You will discover Kobe Animal Kingdom, an animal and flower park situated on Port Island in Kobe, Japan. Primarily set in and around a climate-controlled, all-weather greenhouse, this unique destination is built on the core concept of personal contact with birds and vibrant flowers. Originally opened in March 2006 as Kobe Kachoen before being renamed in 2014, the park invites you to step inside an inviting environment where you can actively touch and feed birds.
As you explore the themed zones, you will encounter a wide range of fascinating creatures. Marvel at Sumatran tigers in the Sumatran Tiger Ecological Garden, watch Asian small-clawed otters in the Otter Sanctuary, and spot shoebills in the African Wetland. The park also features zones like the Tropical Wetland, home to fishing cats, alongside the Asian Forest housing red pandas, Pallas's cats, and binturongs.
You can interact with domestic rabbits, dogs, and cats in the Contact Animals section, or visit capybaras and giant anteaters in the Pantanal habitat. Whether observing servals, meerkats, sand cats, or African penguins, Kobe Animal Kingdom offers an engaging, immersive wildlife experience.
What to see at Kobe Animal Kingdom
- Touch and feed birds inside an all-weather greenhouse park on Port Island.
- See Sumatran tigers in the Ecological Garden and red pandas in the Asian Forest.
- Observe rare shoebills in the African Wetland and capybaras in the Pantanal habitat.
- Interact with domestic dogs, cats, and rabbits in the dedicated Contact Animals area.
- Discover diverse species ranging from Asian small-clawed otters to giant anteaters and servals.
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the park's interactive concept by visiting the greenhouse areas where you can touch and feed birds directly.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Kobe Animal Kingdom is easy to reach on Kobe’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kobe Mosque and Hyōgo Prefectural Museum of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kobe travel guide.
See the full Kobe travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.