With kids
Kobe Animal Kingdom
Kobe Animal Kingdom is on Port Island, right by a Port Liner station. Much of the park is inside large, flower-filled greenhouse halls (the 'InsidePark'), where birds, owls, capybaras and other animals live close to visitors. An outdoor section (the 'OutsidePark') has more animals and bird flight shows.
Hands-on experiences are the big draw for children. Many are feeding or touching sessions, and several are run with timed tickets. Because the main halls are indoors, it is a good rainy-day choice in Kobe.
What to see and do
Capybara feeding takes place in the Pantanal area, and the park has recently had capybara babies.
An owl-perching experience runs in the Water Lilies area. Fish touching is also available there.
Birds fly over the crowd in the park's performance shows.
Children can feed sheep, alpacas, maras, tortoises and waterfowl. Camel and pony rides use timed tickets handed out 30 minutes ahead.
Strollers and babies
Strollers can be rented for ¥500 (¥100 back when you return it) and can't be reserved. Nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations are near the Capy & Barbara gift shop and near Fukurou-an in the north contact area, and diapers are sold from vending machines. All the restaurants provide hot water for baby formula
Good to know
- Pick up timed tickets for the popular experiences (camel and pony rides, penguin snacks, dog, cat and rabbit touch) soon after you arrive.
- Don't come on a Thursday, the regular closing day. You also can't re-enter on a day ticket, so bring what you need before going in.