The Annual Night Zoo at Saitama Children's Zoo

The annual night zoo is on at Saitama Children's Zoo each night of Silver Week 2026. It will be on the following Saturday and Sunday too, September 26th and 27th.  For years, the night zoo was on in August. It wasn't on for a few years due to the pandemic, and when it came back, it was on in September instead. It has been on in September since.

September is a far better month for it as it is very hot at night in August. Sometimes September nights can be quite warm too, but this year they have been lovely and cool. Unfortunately, though, that is due to all the typhoons we are experiencing this year. There is a typhoon this weekend too. So far, the night zoo hasn't been cancelled, but if you are planning to go, I would keep an eye on the official website.

For the night zoo, the zoo stays open until 8 pm (last entry at 7.30 pm) and some of the pens (but not all of them) are open to the public. They have special talks and workshops on the days of the night zoo. Moreover, they have some illumination on the nights of the zoo too. More about Saitama Children's Zoo (also called Saitama Children's Nature Animal Park) on City-cost.