If you have not yet discovered the charm of Nojima Zoo in the complex of Nojima Scuola on the West Coast of Awaji Island, then you are missing out. It is a charming zoo that allows visitors to interact and have fun with its many unique and adorable animals. The zoo hosts an exciting animal festival on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. There are lots of adorable creatures and engaging activities. Let’s explore the highlights of this upcoming event.
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Animal Festival
The Animal Festival held at Nojima Scola is an animal interaction event held regularly on the first and third Sunday of every month. Twice-monthly animal events promise exciting activities. Previous activities at the festival include photo ops with adorable animals, animal birthday parties, keeper talks, guinea pig races, fun quizzes, and more.
There are also many events that parents and children can enjoy together. On the day of the animal festival, different events are planned for each animal, guaranteeing a unique experience.
The events held on March 3rd, March 17th, April 7th, and April 21st are as follows.
- Guinea Pig Race: Cheer on the speedy guinea pigs as they dash to the finish line! (Time: 11:00 AM~/2:00 PM~)
- Treasure Hunt: A quest to find hidden treasures throughout the park and win exciting prizes! (Time: 11:30 AM~/2:30 PM~)
- Umeemon’s Birthday Party: Join in the festivities as we celebrate the birthday of Umeemon the sheep! (Time: 12:00 PM~/3:00 PM~)
- Photo Shoot with Animals Enjoying Cherry Blossom Viewing: Capture the beauty of cherry blossoms with adorable animals as the backdrop! (Time: 12:30 PM~/3:30 PM~)
- Easter Egg Decorating: Get creative and design your own original Easter egg!
The events held on July 7th, July 21st, August 4th, and August 18th are as follows.
- Guinea Pig Race: Cheer on the guinea pigs as they race! (Time: 11:00 AM~/2:00 PM~)
- Cosplay Photo Shoot: Take photos with guinea pigs dressed as rabbits and rabbits dressed as guinea pigs!(Time: 11:30 AM~/2:30 PM~)
- Birthday Party & Keeper’s Talk: Celebrate the birthday of Sunny the Rabbit and his three guinea pig brothers!(Time: 12:00 AM~/3:00 PM~)
- Rabbit Walking: Enjoy a walk with the rabbits!(Time: 12:30 AM~/3:30 PM~)
- Write a Tanzaku: Write your wish on an animal-themed tanzaku (a long strip of paper used to write waka poems)!
Scuola Zoo Animal Festival Information
Date/Time: Every first and third Sunday, 10:00~16:00
(Animals in recess: 13:00~14:00. No entry to the zoo)
Address: 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721
At Nojima Scuola, a repurposed elementary school transformed into a restaurant and market, there is an additional attraction highly popular among families – a zoo located in the same location. This quaint zoo features seven different types of animals, totaling 24 in number. Among them, the most renowned is an alpaca named Raul, known for his affectionate habit of giving kisses on the cheek, but exclusively to ladies! Do you know that there is a unique animal festival event at Scuola?
| Name | Nojima Zoo |
|---|---|
| Address | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| TEL | 0799-82-1820 |
| Official Web Site | https://nojima-scuola.com/zoo/ |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Operation Hours | [Weekdays] 11:00 a.m.~4:00 p.m. [Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays] 10:00 a.m.~4:00 p.m. *Rest Time for Animals: 1:00 p.m.~2:00 p.m. *Petting time might be cancelled due to rain or the physical condition of the animals. |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
Nojima Scuola, formerly known as Nojima Elementary School, has undergone a remarkable transformation as part of Awaji Island’s regional revitalization efforts. Today, it stands as a vibrant and multifaceted complex featuring a café, restaurant, small zoo, and market. What sets it apart is its pet-friendly environment, having an expansive dog run equipped with walking paths and playthings tailored specifically for our four-legged friends. If you’re intrigued by the Nojima Scuola and the exciting animal festival, don’t hesitate to pay a visit! You won’t regret it!
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
