This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s 2026 Night Zoo season continues on five Saturdays: August 15, 22 and 29, plus September 5 and 12. The zoo and gardens stay open until 21:00, with last admission at 20:30.
The first two dates, August 1 and 8, have already finished. This updated guide focuses on what international visitors can still see: nocturnal animals, illuminated garden areas, evening flowers, keeper programs and food, plus the public-transport plan needed for a busy summer night.
- Remaining dates: August 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12
- Open 9:00–21:00; last admission 20:30
- Adult ¥600; high-school student ¥300
- Junior-high-school age and younger enter free
Information checked on August 10, 2026 against Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s official event announcement. Daily feeding, guide and workshop times can change, so confirm the program for your Saturday.
Night Zoo 2026 essentials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Remaining dates | August 15, 22, 29; September 5 and 12, 2026 |
| Opening hours | 9:00–21:00 |
| Last admission | 20:30 |
| Venue | Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Minami-koen |
| Admission | Adult ¥600; high-school student ¥300 |
| Children | Junior-high-school age and younger free |
What is different after sunset
The event highlights animals that are more active in the evening, lit penguin and aviary areas, and rotating feeding times and short keeper talks. The exact animals and times vary by date, so save the official schedule rather than assuming every program runs every Saturday.
A live monitor of the Tsushima leopard cat kitten born in April is scheduled in ZooLab through the end of August. The botanical entrance garden also receives its first special evening illumination this season.
Botanical garden, flowers and food
The greenhouse and garden areas stay active after dark with illuminated tropical water lilies and other night-blooming plants. The evening primrose opening show is timed around sunset; the published estimates become earlier each week, from about 19:05 on August 15 to 18:30 on September 12.
Garden Lounge food trucks, workshops, live music and sales vary by date. Food and retail service is generally listed until 20:30, but individual stalls can finish earlier.
Use public transport
Roads and parking around Minami-koen become congested during Night Zoo. The free ZOO shuttle bus is not operating, so use regular city buses, the subway combined with a bus or taxi, or walk from a suitable stop.
Visitors arriving by public transport or on foot can receive one of 5,000 animal stickers per date by showing eligible proof at the main-gate information desk, while supplies last. Check the official conditions before relying on the giveaway.
Plan for children and a long evening
The grounds include hills, dark paths and long distances between the animal and botanical zones. Arrive before sunset if you want to learn the layout, then choose two or three priority programs instead of trying to cover everything.
- Wear walking shoes and bring water and insect repellent.
- Use quiet voices and never use flash where it can disturb animals.
- Keep children close in dark or crowded areas.
- Check rain, heat and animal-display updates on the day.
Official schedule and related Fukuoka guides
Use the official announcement for date-specific programs. These guides can help plan other evening and first-time activities.
