Kahoku Town Children’s Zoo

Located in Kahoku Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture, Kahoku Town Children’s Zoo is the only zoo in the prefecture. Since opening in 1953, it has long been loved as a place for local children to learn and relax, and it was renovated in 2025.

The zoo keeps more than 30 kinds of animals, including ponies, Japanese macaques, rabbits, peacocks, and raccoon dogs. Its outdoor area is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and can be visited free of charge, a rare feature even nationwide.

At the newly opened “Kahoku Manabi-kan Zooiku,” visitors can observe animals up close, including the toco toucan, the only one on display in the Tohoku region, as well as hedgehogs and guinea pigs. The facility also has a kids’ space and a multipurpose space.

The zoo also serves as a wildlife rescue facility for wild birds and animals in Yamagata Prefecture, focusing on the protection of injured wildlife and environmental education. Animal interaction programs, feeding experiences, and learning events are also held here, making it a place where visitors can enjoy themselves while learning the importance of life. It is recommended not only for families, but also for animal lovers and travelers who want to experience local culture.