[Kanagawa] Meet the okapi, one of the world's three rarest animals! "Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia"

#SummerThemePark

When you think of Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, you think of the okapi, one of the world's three most endangered animals.

It first arrived in Japan in 1999 as the centerpiece of Zoorasia's opening.

At the time, this strange animal, a cross between a zebra and a deer, captivated both adults and children, and I remember it becoming as much of a hit as the panda.

The okapi is actually a relative of the giraffe, a rare animal said to be a "living fossil" that has remained unchanged since ancient times.

Zoorasia also houses approximately 530 animals from 100 different species from around the world, housed in eight zones divided by climate and region, giving you the feeling of traveling the world.

The zoo is very large, and it takes about 90 minutes to walk from the main gate to the northernmost north gate.

So, using the park bus is extremely convenient! Admission is a reasonable ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for children.

📍Address: 1175-1 Kamishirone-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
🕰️Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
💰Admission Fee: ¥800 for adults, ¥300 for middle and high school students, ¥200 for elementary and middle school students, free for elementary school students and younger
🚗Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Yokohama-Machida IC on the Tomei Expressway. Approximately 15 minutes by bus directly to the zoo from the north exit of Tsurugamine Station on the Sotetsu Line or the north exit of Mitsukyo Station on the Sotetsu Line.

#Kanagawa #Yokohama #Zoo #ThemePark