A Historic Zoo Loved by the Local Community
The history of Nagano City Joyama Zoo dates back to 1961. At that time, preparations were underway for the Nagano Industrial Exposition, and Joyama Park was developed as part of the event. An amusement park and animal exhibits were created in the area, introducing the foundation of what would become today’s zoo.
After the exposition ended, the facility officially opened as the Nagano City Municipal Zoo in August 1961. Since then, it has continued to serve as a familiar place for generations of Nagano residents. In 2011, the zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century as one of the city’s beloved recreational and educational facilities.
Today, the zoo is managed by the Nagano City Development Corporation as a designated management organization. In addition to providing entertainment, it plays an educational role by helping visitors learn about animals, their habitats, and the importance of protecting wildlife.
Free Admission in a Convenient Central Location
One of the most attractive features of Joyama Zoo for travelers is its free admission. Visitors can enjoy the animal exhibits without paying an entrance fee, making it especially appealing for families traveling on a budget.
The zoo is located within Joyama Park, close to the center of Nagano City. Several other attractions are nearby, including the former Nagano City Youth Science Center, Nagano Prefectural Art Museum, and sports facilities. Most notably, Zenkoji Temple is also close by, making it easy to combine a visit to the zoo with sightseeing in the historic heart of Nagano.
The zoo attracts approximately 300,000 visitors each year. While many are local residents, its convenient setting also makes it a worthwhile stop for tourists exploring Nagano City.
Meet the Animals at Nagano City Joyama Zoo
California Sea Lions and Their Popular Feeding Time
One of the most popular attractions at Joyama Zoo is the California sea lion exhibit. The male sea lion, Shun, came from Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, while the female, Doremi, arrived from Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium in 2019.
Doremi is also taking part in training sessions, allowing visitors to see how zoo animals learn and interact with their keepers. For an especially memorable experience, visitors can watch the Sea Lion Feeding Time, held every day at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.. The lively movements of the sea lions and their interactions with the keepers make this one of the zoo’s most popular daily events.
Japanese Macaques on the Monkey Mountain
The Japanese macaques live in a spacious monkey enclosure where visitors can observe their social behavior. Japanese macaques are native to Japan and are famous for their ability to survive in a wide range of environments, including cold mountainous regions.
In the zoo, they are fed specially prepared monkey pellets together with seasonal vegetables, fruits, branches, and leaves. Keepers scatter food over a broad area rather than placing it all in one location. This prevents the animals from competing excessively for food and gives every monkey an opportunity to eat.
Watching the macaques interact with one another can be particularly interesting, as their social relationships and individual personalities are often easy to observe.
Waterfowl at Maruike Pond
Maruike Pond is home to a variety of waterfowl living together in the same environment. Depending on the area, visitors can see species such as black-crowned night herons, Chinese geese, Muscovy ducks, domestic ducks, and hybrid ducks.
The black-crowned night heron is particularly fascinating because of its distinctive nighttime call. In Japan, it has traditionally been given the nickname “Yogarasu,” or “night crow,” because of the unusual sound it makes after dark.
Discover Unique Animals in the Monkey House
Lion-Tailed Macaques
The lion-tailed macaque is named for its distinctive tail, which has a fluffy tuft resembling a lion’s tail. It is a species facing conservation concerns, making opportunities to see these animals particularly meaningful.
At Joyama Zoo, the macaques are provided with a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, leaves, and specially prepared food. Their distinctive appearance and behavior make them one of the interesting species to look for in the monkey house.
Tufted Capuchins
The intelligent tufted capuchin is sometimes called the “chimpanzee of South America.” These monkeys are known for their ability to manipulate objects and use tools.
Visitors may be able to observe them using objects to break open hard nuts, providing a fascinating glimpse into the problem-solving abilities of these highly intelligent primates.
Ring-Tailed Lemurs
The ring-tailed lemur is instantly recognizable by its long tail marked with alternating black and white rings. Native to Madagascar, this species is classified as endangered, and its playful movements and expressive face make it a favorite among visitors.
Common Squirrel Monkeys
Common squirrel monkeys are small, energetic primates known for their constant movement and curiosity. They are sensitive to cold temperatures, so they may spend more time indoors during winter.
In warmer months, insects are one of their favorite foods. Visitors may even see keepers gathering insects to provide an appropriate seasonal treat for these active little monkeys.
