Asa Zoological Park: Hiroshima’s City Zoo

Asa Zoological Park is Hiroshima’s city zoo, spread across a green hillside site in the northern suburbs. It is a proper full scale zoo rather than a petting corner, home to elephants, giraffes, lions and a strong cast of Japanese native species, and it has earned a reputation within Japan for its work breeding black rhinos. Locals treat it as a family day out; for visitors it makes an easy extra once Peace Park and Miyajima are done.

Wandering the park

The grounds are large and gently hilly, so comfortable shoes help. Enclosures are grouped loosely by region, with African savanna animals in the big open yards and a section devoted to creatures you will only meet in Japan, including the giant salamander, a local Hiroshima specialty. There are picnic lawns and a small playground, which explains the weekend crowds of local families.

Getting there

The zoo sits in Asakita Ward, north of central Hiroshima. Buses run from Hiroshima Station and the city centre to the zoo area, taking somewhere around 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. If you have a rental car the drive is straightforward, with parking on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is it good for toddlers? Yes, though bring the pram; distances between enclosures are longer than they look on the map.

How long do people stay? Two to three hours is typical, longer with a picnic. Mornings tend to be the liveliest time for the animals.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.