Explore Sendai Yagiyama Zoological Park

Animal fun just 30 minutes from downtown

Justin Velgus Mar 19, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A tiger lounges lazily on a rock. </p>

<p>A mother and baby Abyssinian Colobus bask in the afternoon sun. </p>

<p>A red panda balances along a wooden plank. </p>

<p>The prairie dogs were not so active today, so taking photos was easy.</p>

<p>The Reptile House exhibit is full of snakes and turtles. </p>

<p>A map of the Sendai Yagiyama Zoo. Notice the winding footpaths. You often have to make loops or backtrack to see all of the animals.  </p>

<p>During harsh weather or when an animal area is being cleaned, some animals will come indoors.</p>

<p>While some animal enclosures are spacious, others are tiny with concrete floors. Most of the zoo is a pleasure, but seeing a few scenes like this was a little depressing.</p>

<p>A polar bear relaxes in the winter snowfall. </p>

The Sendai Yagiyama Zoological Park is a 30 minute bus ride from JR Sendai Station. At just 400 yen admission, it is a real bargain and an easy way to spend an hour or two. The zoo features penguins, llamas, camels, elephants, tigers, lions, hippos, several species of monkeys, a large Reptile House, and several other animals on display. A few endangered species are also under a special protection and repopulation program. Some animals have special feeding times customers may take part in. Read more in this photo story's accompanying article here.

Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...