Zoo masks a world of wonder for kids

Story and Photos by Reynaldo Cantu

A zoo is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you’re a child. But the Okinawa Zoo & Museum (Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni) goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer a virtual wonderland for youngsters.

As a zoo, it allows visitors to observe native species like the Okinawan wild boar and the Yonaguni pony. Parents and their children can also take a gander at a giant anteater, lots of monkeys, a tiger, two lions, hippopotami and a couple of giraffes, among its other exotic animals.

With the kids — or those that are kids at heart — in mind, the zoo portion is merely where the
fun begins. A tiny amusement park is home to a colorful carousel, a train and horseback rides.
But the real attraction is the aptly named Wonder Museum.

Landscaped and tranquil, Wonder Museum is centered on a large lake with assorted waterfowl in residence. A fishing area is set apart for anyone interested in snagging a few of the lake’s inhabitants.

At the side of the lake is a fine example of a typical Okinawan home with a stone well, raised storage shed, barn and “ashasi,” a detached room used as the eldest son’s quarters. People are not allowed to enter the home but its walls are open and signs in English offer explanations of the function of each room.

A cobbled pathway lined with small lotus ponds leads up to Wonder Museum. Admission is 100 yen for kids and 200 yen for adults. It is a modern, strikingly attractive facility that will draw even the fussiest little rascal into its enchanting activities.

One enters through a colorful wall of kinetic, whirling gizmos and mobiles that expand and contract in midair. A spacious stairwell offers tantalizing glimpses of the three-storied wonderland.

Everything is for touching, exploring and marveling. There is one room crammed with costumes to facilitate youngsters’ fantasies, another where trick art teases the senses and paintings spill out of their frames. Next to a group creating culinary treats is a space where budding architects can build their dream structures.

Squealing in delight, loud laughing and boisterous joy are never discouraged. It’s all for fun and unobtrusive learning. All children are welcome. Japanese is used to lead supervised activities, however, there’s no need to be discouraged. The cooking class, for example, is easy to enjoy no matter what language you speak; just rely more on your eyes than your ears.

To get there, take Highway 330 to the New Century Hotel intersection just south of Gate 2 Street. Turn east for 800 meters and go straight until the street ends at the entrance to the park. Admission to the park itself is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children.