Why You Should Visit
【Final Year to See the Old Hunter House at Night!】The beloved annual night cherry blossom event at Oji Zoo. This year marks the very last opportunity to view the historic Old Hunter House during the night cherry blossom walk — don't miss it. Around 100 cherry trees are lit up along a special 350-meter viewing path (approx. 20 minutes to walk), open free of charge. Experience the magical beauty of nighttime sakura, so different from daytime viewing.
Essentials
- location
- Oji Zoo, Special Viewing Path (approx. 350m)
- period
- April 3, 2026 (Fri) - April 5, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 18:00–20:30
- cost
- Free (cherry blossom donation appreciated)
- access
- 3 min walk west from Hankyu Ojikoen Station, 5 min walk north from JR Nada Station, 10 min walk north from Hanshin Iwaya Station. Kobe City Bus 92 to Oji Zoo stop.
- NOTE
- Animal viewing not available. One-way route (south to north only). No food, drink, or alcohol. No pets. Parking closes for entry at 16:00 (no parking during the night event). Amusement park tickets sold until 20:00, closes at 20:30. No entry to Old Hunter House grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee?
Can I see the animals?
Can I view the Old Hunter House?
NEARBY STORIES
Nearby Highlights
LOCAL UPDATES
Local Updates
Kobe Oji Zoo
Photo Gallery
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Kobe Oji Zoo: Things to See & Do
A historic zoo established in 1951 at the foot of Mt. Rokko, home to about 120 species and 700 animals in a nature-rich environment. Giant Panda 'Tan Tan', kept until March 2024, lived to 28 years and was beloved by many visitors. The park features the relocated 'Former Hunter Residence' (National Important Cultural Property) from the Meiji era, making it a unique spot combining zoo and historical architecture. In spring, about 350 cherry trees bloom, with special night viewing events.
Koalas & Popular Animals
About 120 species including koalas, giraffes, elephants, and polar bears. Petting area with goats and sheep
Former Hunter Residence (Cultural Property)
Built in 1889, Kobe's largest Western-style residence. Historic building showcasing Meiji-era architecture. Beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring
Cherry Blossom Spot & Night Viewing
One of Kobe's best cherry blossom spots with 350 trees. Annual night viewing event in early April (free admission)
Kobe Oji Zoo: Photo Spots & Tips
Best Shots
- — Former Hunter Residence with cherry blossoms (spring)
- — Koala feeding time (around 13:00)
- — Dynamic scenes of large animals like elephants and giraffes
- — Animal interaction at petting area
- — Ferris wheel and zoo combination shots
Best Timing
- — Early morning after opening is less crowded
- — Feeding times: Elephants (11:30), Koalas (13:00)
- — Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) is most beautiful
- — Night cherry viewing: 3 days in early April (18:00-20:30)
Photography allowed. Minimize flash for animals. Night cherry viewing is free but animals not viewable.
Kobe Oji Zoo: Access, Hours & Fees
- Opening Hours
- March-October: 9:00-17:00, November-February: 9:00-16:30 (Entry 30 min before closing) / Closed: Wednesdays (open on holidays), New Year holidays
- cost
- Adults (high school+): ¥600, Junior high and under: Free, Kobe high school students: Free, Hyogo residents 65+: Free
- Best Time
- Enjoyable year-round, especially during cherry blossom season (late March-early April). Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours. Visit during feeding times for more enjoyment.
- Suggested Duration
- About 2 hours
- Access
- 3 min walk west from Hankyu Ojikoen Station, 5 min walk north from JR Nada Station, 10 min walk north from Hanshin Iwaya Station. Kobe City Bus 92 to Oji Zoo stop.
- Accessibility
- Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Stroller rental available. Nursing room and diaper changing facilities. Free for junior high students and under.
Nearby Spots
We present captivating tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Saigogawa Kakou Park
A park at the mouth of the Saigo River in Nada Ward, Kobe. In spring, enjoy kawazu cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, and snow willow simultaneously. Somei Yoshino cherries bloom in April. Also features basketball courts and playground equipment.
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
Opened in 2002 as a symbol of cultural recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, this is one of Western Japan's largest art museums. Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, the building features distinctive spaces using exposed concrete and natural light. The museum houses over 10,000 works, focusing on modern sculpture, prints, and works by Hyogo-related artists.
Nunobiki Falls
A mystical waterfall just 15 minutes walk from Shin-Kobe Station. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, it has been beloved by poets since the Heian period.
Nadahama Ryokuchi Park
A seaside park in Nada, Kobe, where Kawazu cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom together in early March. The red pillars of the Hanshin Expressway overhead make for a scene you won't find anywhere else. Home to the annual community Nanohana Festival each March.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Japan's largest herb garden at 400m elevation, 5 min walk from Shin-Kobe Station and 10 min ropeway ride. Features about 200 species and 75,000 plants blooming seasonally across 12 themed gardens. Observatory plaza offers panoramic views of Kobe city and sea, with fantastic illuminated night views. A garden resort experience.
Kitano Ijinkan District
Historic district lined with exotic Western-style houses
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