Phoenix Zoo is one of the most playful and surprising spots for families exploring things to do in Miyazaki with kids. From Nico’s obsession with the monorail to a surprise “hello” from a talkative bird, this adventure had us laughing, gasping, and running after goats. If you’re looking for a firsthand look at what a Miyazaki zoo with kids is really like, or just curious about Japan zoos in general, this journal-style story captures the wild, weird, and wonderful through Luca & Nico’s eyes.
This post is part of our ongoing Luca & Nico’s Travel Journal series, inspired by our actual adventures, interactions, and discoveries in Japan with kids.
As you plan your family trip to Japan, this guide is a great place to start! For a full overview of how to explore the country with kids, across both well-known destinations and quieter corners, begin with our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub. You can also visit our Off The Map Japan Hub to find family-friendly guides to smaller towns, rural regions, and unique attractions that many travelers miss. For inspiration across the entire country, browse our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for theme parks, nature adventures, cultural treasures, and hidden gems.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s quicker, avoids long lines, helps skip language barriers, prevents sold-out attractions, and solves payment issues at places that don’t accept credit cards. *Prices are subject to change.
To give you a real sense of what it’s like to experience the Miyzaki Phoenix Zoo through young eyes, here’s what Luca and Nico had to say about our visit.
Luca’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
At first, the Phoenix Zoo Miyazaki felt quiet, like the kind of place where nothing too exciting happens. But then I saw the tiger, massive, striped, and so close I could almost feel it breathing. It paced like it had a secret plan. Nico dared it to roar, which it thankfully didn’t. Mama led the charge to the flamingo area like it was her mission. She whispered, “I just want to see one fly,” like it was a secret wish. Then, during this soft classical music, the flamingos started moving, not just walking, but dancing. At one moment, some of them stretched out their wings, pink and glowing, and suddenly took off. Mama gasped so loud I thought she might fly too. The chimpanzees were different. At first, they were calm, but then one started screeching, and the others joined in like an alarm had gone off. I didn’t like that part. I stepped back and stayed quiet. It felt like the jungle was shouting. Later, Nico and I tried to talk to some birds. We kept saying, “Hello!” again and again. Just when I was about to give up, one bird looked right at us and said, clear as day, “Hello.” We both froze. Then Nico screamed. Then I screamed. Then we laughed so hard we nearly fell over.
~ Luca
Nico’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
The second we got there, I saw the monorail and yelled, “WE’RE DOING THAT FIRST.” Papa said, “Eventually,” so I decided to make “eventually” happen faster by asking about it every 40 seconds. But then Mama turned into a flamingo detective. She marched straight to the show area and said, “Today, I will witness flight.” I didn’t know flamingos could even fly, but then they started marching to music like ballerinas, and some totally launched into the air. Mama nearly exploded. I yelled, “IT’S AIRBORNE!” and started flapping too. Flamingos are way more graceful than I am. Then came the chimpanzees. One screamed. I screamed back. It screamed louder. I screamed even louderer. Papa said, “We are leaving this section immediately.” Also, the goats! They just started running through the zoo like they owned the place. No fences. Just zooming goats. I tried to join them but got redirected by a zookeeper. Then, we found this bird that actually talked. I said “Hello!” for five minutes. Luca looked embarrassed. But then, the bird said it. “Hello.” I freaked out. Best zoo ever.
~ Nico
Luca & Nico’s Challenge:
Can you get a bird to talk to you? Pick one, greet it gently, and see if it says anything back. Bonus points if it surprises someone standing next to you.
Parent Insight:
Sometimes the best travel moments happen because you wait. Letting your kids sit in one spot for a while, trying to talk to a bird, for example, teaches patience, presence, and joy in the smallest victories. It’s not always about covering more ground, but being still long enough for wonder to show up.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Phoenix Zoo in Miyazaki
- Some of the zoo’s birds are trained to mimic speech and are most talkative during quiet afternoon hours.
- The Flying Flamingo Show is choreographed to classical music and often ends with a few flamingos actually taking flight, a rare behavior to witness in captivity.
- The Phoenix Zoo’s monorail glides over animal habitats, offering quiet, overhead views of giraffes, zebras, and capybaras.
- During animal relocations, zookeepers allow goats to walk freely through parts of the zoo, a fun surprise for observant kids!
Choosing the right base can make all the difference when exploring Japan’s lesser-known towns and rural regions. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights kid-friendly stays across every part of the country, from cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats to modern hotels with spacious family rooms and easy transport access. If you’re comparing options in larger cities before or after your visit, you can also explore our dedicated hotel guides for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Nagasaki.
Until Next Time…
From a talking bird to a flying flamingo, Phoenix Zoo surprised us in all the best ways. Next time, we’re bringing snacks for the goats… and maybe a voice recorder for that chatty bird.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
