Iida City Zoo is a municipal zoo located in Iida City, southern Nagano Prefecture. Opened on May 5, 1953, it has long been loved by local residents and visitors alike. The zoo stands at the southern end of Iida’s famous Apple Tree-lined Street, making it easy to visit while exploring the city center.
Admission is free, yet visitors can encounter a wide variety of animals and enjoy opportunities to observe them at close range. Its compact size makes the zoo particularly convenient for families with young children.
Unlike large urban zoos with extensive grounds, Iida City Zoo is a small-scale facility where around 60 species are kept in a compact setting. Its intimate atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy surprisingly close encounters with the animals.
Among the zoo’s residents are Humboldt penguins and Parma wallabies, along with animals that are particularly unusual in Nagano Prefecture. These include Andean condors and meerkats. Visitors can also see popular animals such as alpacas and capybaras.
Animal-feeding experiences and other interactive programs are another highlight. Watching animals eat from close range can be an enjoyable experience for children while also providing an opportunity to learn about animals and the importance of caring for living creatures.
One of the zoo’s most popular attractions is the miniature railway known as Benkei IV. The small train has been running since the zoo first opened and has delighted generations of local children. Battery-powered cars and other rides are also available, giving children plenty to enjoy beyond the animal exhibits.
The compact layout is easy to explore with young children, and the grounds are convenient for visitors using strollers. On weekends and holidays, the zoo becomes a lively gathering place for families as well as a relaxing destination for local residents.
The zoo is home to a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and other creatures. Highlights include flamingos, including European and Chilean flamingos, as well as Japanese serows, Japanese macaques, ponies and sheep.
Smaller animals such as American beavers and chinchillas can also be seen, while unusual species such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches offer an unexpected glimpse into the diversity of the animal world.
One of the zoo’s most notable residents is the Andean condor, which is said to be the only one kept in Nagano Prefecture. With a wingspan that can reach approximately 3 meters, this enormous bird makes an impressive sight.
Iida City Zoo offers something different throughout the year. In spring, flowers brighten the grounds, while early summer brings fresh green foliage and a peaceful atmosphere. In autumn, colorful leaves add another layer of beauty to the surrounding landscape.
Several times a year, the zoo also hosts Night Zoo events. These special evenings provide an opportunity to observe nocturnal animals when they become more active, offering a very different experience from a daytime visit.
The zoo is conveniently located for travelers exploring central Iida. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Iida Station on the JR Iida Line, making it easy to include in a city sightseeing itinerary.
By car, the zoo is approximately 15 minutes from the Iida Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. The adjacent municipal Ogimachi Parking Lot can be used free of charge for up to 120 minutes, after which a fee of 100 yen is added for each additional 30 minutes.
The zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, or on the following day when Monday is a national holiday, as well as during the New Year holiday period. Admission is free, making it an easy and affordable stop for travelers of all ages.
After visiting the zoo, take a leisurely walk along the nearby Apple Tree-lined Street. Stretching for approximately 400 meters, the avenue was created as part of the reconstruction of Iida following a major city fire and has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
Apple trees line the street, producing blossoms in spring and fruit in autumn. The avenue has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Roads and one of the 100 Best Fragrant Landscapes, and today it serves as a pleasant walking route for both residents and visitors.
Benches and monuments along the street provide places to pause and enjoy the atmosphere, making the zoo and Apple Tree-lined Street an ideal combination for a relaxed stroll through central Iida.
Iida City Zoo may be small, but its intimate atmosphere and close encounters with animals give it a special charm. Children can discover animals at close range, enjoy interactive experiences and rides, and learn about the natural world, while adults can simply slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Combined with a walk along the Apple Tree-lined Street, a visit to this welcoming zoo offers a gentle introduction to Iida’s everyday character and local culture. For travelers exploring southern Nagano, it is an easygoing attraction where families can enjoy nature, animals and the warmth of the city.