The Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden is located in the center of Fukuoka City, about 20 minutes by bus from Hakata and Tenjin Stations. This urban oasis of lush natural greenery is a popular place for local residents to come and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The botanical garden’s popular rose garden features 1,300 roses of approximately 280 varieties. The best times to see them are twice a year, in spring and autumn.
The rose garden is spectacular in spring due to the wide array and considerable size of the flowers in bloom. In autumn, the rose garden may have fewer flowers than in spring, but each individual flower takes on a beautiful, rich and vibrant color due to their thicker autumn petals.
From the spacious 2,800-square meter greenhouse you can see a number of rare tropical plants.
It is divided into eight rooms and two gardens according to the type of plant and the place where it grows. Follow the recommended course and it will take you upstairs, where you can enjoy looking at the plants from above.
There is also an herb garden, a water garden, an enormous flower garden measuring some 500 square meters in size, as well as a citizens’ flower garden which just may give you a couple ideas for your own gardening.
The square flower bed (about 190 sqm) found at the entrance to the botanical garden is also a popular spot to take photos of the seasonal flowers.
From the observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of not only the zoo and botanical garden but also as far as Tenjin and the Hakata Station area on a clear day.
The observation deck also has a cafe with a children’s playground, the Observatory Kids Terrace, where you can relax over a cup of tea as your children play.
You can also enjoy the flowers in the herb garden in front of you.
The lawn in the center of the botanical garden is a popular place to take a break and relax, especially on warm, sunny days.
The spacious 4,900-square meter lawn surrounds a pond and is also ideal for a leisurely picnic lunch.
You can enjoy a variety of seasonal plants all year round, including the classic somei yoshino cherry blossoms during cherry blossom season in spring, as well as the tall, majestic lily-of-the-valley flowers in early summer and acorn-bearing oak trees in autumn.
You can also check the Fukuoka Botanical Garden’s website for a map with recommended walking routes, information about what flowers are currently in bloom, as well as the best times to see the flowers in the greenhouse.
The zoo is home to some 100 different animal species (as of the end of July 2023), including reticulated giraffes, Siberian tigers and leopards, and holds a variety of events throughout the year.
You can also find information about the types of animals in the zoo, as well as animal photos and sounds, on the zoo’s website.
Atop the highest part of a hill near the zoo’s west gate you will find a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, as well as some popular children’s rides.
Enjoy panoramic views of the city of Fukuoka from the Ferris wheel.

Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden
Location:1-1 Minamikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0037
phone : 092-531-1968
Hours：9am – 5pm (Last entry at 4:30pm)
Closed on Mondays (except on national holidays, closes on following day),New Year’s period (Dec. 29 – Jan. 1)
Open on the last Monday of March.
https://zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/

Cover photograph provided by Fukuoka City.