Uda Animal Park is a prefectural animal interaction park located in Otsuke, Oudacho, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Set amid the area’s beautiful natural surroundings, the park encourages visitors to meet animals up close while learning about the importance of life. Both admission and parking are free, making it an appealing destination for families and visitors of all ages. Covering approximately 8.2 hectares, the park is home to a variety of animals, including goats, sheep, ponies, cattle, rabbits, and chickens.
The park’s guiding philosophy is “education about life” through interaction with animals. By observing animals, spending time with them, and learning about their care, visitors can develop an appreciation for the value of life and the importance of kindness and compassion.
Uda Animal Park also welcomes school excursions and educational visits. Its learning programs encourage participants to consider the needs and perspectives of animals, helping children and adults deepen their understanding of animal welfare. Outreach lessons are also offered as part of the park’s educational activities.
The Animal Learning Center is the park’s main educational facility. It features exhibition areas, video presentations, classrooms, and rooms for hands-on activities. Informational panels and question-and-answer displays introduce animal behavior, care, and related topics in an accessible and engaging way.
Visitors can take part in butter-making activities in the processing room, while special events sometimes include opportunities to make ice cream. The hall is furnished with tables and chairs, providing a convenient place to rest or enjoy a light meal during a visit.
The Animal Interaction Plaza is home to goats, sheep, ponies, miniature horses, and other friendly animals. Depending on the day’s program and animal availability, visitors may be able to feed the animals, ride a pony, or experience milking a cow.
At the grazing area, sheep can be seen feeding on grass in an open environment. The small-animal house offers opportunities to observe rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and other smaller animals. These encounters provide an enjoyable way for children to learn about different species and how they live.
Families with children will enjoy the observation area, which features play equipment and the Animal Slider, a large roller slide. It is a popular place for children to burn off energy between animal activities.
The Nature Ecology Garden offers a quieter experience, with a pond featuring a fountain, a traditional-style rest shelter, and benches where visitors can take a break. From the elevated sections, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. The peaceful setting also makes it a pleasant place to spread out a picnic and relax outdoors.
An Animal Welfare Center is located within the park, where rescued dogs and cats are cared for and adoption activities help them find new homes. This work provides another opportunity for visitors to learn about responsible animal ownership and the importance of protecting animal lives.
The grounds also include a dog run that operates on a registration basis, allowing visitors to bring their dogs and enjoy time outdoors together. Check the current requirements before visiting with a pet.
The site was originally home to the Nara Prefectural Livestock Technology Center, where research was conducted on cattle, pigs, chickens, and other livestock. In April 2008, the current Uda Animal Park opened on the former research grounds, transforming the site into a place for public recreation and animal education.
Since opening, the park has become an increasingly popular destination, attracting more than 200,000 visitors annually according to the supplied information. Its combination of animal encounters, educational programs, and outdoor recreation makes it an important community resource as well as a tourist attraction.
By public transportation, take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Ouda via Uchihara from the south exit of Kintetsu Haibara Station. Get off at the Gojukken bus stop, then walk approximately five minutes to the park.
By car, the park is about 25 minutes from the Hari Interchange on the Meihan National Highway, traveling approximately 16 kilometers toward Yoshino and the Ōmine area.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Uda, Uda Animal Park offers much more than a chance to see animals. Visitors can learn about animal care, take part in hands-on activities, enjoy outdoor play, and discover the importance of treating living creatures with respect.
With free admission and a wide range of activities, it is an excellent destination for families, school groups, and anyone looking for a relaxed and educational day in the countryside of Nara Prefecture.