Begin your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in central Tokyo. Relax as you travel to the Ichikawa City Zoo, a hidden gem in Chiba that offers a more intimate and natural experience than the larger city zoos.

Upon arrival, skip the long lines and head straight to the monkey enclosure to see Punch-kun, the famous baby monkey known worldwide for his adorable bond with his plushie. Your guide will share the heartwarming story of his upbringing and help you find the best spots for photos without the crowd-stress.

Next, head to the Red Panda sanctuary. With 13 residents, Ichikawa is a leader in Red Panda conservation. Watch them navigate their wooden climbing structures and learn why they are the zoo’s official mascots.

For families, the tour includes a guided visit to the “Nakayoshi” Friendship Square. Here, the interaction is hands-on. Safely interact with the animals and use the local currency (Yen) needed for the popular animal feed dispensers.

Finish the day with a relaxing walk through the Ohmachi Nature Park and the Mini-Shinkansen ride (a hit for kids), before your comfortable transport whisks you back to central Tokyo.