Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden

Ichikawa City Zoo is home to about 50 species of animals, including the popular red pandas, meerkats, and orangutans. Despite its small size, there are many clever ways to enjoy the ecology of the animals, such as "Animal Eating Time," which can be seen at a set time every Sunday and holiday, and "Guinea Pig Caravan," where guinea pigs line up and cross a bridge. The atmosphere is very friendly, making it perfect for family outings or even a casual date!

The Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden is known for its abundant display of small animals. Among them, the "floating otters" have become a hot topic on various media and social networking sites. This zoo's specialty is the adorable small-clawed otters that play in the water, similar to the way somen noodles are served. Whether or not they slide down the slide is up to the otters' mood, so they can't be seen at any time. However, there are other highlights in the otter corner that can only be seen here, such as the "handshake corner" that utilizes the otters' habits and the "sandbox" where they can be seen playing in the sand.

At "Nakayoshi Square," where the theme is "interacting with animals," you can directly interact with animals such as guinea pigs, goats, mini pigs, and owls, making it a popular area for young children. The goats and sheep are allowed to roam freely in the square, so even adults may feel a little nervous about getting up close and personal! It's a great experience for children as well.

At Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden, there is a "Mini Railway Square" where you can ride mini trains and shinkansen, making it extremely popular among boys who love trains and their fathers! The mini locomotives that run on real coal and shinkansen that look just like the real thing are very realistic and can be enjoyed as an attraction. In addition, the "Mini Railway Square" also has a combination playground, swings, and a mini grass slide, allowing children to play and move their bodies energetically!

The botanical garden is located a little ways away from the zoo and takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to. The path there is a well-maintained walking trail that passes through a rose garden and wetlands, making the journey enjoyable in and of itself! The botanical garden features various types of cacti, tropical and subtropical plants, and more on display, centered around a large greenhouse. Once you step inside, it feels like you're in a jungle! You can leisurely admire the plants while immersing yourself in a tropical atmosphere.

Located within the Ichikawa City Zoo, the Ichikawa Nature Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the natural history of Ichikawa City. Exhibits clearly illustrate how the area's geography and nature have changed over time. The museum also features exciting attractions for children, such as a fishing game, acorn spinning tops, and even real white snakes. Be sure to visit with your children and combine it with a trip to the zoo for a fun-filled day!

Right after entering the park, there is a pond where crayfish live, and anyone can experience free crayfish fishing. Fishing rods and buckets are provided, so all you need to bring is bait! You can catch and release as many crayfish as you want, so you can enjoy fishing to your heart's content. However, please note that crayfish caught cannot be taken home and should be gently returned to the pond.

Within the Ichikawa City Zoo's grounds lies the lush "Nature Observation Park," known as a valuable spot for observing fireflies. The best time to see them is from mid-July to early August in the evening until around 8 pm, where you can witness the fantastic sight of "Heike fireflies" glowing in the dark. As there are many insects such as mosquitoes on summer nights, it's recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover your skin or use insect repellent spray beforehand to prevent insect bites.