This year’s Obon holiday offers up to nine consecutive days off. One of the busiest spots is Nonhoi Park in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture (as of August 9). The park is currently hosting its annual summer event, « Night Zoo, » where visitors can observe animals from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, showcasing behaviors different from their daytime routines.
(Zookeeper’s explanation)
« The giraffes’ favorite tree is the white oak. After they finish eating the leaves, the elephants snack on the branches. »
As the keeper extends the food, a giraffe approaches right in front of them. « Wow! » the children exclaim.
(Zookeeper)
« Now we’ll feed the lions. »
Meanwhile, during the highly popular lion feeding, an amusing moment unfolds.
(Zookeeper)
« The male lion, Earth, prefers to sit and doesn’t feel like moving. He’s actually quite timid. We only feed them outside the fence during special events, so he’s too scared to come. »
The keeper tries calling Earth with horse meat… « Earth! » the children shout, but Earth remains silent—no reaction at all!
The Night Zoo runs on weekends during summer vacation, but during the Obon period (August 11–15), visitors can enjoy the nighttime zoo every evening.
(Visitor from Gifu Prefecture)
« The lions were so cool! »
« It was great seeing animals that are usually inactive during the day. »
(Visitor from Toyohashi City)
« My child was really looking forward to this. We come to Night Zoo every year. It’s too hot during the day, but at night it’s much cooler. »
(Visitor from Yokohama City)
« We saw hippos and lions. They were much more active than usual and very cute. »
« Since it’s nighttime, the lions were moving around a lot—it was a rare sight and so much fun. »
(Visitor from Kitanagoya City)
« It was fun seeing the animals in different ways. »
« I got scared when the pelican almost ate me! »
Nonhoi Park’s « Night Zoo » will run until September 28 (canceled in case of rain).
Nonhoi Park
Nonhoi Park is a public park located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, known for its serene environment and recreational spaces. Historically, the area was part of the Ping River floodplain before being developed into a community park with walking paths, gardens, and sports facilities. It serves as a green oasis for locals and visitors, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.
Toyohashi City
Toyohashi City, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a vibrant urban center known for its historical significance and industrial growth. It developed around Yoshida Castle during the Edo period and became a key transportation hub. Today, Toyohashi is recognized for its manufacturing industry, bustling port, and attractions like the Toyohashi Zoo and Natural History Museum.
Aichi Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a vibrant region known for its industrial innovation and rich cultural heritage. It is home to Nagoya, the country’s fourth-largest city, and historic sites like Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate. Aichi also hosts the renowned Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, and is a key hub for automotive manufacturing, housing companies like Toyota.
Night Zoo
The **Night Zoo** is a unique nocturnal wildlife park that allows visitors to observe animals during their active nighttime hours. Inspired by traditional night safaris, it often features illuminated habitats and guided tours to showcase the behaviors of nocturnal species. Such zoos have gained popularity in places like Singapore, where the **Night Safari** (opened in 1994) pioneered the concept as part of wildlife conservation and education efforts.
Obon holiday
The Obon holiday is a traditional Japanese Buddhist event held annually in mid-August (or July in some regions) to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the deceased return to visit their living relatives, who welcome them with rituals, dances (Bon Odori), and offerings. The festival has roots in Buddhist teachings and has been observed in Japan for over 500 years, blending religious customs with family gatherings and community celebrations.
Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture, located in central Japan, is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and traditional crafts. It was a strategic region during the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries) and is home to historic sites like Gifu Castle, once ruled by the warlord Oda Nobunaga. Today, Gifu is famous for its cormorant fishing (ukai), hot springs, and the UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go with their iconic thatched-roof houses.
Yokohama City
Yokohama City, located south of Tokyo, is Japan’s second-largest city and a major port with a rich history dating back to its opening to international trade in 1859. It grew rapidly as a gateway for Western influence, blending foreign and Japanese culture, seen in landmarks like the historic Yamate district and Chinatown. Today, Yokohama is a vibrant metropolis known for its waterfront attractions, including Minato Mirai, and its role as a hub for innovation and global exchange.
Kitanagoya City
Kitanagoya City, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a modern city with historical roots dating back to the Edo period. It is known for its connection to the Owari Domain and features cultural sites like the Shippo Art Village, which celebrates traditional cloisonné craftsmanship. Today, the city blends its heritage with industrial development, particularly in automotive and manufacturing sectors.
