The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

On a fine winter day, I went to Fukuoka Zoo for the first time in more than 30 years.

When I entered, there was no one in the zoo. I felt like the whole site was reserved only for me.

First of all, I was amused by the pretty buildings.

Even though it is in the middle of a major makeover, opened in 1953, some buildings look quite antiquated, though well maintained.

I don’t know what it is called, but I love this style of buildings, which is no longer stylish or modern, but has some sort of playfulness in design.

I particularly love the giraffe house.

Looks like an old apartment house that could be seen in a fantastic film. Did you know how tall the door for giraffe is?

And there are some out-of-use facilities, like this rope bridge, dotted in thickets surrounding the cages.

Having rambled around for a while, I began to feel as if I had strayed into a ruined estate or I myself was a daughter of the landlord, who returned from her unhappy marriage.

In winter you might hesitate to visit such an outdoor attraction, but don’t worry—indoor displays (is it a right word in zoo?) are available, though there is no guarantee you can meet animals there.

The good thing is, unlike other indoor exhibitions (Again, is this right word?) of this kind, the space was not at all smelly. As a whole, this zoo seems to be kept very clean and does not smell like “zoo.” Actually I felt a slight smell of beast, but it happened in very limited spots. I would say 70% of your time in the zoo should be smell-free (probably).

In terms of accessibility, this zoo is not for everyone, to be honest. To get to the zoo, car is not the first choice as the parking space is very limited (remember it was opened in the 50s, before moralization reached Japan, and is located in one of the most exclusive and expensive areas in Fukuoka). If you use bus, it’s fine. There are plenty of services.  But if you attempt to go on foot or by bike, you might regret your recklessness. The zoo is literally on the top of a hill. 

Whichever route you chose to get to the zoo, you have to climb hill after hill. Plus, the zoo itself has a considerable number of slopes and steps. I strongly recommend you using a bus or taxi,

and wearing your best walking or trekking shoes, and maybe taking an alpenstock just in case.