Iizuna Forest: A Window into Nagano’s Natural Environment
Iizuna Forest is an exhibit inspired by Mount Iizuna, one of the mountains closely associated with Nagano City. It provides visitors with an opportunity to observe local wildlife, including Japanese squirrels, mandarin ducks, and Japanese pond turtles.
The exhibit is particularly suitable for children because it encourages observation and hands-on learning. Rather than simply viewing animals from a distance, visitors can learn about their habits and the natural environment in which they live.
Japanese squirrels can sometimes strip bark from trees when constructing their nests. They may also carry away pieces of cloth or plastic to use as nesting material. Visitors should therefore take care not to leave small personal belongings where the squirrels can reach them.
Meet the Cape Hyrax at the Hyrax Kopje
The Hyrax Kopje is a newer area of Joyama Zoo where visitors can observe Cape hyraxes, small mammals that naturally inhabit rocky environments.
The animals can often be seen resting on rocks, hiding in crevices, or quietly observing their surroundings. Their relaxed behavior and expressive faces make them surprisingly entertaining to watch. The rocky setting also provides an opportunity to imagine how these animals live in their natural habitat.
Humboldt Penguins and Their Devoted Pairs
The Humboldt penguins are another popular attraction at Joyama Zoo. Each bird wears a colored identification band on its wing so that keepers can distinguish individual penguins.
Penguins wearing matching colors are a pair. The bands also help indicate their sex, with the female identified on the right and the male on the left. Penguin pairs are known for their close bonds, and once a pair forms, it rarely separates.
Watching these pairs swim, rest, and interact with each other offers a charming glimpse into the social lives of these fascinating birds.
Flamingos and the Fascinating World of Flamingo Chicks
Joyama Zoo is also home to Chilean flamingos and greater flamingos. Their striking pink coloration makes them especially attractive to photographers and families.
Flamingo chicks have a remarkable feeding method. Their parents produce a nutrient-rich secretion known as “flamingo milk,” which is passed directly to the chicks. This secretion contains red pigments that contribute to the development of the young birds’ coloration.
The flamingos generally enter their breeding season around late May. During this period, visitors may have the opportunity to observe the birds building their unusual nests. The nests are constructed by piling mud and soil into raised structures, with the flamingos skillfully using their curved bills to shape the material.
Family Attractions and Amusement Rides
Joyama Zoo is not only a place to see animals. The grounds also feature several amusement rides for children, making the zoo an appealing destination for families with young children.
Joyama-go Monorail
The zoo’s monorail was renovated in 2012 and redesigned as the steam locomotive-style “Joyama-go.” Riding the small train is a fun way for children to experience the park while taking a break from animal viewing.
Other Children’s Rides
Other attractions include a traditional merry-go-round, the colorful Arabian Merry, and battery-powered cars. These attractions give children plenty to enjoy even after they have finished exploring the animal exhibits.
Things to Do Near Joyama Zoo
Because Joyama Zoo is located in one of Nagano City’s central sightseeing areas, it can easily be included in a wider itinerary. A visit to the zoo can be combined with a trip to Zenkoji Temple, one of Nagano’s most important cultural landmarks.
The nearby Nagano Prefectural Art Museum provides another option for travelers interested in art and culture. The combination of historic temples, museums, parks, and the zoo makes the Joyama area particularly convenient for families and travelers who want to experience several different sides of Nagano in one day.
For international visitors, the zoo can also provide a pleasant change of pace from traditional sightseeing. After visiting temples and historic sites, spending time observing Japanese macaques, sea lions, penguins, and other animals offers a more relaxed and informal experience of the city.
Why Visit Nagano City Joyama Zoo?
Nagano City Joyama Zoo offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience wildlife in central Nagano. Its long history, free admission, compact layout, animal exhibits, educational facilities, and children’s rides make it particularly suitable for families.
The zoo is also an attractive choice for travelers who are searching for free things to do in Nagano. With no admission fee and a location close to Zenkoji Temple and other major attractions, it can be added to a sightseeing itinerary without requiring a major time commitment.
From the lively California sea lions and social Japanese macaques to charming penguins, colorful flamingos, energetic squirrel monkeys, and the unique Cape hyraxes, the zoo offers many small discoveries throughout the grounds.
Whether you are traveling with children, looking for a relaxing break from sightseeing, or simply interested in seeing animals in a local Japanese setting, Nagano City Joyama Zoo is a welcoming destination in the heart of Nagano. Its combination of wildlife, family entertainment, education, and free admission makes it an enjoyable addition to a trip to this historic city.