Zoo · Kyushu

Aso Cuddly Dominion

Kumamoto & AsoIndoor & outdoor
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Overview

Overview

A zoo in Aso City where you can interact with 350 animals of 60 species. It centers on animal shows and close-contact facilities with bear cubs, capybaras, and penguins. It's about 1.5 km from JR Aso Station, and highway buses between Kumamoto and Oita/Beppu stop in front of the park.

Address
2163 Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2225
Closed
Wednesdays from December to February (except during winter holidays and on public holidays)
Highlights

Highlights

The signature attractions are Bear Valley, where you can give snacks to bears, and the Bear Cub Plaza, where you can interact directly with bear cubs. The Animal All-Star Show at Miyazawa Theater and the Animal Performance Show at Cuddly Hall can be seen with admission alone. You can also enjoy mini pig races, horseback riding, the capybara pond, the penguin waterfall, and more.

Hours

Opening hours

Summer hours (March 20 – October 12, 2026)9:30–17:00

Until 17:30 on specific days only

Winter hours (October 13, 2026 – March 19, 2027)10:00–16:30

Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.

Tickets

Prices & tickets

Adults (high school and older)Weekdays ¥2,600, weekends, holidays & specific days ¥2,900

Weekend and holiday prices revised in April 2026

Children (elementary & junior high)¥1,400
Young children (age 3+)¥800
Disability discountHalf price for the holder and one companion
Annual passAdults ¥10,000, children ¥5,000, young children ¥2,500
Bear Cub Plaza¥500 per group

Up to 5 people

Horseback ridingHorse ¥1,000, pony ¥800

One lap each. Canceled in rain

Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.

🎫 How to buy tickets
  • →Advance tickets can be bought at convenience stores and on the website
  • →Animal shows are included in admission
  • →Adult tickets are ¥300 cheaper on weekdays
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Check show times on the official in-park event schedule and plan your visit around the shows
  • ✓Bear Valley is free to enter; snacks for the bears cost extra
  • ✓At the Bear Cub Plaza, you can interact with bear cubs for ¥500 per group (up to 5 people)
  • ✓Helicopter sightseeing flights are suspended (as of October 2026)
Access

Getting there

Nearest station
  • Aso Station (JR Hohi Line)About 1.5 km (about 3 min by taxi)
  • Cuddly Dominion-mae bus stop1 min walkServed by the Kyushu Odan Bus (Kumamoto – Beppu) and the Yamabiko (Kumamoto – Oita)
From major stations & airports
  • Kumamoto / Beppu: Kyushu Odan Bus; get off at Cuddly Dominion-mae
  • Kumamoto / Oita: Highway bus Yamabiko; get off at Cuddly Dominion-mae
  • Aso Kumamoto Airport: Taxi (About 40 min)
  • Kumamoto IC (Kyushu Expressway): Via Route 57 (about 35 km)
Getting back
  • Free parking (1,200 regular cars)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best time to go

Busy
Weekends, holidays, and specific days (when adult admission is higher)
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Summer

Summer hours are 9:30–17:00 (until 17:30 on specific days).

Autumn

In 2026, winter hours (10:00–16:30) start October 13.

Winter

Closed on Wednesdays from December to February (except during winter holidays and on public holidays). Open 10:00–16:30.

☂ Rainy days
Animal shows are held in the theater and hall. Horseback riding is canceled in rain, and encounter activities may change depending on the weather
Heat
Protect yourself from the sun at the outdoor encounter facilities
Cold
In winter it opens at 10:00. Dress warmly if visiting the outdoor facilities
What to wear & bring
There's a lot of animal interaction, so wear clothes that are easy to move in
Facilities

Facilities & services

Accessibility
Half price for people with disabilities and one companion
Food

Food

Must-try
Cuddly Kitchen Mori no Kuma-san
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Aso Cuddly DominionPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Hours, prices and access are based on official and other primary sources. They may change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-02