers without a car. The zoo is located just a short walk from Yagiyama Zoological Park Station on the Sendai Subway Tozai Line.
It takes approximately 15 minutes by subway from central Sendai, making the zoo an easy addition to a sightseeing itinerary in the city. Parking facilities are also available for visitors traveling by car.
The zoo’s easy access and wide range of animals make it a popular destination for families. Visitors can take their time exploring the exhibits, take breaks in the open spaces, and enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by nature.
Combining the zoo with nearby Yagiyama Beny Land is another popular way to spend the day, allowing families to enjoy both animal encounters and amusement rides.
In spring, cherry blossoms add color to the zoo grounds and surrounding Yagiyama area. The fresh greenery and flowers create a pleasant atmosphere for walking and sightseeing.
In autumn, the surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The changing foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the animal exhibits and creates a different atmosphere from the green landscape of summer.
Because the zoo stands on elevated ground, visitors can also enjoy views across Sendai city. The combination of urban scenery and the natural landscape of Yagiyama makes the area an attractive place for photography.
Yagiyama Zoological Park FUJISAKI no MORI offers much more than a collection of animals. Its long history, spacious natural setting, educational programs, and diverse collection of wildlife make it an important attraction in Sendai.
Its location also makes sightseeing especially convenient. Visitors can combine the zoo with Yagiyama Beny Land, Sendai Castle Site, and the natural landscapes of Aobayama, creating a varied day of entertainment, history, and nature.
For travelers exploring Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku region, a visit to Yagiyama Zoological Park is a great way to experience wildlife while also enjoying the scenery and attractions of Sendai.