Overview
- ZOOMO began this winter’s public hibernation viewing on January 10, expanding a practice the zoo has followed since its 1989 opening and first opened to visitors in 2024.
- Demand surged at launch, with the zoo reporting full bookings through January 12 and a rise in inquiries compared with last year.
- Participants observe two Asiatic black bears that entered hibernation in December 2025 through a small viewing window under red light as staff give low-voice briefings to avoid disturbance.
- The tour runs on weekends and holidays through February 15 with a cap of five groups per session, a maximum of five people per group, and a fee of ¥1,000 per group in addition to admission.
- Staff frame the tour as an educational effort to reduce human–bear conflicts, noting that many zoos keep bears active year-round, making direct viewing of hibernation uncommon in Japan.