A capybara muches on grass at Animal Touch, a miniature zoo in Yokohoma, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
Prepare to be amazed as you get up close and personal with a variety of adorable creatures at this indoor zoo on Yokohama’s waterfront.
From the fluffy baby chicks to the mischievous meerkats, Animal Touch promises a hands-on encounter that will warm your heart and spark your curiosity.
Tucked away in the vibrant cityscape of Minatomirai, this hidden gem opens into a jungle paradise. While some animals are designated as “look but don’t touch,” others invite you to hand-feed and pet them.
Remember to bring coins with you to purchase treats for each animal at 200 yen, the equivalent of about $1.30, per serving.
The baby chicks will eagerly eat from your hand. A guinea pig platform features both furry and hairless guinea pigs roaming freely. You’ll also encounter owls, meerkats and fennec foxes.
A golden-handed tamarin monkey enjoys a treat at Animal Touch, a miniature zoo in Yokohoma, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
Venturing toward the back of the room reveals a showcase of reptiles, some of which can be petted if you visit at the right time. Leopard geckos, blue-tailed lizards and a red iguana typically sit quietly in their enclosures.
Continuing along the full loop, you’ll encounter panda mice and petite hedgehogs that you can touch and even pick up, if you dare.
Returning to the entrance, you’ll notice a door in the corner leading to another room. Once inside, a singular space unveils the highlight of the experience. Capybaras leisurely eat, bathe and hang out, accompanied by lively golden-handed tamarin monkeys and toucans. In a distant corner, lemurs and a sloth mind their own business.
Even though you cannot touch the toucans or sloth, the tamarin monkeys will entertain you enough as you feed them and they might jump on your shoulder to do so.
A capybara takes a bath at Animal Touch, a miniature zoo in Yokohoma, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
Every room is staffed with workers who guide some of the animals and readily answer any questions you may have. The staff during my visit could speak a little English.
When your time is done, you’ll find a small shop across the walkway that sells stuffed animals and miniature toys featuring the animals you’ve just encountered.
Offering a unique and unforgettable experience for both children and adults, this is an ideal destination for a day trip with friends or family.
On the QT
Directions: A short walk from Minatomirai Station to the Yokohama World Porters building at 2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0001.
Times: Open weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry 6:30 p.m.); weekend and holidays, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.)
Costs: Adults: 1,500 yen, or $9.79, on weekdays and 1,800 yen on weekends. Students: 1,300 yen on weekdays and 1,600 yen on weekends. Children: 800 yen on weekdays and 1,000 yen on weekends.
Food: You’ll find restaurants and other options at the adjacent Yokohama World Porters mall.
Information: Online: anitouch.jp; @anitouch_minatomirai on Instagram; @anitouch_ on Twitter.
