Kusatsu may be best known for hot-springs and skiing, but it's also home to the Nettaikan, a dome filled with a wide range of tropical animals. They have crocodiles, iguanas and Gila monsters; plenty of snakes, including boas and golden pythons over two meters long; cuter animals like lemus, marmosets, capybaras and meercats; and a handful of birds such as flamingoes and hornbills. There's also a display of mounted insects, and they run a regular free shuttle bus to the center of town.
It's open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and admission costs ¥1000 for adults, ¥600 or ¥700 for students.
Peter Sidell @peter.sidell
I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.
